olddog-samesame

It was announced over the news today that the 12th General Election will be held on 8th March 2008. Though an extremely important event, it does not bring forth a gush of anticipation and excitement from the people. Malaysian elections are by and large rather tame, one-sided affairs with so many restrictions on campaigning imposed by the government of the day. BN is always expected to win. The only unknown factor is the margin of the win. Even then 2/3 majority is more or less a foregone conclusion. Despite being a non-event, come polling day, whether rain or shine, I will dutifully queue up to cast my ballot. I have done the same without fail for the past 5-6 general elections after registering as a voter in Subang Jaya some 27 years ago. That was probably a mistake I did not anticipate when I registered. Subang Jaya is, has been and always will be a BN stronghold. The opposition is not likely to win in Subang Jaya for the next 30 years. The votes that I had cast for Semangat 46, PAS,

Turned 55 years old last week. There is no stopping mother time. The first thing that struck me on my birthday was I had reached my retirement age if I were to work for a firm in the private sector. I happened to be in Genting Highlands on my birthday and was taking my daughter to the Theme Park. The notice at the ticketing counter declares that anyone above 55 years old qualifies as a Senior Citizen. So the second thing that struck me was, I have officially become a Senior Citizen. I have always considered myself to be in middle age category. This honorific title that unexpectedly creeps up on me suddenly make me feels so old. I have joined the Ancient Generation category now :< So how do you celebrate a birthday with such an unwelcome and unhappy reminder. Fortunately there is an upside to it as well on such a depressing day. As a Senior Citizen, the entrance ticket to the Theme Park is at half price, which means that I pay less than my 11 year old daughter. Riding the roller coas