King Kong The Mighty Turtle

Semalam kami pergi jalan-jalan. Konon-konon nak buat senaman. Saya beli aiskerim cokelat, dia beli tau foo fah. Sambil jalan sambil makan. Bahaya bila badan se slim macam ni buat senaman dan tak makan… nanti kami hilang…

The last time we went to the park, we didn’t even cross the gate. I said something stupid. She over reacted. We both lost our mood to walk. We weren’t married back then… :)

We even visited “King Kong”. King Kong is/was my turtle. Masa dia kecik dulu, dia suka makan and belasah semua turtle lain sampai diorang mati. Kesian diorang. King Kong jinak dengan saya. Saya suap dia makan setiap hari. Kalau campak je makanan pun dia makan jugak. Tapi nampak mesra sikit kalau suap dia makan.

He used to teman me when I was downstairs bergayut with the Bride. We were very close.

When he grew big, I lepaskan dia dekat lake dekat Kiara Park. His emails seem to suggest that he is happy there. I heard he’s got three girlfriends now. I am not sure if he had three girlfriends or has three girlfriends. I don’t mind. I don’t judge turtles.

Most of the time I don’t even judge humans. I leave the judging part at work only.

So here’s to King Kong!

Oh boy… my mind is so exhausted after completing one alasan penghakiman after full trial and another extension to some drug dependant ruling I plan to read out next week. I have not heard the matter yet but I have framed the body of the order. The body consist of what has transpired and the facts of the case. So there is no prejudice in this case.

I’m trying a new style for my current alasan penghakiman... I’m imitating Lord Denning’s style of writing a story in his judgments.

"It was a lovely day for picnic. Mr X and family was out...."

Hehehe... That's Lord Denning's style for one criminal case. If I am nt mistaken it was a death caused by a car accident case. The accused ran over the family having a picnic somewhere in England. I have yet to reach 20% of his creative style.

The Bride said my style sounds like Expose Mistik’s commentator. Hahaha… didn’t see that coming…

Blog adjourned.

The Passion Is Yours!!!

Aidahs asked me what is so easy and what is difficult doing what I do now. I didn’t publish the comment because I wanted to answer that question in this post. This post is for you Aidahs!

In the beginning, it was certainly difficult for me. The procedures that I knew were only in theory. It only gave me slight confidence on the Bench. So I spent one month researching for more details. I had gastric attacks for the whole month which required the doctor to put a camera to see if I had any ulcers. Hahaha. Alhamdulillah no problem. I have a video of my stomach. You can see my esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The Bride was there. She was beside me the whole time. I got really high because of the painkiller. The doctor said that I should fall asleep but I was stronger than the dosage he gave me. So I was a very “happy” man that day. I can now say that the Bride knows me “inside out!”

Anyway, back to the story, I got to know my seniors and spent a lot of time learning from their experiences. I asked a lot and learned a lot. Some counsels who appeared before me were also helpful.

I also learned and practiced a lot of prayers and zikrs. Zikr means remembrance of God. If you remember Him, He will never forget you. I had that in my mind. I try to make it a point to read a three page compilation of hadiths by Imam Nawawi, Lauanzalna, the three Kull, ayatul Kursi, the ending of Al-Baqarah and many other Quranic verses daily.

Because of such effort in the first month, things got easier the following months. I have a whole stack of cases and procedures beside me. Every time something new is brought up before me, I would make sure I have the necessary law to back my rulings or decisions before I make them. I want to be sure that I do not err in law.

Credits MUST be given to my learned seniors for their knowledge, experience, wisdom, time and patience (amongst the many virtues that they have!). The Session Court Judge in charge of KL Subordinate Courts even held weekly meetings to help the new officers to be acquainted with the necessary stuff. That was awesome! Everyone was cooperative and helped each other out. I really felt accepted in the “criminal family”! Ahaks!

So the difficult part of the job is to master the procedures and the law and after that, everything will be easy.

The best catalyst to jump from “difficult” to “easy” phase is to have passion in what you do. I am very passionate about the law and I want to contribute in its development. When you are passionate in doing something, you’d be surprise at its result. Use passion as a motivation.

