Terrible Services!!!

Every Malaysian do know that if you need to handle something with the government services, you need extra patience and put a lot of our standard below the level of acceptable. Mainly because their standard is a bit lower than the private services. Me as a lawyer in this country however always tried my very best to explain to my friends that this is not the case because I did somehow encounter good and brilliant services from government department. Some of them are really 'professional' and they do know what they are doing and how to help me when I need help. I call those as 'professional' government body.

Since my firm started last year, one of this particular government body really frustrates me. Not only their service is poor, low standard, but also that not all the staffs know what they are doing. I have decided not to tell you the whole story of it, but what I encounter just an hour ago. It was about 2 months ago that I realise that me and my partner need not do any contribution to this organisation, so we decided to stop contributing. However, this form that they sends to us every month has included our names still. So, I went to their office, seeking for advice. This lady told me I do not need to fill up any forms, but I do have to write to them. So I did about a month ago. 3 days ago, I received a phone call from them asking me why didn't I contribute. I first asked her if I need to since I am a partner. She told me no and she continue asking if I need the money back. I asked her what's her option (thinking if money is not return, can I use it to pay for my employees' contribution) and guess what she said, she said, if you choose not to, then we will take the money. Then I said, in that case of course I want to claim back and that's the reason why I wrote them a letter. She told me the letter is not sufficient. She needs me to fill up some forms. She told me a few forms' numbers and and told her why don't she send it to me since I sent them a letter. She said they do not have such services. So I asked if it is possible for me to collect it from the office. She said yes. So I said I will go and collect.

I went an hour ago. Looked for this person and she is not in. So, I asked if anyone else can help and suprisingly, NONE... the guy who attended me seems doesn't really care and he looks at me like, it is a joke and keep asking me, "which form you want". I asked him back how many types of form they have and he didn't even know. He just kept asking me what form I want. I said I do not know because they were the one who asked me to fill up some forms. He keep on saying he also didn't know, etc. So I asked him if anyone can assist me in this. He went inside, took about 30 minutes and got 2 persons out. 2 different persons gave me 2 different sets of answers. FUNNY... I was told they are from the account department.

I mean, I do not understand what kind of service they are provided. The funniest thing was also, the guy who was attending people asked me to help him to do translation when this china man came and ask something in Chinese. Please lah.... what is this?

Bad service, bad service and very bad service.

- bad service -

Be contented!!!!

A friend called me from KL recently. She is a practising lawyer. She owns a law firm and she is really good. I knew her because she is one of my senior in the firm I did my pupillege 2 years plus ago. (Wow.... time really flies....) Well, she called me and we managed to talked for a while about our firm, our situation, our future, etc. Of all our conversation, my friend keep on reminding me that I should feel contented of what I have so far. Well, many people do know that I always made noise about not having enough to eat, not having enough to use, not having this and that and you can see me having no digital camera, no nice and advance phone, no nice clothes, NOTHING basically... I have very few things... car? Well, I am driving a small, little, blue colour Kelisa. A few friends recently laugh at my phone.. when they wanted to send me something throught their phones via Bluetooth and yes... my phone is still running infra red. So they all laughed at my phone... my lovely SLR camera used to be the best but now, every single youngster have something call a digital camera, be it SLR or not and yet I am still carrying my manual SLR around. I always made a lot of noises about all these.. but my friend has reminded me that I should feel contented.

In fact, I do. Although I do not have whatever others have, i.e. RM1000+ phone, or RM2999 Digital SLR camera or a nice HONDA Accords, but I am quite happy with life so far. At least I know I am 'gaining' something while I lives. Well, how do I consider 'gaining'? ... I manage to survives well, and I manage to serve God also at the same time. So... yes.. I am in the sense, gaining and storing treasures in heaven.

Everytime I went back home, I observed how my parents live their lives. I realise even though they are rich, they are contented with what they have. They don't waste things. They use what they need. They buy only what they need. Everytime I go back, I realise how important it is for us to feel contented.

