Fun and games...

It's been a rather interesting day today. I put up a very controversial recommendation in my Council report when I submitted it in. It was so controversial I had someone from another state call me up to talk about it. Anyways, I put up the recommendation but withdrew it in the end. The meeting was a mess at that point. Most of them did not understand the procedure and I had to call for an invalidation to a motion accepting my report with amendments and alter it before it went up again.

I learnt a lot of interesting things today. Sometimes you learn things you didn't expect to learn in the first place. It's all fun and games after all. That's what most of politics is about. Play around to find out information and then move in for the kill. It was interesting to see how some alliances play out and how some people react towards different angles. It's also fun to see the lengths at which people go to defend something they (or more likely their faction) believe in. Some people criticise me for playing around too much. But it's so fun! Oh well, I'll need to control what I play with so that I don't get burnt. It's all been good so far though. It's fun when people start to think they've gotten the better of you. Then you have the element of surprise on your side. It's like bluffing you are going to lose but then pull out a Royal Flush of Spades in a game of Poker. Everything is falling into place so nicely. The next phase can begin quite soon...

Defection...

It's been a long time since I actually posted something. This coming week is going to be a very busy week for me and it all begins with my Epidemiology test tomorrow morning. The last week of my holidays was rather interesting. I didn't get much chance to relax as much as I would have wanted to but it was good and I did enjoy myself. I guess the title of this post seems rather treacherous. I'll try explaining it without going into too much detail.

In the world of politics, people are categorised as either being right-wing or left-wing. Those who are associated with the right-wing are more conservative and liberal. Those associated with the left-wing are more radical and if you go further it progresses to socialism and communism. In Australian politics, the Liberal Party is considered extreme right-wing whereas the Labor Party consists of both moderate right-wing and left-wing members (but the right have the majority). Bored already? Let me get to the point. A fellow student politician I know recently defected from a moderate left-wing group and joined an extreme right-wing group. Strange? Well, the former group was revealing cracks and was the group whose dominance I managed to bring to an abrupt halt in my university. The latter group is a group that has been around for a while but has only just recently surfaced to join in the political struggle of my university. The person I am talking about claims to be the same person and only swapped sides because the person is not happy with the way things are going with his/her former group. Take this into consideration: this person's former group and new group are bitter enemies! Isn't it strange for a person to move to a group the person once hated all his/her life? Kind of reminds me of a certain Australian politician who is currently pushing for VSU...

Anyways, i find it difficult to comprehend that this was merely a change in ideologies. It seems more like a strategic move especially if the person wants a future career in politics. What about the new group? Shouldn't they be suspicious that such a high profile opponent has decided to join them? Sure, the person can provide the group with experience and information but is it really that easy to accept a one-time enemy? I must admit that I had this possibility in my mind but never thought that it would actually happen. Imagine the implications! The person would most definitely have to change certain principles and beliefs in order to become well accepted by the group. In the back of my mind I feel a little played out with this issue even though it does not directly affect myself or my group negatively. Regardless, I need to keep an eye out and watch my back from now on...

Politics is a very dirty business. It is neither safe nor fulfilling. Why then do I do it? I guess I was basically thrown into the world of student politics when I first joined the Students Association. Who would imagine that you need to know the politics just to represent your fellow students? I learned about the politics as I progressed in the Association but only really blossomed after the NLC Annual Conference in Brisbane last year. I learned more in that one week of conference than in my 1 1/2 years with the Association. Anyways, after the conference I decided to take over the running of the NLC caucus in my uni and the rest is sweet sweet history resulting in my rise to the Presidency (which was never ever in my wildest dreams possible for an international student). I now know more about Australian politics than Malaysian politics! I realise I haven't actually answered my first question in this paragraph. I do it because I like it. Simple as that. What is there to like about it? Hard to explain. It's something new and is exciting. It also keeps me on my toes. What's life without excitement and controversy? I doubt I'll ever become a politician but that position may well change in the future. After all, I'm not even sure I want to be a Pharmacist! All in all, my involvement in student politics is something that you'll never be able to learn from books and has really helped me improved myself in so many ways that I've lost count.

