I can't believe when I read this.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Reuters) - Descendants of Singapore's old Malay royal family are demanding compensation from the city state for using a plot of land they say is theirs, a move that could mar the island's bid to celebrate its Malay heritage.
Singapore, whose Malay minority sometimes complains of racial discrimination, has built a Malay heritage centre on the land, irking a group of 96 Malays who claim descent from Sultan Hussain Mahomed Shah, an early 19th century ruler of the island.
"They never answer our letters," said Tengku Othman Tengku A. Aziz, a sixth-generation descendant of Sultan Hussain, adding that the Singapore government had turned the sultan's old palace into a heritage centre without compensating his descendants.
"They just take our land without permission and open their centre," he said in the Malaysian capital.
Singapore officials were not immediately available for comment.
The centre, situated on 56-acre plot in central Singapore, houses a typical "kampong" or village house of the 1960s and is a repository of items of Malay literature, film and art such as the works of Zubir Said, composer of Singapore's national anthem.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is due to open the centre on June 4. Singapore's population is more than three-quarters ethnic Chinese, with ethnic Malays accounting for 14 percent, and ethnic Indians for another 8 percent.
Repeated attempts to negotiate with the government have hit a wall of silence, said Tengku Othman, who runs a landscaping company in Petaling Jaya, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur.
"If Singapore plays a deaf ear, I may go to the International Court of Justice and claim the whole island of Singapore," Tengku Othman, a Malaysian citizen, told reporters on Friday.
Singapore was part of Malaysia before the two formally split in 1965. The island's business and government run with clockwork efficiency but some analysts say it has emphasised efficacy at the expense of its culture.
Authorities in Singapore worry that their citizens, among the most affluent in Southeast Asia, are losing touch with their cultural roots and historical links.
"It is not only unfair. They disregard the existence of the royal family. Even the British were not as harsh as them, the British they housed my family," said Tengku Othman, referring to the land British colonial officials allotted to his ancestor.
" ... Malay minority sometimes complains of racial discrimination ..." - Look like Reuters trying to stir up discontentment among Singaporeans.
Press release from MITA (Ministry of Information and the Arts),
As former Minister for National Development Mr Dhanabalan said in this House on 15 Apr 89:
“In 1896 towards the end of the last century, there was a dispute among the family of Sultan Hussain as to who was the successor to the Sultanate and to the estate, ie. the Kampong Glam Estate. This matter went to court and in Dec 1897, the Court of Appeal ruled that there was no one who could claim to be successor. The estate therefore reverted to the Crown. It became State Land and it was no longer subject to the treaties which previously affected it.”
Since then, that is for more than 100 years, the Kampong Glam Estate, including the former Istana, has been State Land.
Furthermore, this legal position has been made very clear in the Sultan Hussain Ordinance, which was enacted in 1904. The Ordinance has several provisions which reiterate this:
“The said land…having reverted to the Crown, shall from after the first day of Jan 1905, be administered by the Collector of Land Revenue in the same manner as other Crown Lands” (section 2)
“If the said lands in Kampong Glam, which are hereby declared to have reverted to the Crown” (section 4)
June 09, 2005
June 08, 2005
Vision Singapore
Attended a talk on Web Accessibility (Vision Singapore) today at Harbourfront Tower with my colleagues. It's organised by the Disabled People's Assocation of Singapore, with aim to promote universal web accessibility for people with disabilities. It's quite enriching, learnt about things which are often left out during the design phase of producing a website and the advantages of making it accessible.
Read the news on Apple switching to Intel. Have a bad feeling about this. I foreseen from next year onwards, we will be having Mac clones running on D.I.Y. computers. Yucks.
Read the news on Apple switching to Intel. Have a bad feeling about this. I foreseen from next year onwards, we will be having Mac clones running on D.I.Y. computers. Yucks.
June 06, 2005
Good Morning, Sunday.
A sense of archivement for someone like me to wake up early for a morning jog.
With work taking up much of my leisure time, I guess I'll have to replace my usual evening jog on the weekdays to the weekend.