Are you?

[illogical of article caused by me being sick... ]

Happy and Blessed New Year!!!

Since I came back, I can't stop but eating... mom cooked so many food... my favourite food. Duck soup, sweet and sour crabs, steam pork, and so many others... ghoosh... today is already the Chinese New Year eve loh... So, just want to wish you all have a : -

HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!!!

Birthday?

My cell group members celebrated my other friend and my birthday on 13.02.2007 evening. We had a great time together althought I don't really like to be celebrated and I couldn't even consume much food because of my stomach. Somehow, we celebrated it...while a friend asked about the time of my flight the next day, I received a text message from this airline saying that they have re-schedule my flight from 1550 to 1930. Althought it's a few hours different, but actually it has spoiled my day entirely. I thank God for a friend who is free and willing to accompany me to watch a movie. Otherwise, my day would be so miserable. I took 14.02.2007 off thinking that I should do some packing in the morning, then met a friend to send my car over to her place then to airport. I planned with parents to have a good birthday dinner as well, but all these didn't went on at all due to one single reason, that the airline re-timed my flight without even tell us earlier.

Why do I demand a more early notice to be given? It was announced about 1 week ago that an opening ceremony on this new airport in town will be held on 14.02.2007 by our Prime Minister. If time is already set and thing is already settled and it is necessary to re-time or re-schedule, then why didn't we get notification a week earlier or at least 5 days earlier? I know we are 'less important' compare to the PM or it's opening ceremony. But they should understand, withoug us, there would be PM and the new airport or even airline too. You see, I am not asking for MORE. I am asking a little bit earlier notification. Everyone has their busy schedule. Not only the airline's chairman or the PM or the POLICE, but us, the citizen too. We need to organise someting for our own life as well. Mind you, I only receive a phone call at 9am on 14.02.2007 although a message was sent at about 10pm on 13.02.2007. When they called, they didn't even apologise or try to remedies my 'losses'. They just INFORM us that time has re-timed. What other things I can do?

Not only that, while I was on my way to the airport, it was a terrible jam. My flight was 1930 and I need to check in by 1830 or the latest, 1900. But the road was block. What? People in the airport expect us to miss the flight so that they can earn MORE? A friend's mother told me she ended up got down from the car, walked a couple of miles to reach the terminal. She is at her 50's. All these because of the safety of the PM or the celebration? Such a joyful occasion, I thought it should be celebrated with all the customers, but what I saw was only hevoc, hectic traffic, miss flight, delay of time, spoiled of plan and what do I get from it as a customer? NOTHING IS GOOD!!! I told myself before I got down from the car that if I see the PM, I will make all these remark to him.

I deserve something... at least a candy or a can of coke, but not even those I got but a dinner at 2130 when I reached home.

This year, I didn't celebrated my birthday at Police Station. But a terrible airport schedule re-timed incident. I am seriously not satisfied with what I suffered.

I shall say thank you for those who have tried to 'ease my pain' by sending me text messages and those who tried to came out for lunch with me and accompany me to watch a movie despite all of those were last minute arrangement. You did manage to ease my pain. Thanks...

- birthday -

My Birthday?

Goodness... I almost forgot that it's my birthday tomorrow. I can't remember when was the last time I celebrated my birthday... but last year's birthday, it is so difficult to forget because a few friends and I were celebrating it at the Police Station. hahahaha... wow.. and that incident, it's just like happen not long ago, but nope... a year has gone past. Well, time flies...

Mom called up last week asking if she should prepare some nice food for me to celebrate my birthday. That reminds me of how my parents celebrated our (my brother and my) birthday when we were younger. We celebrated it every year. On our birthday, we can design cards, sending invitation to friends, and celebrate with cakes, ice-creams, lots of relatives and friends would be around, etc. At the end of all the parties, dad will send all my friends home. Never a year of my birthday without a celebration until we reached the age of 12. But even since then, I get to invite friends to my place to celebrate birthday whenever I wished. I still remember there's once, guess it's my 18th birthday, dad even called restorant to give us nice food. My parents... they are really thoughtful and I can't tell you how much they loves me. It's just too difficult to descript.

