I am writing this in light of the recent newspaper reports stating that the Indonesian Govt is not willing to let their citizens work as maids in Malaysia. This is because of the increase in maid abuse cases by Malaysian employers. They are starting to demand that if the next batch are needed to come in, we will need give them many more benefits that they already enjoy, like one day off, allow them to carry their own passports and an increase in salary.
I do admit that the Indonesian maids are being paid a lot less than if they went to Hong Kong, the Middle East or Singapore. I know for a fact that they aren't allowed elsewhere since Filipino maids are much more in demand elsewhere.
Now, anyone who has hired an Indonesian maid will understand why we are paying lower and why we keep the passports from them and why they don't have a day off. What irks me is how come we are not highlighting the fact that these maids are largely inept, lazy and are dick-crazy!
There have been many cases that have not gone reported of maids abusing the children or old people under their care. Why? It's because we are generally nice people. There were also disturbances at the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta by a group called Bendera (why would they name themselves "flag" is beyond me) who asked for Malaysian companies to leave Indonesia and for Indonesians to come back. Yeah, come back to what? Poverty?
Just for the record, we are not that hot about them being here either. They enter illegally and are sheltered by our generosity and we get it thrown back in our faces. If they want to demand, we want to impose a few demands of our own:-
1. Learn the language - We don't speak Indonesian and in case you thought we have the same language, think again.
2. Be trained for ALL basic domestic housework - We have maids who have never seen a flush toilet. Learn how to use an iron and understand the concept of the bleach so that my 200 dollar blue shirt doesn't look like it's have a Michael Jackson syndrome.
3. Learn to cook - at least be useful around the kitchen and not use the soya sauce as cooking oil!
4. Stay away from the guys - It's simple. You are here for 2 years and you are going home. There is no future with whatever guy you think you want to be with and these Indonesian blue collars are not in love with you. They are just looking for a convenient lay. Anything with a pulse will do. When you are at the airport going home, you can screw in the latrine for all I care.
5. Don't steal - Maybe from where they came from, stealing is a rule you can bend. Pls train your people that it may be ok to do so in their own country but not in mine.
6. BE diligent - It's a hard life from where you came from. Compared to that, 99% of your employers are God sent. You are fed, clothed and given luxury. Work diligently and do what you are supposed to do.
7. Stop lying! - You are not good liars and still you are lying. On top of that you think we are stupid enough not to figure it out. Maybe your culture tolerates it but pls educate your people that lying and lying stupidly at that is a very bad character flaw.
8. Be grateful - We have the same culture, same food, same religious tolerance and 50% similar language as Indonesia. In the Middle East women have no rights, let alone a foreign domestic maid (yeah I said it1), food is not kosher and you have to learn a new language pretty quick, or you are out of there. The expectations are higher and people are not forgiving.
This is what I can think of in short notice. If you have any ideas you want to share, drop me a line! Let;s hope the alternatives from Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand won't give us a social headache.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Universal Studios
What's it like to have a taste of Hollywood in Asia? HOT LIKE HELL!!! I doubt even Hell was as hot! The new Universal Studios in SG was a slight disappointment but it was a lot of fun none the less. It was divided to New York, New York which was supposed to be a replica of the Big Apple in the 50s, Sci-Fi, Ancient Egypt, Madagascar, Lost World and Far, Far, Away.
True to our family trend, we got there around 9.30 and met Kwein CC who graciously spent the whole day with us and 7 kids. Now that is no mean feat ok? We had kids with all kinds of characteristics and they can drive a nun to bottle. The disappointment was that some of the rides were either closed or not open yet. Battlestar Galactica's roller coaster ride was closed for repairs because one of the seat flew off! The official reason was that the car was not to their specifications. I want to say something smart here but it would be too easy. There is a boat ride at the Madagascar section but that was not opened yet.
