Anybody remember Bombo and Tooktoo?

.
This posting is a bit random, but it has been bugging me for a while so let me just ask you guys. I admit this requires you to stretch your memory way, way back to the years of your early Primary school. In fact my own memory is kind of vague on the details. It relates to one of the very first Geography books we were asked to read either in Primary 1 or Primary 2 at St Joseph's in the years between 1965-69.

What I do remember was that one chapter introduced us to an African boy named BOMBO, and told us about how he lived in his village near the Congo in the African continent. This has shades of "Roots", but of course it was years before Alex Haley wrote his bestseller which later became a popular TV series. Heck, this was way before TV came to Sarawak.

I believe the second chapter told us about TOOKTOO, an Eskimo boy who lived in Baffin Island. I remember there were some black and white pictures of igloos and seals.

Further into the book were tales of life in the Andes mountains. I don't remember the character, but I know he was an Indian lad who lived in the mountains. That was also when I first came across the animal known as a llama.

I've obviously been Googling for this information, but have so far not come up with anything relevant, though I'm still trying ...

Let me pause here, and see if what I've shared so far rings any bells with any of you ... In fact if any of you are still in possession of the book, I'd love to see a photo of it. By now, it might have some antique value.


ADDED LATER

Someone pointed me to this photo on the Internet. This apparently is the book in question ...

Leo Drops by the Lion City

.
Last weekend, Leo Sia (Form 5Sc, 1978) dropped by this little island, while on his way to yet another island. We went for some dim sum, after which I drove him to a lesser known Singapore attraction - The Marina Barrage.

The Marina Barrage was opened in November 2008. It is essentially a dam built at the mouth of the Marina Bay. An award-winning project, costing about S$230m, it turns the Marina Bay and Kallang Basin into a new freshwater reservoir, at the same time providing a mechanism for flood control as well as becoming a new lifestyle park. More information on the Marina Barrage can be found here and also here.

There was a small visitors centre in the building, which showcased the story of Singapore's long time struggles with water - from getting enough to supply its people (and we all  know about the thorny issues over the water (dis)agreements with Malaysia), the creation of NEWwater, the clean up of the Singapore River, and the development of various reservoir systems on the island.

There was also a scale model of the area within the centre ...

... as well as some nifty "take a picture and send a e-postcard" devices along the corridors ...

They have made the roof of the building into a nice landscaped garden, with a nice view of the city skyline.

One could say the Marina Barrage is another of Singapore's initiatives towards creating a greener or more environmentally sustainable society. And since tomorrow (April 22) has been designated Earth Day, I guess that's a good place to end this posting.

Historical Interlude : Transport in Old Sarawak

.
Today I received a number of interesting old photos from Nick Chin. He seems to have established a very good source somewhere in Satok. Thanks Nick. Keep 'em coming.

Anyway, I found that many of them relate to different forms of transportation. So different from what we see today. Anyway transportation is the theme of today's posting. See if any of the photos jog any memories. Or trigger in your mind something that certain elders in your family might have mentioned.

There were once three trains plying the Kuching to10th Mile route. The engines were named Bintang, Bulan and Jean. The train service was started in 1916 by the 2^nd Rajah, Sir Charles Brooke, shortly before he handed over the the 3rd Rajah, Sir Charles Vyner Brooke. The train station or terminus in Kuching was in front of the mosque (where there's now a car park), facing the Brooke Dockyard. Jalan Keretapi is so named because the railway  track actually went along it. There was no road back then, just the rail track.

Some time before the Japanese Occupation, the train service was discontinued by the British, and for a while the trains were kept in the terminus area (just over the fence from Lillian theatre). But during the Occupation, the Japanese restarted the train service for a while, and it was used to bring POWs to work (mainly around the 7th Mile area). Then they stopped this - probably thinking the POWs had too easy a life. Eventually the Japanese shipped the trains back to Japan for scrap iron.

I read somewhere that rickshaws first reached Kuching in 1895. Prior to that, there were only pony traps and bullock carts. There were never more than 50 to 60 rickshaws in Kuching, mostly pulled by Chinese men, and many of the pullers tended to be of the Henghua dialect.

My father told me that he noticed that sometimes on a steeper hill, the passengers had to get down and walk, as it was too much strain on the puller.All the rickshaws tended to be independent endeavours, but their machines tended to be serviced by a few "repair shops", who seemed to have some control over them (perhaps they provided loans?).

The history of Kuching airport goes back to the years after the Second World War when the British started planning an airport for the town. The airport at the 7th Mile was eventually opened on 26th September1950 by the British Governor Sir Anthony Abell. Judging from the many automobiles and crowd, it was quite a big occasion.