I believe it's alright to be involved in politics as long as you do not allow it to corrupt you. That is the biggest danger of politics. It is like fire. It is very useful and beneficial to a person but can never be fully tamed and if you are not careful, it may very well burn you. It is such a shame that I have seen so many people become corrupted by politics. Their focus changes from upholding the welfare of the people they represent to upholding personal interests or beliefs. They become hardened and lose sight of reason. Politics can also be likened to medication. At too low a dose you do not have much influence or effect. At too high a dose you can become dependent and suffer severe adverse reactions. It's all about finding a balance and maintaining it.

Oh well, I'd better get back to my studies. The test tomorrow carries significant weightage and I need to make sure I do well in it. First step into a week of turbulent waters...

Just for fun...

I was browsing through PK's blog and saw that he had some of these silly things where they ask you a few questions and you choose your answer and in the end they tell you what type of a "something" you are. I don't believe in these tests but thought it'd be fun to just add in how I did so here they are:

P/S. Uncanny how it kind of reflects my personality quite accurately don't you think?

You Are a Conservative Democrat

Frankly, the way most other Democrats behave embarasses you greatly. You pride yourself on a high level of morals, and you have a good grasp on right and wrong. It's likely you think America needs to get back to its conservative, Juedo-Christian values. Why aren't you a Republican then? Because you believe the goverment helps more than hurts.

What political persuasion are you?

Your Seduction Style: The Charmer

You're a master at intimate conversation and verbal enticement. You seduce with words, by getting people to open up to you. By establishing this deep connection quickly, people feel under your power. And then you've got them exactly where you want them!

What Is Your Seduction Style?

You Have A Type A Personality

A You are hyper, energetic, and always on the mood You tend to succeed at everything you attempt And if you don't succeed at first, you quickly climb your way to the top! You could be called a workaholic, but you also make time for fun As long as it's high energy and competitive, you're interested You have the perfect personality for business and atheltic success

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence

You shine in your ability to realate to and understand others. Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel. You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations. A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict. You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

You Are a Hunter Soul

You are driven and ambitious - totally self motiviated to succeed Actively working to acheive what you want, you are skillful in many areas. You are a natural predator with strong instincts ... and more than a little demanding. You are creative, energetic, and an extremely powerful force. An outdoors person, you like animals and relate to them better than people. You tend to have an explosive personality, but also a good sense of humor. People sometimes see you as arrogant or a know it all. You tend to be a bit of a loner, though you hate to be alone. Souls you are most compatible with: Seeker Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

You Are 21 Years Old

21 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

You May Be a Bit Obsessive Compulsive ...

Meticulous and detailed oriented, you have some irrational obsessions. Maybe it's your super neat closet or washing your hands a gazillion times. You probably know it's weird, but you just can't stop thinking about it. In fact, the more you think about your quirks, the more you have to do them.

What Personality Disorder Are You?

You Are Bold And Brave

But daring? Not usually? You tend to like to make calculated risks. So while you may not be base jumping any time soon... You are up for whatever's new and (a little) exciting!

How Daring Are You?

Your Passion is Green

For you, sex is always fresh and new. You approach sex with innocence, even if you aren't as innocent as you seem! Gentle and slow, you aren't exactly known for your passion. But what you lack in smooth moves, you make up for in sweet charm.

What Color Is Your Passion?

Your Element Is Earth

You excel at planning and strategizing. You could be a champ at chess or Survivor. Well grounded, you are able to be realistic and rationalize. On the inside, you have a hard core. It's tough to phase you. You are super productive, and you are able to think anything through. Focused and super charged, your instincts are a good guide for your next step.

What's Your Element?