On top of that, the afternoon heat was at least 40 degrees. We were swimming in our own salty sweat in the sweltering heat. There were many characters in costumes who came out to parade, dance and provide photo opps. I felt so much gratitude and admiration to these guys/gals who continued playing their part professionally in being cooked in their furry costumes at 40 degrees. Imagine Alex the Lion in an oven. That guy must have lost at least 10 lbs that day.
Princess Fiona though decided to buck the trend and she came out as sour a puss as you can find. She was so pissed, I mistook her for the evil witch in Snow White. She couldn't crack any smile and looked to upset, I almost asked her if she is having a stroke!!
Ancient Egypt was a lot of fun and scary. There was a Lights, Camera, Action show which showed us how special effects were used in creating a hurricane scene in New York. That was SUPER Cool!!! At least I liked it. There were other shows like Monster Rock (miss it if you can) and Shrek 4D. That's not too bad.
Lost World were also good rides. One is a canopy thingy ride where you are "hung" on the seat with your feet dangling 20 meters above the ground. The merchandises were not too bad but Universal Studio price, so go easy. Just outside of the entrance, there is a huge Hershey shop with the best popcorn sold next door. I was so mesmerised by the popcorn that I didn't notice the name of the shop. Their popcorn was so rich and aromatic. It was great....and expensive. Even the stale popcorn were still good.
Needless to say the food really sucked but it was not as pricey and since we had no choice, cannot complain then lor. Now can complain. We were, however, treated to a sumptuous dinner at the prestigious China Club where "Yau Chin Tou Mm Yap Tak". Got money also cannot enter.
I had a great time with my family and cousins as we usually do. If you are looking forward to visiting anytime soon, I would suggest checking the website to ensure all the rides are ready. You will have more fun that way and getting your money's worth...hey, I am Chindian.
True to our family trend, we got there around 9.30 and met Kwein CC who graciously spent the whole day with us and 7 kids. Now that is no mean feat ok? We had kids with all kinds of characteristics and they can drive a nun to bottle. The disappointment was that some of the rides were either closed or not open yet. Battlestar Galactica's roller coaster ride was closed for repairs because one of the seat flew off! The official reason was that the car was not to their specifications. I want to say something smart here but it would be too easy. There is a boat ride at the Madagascar section but that was not opened yet.
On top of that, the afternoon heat was at least 40 degrees. We were swimming in our own salty sweat in the sweltering heat. There were many characters in costumes who came out to parade, dance and provide photo opps. I felt so much gratitude and admiration to these guys/gals who continued playing their part professionally in being cooked in their furry costumes at 40 degrees. Imagine Alex the Lion in an oven. That guy must have lost at least 10 lbs that day.
Princess Fiona though decided to buck the trend and she came out as sour a puss as you can find. She was so pissed, I mistook her for the evil witch in Snow White. She couldn't crack any smile and looked to upset, I almost asked her if she is having a stroke!!
Ancient Egypt was a lot of fun and scary. There was a Lights, Camera, Action show which showed us how special effects were used in creating a hurricane scene in New York. That was SUPER Cool!!! At least I liked it. There were other shows like Monster Rock (miss it if you can) and Shrek 4D. That's not too bad.
Lost World were also good rides. One is a canopy thingy ride where you are "hung" on the seat with your feet dangling 20 meters above the ground. The merchandises were not too bad but Universal Studio price, so go easy. Just outside of the entrance, there is a huge Hershey shop with the best popcorn sold next door. I was so mesmerised by the popcorn that I didn't notice the name of the shop. Their popcorn was so rich and aromatic. It was great....and expensive. Even the stale popcorn were still good.
Needless to say the food really sucked but it was not as pricey and since we had no choice, cannot complain then lor. Now can complain. We were, however, treated to a sumptuous dinner at the prestigious China Club where "Yau Chin Tou Mm Yap Tak". Got money also cannot enter.
I had a great time with my family and cousins as we usually do. If you are looking forward to visiting anytime soon, I would suggest checking the website to ensure all the rides are ready. You will have more fun that way and getting your money's worth...hey, I am Chindian.
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