Been to the IT Show held at Singapore Expo for the past few days. The usual large crowd, yet something is missing. The first ever IT related show that didn't interest me much. But I was tempted to get a new laptop, in addition to my Apple Powerbook perhaps.
This week should be pretty busy, handling a new proposal. The last project, miraculous, wasn't as tough as I thought it would be. I presume this proposal should be able to last for more than a month. Will be attending a talk at Harbour Front with my colleagues, the topic sounds pretty interesting.
With work taking up much of my leisure time, I guess I'll have to replace my usual evening jog on the weekdays to the weekend.
Been to the IT Show held at Singapore Expo for the past few days. The usual large crowd, yet something is missing. The first ever IT related show that didn't interest me much. But I was tempted to get a new laptop, in addition to my Apple Powerbook perhaps.
This week should be pretty busy, handling a new proposal. The last project, miraculous, wasn't as tough as I thought it would be. I presume this proposal should be able to last for more than a month. Will be attending a talk at Harbour Front with my colleagues, the topic sounds pretty interesting.
June 04, 2005
Mirando al cielo
Stuck in this monotonous cycle ever since the start of my internship, can hardly afford some time to spend on leisure activities. If internship is already this bad, I wonder what will happen when I'm ready to join the working population.
The day before, attended circle time, a mini sharing session held every month between colleagues in the commission. This month, we had the chance to know our director better. While drinking up the green bean soup cooked by colleagues, we listened attentively to her life story. It's quite an enjoyable session.
Oh, now Bevan, Yasmeen and I have two more people for company during lunch - Jonathan and Xiao Wan. The more the merrier, I guess.
Seems like there an epidemic outbreak of flu going about in my office. A quarter of the staff took medical leave, while another quarter took leave. Hope I won't be the next.
The Mirando al cielo (English: Looking at the sky) performance, which is part of The Singapore Arts Festival, was awesome! I am awestruck by the dancers' gracious movements, espcially when they are constrainted in such a small area. It's no wonder they garnered rave reviews since their first debut in Europe.
The day before, attended circle time, a mini sharing session held every month between colleagues in the commission. This month, we had the chance to know our director better. While drinking up the green bean soup cooked by colleagues, we listened attentively to her life story. It's quite an enjoyable session.
Oh, now Bevan, Yasmeen and I have two more people for company during lunch - Jonathan and Xiao Wan. The more the merrier, I guess.
Seems like there an epidemic outbreak of flu going about in my office. A quarter of the staff took medical leave, while another quarter took leave. Hope I won't be the next.
The Mirando al cielo (English: Looking at the sky) performance, which is part of The Singapore Arts Festival, was awesome! I am awestruck by the dancers' gracious movements, espcially when they are constrainted in such a small area. It's no wonder they garnered rave reviews since their first debut in Europe.
June 01, 2005
A quick update
A quick update on what's going on in my life for the past few days.
Supervisor's back, free breakfast again. Pretty well fed over there.
Completed one project, while the other in the refining state.
Had a work review meeting with my supervisor and team recently. Had the chance to display my horrible artwork in visualising and present my ideas on whiteboard in the presence of the whole team.
Briefed on my new project. This project lies between the crossroad of challenging and impossible. Think of System Analysis and Design (SAND) Hospital scenario at a very much larger scale. I think I'll need lots of luck to complete this project.
An interesting question popped to me during lunch with Xiao Wan, Bevan, Yasmeen and Jonathan set me pondering. Are the tasks assigned to you routine?
I find being involve in a project much more interesting than handling routine tasks (though I have not been given any). Besides that, it beef up your resumé which is useful in later part of your career.
While waiting for Max, a guy in his early 40s approached me and peached on his religion. Most of the time, I usually try to come up with a excuse to run away, but this time, stayed on and had an interesting talk with him on Christianity in this modern age.
IT Fair coming this week at Singapore Expo. Do check it out.
Supervisor's back, free breakfast again. Pretty well fed over there.
Completed one project, while the other in the refining state.
Had a work review meeting with my supervisor and team recently. Had the chance to display my horrible artwork in visualising and present my ideas on whiteboard in the presence of the whole team.
