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Close friendships are hard to come by these days. In an ever-changing world with
people striving to achieve their interpretation of preordained success, it is hard to know
who your true friends are. Fortunately, I found my best pal early at the tender age of
seven. We were both enrolled at the same school and were at wits ends as we
searched tirelessly for our designated classes.
Samantha and I got acquainted as both of us were in the same class and sat next to
each other. Samantha was a happy-go-lucky girl who always managed to breathe fresh
air into the sometimes arid classroom. She always knew what to say and would voice
them at the best possible moments. Both pupils and teachers alike enjoyed her
company and liveliness. There was hardly ever a dull moment when she was around
with her funny quips and expressions.
Samantha was born with a silver spoon. Her father was a businessman and her mother
owned and ran a boutique. Both her parents were very caring towards her as she, just
like I, was the only child of the family. Samantha came to school each day with a
perpetual smile. She was a very nice person to be around with. She and I used to go
everywhere together and both of us were rarely seen apart. We used to talk about so
many things as we walked, thoroughly enjoying our time together.
One day, I went to school and forgot to ask my parents for lunch money. At first, I was
not hungry and thought I could bear going without a meal but soon, my stomach began
to growl. Without asking, Samantha generously paid for my meal and drinks during
recess. The incident revealed to me how lucky I was to have such a caring and
compassionate friend.
As time went on, people started teasing us as we were spending more and more time
together. We seemed to know what each other thought and we cared for each other
deeply. Was I in love with her? I did not know then and we both knew we were too
young for all that emotional roller coaster.
Currently, Samantha and I are studying at different schools. It was hard to be apart at
first, but technology in the form of instant messaging and e-mails have helped to bridge
the gap in our friendship. I sincerely wish our friendship will never end as it would be
equivalent to waking up from a beautiful dream.
My Favourite TV Programme
The television (TV) is part and parcel of many households. Therefore, watching
television is a culture of todays modern society. It is a favourite past-time of many
people, cutting across the culture, creed, gender and age. I must admit that I too enjoy
sitting glued to the TV as mum often laments. Since I watch TV whole day long, I dont
blame mum. However, whenever I watch my favourite TV programme she doesnt
complain. In fact, she often sits together to watch it, the National Geographic.
The National Geographic is a well-known documentary programme, focusing mainly on
the ever-changing world, on Mother Earth and on nature and peoples and creatures that
colour it with. Just the press of a switch and a button and Hey Presto!, the whole world
is brought before me, for me to savour its beauty and wonders. Personally, I am often
awed and amazed with them.
I like this programme because it is very educational. It is a window to the world. By
watching it, I can travel, explore and discover the four corners of the world. I have
trekked up the highest peak and conquered Mt. Everest. I have dived down the deepest
trenches. I have walked through the wilderness and be amongst the wild beasts, big
and small. Thus, this programme has helped to expand my horizon and improve my
knowledge and experience. I can proudly say I am no more a frog in the well.
I also enjoy watching the National Geographic because it is entertaining, interesting and
stimulating. I never imagined that such an educational programme can be very
enjoyable. I get a chance to enjoy the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and colours of the
world and its different peoples, all in the comfort of my own home.
In addition to that, this programme is of very high quality and it is produced by a team of
experts, all are authorities in their own field of interest. The photographic footage is
extremely breath-taking and inspiring. Besides, the narration is very accurate,
informative, vivid and descriptive. Thus, I have never felt restless, distracted or bored
watching this programme.
The National Geographic is my favourite programme as it has helped me to grow and
mature. I have watched it since I was a seven-year-old innocent child. Now, I am more
sensitive and aware of the world and Mother Earth. I learn to be more appreciative of
Mother Earth and its beauty and wonders. I am more concern about the preservation
and conservation of the world not only now but also for posterity. In short, the National
Geographic has converted me into a more responsible citizen of the world and a
caretaker of Mother Earth.
It is a touching and heart-warming TV programme and I will not hesitate to recommend
it to others so that they too have a chance to savour amazing moments and appreciate
and care for the one and only world we live in.
A Road Accident
Road accidents are reported in newspaper and on television every day. There
are more frequently caused by reckless drivers rather than faulty vehicles. Last
Saturday, while I was travelling from Ipoh, I witnessed a serious accident. The scene of
the accidents was vivid in my mind.