You Are the Reformer

1 You're a responsible person - with a clear sense of right and wrong. High standards are important to you, and you do everything to meet them. You are your own worst critic, feeling ashamed if you're not perfect. You have the highest integrity, and people expect you to be fair.

What number are you?

Habemus Papam...!

We have a Pope! I was chatting with a friend until the wee hours of the morning when she said "white smoke". Well, I quickly turned on the TV and flicked across the channels to see if there was any news but most stations were closed. Finally I found that channel 7 just turned to news and I watched in anticipation for the announcement of who was elected. The Vatican was amass with people and it was so amazing. Got my camera ready and just kept watching until finally Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estivez came out and started talking. Problem was, it was in Italian! I managed to make out what he was saying and he finally announced that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected and the crowd went wild. I was so excited and full of anticipation for the announcement that I was panicking when the memory in my camera was finishing and I had to struggle to get a new memory stick in. In the end I had to switch to a lower quality recording to be able to record longer. I spent quite a long time in front of the TV and went to bed quite happy.

I must say that the Conclave made its decision very quickly after only 2 days of balloting. It is said that this was an indication that the majority of Cardinals were confident and in agreement with the newly elected Pope. Cardinal Ratzinger was arguably the most powerful man in the Vatican and considered as one of the frontrunners for the Papacy. I had him in my mind as a possible candidate but his age seemed to be a concern as he just turned 78. Seems that that didn't deter his chances. Anyways, I'm happy that they chose a strong defender of the faith to lead the Church. He is very conservative but that's the way the church needs to be. It is not supposed to "get with the times" and so on. After all, we can't go back and "revise" the Bible just to keep with the times. There is continuous pressure on the church when it comes to contraception and so on and although I may at times think twice about what the church preaches, ultimately the current doctrine is the way it should be and I see little to no need for "modernisation". I don't feel like debating theology now but while some people are frustrated that the church won't have any "revolutions", I'm happy that we can keep going as we always have been. Down the right path.

Interesting name as well. I couldn't understand what was being said so at first I thought Cardinal Ratzinger chose the name John Paul II but later found I was mistaken when he was introduced as Pope Benedict XVI. I wonder if he will ever tell us why he chose that name.

Well, at least we have a Pope again. I doubt there will be another as great as Pope John Paul II anytime soon. Nevertheless, we have to move on. The end of one chapter marks the beginning of another. Let's hope Pope Benedict XVI can be a great Pope.

R & R...

I haven't been blogging for quite some time now. Last week I received a letter from the NUS inviting me to participate in their Executive meeting in Melbourne for the weekend. I took this opportunity to take a few extra days off for a holiday. I left Last Friday evening and came back Thursday evening. Internet access was available but as you can understand, blogging is the last thing on my mind when I'm having a holiday. The National Executive was full of crap. It was a waste of time and resources. I dare say I am losing confidence in the NUS and the way things are going, it may not be long before the tide of VSU sweeps it away. Two days of my life that cannot be gained back were wasted in useless meetings.

That aside, my holiday in Melbourne was a rather enjoyable one. I stayed at Rui Jian's house on Swanston St. Right after reaching his place on Friday night I went out for coffee with him and Su Ying and Sue Yee. The meeting on Saturday morning is officially supposed to be called for 9am but we ended up having the meeting at about 4.3opm. In between I hung around with the NLC gang and we ended up having lunch and dinner together. After the meeting on Sunday, I went out for dinner at a Japanese Restaurant with Rui Jian, Sian Siew and the 3 S's (Su Ying, Shireen & Sue Yee). Rui Jian and I ordered a (small) bottle of sake each. He turned so red towards the end of his meal and it looked like his head was going to pop! After dinner we went to a bar/club and had drinks. We had drinks all around except for Rui Jian and Sian Siew. Pictures were taken as well but Shireen was playing "hard to get" with her photos and it ended up that she was deleting all the photos I took of her because she claimed her face was flushed. She finally took a picture with me after some hassle.

