To become a better person...

I used to read a quote;

"To Become a better person, you need to travel more"

There is truth behind the words, and there is also my not. It is very dependent on the destination you go. As a Malaysian, should be proud about and grateful for all that we have in this country. Malaysia's position is (arguably) in the heart of Southeast Asia makes it a very strategic from the point of economic development. Malaysia's progress very rapidly enabled us to enjoy a variety of facilities and can meet various demands. Thanks to the leaders of Malaysia has managed to bring Malaysia forward compared with surrounding countries.

I do not want to talk about politics. Not at all. Reverse in the quote above, exploring other places can open our eyes and thinking about life, culture, employment, and so on. Do not talk about developed countries like the United States, Europe, or Japan. We are talking about the Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam or Thailand.

Just look at the job they are doing. They are willing to do the smallest jobs to make ends meet. There a story during my visit to Malioboro, Yogyakarta in 2009, There are many street vendors selling items such as key chains, t-shirts, and other souvenirs. Of course bargaining will happen to get the price as low as possible. However, I was very touched when I asked the price may be too low for the 10-in-1 packet of key chains. Perhaps the seller are siblings. There were holding hand to each other will full of hopes and guilty. It was too cheap to sell, but if not they will able to sell at all. Finally, I agreed to pay the original price because I sympathized with them. Then at that time I saw them smile and asked me if I am from Malaysia.

The same thing happened when I visited Thailand. Who would have thought we were allowed to ride motorcycles in threes. It happened during the Hadyai when my friend and I want to go Khlong Hae Floating Market. We were approached by some men offering taxis to our desired destination. After discussing with a guy, we finally agreed to ride a motorcycle with him. I thought we would ride on 2 different bikes, apparently it was only 1 motorcycle. Of course we laughed the whole way. This is what they called a job. They are not taking advantage on the tourist, but this is what they do for living.

What impressed me, I was rarely meet local people who ask for alms. Although they are not rich or we can say as poor, but really I do not see anyone begging. In contrast, developed country that is said against them. To say the pressure of life, I do not know, I'm not sure. I believe Malaysians mostly from the medium and I also believe a lot of work to do to increase their income as long as they want to work.

But of course, Malaysia still has an underdeveloped area. For example, in East Malaysia, in Sabah and Sarawak. My visit to Semporna, Sabah last year, also has a variety of stories. I went there to dive at Sipadan Island and other islands. But the stories in Sabah is told by a friend who is also a local state. Although my friend is a rich man, but their political focus is to provide education to their residents in order to secure their future in the future. They will not starve because they are in a place with natural resources of the sea. But they are relatively less awareness in pursuit of knowledge. This is acknowledged by my sister who teaches in Semporna. Not only the pupils, but the teachers are also equally lazy. What else is needed? Access fees, books are also free. All it takes is the desire to acquire knowledge.


Although not many countries I've ever visited, but for me the experience was valuable enough. I'm not like other tourists on holiday just to shop. Even the souvenirs for my family too rarely buy. Not due to financial factors, but I think my vacation purposes may be different from others. Owh, I'm just talking about my backpacking trip, not including my scuba diving trip. That's not at all or budget backpacking trips because it is an expensive sport.

Occasionally we have awakened from sound sleep. I am grateful for my experience as a military officer trained me to thick deposits of mentally and physically. I'm not a sporty or fit as people think, but I train my mind to be strong and not fussy in the face of imperfect life. It reminds me of The Hobbit & The Unexpected Journey. The hobbits have grown accustomed to this perfect life, to anywhere must have books and handkerchiefs, and all that does not mean when he start its journey. And finally he learns about life that way.

Life is a continuous learning. Best degree came from the streets. Whatever our achievements, we never forget our origins. Then we will always feel grateful. That human nature was never satisfied. Therefore, we should be wise in the face of life was planned by him. Because of Him we come, and to Him we will return. 

~Wallahua'lam~