A motorcyclist was following behind was taxi very closely. He was so impatient
that he was trying to overtake my taxi even near a sharp bend. At that critical moment,
there was an oncoming car. The taxi driver swerved to the roadside and I got a terrible
jolt. It was too late for the motorcyclist to avoid the car. His motorcycle ran against the
bumper of the car and smashed its windscreen. The motorcyclist somersaulted over the
car and was found lying in a pool of blood. It was a scene to chill the flesh! The car
driver, who was cut by the flying glass, was in a state of shock. All that happened in split
second and fear overwhelmed us.
The taxi driver stopped his taxi and I quickly ran to the nearest to the nearest
telephone booth to inform the police and the hospital. From a distance I could see some
people trying to help the injured motorcyclist and the car driver. They carried them into
one of the onlookers car and sent them to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile the taxi
driver tried to control and directs the traffic. Soon the police arrived and they promptly
took some measurements and evidence. After that they moved the damaged car and
the motorcycle to the roadside to ease the traffic congestion. They also took down the
evidence provided by witnesses and onlookers. Some sweepers were clearing the
debris and the blood stains on the road.
When the taxi finally continued the journey, I silently thanked God for my narrow
escape. I learned a good lesson that impatience and recklessness would bring harm
and danger. I was happy to see that Malaysians are public-spirited and they render help
to others readily. Since then I remember and follow the saying more haste less speed
and prevention is better than cure. I believe good road manners and roads safety
campaigns can help to reduce the number of road accidents which cause injuries, loss
and lives and properties.
A Terrifying Experience
"If mum finds out that I'm going to the beach, I'll be in big trouble." I muttered to myself
softly.
I crept slowly down the stairs and tried to walk casually into the kitchen. As I was
walking towards the back door, mum asked without looking up from her "dish-washing",
"Where are you going?" I answered back without hesitation, "I'm going to the garden to
play." After I got out of the kitchen, I breathed a sign of relief. My plan had worked out
fine so far. I scaled the fence and jumped onto the muddy field next to my house and
started running towards the bus-stop at top speed.
After half-an-hour, I was at the beach scanning the crowd for my friends, Jimmy and
Bobby. After a while, I spotted them near a coconut tree. I ran towards them and got into
my swimming trunk. For about an hour, we played volleyball happily.
Suddenly, Bobby hit the ball too hard and the ball fell into the sea. Just as Bobby was
going to pick up the ball, the tide came in and carried the ball further and further away
from the shore. I wanted to show off my swimming skills so I decided to get the ball for
them.
I dived into the water and started swimming at a steady pace. After swimming for about
ten minutes, I became tired but when I saw that the ball was only a few feet away from
me, I put in an extra burst of speed. However, just as I was going to grab the ball, a very
strong current swept the ball further away from me. At that moment, a string of weed
tangled up with my feet and I could not swim properly.
I struggled to keep afloat but it was no use. "If I had listened to mum and dad, this would
never have happened," I thought silently.
Finally, after struggling for a minute or two, I had no more energy and got pulled
underwater. I tugged at the weed which finally broke. I swam back to the surface,
gasping for breath. I saw two young men in canoes, racing each other. I was exhausted
but I shouted to the men for help. The two men, instead of helping me, ignored me and
raced on. By the time, a lifeguard who was holding a life buoy reached me, I had
already fainted.
When I woke up, I was in an empty room lying on a bed. It was not until a doctor came
into the room that I realised that I was in a hospital. After a few minutes, my parents with
half angry and half worried faces walked in. My parents scolded me for sneaking out of
the house but were also glad that I was not seriously injured.
I will never forget that terrifying experience. Neither will I ever want to show off again.
16 JUNE 2011
Dear Sir,
Uncollected Rubbish and Clogged Drains
I am writing this letter is to attract your attention to the above title. As the representative
of the community, I am calling to tell you that the 300 odd residents living in Taman
Sentosa are extremely unhappy about the lackadaisical attitude of the local town council
towards the uncollected rubbish and clogged drains in our area.
2.
The rubbish in our area has not been collected for more than a week. The
rubbish is supposed to be collected on alternate days but this has not been the case.
The town council workers collect the rubbish according to their own whims and fancies.
The uncollected garbage has attracted not only flies and mosquitoes but also wild dogs
which had attacked the residents on several occasions. These stray animals also
scatter the rubbish and make the roads dirty and smelly. As a result, residents have to
bear the discomfort of stench from the garbage and risk their health.
3.
