Getting Personal

According to Malaysia Today, it seems that the obsession for a nice number plate in Malaysia is hitting fever pitch with the latest ‘TAY 1’ hitting six figures. According to the Terengganu RTD (Road Transport Department), that number plate received RM220,000 (NZ$94,607.00); the highest bid in the country ever!

POOR-RICH Malaysians! Are they mad? Or are they willing suckers for the RTD?

Well, in New Zealand you could have got that plate today through "Plates.co.nz" for NZ$ 799.00 (RM1,858.00). The amount paid for the Malaysian plate can buy you a Ferrari to wear that plate!!

When I check at the on line site today. "TAY 1" was taken but you can have "TAYONE" for the same amount, as a matter of fact you can have any combination you want as long as it is available for NZ$799.00!

Not only that, NZ Plates offer various design options! For instance, your TAYONE can be:

Children of the Dam

Today, Sunday; March 7 is 10th anniversary of the Children's Day in New Zealand.

On this day I remember the "Children of the Dam"...

They were taken at Kuala Kubu Bahru, Malaysia; just before their homes and village were taken away to build a new dam.

Did the local wanted the dam? Was there a referendum? Are you kidding me, refer-what? Was it in the name of progress? Was there a hidden agenda?

As a photographer, I am only an observer; sigh :( But there are plenty who speak out against the dam, against dislocating the tribes that has lived there for eons!

A question was asked, "Would the RM2.14 billion Sg Selangor Dam follow the fate of the Sultan Abu Bakar Dam in Ringlet, Cameron Highlands in ten to twenty years down the line?"
You think the authority give a dam (damn)? I remember the children of the dam....

Putting on a brave smiles, these Orang Asli children are going to loose their village soon to a new dam. The price of progress?

This shot was taken with a 15mm fish-eye from a high perspective to portrays the "little people" theme. Kuala Kubu Bahru, Perak; Malaysia. © C.Y.Leow