Briefed on my new project. This project lies between the crossroad of challenging and impossible. Think of System Analysis and Design (SAND) Hospital scenario at a very much larger scale. I think I'll need lots of luck to complete this project.
An interesting question popped to me during lunch with Xiao Wan, Bevan, Yasmeen and Jonathan set me pondering. Are the tasks assigned to you routine?
I find being involve in a project much more interesting than handling routine tasks (though I have not been given any). Besides that, it beef up your resumé which is useful in later part of your career.
While waiting for Max, a guy in his early 40s approached me and peached on his religion. Most of the time, I usually try to come up with a excuse to run away, but this time, stayed on and had an interesting talk with him on Christianity in this modern age.
IT Fair coming this week at Singapore Expo. Do check it out.
May 29, 2005
I hate myself.
I hate myself for what happened today. What I have archived is useless anymore.
To those who know what happened, please keep it to yourself.
Watched The Amityville Horror today. The first horror movie I watched on my own was quite an experience. Two thumbs up for the fear factor.
Headed down to Singapore Expo for MPH Book Sale. It's a must visit for all book lovers, bought a few books, including "Lonely Planet: Mediterranean Europe" and "The Last Juror" by John Grisham. Considering whether to make another trip down tomorrow for more great buy.
Suddenly, I'm hook to music by Corrinne May after being introduced to her by Max. Bought her latest album the day before, enjoying it totally. Now should I get her first album too?
To those who know what happened, please keep it to yourself.
Watched The Amityville Horror today. The first horror movie I watched on my own was quite an experience. Two thumbs up for the fear factor.
Headed down to Singapore Expo for MPH Book Sale. It's a must visit for all book lovers, bought a few books, including "Lonely Planet: Mediterranean Europe" and "The Last Juror" by John Grisham. Considering whether to make another trip down tomorrow for more great buy.
Suddenly, I'm hook to music by Corrinne May after being introduced to her by Max. Bought her latest album the day before, enjoying it totally. Now should I get her first album too?
May 26, 2005
Great organisation, great colleagues!
Been for almost a week since I first started work in the civil service. Over the past few days, I've been adapting well, love everything over there, the environment, the culture and my colleagues. They are just so overwhelmingly friendly, like this morning, my manager offered to treat me for breakfast, but declined as I had a heavy breakfast before work. Yet in the end, she got me a cup of tea from Coffee Beans and Tea Leaf.
Like I mentioned, I am comfortable with the working culture over there, in fact, I love it! It's a work hard and play hard environment and free from office politics. For example, I was told that they're fine with me taking lunch break for more than an hour.
Technically speaking, you'll never be late for work. They have this flexi hour scheme which allows employees to come for work anytime within the acceptable limit and you can go off as long as you perform the hours of work you are suppose to.
Oh, I was praised by my immediate supervisor and manager for a job well done for one of my project. I was on cloud nine after that.
And there this coffee maker machine that dispense milo powder mix, amuse myself every morning making a cup of milo. Rather childish, yea?
Knocked off early today after attending a seminar with my manager and colleagues at The Treasury, a short walk from my office, City Hall. Interesting seminar, topics range from intellectual property, copyright law, property management and balancing work and personal life.
Lunch is also another interesting period of the day. Went food hunting with Bevan and Yasmeen for the past few days. We even arrange thru email, that's how eager we look forward to having lunch together.
Enjoying my internship so much.
Like I mentioned, I am comfortable with the working culture over there, in fact, I love it! It's a work hard and play hard environment and free from office politics. For example, I was told that they're fine with me taking lunch break for more than an hour.
Technically speaking, you'll never be late for work. They have this flexi hour scheme which allows employees to come for work anytime within the acceptable limit and you can go off as long as you perform the hours of work you are suppose to.
Oh, I was praised by my immediate supervisor and manager for a job well done for one of my project. I was on cloud nine after that.
And there this coffee maker machine that dispense milo powder mix, amuse myself every morning making a cup of milo. Rather childish, yea?