We are also disappointed with the town council workers for not clearing the
clogged drains which are filled with rubbish. The drains would usually overflow when
there is heavy rain and the rubbish would then flow into the compounds of our houses.
Besides, putting up with the unbearable stench emitted from them, the residents have to
spend hours cleaning their compounds of rotten vegetables, food leftovers and other
rubbish.
4.
Due to dengue outbreak recently, we are really concerned about the residents
health especially the children. Fogging service also was not done accordingly to the
schedule. The fogging authority only did their job whenever a case of dengue aroused.
They even fogging the neighbourhood late at night that caused us to leave the
residents. They need to consider the residents who have babies and also to those who
need to wake up early in the morning for work. The fogging also caused the people to
have breathing problem when we were not told the exact time of fogging.
5.
We have made numerous appeals to the Municipal Council to look into our
complaints but to no avail. We have been putting up with this predicament for more than
a week. We hope the health authorities would do something to check these health
hazards.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Raju
(RAJU a/l MANIAM)
Secondly, the seating arrangements are inadequate. Only 12 chairs have been
provided in our library for a school of more than 200 students. Furthermore, many of the
chairs and tables are rickety and the tabletops are all so deeply scratched that it is
difficult to write on them. It would also be much more conducive to readers if some easy
chairs were provided, so pupils will able to relax while reading.
Thirdly, the media equipment in the library is not functioning. As far as I know, it
has been out-of-order since January last year and has not been repaired since then.
Finally the school librarians arc rude and unhelpful. To quote just one example,
when asked for help in finding a book, one librarian responded, Find it yourself. Do you
think I am your mother? Surely, librarians should be more willing to assist the students.
One of the objectives of our club is to encourage reading among the students of
the school. As we realise that many of the students will have little access to good
reading material apart from the school library we hope that the conditions in our library
can be improved.
..
(Noor Aishah bt Mohamad Rasol)
Secretary
School Reading Club
To
From :
Date
24 March 2011
workers. They are rude and arrogant. They often shout at students. The students are
always on the receiving end of their bad moods.
We hope that conditions at the canteen will improve. The canteen should
provide better amenities. There should also be a different menu everyday so that
students will not have to taste the same food day in and day out. Cleanliness should be
given top priority.
We hope that you will look into our complaints and take steps to remedy the
situation. The students are prepared to boycott the canteen if their complaints go
unheeded.
Reported by:
Malik
Malik bin. Mohd Jalil
The effect of global warming is very evident on the animal kingdom also. Some animals have
become extinct due to loss of their natural habitat or their inability to evolve to the rapid changes
in the climate. Also there is a change in their life style because of the changes in the seasons. The
migrating birds have changed their time of travel and also their place of migration.
The effect of global warming can be felt on seasons too. There is shift in season cycle, as the
summers are getting longer than the winters. This has affected the animals and made them to
change their lifestyle accordingly, and those who failed to do so have perished or on the verge of
extinction.
The global warming is also responsible for the introduction of some new diseases. The bacteria
are more effective and multiply much faster in warmer temperatures compared to cold
temperatures. The increase in temperature has led to increase in the microbes that cause diseases.
Global warming is also effecting the crop production, as the crops are getting destroyed by the
sudden change in temperatures or sudden on set of rains. Also the flash floods and other natural
calamities affect the crop.
As a matter of fact, because of global warming, the earths atmosphere is getting more
unpredictable with heavy rains in the areas, which have scanty rainfall or drought in the areas,
which received good annual rainfall. The months of rainfall has also getting affected.
But there are some people on the other side of the wall also, they believe that the global warming
is a natural process and cannot disturb our ecosystem. The earths surface mean temperature was
even higher a long time ago, and the ecosystem has evolved from that temperature to this. So it
can evolve further. But the changes that are happening now are rather fast compared to earlier
times.
The Malaysian government is promoting the use of organic fertilizers in Malaysia for two main
reasons. Firstly, organic agriculture is seen as important for the sustainable use and management
of natural resources. Secondly, in Malaysia, organic agriculture is identified as a niche market
opportunity for fruits and vegetables.
The Malaysian government is prepared to provide additional one-off assistance in infrastructural
development to organic farmers, in addition to eligibility for existing credit schemes and special
loans. Organic farmers will also be helped in the marketing of their produce in the domestic and
international market. In an effort to reduce the dependence on mineral fertilizers and to move
towards more natural and healthier methods of food production, the government is promoting
programmes that encourage the recycling and use of agricultural waste. This includes rice straw
and husk, empty oil-palm fruit bunches (EFB), saw dust, animal droppings, palm oil mill effluent
(POME) and other materials.