I celebrated my 21st birthday in England. That particular of birthday was really a mixtures of feeling of sadness, disappointment, suprise, joyful and so many others. All my friends made themselves 'disappeared' for the whole day and only came back with cakes, with present, with food, with celebration at about 8pm. That day was a very long day to me. I shall say, the longest birthday I ever had. I know they are trying to make fun of me, but it wasn't a happy birthday after all althought suprises and celebration came in afterwards. But those, has not been able to cover all my sadness and disappointment for the whole day.

Talking about gift for my birthday, I guess my best gift so far were still a computer laptop and a guitar from my dad. Thanks, dad...

Well, after that, birthday celebration seems doesn't exist... mainly because all my friends won't be around on 14.02. I can't request friends to celebrate with me. I can't demand anything... 14.02 is a day for everyone and generally, I am a 'general' friend, so.... people tend to forget about me though some of you never forget about me.

So, yes... my birthday again tomorrow... nothing special to look forward to basically... except I am going back HOME, Tawau. A long lost friend had already booked me for supper tomorrow evening which is BRILLIANT! hehehe....

Besides that, of course, my cell members are preparing some sort of celebration for me and another cell member/friend at tonight's cell group meeting. Thank you, all of you!

- birthday -

Discomfort!!!

These couples of days, I was suffering some illness and discomfort, physically and emotionally. Physically, I am feeling a bit discomfort of my stomach. It's weird because I have been having a regular meals but still, it haunted me especially on Sunday. Ghoosh....!!! When I got up yesterday morning (Sunday morning), I knew it's not going to be a good day because I started to feel the pain. That sort of pain, it's nothing like a stomachache. It's just discomfort I shall say. So, I dragged myself to the service, play the guitar, listen to the sermon, went for lunch and shopping with friends. Though it's suffering, but I thank God everything is UNDER CONTROL. When I got home, I had really good rest and since I manage to get myself a book to read from Salvation Book Store, it has been of full used.

Emotionally, I am feeling a bit of 'not me' lately. Over what happen to me for the past few weeks, I have understand myself a little bit more. But honestly, the more I know that part of myself, I started not to be able to like it. Hmm.... what am I talking about? A few of you might have know that I am someone who doesn't like to be take care of too much. Or shall I say, I like to have a private life? or shall I say, I need a private life? Or may be I just like to have my own private time alone at most time. hahahahahaha..... well, I will just say, I love being with friends at most time, but I don't like being with friends ALL THE TIME. Hmm....put it in another way, I am not someone who knows how to handle committment. Eh... Apparently, I can handle committment when it involves non-human though, i.e. car loan. hahahahaha.... But in terms of wanting me to 'report' to someone about my life, it will really frustrates me and make me 'sick'. I think that's how communication breaks down once I was pushed to do such things by someone. i.e. my parents and brother would know that I do not like to be tied down by people. That's why they never force me stay with them. Perhaps, my definition of CARE and LOVE are different from others and hence, I demand differently when it comes to CARE and LOVE. hahahahahahahahaha....

So, yes. I am feeling a bit of discomfort still. Today, it's neither the abovelisted. It's lack of sleep. I went to bed earlier than usual, but the weather was so bad and humid until I couldn't stand the heat. Woke up, switch on my aircon and went to bed again. Woke up early this morning to work. It's just a terrible night last night. So, I am feeling a bit ... sleepy.

I can't wait to go home to be honest. Last week's works were too many until I really needed more rest this week. Rushed so many works, went to court a few times and my nephew and niece were here. Ghoosh... with all that, I was really really tired. Glad that I am going back home this week. I can't wait. The only thing that I can't seems to feel comfortable with is my account in the office. I won't be around for 2 days this week while the office is still open, so, that's my only worry. But why? hahahaha....