Knocked off early today after attending a seminar with my manager and colleagues at The Treasury, a short walk from my office, City Hall. Interesting seminar, topics range from intellectual property, copyright law, property management and balancing work and personal life.
Lunch is also another interesting period of the day. Went food hunting with Bevan and Yasmeen for the past few days. We even arrange thru email, that's how eager we look forward to having lunch together.
Enjoying my internship so much.
May 22, 2005
A new start to the semester.
Work work.
And so, I'm finally in the last year of my polytechnic education with my 4 months long internship as a start. Starting to feel old thinking back the good ol' days as a freshman.
First day of work, straight after I enter the office, I was introduced to my colleagues. I'm happy to report that all of them are very easy-going and approachable.
Met my supervisor, who spoke to me about my job scope, work expectations and miscellaneous stuff. It's more of a friendly chat between two friends rather than that of a supervisor-subordinate one. I felt reassured after the chat with her, especially when she reassured me that she don't believe in asking interns to do paperwork.
During lunch time, was invited to lunch with my colleagues and treated to a lunch at Cafe Cartel. They really give me a sense of belonging, not just because of the free lunch, but rather, their attitude toward me.
Was given my first project to work on, implementing a distribution process into an existing website. That kind of problem that sucks your brain juice dry.
Conclusion? Great organisation, pretty fine for the first day of work. Though things seem a little surreal for now. But the bottomline is, nothing beats being a student.
Back from Australia for a couple of days, and I'm still maintaining that positive dichotomy acquired from the trip.
A quote for the day,
It's a long long journey
Till I know where I'm supposed to be
It's a long long journey
- Corrinne May, Journey
And so, I'm finally in the last year of my polytechnic education with my 4 months long internship as a start. Starting to feel old thinking back the good ol' days as a freshman.
First day of work, straight after I enter the office, I was introduced to my colleagues. I'm happy to report that all of them are very easy-going and approachable.
Met my supervisor, who spoke to me about my job scope, work expectations and miscellaneous stuff. It's more of a friendly chat between two friends rather than that of a supervisor-subordinate one. I felt reassured after the chat with her, especially when she reassured me that she don't believe in asking interns to do paperwork.
During lunch time, was invited to lunch with my colleagues and treated to a lunch at Cafe Cartel. They really give me a sense of belonging, not just because of the free lunch, but rather, their attitude toward me.
Was given my first project to work on, implementing a distribution process into an existing website. That kind of problem that sucks your brain juice dry.
Conclusion? Great organisation, pretty fine for the first day of work. Though things seem a little surreal for now. But the bottomline is, nothing beats being a student.
Back from Australia for a couple of days, and I'm still maintaining that positive dichotomy acquired from the trip.
A quote for the day,
It's a long long journey
Till I know where I'm supposed to be
It's a long long journey
- Corrinne May, Journey
May 19, 2005
Wonderful trip to Australia
An experience of a lifetime. That how I felt for the study trip to Australia. Visiting the universities, it really makes me desire for an overseas education.
It's more than just a study trip, learning to be tolerance toward others, learning from your seniors thru their life experience and understanding how tough it is to survive in a foreign land as a student.
Arriving in Singapore, I started to cherish things back in Singapore. In Australia, I have to fend for myself when I'm sick. Upon learning I'm sick, dad bought me to see a doctor immediately after arriving in Changi Airport. This is one thing you have to appreciate and you will miss when you further your studies overseas.
Desktop was down, a little strange when it's left untouched ever since I left for Australia. Got a brand new replacement in the afternoon, working fine for now.
Starting my first day at work tomorrow. Still feeling a little sick, hope everything's fine on my first day.
Till then.
It's more than just a study trip, learning to be tolerance toward others, learning from your seniors thru their life experience and understanding how tough it is to survive in a foreign land as a student.
Arriving in Singapore, I started to cherish things back in Singapore. In Australia, I have to fend for myself when I'm sick. Upon learning I'm sick, dad bought me to see a doctor immediately after arriving in Changi Airport. This is one thing you have to appreciate and you will miss when you further your studies overseas.