Monday morning I met up with Hooi Wan and Ling Li who were staying at a friend's place in College Square and we went for breakfast together. The rest of the day was spent exploring Melbourne city. I took them to most of the interesting places including the toilets with a great view on the 35th floor of the Sofitel Hotel on Collins St. We ate at Max Brenner's Chocolates and I must say it has got to be the best chocolate I have ever tasted! The chocolates cost like gold but they also served dishes with chocolate. Examples include the Suckao, Strawberry Fondue, Babka, Teardrop and so on. I took a Babka (a sort of cinnamon muffin with chocolate chips served with a small bowl of melted chocolate) which was filling but simply heavenly to the taste. The girls took an ice chocolate. The drink was so saturated with chocolate that there was a lot of chocolate powder in the glass that just could not dissolve in the drink! This has got to be the best way to get diabetes. Later in the day I got to eat my favourite gelati at Il Dolce Freddo.

Tuesday started early with a trip to Port Melbourne and then St. Kilda beach. Nothing too great in these places though. The highlight of the day was our trip to Smith St. Rui Jian said that this place was good for shopping and that we would be able to buy a lot of cheap things. We discovered that the warehouse outlets of several big brands were located here. We started off at the Adidas store and then worked our way to the Nike store. Things were so cheap that we went crazy buying stuff. I got myself about 3 t-shirts, a Port Adelaide Power jumper, a carry bag and a pair of sandals. All together it cost me around $100. Talk about value for money! I don't think I have ever spent so much money buying branded goods. Later in the day I met up with Sun Sun and her friends from the Melbourne Uni Overseas Student Services (MUOSS) for dinner. Sun Sun was going to run for President but did not make up her mind yet at that point in time. She later told me she was going to withdraw after much consideration.

We booked a tour along the Great Ocean Road for Wednesday. The trip was rather entertaining and we visited several popular sites such as the 12 Apostles (only 8 left now though), Apollo Bay and the Shipwreck (though we didn't actually see the wreck). I didn't find anything special about the Great Ocean Road itself. After all, it's just a road by the ocean. The Ottway Fly was great though. It was like suspended walkways 30 metres or so over the forest area. One of the points was a tower above 50 metres. It must have been hard for those who have a fear of heights. I kind of liked it though. We came back at night and I went out with Rui Jian, Sian Siew and Ryan for supper.

Our last day began with an early walk (in the rain!) to the Queen Victoria Market. We took a quick walk through the wet market and proceeded to the "pasar malam" type dry market. I finally managed to find leather gloves and it cost me $25. After the markets we headed back to the city and took our final meal at Max Brenner's. It was then a rush back to Rui Jian's place to pack up my bags and after a quick farewell, we headed to the airport and took off back to Adelaide.

I must say that although I was running around every day in Melbourne to visit places etc., it was relaxing for me to take my mind off work for a week. I enjoyed myself and bought a lot of things I am happy with. I need to get back to office first thing in the morning tomorrow. Again I am a little disappointed that this entry turned out to be merely a "diary" entry. I had some insightful thoughts to post but it seems to have slipped my mind. I'll put it up as soon as I remember though. Oh well, back to work tomorrow (or today rather)!

Eternal rest grant to Pope John Paul II, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

News of Pope John Paul II's death has really hit me. I feel a sort of emptiness inside. Like something is missing. Of course, all of us know where he is now. However, it always hurts when you lose someone important in your life. I've been surfing the web the whole day reading all the different news sites for reports of his death. Most of them are similar but I just can't help myself. I'll probably be rushing to the newsagencies tomorrow morning to buy all the newspapers as well as any special commemorative editions of magazines. Oh well, life goes on. His memory will still live on in my mind and the minds of all the people.

Eternal rest grant to Karol Wojtyla, your humble servant Pope John Paul II, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Lord, please guide your servants, the Cardinals, to make the right choice in electing the new Supreme Pontiff. May he be blessed with thy grace and lead your people in accordance to thy will. Amen.