- discomfort -

Differences...

I went to court yesterday and this morning. The feeling was good because I get to go to court. But the 'don't feel good' feeling also follow me to court these 2 days due to some reasons. Well, I guess it's the differences I encountered in Sabah court that made me feeling a bit... 'weird' or 'uneasy'. Things that I studied and learned in KL, it seems like 'not applicable' in Sabah. I am not sure which one is better, but... it's just different.

It's quite strange for me to see lawyer wearing black jacket with brass buttons. I thought it is not allowed in KL. Not even gray colour kind of suits. But here, I saw almost everyone is wearing it. I always think we should wear a white blouse plus a black jacket (that's what we did in KL. Otherwise case will be thrown out because of that), but here in Sabah, suprise, suprise, ... I saw someone wearing 'all black' to court. Lawyers in Sabah are bringing in 'fashion' into the Court and the best part is, no one make a sound and the Judges seems happy about it. Not only that, I almost bang into a car on my left when I was on a round about. The car came out while i was turning and on my way and I think the driver just think that he can change the rules anytime. I looked at the driver and yup, it's one of the Sessions Court Judge. This morning was even more interesting. I saw lawyer bringing in hat into the chamber. Not only that, I went to the 'Kaunter Bayaran' (Payment Counter) and the person in charge told me my filing is RM88.00. So I gave her RM100.00 and she looked at me and said, "Get small change please". It's only RM12 difference and they don't have it in the payment counter? Well, to be honest, I never encounter such situation during my time practising in KL.

I was filing some document yesterday afternoon and while I was waiting, I noticed that most of the court clerks always answer the same answer to whatever questions they were asked: "Tapi, selalu memang begitu". "But, we always do this way". It is so funny. They do not know the rules, they do not follow the law, but they just do what they USED TO DO. I am sure they do not know how to handle things that they don't USED to. Sometimes, talking and explaining things with them is really 'killing' me. Well, what can I say? The law practices in Sabah is more relax. Not to say not good. The court clerks and Judges are more friendly also. It's just a different feeling that they gave me.

Well, ... time flies.......... it's time for me to get my lunch. Got to go to deliver something soon either. So, I better get moving.

- different -

Busy?

Some friends whom I met yesterday asked me if I am busy lately. Reason behind was I guess, I have made myself 'disappear' from their sight for a while. Partly also because I was really busy. So busy until I forgot about so many things that HAD happen. Ghoosh............what a life I am living as.

This morning, I was chatting with one of my cell member who happen to have 'disappeared' for the past 3 meeting. He said he was busy. Inside me to be honest, I wanted to ask him who is not. But another me tell me that I should let him be because he is not accountable to me, but to God. Since he said SORRY to me, I just told him, no need to apologise to me. This cell is not mine, but His. He is one of the leader in church and I do expect spiritual maturity from him. But to my surprise, this is not the case in this church. Leaders honestly has disappointed me. I am not sure what caused all these, but leaders' spiritual foundation is low. Very low. It's easier to change things and to help them if they are willing, but I encounter so many difficulties in helping. My heart is burdended, but the people disallow my helping hands. That kind of feeling is so difficult to bear. It was the rejection from people that's difficult to bear, but the strong burden placed in my heart which I have not been able to 'release' it that's so difficult to bear.

I can't seems to find anyone who is in the same undersanding as me except one or two who also have the same burden. And I guess all these has made me feel so 'tired' and 'busy'. I never had enough sleep. I always feel tired. I wonder if my physical body is getting weaker and weaker due to the 'stress' of not being able to 'release' my burden. hahahahaha.....

Anyway... what should theGodlyLawyer do? Tell me....

- busy? -

Depression continues...