Desktop was down, a little strange when it's left untouched ever since I left for Australia. Got a brand new replacement in the afternoon, working fine for now.
Starting my first day at work tomorrow. Still feeling a little sick, hope everything's fine on my first day.
Till then.
May 13, 2005
Live from Sydney
Reporting live from Sydney. Arrived here a few hours ago from Canberra. Yet to explore the city, but from my initial impression, it's much more happening compared to Melbourne and Canberra.
The visit to the universities (so far, 3) stirred up some interest. As of today, visited University of Melbourne, Monash University and Australian National University.
The people over here are generally, very friendly. Except for two incidents over Canberra, racial discrimination is still something to consider when traveling or studying over there.
The visit to the universities (so far, 3) stirred up some interest. As of today, visited University of Melbourne, Monash University and Australian National University.
The people over here are generally, very friendly. Except for two incidents over Canberra, racial discrimination is still something to consider when traveling or studying over there.
May 08, 2005
Goodbye Singapore. Hello Australia.
Leaving for Melbourne - Australia in the later part of the day. Unlike previous overseas trips, this is the first time I'm leaving home for a long trip without the company of my family members. As such, I'm feeling a little edgy. To make thing worse, I'm leaving on Mother's Day!
Maybe it's a feeling of helplessness at the absence of my family members. Gee, it's just a 10 days trip, I guess it's much worse when I'm serving my National Service.
Thanks to all the well-wishers, I appreciate it.
Oh, can someone tell me what's the difference between Singapore and Australia manufactured Milo? A strange (very) request from Michell to get a can of Milo from Australia for her.
Maybe it's a feeling of helplessness at the absence of my family members. Gee, it's just a 10 days trip, I guess it's much worse when I'm serving my National Service.
Thanks to all the well-wishers, I appreciate it.
Oh, can someone tell me what's the difference between Singapore and Australia manufactured Milo? A strange (very) request from Michell to get a can of Milo from Australia for her.
May 06, 2005
TB030 Gathering @ Dohby Gaut
A gathering with the TB030 peeps before the start of our internship. Had our dinner at a rather cozy restaurant - Piazza, just a short distance away from Plaza Singapura.
Was late again, but for a good reason. For myself, had a set meal of Fish n Chips. I say it's pretty good. I wonder in the future, with the start of our internship, are we able to have such gathering frequently?
With the departure of a few friends, the rest of us spent the rest of the days lazing in Starbucks Cafe. The Latte Americano tastes like diluted 3 in 1 coffee mix. From my previous visit to McCafe at East Coast, the Latte Americano was so much better. I ordered grande, so I had a big mug of tasteless junk.
A short visit to Carrefour with the remaining people before heading back home.
Finally received my pocket amplifier today! Thanks to Gary from Electric Avenues for rushing my order in time for my Australia trip. Gary is the maker and owner of Electric Avenues, each hand made amplifiers are serialized and covered with lifetime warranty. Do visit the website.
1 more day before leaving for Australia. Guess what? I haven't pack my luggage and buy the necessary stuff. Gonna be a mad rush tomorrow when I start packing or maybe the actual day then I start my packing? Goodness gracious me.
Was late again, but for a good reason. For myself, had a set meal of Fish n Chips. I say it's pretty good. I wonder in the future, with the start of our internship, are we able to have such gathering frequently?
With the departure of a few friends, the rest of us spent the rest of the days lazing in Starbucks Cafe. The Latte Americano tastes like diluted 3 in 1 coffee mix. From my previous visit to McCafe at East Coast, the Latte Americano was so much better. I ordered grande, so I had a big mug of tasteless junk.
A short visit to Carrefour with the remaining people before heading back home.
Finally received my pocket amplifier today! Thanks to Gary from Electric Avenues for rushing my order in time for my Australia trip. Gary is the maker and owner of Electric Avenues, each hand made amplifiers are serialized and covered with lifetime warranty. Do visit the website.
1 more day before leaving for Australia. Guess what? I haven't pack my luggage and buy the necessary stuff. Gonna be a mad rush tomorrow when I start packing or maybe the actual day then I start my packing? Goodness gracious me.
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