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I noticed TheStar online started running a poll a few days ago. The question asked was, “Should race be a required information in official forms?” 20% answered “Yes” while 80% answered “No”.

Personally, I find it rather amusing. I have had no problems filling up the race field in any forms since I was a kid. I would just write CINA or CHINESE, depending on the language of course.

Does it really matter if individuals are required to fill in their race information in official forms? So what if the government of the day decides to remove the “race” field from all official forms? Will 80% of those who answered the poll (together with the others who support the move) finally feel [whatever they were lacking by having to fill up their race in official forms]?

I say, leave the forms as they are.

I am neither in favor nor against retaining the race information in official forms, or any other forms for that matter. In fact, I think the issue isn’t whether race should or should not be mandatory in official forms.

That is simply because (chances are high that) Teoh Ah Kao isn’t Indian, Mutusammy A/L Supramaniam isn’t Malay and Abu Bin Ali isn’t Chinese. (NOTE: Names mentioned are imaginary figures and does not relate to anyone alive or dead.)

So, until and unless we solve the actual “problem” — provided they is one at the first place — having race as a mandatory field in official forms is a nonissue.

Should race be a required information in official forms? Why not?

I was just wondering when the fasting month will start. I have asked a few people but no one was certain of the date. Anyway, it was announced yesterday that Ramadan will be starting on 22/08/2009.

The quote below was taken from the MK article that I read:

Muslims in Malaysia will begin the Ramadan fast on Saturday, Aug 22.

The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Engku Tan Sri Ibrahim Engku Ngah, announced over TV1 on today night that the date was fixed with the consent of the rulers. – Bernama

Immediately, the phrase “today night” caught my attention. Today night? I seldom (almost never) come across that phrase. I had to check with Google to get a confirmation.

This English forum post pointed out that “today night” is wrong. Instead, it should have been “tonight”. Even then, the word “on” before that phrase should have been omitted.

TheStar article used “Thursday night” instead.

So, who’s to blame? MK or Bernama?

I must admit that my interest towards Formula One (F1) has somewhat deteriorated over the years. I no longer feel the urge and willingness to stay up all night to see 20 over cars circle a race track like I used to. In fact, I have only watched one or two live races on the television this year alone.

I never really understood why at first. I thought it was because of the bad reception I have in my rented room due to a weak/bad antenna. It is also troublesome to move and set up the television just for a couple of hours of use. Maybe I was just too busy with my work the past few months. I don’t know.

Bernie Ecclestone

After reading this article on Bernie Ecclestone’s attempt to justify his proposed “medals” scoring system, I realized why Formula One has become what it is today.

I never really understood his proposed “medals” scoring system. The whole idea of his system seems to only concentrate on rewarding the race winner. I understand that he is just trying to fix a problem — when a driver leading the drivers’ championship by a huge margin settling for lowers positions instead of risking and pushing for a win.

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