The ship "Rajah Brooke" usually plied the Kuching-Singapore route. It had 1st and 2nd Class cabins. Before it sailed, there was usually a party held on board, for people (mainly the Europeans in those days) to socialise and get to know each other.The trip from Kuching to Singapore normally took 2 days and 1 night.

Besides the "Rajah Brooke", there were other ships, with names like Marudu, Kajang, Darvel and Kimanis. This ship owners were either Sarawak Steamship, or later Straits Steamship. Besides Singapore, some of the ships, eg. Darvel and Marudu, sailed to British North Borneo (now Sabah)..

I don't have much to comment about this last photo, except that this building appears to me to be the Police Station (I might be wrong but it sure looks similar). Anyway I included the photo above because it shows two other forms of transportation - automobile and bicycles.

Well, over to you guys for more comments.

Election Fever in Sarawak (Part 5)

.
By now, most of you would know the results of the Sarawak Elections. As one newspaper headlined the situation, "BN Wins Sarawak, But Grip Loosens". Yes, I think that about sums it up.

Here's an analysis table of the final situation...

Of course, the numeric figures can never fully capture the thrill and emotion of the Election campaign. For that, you have to look at photos. Here are a few shots that, to me at least, capture the essence of the Electoral outcome.

Depressed

Upbeat

Sworn in

Election Fever in Sarawak (Part 4)

.

IT HAS BEGUN !

Polling stations opened across Sarawak at 8am for the state’s 10th election

Voters trickled into stations here which will remain open until 5pm. A total of 979,796 voters are eligible to cast ballots at the 1,749 centres across the state after a 10-day campaign period.

More than 200 candidates are vying for 71 seats in the state assembly. For the first time ever, all constituencies are being contested. In this election, 27 seats will see straight fights, 23 will have three-cornered contests, 17 four-cornered fights, 2 five-cornered contests and another 2 where six are contesting.


Political analysts say a clear victory in the Sarawak contest for Najib could lead to snap national polls being called this year even though they do not need to be held until mid-2013. Najib is attempting to woo Sarawak's voters following unprecedented gains made by the opposition at the national level in 2008 in which it won a third of parliamentary seats. Those results forced Najib's predecessor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down


If you are voting or have photos of the voting scene in Kuching today, please do send them to me at jslyong@hotmail.com or +6596678155 for sharing on this blog.




Random Scenes from Polling Day

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

Pic 4

Pic 5

Pic 6

Quotations on Democracy and Government

.

It's a day before the Sarawak State polls. As many of you have observed, the tension is high and growing - fiery speeches, huge crowds and all kinds of snipes in the media. It is also rumoured that the Malaysian GE will probably come not too long after this. Other countries in Asia, such as Singapore and Thailand, are also having elections this year.

With all this happening, I felt it might be interesting and useful for us to take a few minutes, still our minds and reflect on a variety of quotations on the subjects of Democracy and Government, since that's really what all this is about. Some of the quotations are wise, some are cynical, some humourous. Think about them in the context what it is you are about to do or not do ...

And if by chance, some aspiring political candidates may be reading this, it might also serve as food for thought on what kind of government leader you will be if indeed you are elected.


No.1
"No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time"
(Sir Winston Churchill, former British PM)


No 2
"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve"
(George Bernard Shaw, author & playwright)


No.3
"It's not the voting that's democracy, it's the counting"
(Tom Stoppard, author)


No.4
"Democracy consists of choosing your dictators, after they've told you what you think it is you want to hear"
(Alan Coren, British humourist, writer & satirist)


No.5
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed lamb"
(Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the USA)


No.6
"The most important political office is that of the private citizen."
(Louis Brandeis)


No.7
"Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people."
(Abraham Lincoln, 16th US President)


No.8
"When a country is well governed, poverty and a mean condition are something to be ashamed of. When a country is ill governed, riches and honors are something to be ashamed of."
(Confucius)



Choose well. And have a good day.

Election Fever in Sarawak (Part 3)

.
It's two days before Polling Day on 16 April. Both PM Najib and Karpal Singh are in Miri. Thanks to LS for the ongoing coverage from Miri ...

About 3000 attended PM Najib's ceramah

One of the incentives perhaps

I hear there's food provided too ...

Here's the close-up of the food packs. Hmmm, not exactly gourmet dishes ...

There was even a Lucky Draw

*** MISSED OUT BY MISTAKE.***

Less than 1 km away, Karpal arrives to thunderous cheers

He attracted a crowd exceeding 8000.

*** PREVIOUSLY OMITTED PHOTO ABOVE ***

Less than 1 km away Karpal arrives to thunderous cheers.

He attracted an 8000 person crowd.