The Centre of Environment, Technology and Development, Malaysia (CETDEM) has been
involved in many conversions of farms, especially vegetable producing farms, into organic
farms. There are various forms of organic farming types in Malaysia. They include Nature
Farms, Biodynamic Farms, Ecofarms, Permaculture, Kyusu Nature Farms and Yoko Farms.
A DEMONIC GOLD
These two young, petite meerkats are fixing their gaze, with their inquiring, ball-shaped
eyes on a spectacle that you do not see everyday. They are so mesmerized, and it is as if
the meerkats are in some kind of a trance. They are standing straight and upright, like a
soldier waiting for his superior.
The sight is of a small girl around the tender age of five. She has the face of an angel. It is
one that is so pure, and it has a shine that fills the park up with life.
Her skin is very light and smooth. There are no wrinkles, no scars and no blemishes
present. It is as soft as a babys skin, brand new from birth and right out of its mothers
womb.
She is like a dove coming down from heaven, and changing its physical looks. Nothing on
this earth can be so perfect, in appearance that is.
There is something unknown about her. It is something that cannot be placed. Her eyes are
dark blue, and they are contrasted by a peculiar green that is encircling the blue. The most
catching thing about her eyes, is that there is a tiny spark of crimson red, tucked beneath
the prominent blue.
The sun is starting to set over the green hills. The park is filled with a gold brilliance that
shines its light on the autumn leaves, rebounding the rays of the sun.
And then the sun goes down. Everything changes with an extremely drastic force. The
colours cease to exist. The leaves on the floor are hiding away, crouching under their
superiors, the trees. The golden colours of autumn have disappeared; they have drifted
away into nothing.
The little girls appearance has also changed. You can no longer see her beautiful blonde
hair, but instead long strands of string that have changed to fit in with the dark presence of
the night.
It is now the blues hues being imprisoned. Her eyes have changed to a crimson red,
surrounding her pitch black pupils. She is not what she appears when everyone can see her.
She is something evil and dark. She is something that does no good. She is something that
destroys lives and takes away happiness.
What she really is, is something that only she knows, and only she will ever know.
Be A Wise Shopper
You are the Secretary of the Consumers Association in your town. You are
invited to give a talk to students of a secondary school on Be a wise shopper.
Good morning, students of Sekolah Menengah Menteri. It is a great pleasure to be
invited to your school to give a talk on Be a wise shopper.
First of all, you must not be influenced by advertisements in the mass media such as
the television, radio, newspapers and magazines. Advertisements only show a positive
side of a product without revealing the shortcomings. This is very misleading and
consumers are often tricked into buying products. For example, to promote the SKIPPI
brand of shampoo, an attractive girl with long, shiny hair is shown on television. One is
led to believe that by using the SKIPPI brand, one will have similar beautiful hair.
Also, a wise shopper should compile a list of necessary items before going shopping.
This will help you buy only what is required. Without a list, you will tend to buy
unnecessary items and thus spend a lot of money.
Furthermore, it is a good habit to compare prices in shops. In this way, you will know
where to get what you want to buy at the cheapest price. This practice is particularly
useful for big families who buy in large quantities or for those on a tight budget.
Another good habit is to check the quality and expiry dates of goods. Ensure that tins
are not dented or damaged and the expiry dates should be well ahead of time to allow
you to use the products for some time.
Finally, be careful when you buy during sales. Dont be fooled! Know your prices first
before you buy anything at a sale. Only then will you know if the sale is genuine or not.
Also, many goods during sales are old or rejects. Make sure you check the goods
carefully first.
By following these steps, I hope you will be wise shoppers and spend your money
wisely. Thank you for being such attentive listeners.
A Camping Experience
A Camping Experience
I couldnt sleep the night before. I was just too excited. This was my first time on a camping trip.
I had packed my backpack 3 days ago. There was a list of things that were required from
everyone such as sleeping bags, torchlight, matches, Mars Energy Bars and not forgetting
mosquito repellants.
Around 8am the following day, we arrived in our school bus at the foothills of Gunung Ledang
which is famous for its many myths and also beautiful camping spots. There were 20 of us. We
were all in our school scouts team accompanied by two teachers and our guide, an Orang Asli
man called Adun. First we went to register ourselves at the rangers office before starting our
hike.
