New Leadership...

True to his promise, Kevin Rudd led the Australian Labor Party to victory in the 2007 Australian Federal Elections. Despite the inexperience and incompetence of many Labor politicians, you must admit that Kevin ran a very intelligent campaign. Copying policies put out by the Government and offering little more but capitalising on the mood for youth and change. They may not stand for anything, but you just have to applaud their tactical victory. I must admit that if I were in his position, I would have employed the same tactics.

It's not that I am anti-Labor or pro-Coalition. However, the Coalition (despite introducing radical changes over the last 3 years) has put Australia in an astoundingly strong economic position. Perhaps that is their downfall. Australians have had it good for so long they feel comfortable handing over the leadership to a perceived young, enthusiastic team.

It is a shame that John Howard is likely to be forced into retirement by losing his own seat of Bennelong. Yet, perhaps this will ensure that the leadership of the Liberal Party is sorted out without too much bloodshed. Of course, there may be a scuffle for the top spot despite strong endorsement for Peter Costello. But then, if Howard was still there, he would have to choose a date to retire and the whole process may turn into a debacle.

We now have Labor Governments in all states and territories. They complained about the Coalition having too much power when they controlled both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Now the ball is in their court. The Liberals just have to hold on to the Senate. Failure to do so will put the economy at risk by more radical changes from the Labor Party to purge out Coalition policies/legislation. Kevin Rudd holds the future of Australia in his hands. I only hope he can stand up for the country and not tow the party line.

It's over... Or is it...?

Having passed all my pre-registration examinations, my compulsory examination life should be all but over. Yet, it seems unlikely that my life will be free from future examinations. All through life we go through different stages of examinations. In school we would have to make sure we do well and pass all our major examinations. Upon completing my Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), my school examinations were all over but following that; college examinations came. The end of that brought forth university examinations and assessments. In between were driving tests and English language proficiency tests. Even after graduating, I had to ensure I pass my pre-registration examinations in order to fully qualify as a pharmacist. Theoretically, since this is the last assessment step in my working career, I would not have to sit any more compulsory examinations.

Theory isn't always reflected into practice however. While I am completing the remainder of my compulsory 52 week work experience, I am already working towards accreditation as a consultant pharmacist. Yup, you guessed it. An examination is one of the criteria for accreditation. It isn't compulsory (as in I can choose not to become accredited) yet my interest in pursuing accreditation mandates that I sit through another examination.

I don't mind exams. After all, exam time is when I feel I know something. It's amazing how quickly knowledge seeps out of your brain once you are done with an exam. It's just the possibility of failing that makes exams unappealing.

Whatever it is, the most important exams are now over (for the foreseeable future at least). All I need to do is to see out the remainder of my days as a pre-registrant. 59 days to go and counting...