A closer look at the man

Karpal took to the stage as rain drops started falling.

Some people left, but not many.

Umbrellas came up for those who came prepared,

while others braved the rain to hear Karpal.

Back to PM Najib's side, where most have already left

An interesting evening indeed.

Election Fever in Sarawak (Part 2)

.

Yesterday the Pakatan Rakyat (PKR) unveiled a 10-point manifesto for Sarawakians aimed at restoring the state's wealth to the people and bringing them abreast with the rest of the world. This posting reproduces the manifesto in full, in case any of you have not yet read it.


However, I should point out that this blog is not meant to give special support to any particular party. It simply reports the facts. If anyone sends me the equivalent manifestos of BN or other parties, I will also post them. It's always good to compare manifestos, as well as compare party promises to the reality on the ground.

1. FREEDOM OF BELIEF

WE GUARANTEE FREEDOM OF RELIGION as enshrined in the Federal Constitution without any form of hindrances and make no discrimination in assistance and allocations to a particular belief or religion and in the process maintain the status of Sarawak as a secular State.

2. GOOD GOVERNANCE

WE PROMISE GOOD GOVERNANCE premised on proven international principles of Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT),which will create and promote a clean administration of the State’s welfare, equal business opportunities, and bring back national pride, patriotism and self esteem in the public sector.

WE PLEDGE A FAIR DISTRIBUTION of the State’s wealth and riches, endeavoring to end the practice of favouritism, corruption, cronyism and nepotism.

WE PROMISE TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION OF INQUIRY to investigate the allegations of ill-gotten wealth of BN politicians and their cronies, to ensure the due process of law and prosecution and to return the wealth to the people of Sarawak.

WE PROMISE to establish an Ombudsman to receive complaints from the public against corruption and power abuse by Government Ministers and heads of departments.

WE PLEDGE TO RESTORE local government elections for all local authorities including the adatruaiand/or custom of choosing the Village Leaders or Ketua Masyarakat in order to return power to the people at all levels.

3. LAND REFORM & NATIVE LAND COMMISSION

all expiring leases will be unconditionally renewed for 99 years; all s47 notifications will automatically lapse after 2 years of gazettal; all in perpetuity and 999-year leases will remain when land is approved for development; land alienation will be carried out through open tenders; and a Native Land Commission shall be formed having the power to investigate all Native Customary Rights land claims, and thereafter to survey and issue grant or leases to such lands in accordance with the adat or customs of the natives of Sarawak.

4. ERADICATION OF POVERTY

WE PROMISE to set up a RM1 billion State Poverty Alleviation Fund to ensure that no family in Sarawak lives below the official poverty line.

WE PLEDGE TO KICK-START THE RURAL ECONOMY by the construction of roads connecting all the rural areas of Sarawak that will quicken the provision and construction of public amenities including schools, kindergartens, medical services and telecommunications.

WE ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE agricultural entrepreneurship, like small holdings through micro-financing to all farmers.

Berubahlah! Vote for a NEW Sarawak!

5. FEDERAL-STATE RELATIONS

WE PLEDGE to maintain good federal state relations in line with the spirit of the Malaysian Agreement 1963, and to ensure that any marginalization, neglect and omission on the 18 points be addressed immediately.

Confident that Pakatan Rakyat will take over the federal government WE GUARANTEE to increase the petroleum royalty from the present 5% to 20%.

WE BELIEVE that priority in employment opportunities in the public service of Sarawak should be given to Sarawakians.

6. GREENER SARAWAK

WE WILLENSURE the observance and implementation of State and International laws and/or conventions on the environmentfor the benefit of future generations of Sarawakians.

WE WILL STOP the constructions of excess dams.

WE FORBID the construction of nuclear powered plants in Sarawak.

7. A FAIR DEAL FOR ALL SARAWAKIANS

WE ARE COMMITTED to support stable economic growth, sustainable development and a fairer distribution of income and wealth based on hard work, competitiveness and technological innovation.

WE ENDEAVOUR to remain investor friendly, emphasizing long term investment in human capital by offering financial incentives to all industries to upgrade the technical skills of their employees as well as their production processes.

WE PROMISE the immediate registration of stateless Sarawakians and the unconditional granting of citizenship papers to all Malaysians of Sarawak origin.

WE PLEDGE a grant of RM200-00 for every child of Sarawak origin who begins primary one education.

In appreciation of their contribution to the State, WE PROMISE to give all Sarawakians above 60 years of age who are residents in the State annual welfare assistance of RM600-00 and to set up community support systems within every local government authority for their continued well-being.

8. CULTURE AND EDUCATION

WE RESPECT the constitutional rights of all ethnic groups to learn their mother tongues and to treat all mother tongue education equally.