It was a wonderful, cool morning. Adun pointed out to us various types of edible wild plants and
told us to 'respect the jungle' by not littering or thinking bad thoughts. 2 hours later we reached a
waterfall. It was a perfect spot to set up our tents. By the time we finished setting up the tents, it
was lunch time. Adun showed us how to gather firewood and lit up a fire. He made a makeshift
stand over the fire and hung a pot of icy water from the waterfall to boil. While waiting to cook
rice, our teachers said we could all go for a quick swim in the waterfall. We had so much fun
together! After a simple of rice and sardines, we rested for a while. In the evening, our teachers
took us exploring around the area and gather more firewood before nightfall.
At night, after dinner, we lit a big fire and sat around it. Our teachers talked about jungle survival
tips and later we played games. Then Adun told us a few mystical stories about Gunung
Ledang. Some were scary and a few of us kept looking behind our backs at the dark jungle. By
10pm our teachers asked us to go to sleep. Some of us couldnt sleep so ended up chatting
quietly in our tents till wee hours of the morning. We went home the next morning, tired but
happy.
Drug abuse is rife in many countries. Billions of dollars are spent internationally
preventing drug use, treating addicts, and fighting drug-related crime. Although
drugs threaten many societies, their effects can also be combated successfully. This
essay looks at some of the effects of drug use on society, and suggests some
solutions to the problem.
Drug abuse causes multiple problems for countries and communities. The medical
and psychological effects are very obvious. Addicts cannot function as normal
members of society. They neglect or abuse their families, and eventually require
expensive treatment or hospitalization. The second effect is on crime. Huge police
resources are needed to fight smuggling and dealing. Criminal gangs and mafia
underworlds develop with the money from drugs.
However, the menace of drugs can be fought. Education is the first battle. Children
need to be told at home and in school about drugs. People need to be aware of the
effects so that they can make avoid this problem. A second approach is to increase
police manpower and powers to stop dealers and to enforce the law. However the
main target should be the user. Families and counselors need to talk to children and
people at risk. Parents need to look at their children and help them to Jobs are
needed to give people a role in society.
Drug abuse is rife in many countries. Billions of dollars are spent internationally
preventing drug use, treating addicts, and fighting drug-related crime. Although
drugs threaten many societies, their effects can also be combated successfully. This
essay looks at some of the effects of drug use on society, and suggests some
solutions to the problem.
Drug abuse causes multiple problems for countries and communities. The medical
and psychological effects are very obvious. Addicts cannot function as normal
members of society. They neglect or abuse their families, and eventually require
expensive treatment or hospitalization. The second effect is on crime. Huge police
resources are needed to fight smuggling and dealing. Criminal gangs and mafia
underworlds develop with the money from drugs.
However, the menace of drugs can be fought. Education is the first battle. Children
need to be told at home and in school about drugs. People need to be aware of the
effects so that they can make avoid this problem. A second approach is to increase
police manpower and powers to stop dealers and to enforce the law. However the
main target should be the user. Families and counselors need to talk to children and
people at risk. Parents need to look at their children and help them to Jobs are
needed to give people a role in society.
First and foremost, English will definitely help you a lot when you want to
further studies. Almost all books at university are written in English in all subjects.
Plus, it is a compulsory for any candidate to pass English with credit before entering
any universities. So, if you are poor in English, you will blow you chance for better
education or worse, you are going to have a big problem studying at university.
The second reason why you have to study English well is that it will help
you to get a job. When you go for a job interview, the interviewer will surely talk to
you in English. The first impression you should give in order to success and have
the job is, to respond in English fluently. Your chances of getting the job are very
slim if you stutter while interviewing.
A good command in of English will also help you greatly in your job. If the
company you work is actively involved in international trade, you have to speak to
prospective customers in English. Miscommunication might occur if your English is
bad. And this will put your company at risk and you will likely be dismissed if this
happen.
Good English will also help you a lot when you travel. Every country in the
world studies English. Even the roadside stall-holders in China speak fairly good
English! At least some of the people you meet on your travels in other countries can
understand English. The language is certainly practical when you are lost in your
trip. Communication problem will not happen if you can converse well in English.
Inevitably, English is one of the languages used in any airport in the world in
making announcement. Knowing English well, therefore, make travelling overseas
easier.