I can't said I am suffering from depression today... but I guess I am troubled by something and that, you might see me jokingly, smilingly, happily playing around, but inside me, I am just acting 'weird' and trying to 'unwind' I suppose.

I still haven't find out what's the reason of my 'depression'. Must be something to do with missing the Tawau trip? Could be discouraged in ministries, could be discouraged at work place, etc. etc. I am not so sure. I just feeling 'lazy' and not encouraged.

Talking about Tawau trip, friends keep on telling me that they are so happy to be back to KK, their HOME. That can be understood. It's HOME. So, it is not offensive to heard those words from them. But it did made me feeling even more depress after hearing that because I am sure they didn't had a good trip due to my absence. Secondly, I want to go HOME either....!!!

Talking about ministries.... I was helping my previous church in KL to do some distribution of albums, etc..... issuing Delivery Order and Invoices, collecting, distributing of albums, etc, etc... but I am not appreciated and that's what I am feeling at least. CHOP!!! Now.... this is not a complain. I am still WILLINGLY and HAPPILY doing my work. And as I told the previous chairlady, I actually really thankful that she got me involved. I had all the support from her when I help her. But the leadership has changed. People started to ORDER me to do things in such a way making me feeling unappreciated. I know it's just a feeling and I actually doesn't really care much, but ... it has turned my 'willingness' slightly a little bit. So, I am holding all my album in hands these few days, not promoting, not doing anything so far. Waiting for the big boss to give me some 'go' sign. So, ... everything is stand still now.

To continue with ministries... it is going to be FUN to have my rector to come over for practice tonight. We made a few mistakes last week. I agreed with the mistakes we made. We can improve it. But tonight is going to be tough. For your information, due to some reasons, I am now playing acoustic guitar in church instead of Bass. hahaha... don't ask me. I found it funny either. By looking at my guitar itself, it is a clear indication that I never thought of playing acoustic in church. With a choice to choose the same model with and without built in, I have chosen the WITHOUT built-in guitar. hahahaha................. now I have to find a way to do a built in. Funny? JUST STOP LAUGHING.....for goodness sake!!!!

So, ya... thank God tomorrow is saturday and now is 4pm. I am leaving office in a short while. I can't stand anymore. My neck is getting painful for sitting here for too long.

Yawn....!!! Time to sleep.... ops... not that I am lazy just that I came to office at 7:30am this morning. Hmm... well, not bad, when I reached office, a box of mandarin oranges was delievered to us as gift from one of our client. NICE!!!!

- continues... -

Blogging....

A good friend told me my blogging has turned from non-fact reference to fact reference and he was asking if this always happen to a lawyer. Well, .... I suppose.... it happen to most of the litigation lawyer. Fact, Evidence, cases to support and there you go with your argument. Otherwise, why would that be 'any case'?

Anyway, was kind of busy today with works but still, I manage to get my personal things done except collecting a box of chocolate from a friend who brought it back for me from Labuan. Ahhaaammm............. ya, some really nice people is always round me. God is good in creating 'friends' for me.

There was once, during my secondary school time, I always asked this question. If friends are meant to hurt my feelings, why would God want to create 'friends' around us? Obviously, I was troubled by 'relationship' with friends. But a few friends manage to convinced me that we do need friends no matter how much they can or might hurt us. In fact, the person whom you are most close to is the one who is going to hurt you more. Well, I thank God for friends since then and some of you do know that, friends are very important to me in my life.

***********

I was so free and depress yesterday and that I spent some time reading my previous post blogs. It's so funny but it was interesting to read it again. While I was reading, I was reminded that the reason I have this blog is to maintain my 'connection' with friends of mine who might be near me, or far away from me. Trust me, all my BEST friends are not around me. Some in US, some in UK, some in HK, some Australia, Some Canada, some KL, some Tawau, some KK, some New Zealand, some Taiwan, some Zimbabwe, some Mauritius, some Uganda, some Singapore, some Brunei, some China, some Melaka, some Penang, some JB, you name it.... to send email to all at the same time, it's NOT easy. Well, I recalled a few friends who told me that, it's OK not to keep this 'connection' as some of them, I only WITH them for a few months, a few days, a few years... so, it is OK to 'forget' them. However, ... that's not me. Since the day I know God created 'Friend', I have been trying to be a FRIEND for everyone I met. Be it close or not so close, I will treasure. People whom I have not seen me for YEARS was shock when they saw me greeting them.

