My Longkang

I am just writing to share with you how I spent my day. I had a great time at the gym pushing my muscles to go all the way. I did the horizontal and inclined bench press with weights of up to 110 lbs.

Maybe I am just being egoistic and want to look good without a huge pot-belly but the truth of the matter is i like to feel the adrenaline flowing. It removes the stress that is in me.

Anyway I spent my evening with a reticient English man, a New Zealander and an Iraqi. It really opened my eyes. I read about the global impact of high fuel and food prices but it is different to hear it face to face. Apparently these guys think we are leading a good life. I am beginning to feel they are right.

For most of us, we can survive albeit with some difficulties but talking to the Iraqi really opened my eyes.

Iraqi man ( late 40s ) : It is the international media. They give a distorted version of the reality in my country. My people are suffering but the Amercians are being hailed as some kind of international policemen and international saviour. Do you know how much a lecturer in my country earns? It is all about vested interest. Do not trust them so much.

We have been suffering for so many years. No end seems in sight. Our civilization dates back thousands of years and our people are well educated and not some terrorism prone fringe group. They made my country what it is.

Look at Sibu. I see the people are well fed and prosperous. The country is stable and although there is some kind of media hype overseas about the political situation, there is peace. There are ample job opportunities if one is not too choosy.

English man : I leave politics to the politicians. All this cussing about the fairness of this regime and that is meaningless. As an ordinary citizen, there is little the average citizen can do. A nation must be responsible for its own destiny. Oil is a powerful financial factor for foreign interference. I am just here for a holiday. If you have issues, make your voice heard.

New Zealander : The high price of fuel and food has affected my country’s economy. It is not just a Malaysian problem. When I convert my currency to Malaysian currency, everything is so cheap! I have only one comment. The Malaysian safety net is not extensive enough. I saw an almost naked man sleep on card board sheets on the street just now. People just walked by without even noticing him.

There should be more of a welfare state for the benefit of its citizens. But the food here is great and I love the weather. One more thing, I don’t understand why the Sibu people must work so hard. The people I meet work from morning to night. There is only the weekend left and normally they spend their time with their community based activities. Where is the time for the family and recreation?Children should not be stressed with their school work. Let them develop as individuals

One more thing, the road from the airport to town was terrible. ( I don’t agree. I think the road from the airport to town is good enough. )

Btw a friend of mine has started blogging. Please do drop by and visit him at http://www.victor-kiu.blogspot.com. i am using an upgraded version at my blog and I still haven’t learned how to link

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