Besides all these, entertainment is one of the major advantages you will
experience if you good in English. You will enjoy televisions best programmes. We
must admit that many of the best programmes are produced by the Americans and
British companies. High self confidence influenced by the programmes will indirect
inculcate in yourself when you are fluent in the language. Quality time is worthily
spent if you understand and enjoy the programmes.
Based from all the above elaboration, I hope that students will see the
importance and realise how importance the language is for their own future.
Although it is a second language in our country, it is now a main language all over
the world.
It was the same bus I got onto every morning, but today, I fell asleep in the bus.
When I woke up, I sensed something was unusual. The bus took me to a strange
place that I had not seen before. Before I managed to ask the bus driver, it
vanished.
Wandering around aimlessly looking for anybody, the place seemed weird. Some
crows were flying above me. There was an old building on the waste land. When I
reached the building, a girl tapped me from behind. Liz was wearing a school
uniform. She looked very beautiful as she gestured me towards the building.
When I got into the building, there were many people. They were wearing the same
uniform as Liz. I realised that it was a school. The students were going to their
classes. Being a new student, Liz brought me to see the principal. I followed her
without saying any word.
In the spacious principals office, I was welcomed by En. Juhair. He told Liz to bring
me to Class A. It was overcrowded. We took our seats at the back row. Everybody
stood up and said Sam! Welcome to Monster School! I was so shocked to hear
that. I could hardly believe my ears and eyes. All of a sudden, the students and
teachers looked like monsters.
Looking closer at Ms. Munirah, I noticed she wore a tail. I had an unpleasant feeling
in my stomach. I turned to face pretty Liz and felt relieved that she was still the
same, she was just smiling. The very thought of this bizzare place made me feel
like running away. Nevertheless, I kept the thought to myself.
When the school bell rang, I planned my escape route. I couldnt leave LIz behind
and decided to invite her along. She happily agreed to my infamous plan because
she knew that the monsters would kill me for being a human. We rushed out of
school quickly. I showed her the bus station where I got down in this morning.
Apparently we had been spotted by the monsters. They were trying to catch us. As
we were beginning to feel helpless, fortunately the bus came into the station. Both
Liz and I boarded the bus. It was going at a maddening speed. Feeling exhausted, I
dozed to sleep . When I got up, I was surprised to see a vacant seat next to me.
Did you see the girl next to me?
Which girl? You were alone.
The bus driver looked at me with cynical eyes and shook his head unbelievingly. It
was 2.30 pm when the bus stopped in front of my house. I still could not
understand what had happened to me until now. Maybe to some people this seems
like a joke; to others, it is just a fantasy. However, to me, this has been a very
shockingly unexplainable experience in my life.
The first outstanding characteristic about the countryside is that it is beautiful and peaceful. The
air is fresh and the surroundings green. This is because the countryside is free from pollution,
be it air, land or noise pollution. There no such perfect peaceful view that you can see other than
in the countryside.
There are no crowded streets and heavy traffic in the countryside. Thus there are no fumes from
cars and smoke from factories buildings to pollute the air. The trees surrounded the countryside
help the people from inhaling the polluted air. The freshness smell of plant somehow helps the
people of the countryside to have a healthy life.
Furthermore, people in the countryside are more conscious of keeping their surroundings clean
and so there is little throwing of rubbish everywhere, only at designated places. This is unlike
the cities where if the garbage trucks do not collect the rubbish disposed by household or
restaurants, the city will be overflowing with rubbish! This will attract the mosquitoes, fly, rats
and wild dogs to pollute their surrounding that will cause them to have diseases like dengue and
cholera.
Thirdly, heavy traffic and crowded streets increase the level of noise pollution. The honking of
cars in the streets is continuous and the crowds on the roads increase the hub of activity. There
are also sound of the machine used in manufacturing factories, loud radio in and out the mall.
These add to the noise of the city. Even if one lives in residential areas, one is never far from
busy streets.
However, in the countryside, life is slow-paced. There is no need to rush around because there
are not too many places to go. Most places are close by and people can walk or cycle. Less
vehicle used, so less fumes is released.
The most heart-warming thing about the countryside is the attitude of people. People are
friendly and helpful. If there are any happy or festive occasions, everyone pitches in to help.
This feeling of cooperation and neighbourliness is what separates the countryside from the city.