WE PLEDGE that all schools regardless of background will be given systematic allocations according to needs as is practised in Penang, Selangor and Kelantan so that our children can have a bright future.

WE EMPHASIZE that Science and Mathematics subjects in secondary schools must be taught in the English language.

9. RIGHTS of WOMEN’S & THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

WE GUARANTEE gender equality and will REVIEW all laws that are discriminatory against women.

WE PLEDGE to establish women’s aid centres to shelter women suffering from violence and child care services to reduce the financial and psychological burden of working mothers.

WE PLEDGE to set up more special schools for children with special needs.

WE IMPLEMENT measures to employ those with disabilities and PROMISE incentives to  employers who employ them.

10. INVESTMENT INTO THE FUTURE

WE PROMISE to tackle the flood problems in Sarawak in 2 years.

WE EMPHASIZE in long term investment in human capital and infrastructure to make Sarawak a great economy.

WIFI will be provided free to move Sarawak into a knowledge state.

St Joe Going Private (Part 3)

.
Just a quick update. This came out over the weekend I believe ...

Anybody have any additional information please add comments ...

Old Josephian's Reunion Dinner (Part 2)

.
The Old Josephian's Reunion Dinner took place yesterday evening (8th April). LS was there and shares with us some photos. Thanks LS. Anyone else who has further pics are also welcome to send them to me for posting ...

So here you are  ...

Guest of Honour, the CM & wife, signing in

So where do we sit?

Getting ready to begin dinner?

Video of Bro Columba's message

(now where did I see this idea first used before?)

What's next on the agenda?

Hello, good to see you again ...

See who you can recognise in this series of photos. Rare and attractive no-prizes for anyone who can name more than 10 persons :)

That's all folks.

Election Fever in Sarawak (Part 1)

.

As most must know by now, Sarawak goes to the Polls in eight days' time ... on 16th April. Election fever is definitely in the air. I'm asking for contributions of photos that reflect this Election season as well as any views from anyone reading this. Send in your inputs to jslyong@hotmail.com and I'll post them here.

I'm currently in KL for work, and saw these in the various papers yesterday.

The Star headlined the situation ...

The New Straits Times had a  complete list of candidates ...

and where the constituencies they were standing for ...

and this one has some of the candidates' pictures too.

More to come ...

UPDATE #1

The first batch of photos have come in ...

Crowd listening to Lim Guan Eng (DAP Leader & CM for Penang) speaking

Dr Michael Teo (ex-St Joe, one of the swiimmer Teo brothers) speaking

Tau Fang Tui Tang

(I'm not sure what this is. Will the contributor please comment)

Thanks LS. Keep 'em coming.

UPDATE #2

GL drew my attention to The Star, where reporter Joceline Tan has written a pretty accurate analysis of the situation on the ground. The title is "massive crowds at DAP’s first night ceramah in Kuching, Sibu and Miri may be a signal of a Chinese tsunami for Sarawak" [not often you see this in the mainstream media]. Our overseas friends may be surprised by what the papers are now saying. Click for the full piece.

http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2011/4/8/columnists/joceline/8438990&sec=joceline

UPDATE #3


More photos ...

A BN team poster flanked by rocket buntings ...

Another Roundabout with BN

A fiery Gobind (DAP) challenges the police to arrest him at DAP ceramah on Friday night. He was speaking on the Bible issue, something they were asked not to.

UPDATE #4 (10.4.11)

Dominique Ng Kim Ho (5Sc1 SJS78),
Padungan incumbent now defending as independent

... with interesting issues raised

Feelings can run high ...

Party buntings decorate the city streets ...

Banner for Datuk Lee Kim Shin (BN) in Miri

UPDATE #5 (11.04.11)

LS sent in photos showcasing "a tale of two ceramahs" ...

The first one shows thousands welcoming Lim Kit Siang
(near the Boulevard Commercial Centre)

The second showing few at the BN ceramah
(barely 300m away from the venue shown in the previous photo)

Lim Kit Siang takes to the stage

UPDATE #6 (12.04.11)

Some more ...

Tonight's DAP ceramah draws large crowds too. Anthony Loke speaking.

Another view of crowds near Boulevard Commercial Centre, Miri

UPDATE #7 (13.04.11)

Biggest ever ceramah crowd in Miri. It was a DAP event, under BN banners. The heat certainly on. And the best is yet to come. Even bigger crowds expected tomorrow and Friday, weather permitting of course. Whether it translates to votes on Saturday is yet to be seen but the enthusiastic response from the crowd indicates so.

A young supporter shouting herself hoarse

In front of Dr. Teo's Clinic again tonight

Even more to come n final two nights before Polling Day !!!

.