Just today, a friend whom I have not seen for many years called to ask me to help her with a case. She was shock to find out that I am keeping her number in my phone. Obviously she was thrill. hahaha.... so, I went to her shop and tried to sort out things for her. I met her sibilings and we talked for a while. I am a person who doesn't mind who you are, what is your job scope, etc.... I treasure everyone equally as friends. It's nothing like someone has a higher ranking than the rest. My love as I always emphasist, is for EVERY of my friends. I treasure those who call me, remember me when they need help. I treasure also those who will only look of me when they need me. I also treasure those who hurts me and destroyed part of my spirit once. I generally treasure everyone I met.

So, if you know me personally, althought sometimes I look a bit 'weird' and not friendly, but I remember who you are and I do treasure you as a friend. Don't be terrified by my look. hahaha...

- blogging -

Lack of enthusiasm!!

I am not sure the cause of it, but it must be something to do with incoming holiday, friends away, loneliness, missed my trip due to court matter yesterday, case being thrown out yesterday morning, dissatisfaction with attitudes of my partners and colleague, and so on and so forth. I am feeling rather depress yesterday and today.

My partner told me we should pay one of our client a visit this morning at 8am. She called me up at about 7:30am this morning to check my whereabout and I was then on my way to office. She didn't want to miss the client as the client normally goes out from his office at about 8:30am, she therefore went to see him first. I came in, went up to greet him and just visit him actually plus giving him some chinese new year gift, etc. and because he is MY client, he is quite happy. So, after a few more moment of talking and chatting, we manage to secure a few project from him. Well, he always says I am his relative thought distance relative, but if you know me, I don't like to take things for granted. I am so glad that he gave us a project but at the same time, I really care about him. He is a generous man but people all over the places trying to take everything out of him and that, as his lawyer, I really want to make sure that he is not being 'cheated'. But that's not what my partner is thinking. She is also trying to take something out from him and if possible, all. And that has made me not very happy since morning. It is MONEY that is in her mind ONLY.

I came back to my office and realise someone placed this 'fortune cat' on my office signing table. I was not very happy about it and I went up from my room after I calmed myself down, and asked first my colleague who placed that. She told me is her and I told her to put it away. I know she is trying to impress us, but I told her I don't want any kind of those things placed in this office.

Then I was thinking whether everything in this world is all about MONEY. A friend whom I went dinner with last night told me that, NOPE. Money is not a BIG issue. God can handle that easily. But we need to trust Him fully. As she knew that I still have a few study loan to paid up and some debt builded due to my constant moving from one place to another, she reminded me that, all these things will fade away. I told her I am afraid actually to step out but she said I was wrong about that because to her she said I am as good as suicide bommer. I am bold. Once decided, I will go for it without much thinking. I am willing to DIE, she said. hahaha... I think I am. But I am still afraid / worry about future. It's blur. I can't see what's in front. I really like to be a lawyer. I like this kind of work. Worked till midnight, busy at all time, etc. I just LOVE that kind of life. Doing research, draft cause papers, filing, preparing for mention, hearing, trial. It's FUN!!! It's satisfying...... !!! So when you ask me put down everything now, it's difficult. It's really difficult. It's easier if I have let things go before this stage or when thing goes wrong... courage and assurance are what I really need in order for me laid down EVERYTHING. It's so difficult.

So I guess... that's why I have lack of enthusiasm to work, to lives, to enjoy life these 2 days. I am seriously depressed.

- enthusiasm? -