In the city, people are too busy to take note of the people around. Some hardly even know their
neighbours. So they would not even be bothered about what happens to people around. This is
why the crime rate is increasing in the city because bystanders do not rush in to help if a crime
is committed on the streets.
The pace of life in the countryside is slow so people have more time to enjoy life as the day
goes on. Thus, for me to enjoy the quality of life, I prefer to live in the countryside
Born on 20th December, 1925 in Alor Setar, Dr. Mahathir is the son of a teacher. He is the
youngest of nine children of a school teacher and a housewife. His father, Mohamad Iskandar,
was of Indian descent, being the son of a Muslim and a Malay mother, while Mahathir's own
mother, Datin Wan Tempawan Wan Hanafi, was Malay. He is married to Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah
binti Haji Mohamad Ali, they have seven children, four sons and three daughters. From an early
age, Tun Mahathir had the importance of education drummed into him by his father, who was
also a strict disciplinarian.
After his early education at the Maktab Sultan Abdul Hamid in Alor Setar, he enrolled at
the King Edward VII College of Medicine in the University of Singapore. Armed with a MBBS
degree in medicine, he set up his own clinic, the Maha Clinic in Alor Setar. As a doctor, Tun
Mahathir came into close contact with people from variety of social strata and enjoyed a close
rapport with them. He understood their problems. Thus, when he was thrust into the politic
limelight, he strove to fulfil the needs of the people.
He was first catapulted into the world of politics when he became the Member of Parliement for
Alor Setar in 1964. After holding a number of portfolios, including Minister of Education, Minister
of Trade and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister, he finally became the Prime Minister on 16th
July, 1981. The country flourished with Dr. Mahathir at the helm of the government. His
contributions to the nation are so immense and par excellence. He has left his mark in every
aspect in politics, economy or education.
Realizing that government-owned enterprises are neither efficient nor profitable, he initiated the
privation policy in 1983. This had immediate effect of cutting down bureaucratic ineptitude and
operational cost while at the same time generating more revenue.
With collapse of the prices of agricultural commodities in the eighties, Tun Mahathir decided that
it was time to shift the nations focus to more profitable areas. Thus, he started the
industrialization programme. Reputed as the countrys top salesman, he showcased Malaysia to
investors abroad in a bid to woo them. As a result of the heavy industrialization drive, major
projects like national car project or PROTON and the steel company, PERWAJA, together with
other mega project were launched one after another. Next, realizing that industrialization would
require a good infrastructure, he set about improving it. The Mahathir era saw a successful
completion of the North-South Highway, the East-West Highway, the Multimedia Super Corridor,
the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang and many more.
An astute politician, he charted the growth of the countrys progress from the day he took office.
He envisages that Malaysia can only attain the status of a fully developed country if it becomes
an industrialization one and this ambition has been his main agenda during his tenure. With this
in mind, he announced Vision 2020, his most ambitious vision.
Frank and outspoken by nature, Tun Mahathir speak without fear nor favour. This has been the
hallmark of thus much respected statesman. The inefficiency of local and international
organizations has always come under his scrutiny and critism.
It has been almost two decades since Tun Mahathir took over reins of the government. It has
undoubtedly been the golden era for Malaysia with many notable achievements.
I could hardly wait for the school bell to ring as it was the last day of the term. And although I
had just finished my last exam, I couldn't help but daydream about the fun I would have for the
next few months - getting up late, watching movies with my friends, spending time with my
relatives in Pakistan and generally doing things I enjoy doing but don't find the time to.
When the bell finally rang, we rushed out of our classrooms as if released from prison.
Chattering and yelling to be heard, we all gathered in a corner of the schoolyard to discuss our
plans for the coming weeks. Everyone had something to say.
To begin with, we decided to have a water fight right there and then and did. We got soaked
through and through and got caught by one the school nuns. We were lucky to escape with a
scolding.
My friends decided they were coming to my place and I had to hurriedly phone and warn my
unsuspecting mother. Luckily mom made dozens of hot dogs and French fries and we had a fun
lunch in my room.
After lunch we decided to go to the City Centre to watch the third Harry Potter film. We got there
an hour too soon but had fun all the same checking out the cosmetics shops, video games
outlets and other shops that interested us.
Finally, we bought large bags of popcorn, gigantic paper glasses of cokes and trouped into the
cinema hall. The movie was terrific as expected and when it got over I had to overcome the urge
to see it again.
The day was not over for us, however, as we still had a friend's birthday party to attend. The
only problem was that we had almost run out of money so we pooled together what we had and
bought a gift that all thought was just perfect. Luckily, the birthday girl thought so too, so that
was a relief.
The party turned out to be full of fun and games and we really enjoyed it no end. When we
finally headed our different ways, it was with no regrets. It had been an eventful day and a full
one... the perfect start to the summer holidays.
About seventeen years ago, a beautiful young woman, named Kari, was trying to adjust and
understand the purpose of her life. She was a typical adolescent, making mistakes and hoping
each lesson would guide her in the right direction of life. At this time, she was living in Germany,
occupied in the US Army, on and off with a boyfriend, and fighting to keep a relationship with her
family, through letters. It may not seem like an ideal situation, but everything in life has a
purpose, the challenge is discovering it. Unlike most adolescents, her life was put into
perspective very quickly. At the age of nineteen, Kari received results from a test, which
changed her life forever. She was pregnant.
In January 1995, at the age of twenty years old, Kari gave birth to a baby girl. Her life now
revolved around her child, Alexis. She got out of her relationship, got a job, and found a safe
place for the two of them. Now living with her mom and step dad, working as a papergirl
(newspaper delivery person), and fighting for divorce, Kari was struggling. It didnt matter
though; she made the best of it.
When Alexis was two, Kari married her husband, Mike. Together, they got a town home. Now,
with a home and family, it may seem like times were great, but there was still a lot of life to be
learned from. Mike was constantly traveling; in fact, he was in Utah for two years after they got
married. Kari was now raising Alexis, working seven days a week, and working to keep her
marriage healthy. As with everything in her life, Kari took sacrifices and made it work.
Fourteen years later, looking at this 36 year old, you would never realize the struggles she has
faced in life. She is a beautiful, young, and caring, mother, friend and wife. She lives in a nice
house, takes care of kids, home-schools Alexis and, her husband is home almost every night.
She has many great qualities, but I think the characteristic that makes her the most unique and
genuine person, is her love and creativity. She was, and is, able to take anything normal and
make it enjoyable.
By now you have probably realized, I am Alexis, her daughter. I have a great relationship with
my mom, something many girls, my age, are lacking. In some ways, its like we grew up
together (although twenty years apart), best friends. She has always provided the loving, but
strict mother figure, which I can rely on, in my life. Her creativity brought me lots of fun times,
and cherished memories, throughout my adolescents. Her strong words and lectures, many she
has learned from in the past, bring me wisdom and guidance for the rest of my life. And her
open and loving heart, gives me a safe place to share my emotions. I never could ask for a
better person to spend my memories with, for they wouldnt be the memories they are, without
her
To:
Sergeant Razali Kamrin
From: Julia Selamat
Date: 7th September 2011
Report of the accident on Jalan 2/14
On 7th September 2011 at 10.30 a.m., I was walking alone Jalan 2/14 which is next to
the childrens playground. As I was about to cross the road to enter the park, I saw a car driving
swiftly down Jalan 4/14. It was a Honda Civic with the number plate BEH 9110. Another car, a
Toyota Vios 1.5 with plate number WHM 4657 came out of Jalan 4/14 as well. The Honda Civic
was driving too fast that make it did not have time to avoid collision.
The accident caused a loud crash. The Honda Civic hit the Toyota Vios on the drivers
door. The door could not be opened and the driver had to get out from the passengers door.
The driver of the Toyota Vios was lucky as he survived with no physical injuries. Both air bags
popped up when they collided to each other. They both were fortunate as their car was not
badly damaged and dented.
The Toyota Vioss windscreen was shattered to pieces. The Honda Civics headlight and signal
light were smashed. There was plenty of glass on the road. The two drivers startled to argue.
The driver of the Honda City was a woman. They blamed each other and the argument stopped
when her mobile phone rang. Most of the passerby slowed down their vehicle to watch the
accident. Some pedestrian came by and offered help.
As it happened, I ran into my house which is close by. I called the nearest police station and in
ten minutes, a police car drove up. I told the police officer I had witnessed the accident and
offered to come out to the station to give a statement. The cars were towed to the side of the
road first, and then were brought to the police station before to workshop. Pictures were taken
for insurance claim.
In my opinion, the driver of the Honda City is to blame for the accident. She was driving too fast
and did not pay any attention to vehicles coming out from the side road. The driver of the Toyota
Vios should have stopped at the junction.