The Passion Is Yours!!!
*Nada Captain Planet*

Blog adjourned.

“They”

One week to go and the work just keep on coming!

I expect about 5 appeals to be filed within the next week. I also have a remand and two junkies’ proceedings. On Thursday I will have to give my lecture to the traffic investigating officers. I will end my duties here by doing another remand on next Sunday. Next Monday will see me elsewhere.

Yesterday my chambers felt weird. I completed one defence witness at 5.15pm. One more witness to go before I decide. I thought of looking through my files and do some reading. I knew I was the only one left here but I could sense that there were “others”. “They” didn’t bother me. “They” were just present. “They” sort of made me feel restless. I didn’t feel any fear as I have been taught to always be or think stronger than “they” do. But I was really restless.

With such restless feeling, I knew that there was no point of doing anymore work. I was on the Bench full day over the past week. I was really tired and decided to go home. The restless feeling reduced when I got into my car and totally disappeared when I saw the Bride at home.

Let’s see if “they” plan to visit me again today or it was just my tired imagination yesterday. If it was true that “they” visited me yesterday, than they must’ve heard I was leaving and wanted to say goodbye. I doubt if I would ever know the truth in this world.

Blog adjourned...

Adversarial System v. Inquisitorial System

The two most prominent legal systems are the adversarial and inquisitorial system. The judge in the former system decides upon submission and evidence adduced by counsels. The latter system sees that the judge takes active steps in the building of the case. Malaysia adopts the adversarial system. Google it for more info.

I realized now why I almost flunked my professional practice paper when I was doing my final year in law school. The question was like the above title.

I thought (back then) that in an adversarial system, the judge cannot ask any question. He just accepts the submission and evidence adduced before him and decides at the end of the case. Since in the law journals, I always read how judges actually probed and questioned the witnesses during trials, then Malaysian legal system is actually inquisitorial in nature.

Little did I realize that even in an adversarial system, judges can ask certain question during examinations. But it must be done properly, judiciously and fairly. There can be no leading questions. If there are, and if the judge relied on it for his decision, it could be a valid ground for appeal. If the counsel is smart, he won’t object to the judge’s question and use it as ammo for his appeal. A sleazy and tacky tactic.

Oh well, blog adjourned.

High School Sweet Bride

In The Beginning...

Around 9 years ago I went in for my additional mathematics tuition in shorts and a plain white t-shirt. I completed soccer training and had to attend an extra class for my extra class. The other students were doing modern mathematics. I was a bit late (as usual). Panting heavily, I walked in calmly. Then I saw her stealing a long look at me. I smiled back at her.

8 years ago she joined my additional mathematics class. I was thrilled. I started to fiddle with her calculator saying that her number eight and zero are similar and hard to differentiate. She used to wear her Winnie the Pooh T-shirt. We became friends.

Sometime later, her school prom was nearby. It was on 20th January 2001. She asked me to be her date. She was so diplomatic with her words that eventually I was the one who asked her to go to her prom with me. It was the first time we both went to a prom and we went together. My brother-in-law sent us as I didn’t have full driving licence yet and no one wanted to borrow me a car. He however, could not pick us up. Her father had to send me home. It was truly an awkward journey.

Sometime ago she said this to me:

"My two_one, fell in love with him the first time our eyes met...i haven't stopped falling since...i don't think i ever will..."

7 months ago, I married her.

Some people say its fate. Some say its love. Some say its luck.

I say that I married my high school sweetheart and not many can say that!

In The End...

“Bride” Adjourned…

Till Death Do Us Part

Yesterday I met one anti drugs agency officer. I asked her what she thinks about my “style” of handling junkies when I give my order. She said that it will be a waste knowing that I will no longer be doing it as things always gets “panas” when it is my turn.

“Panas” in the sense that I won’t let these junkies go off easily if the recommendation is for police supervision. I would make sure that they practically beg for them to be allowed for police supervision before I make my order.

Apparently, last week, I asked one junky to apologise and swear to his mother (who was ill and could not stand) that he will not take any drugs again. His brother was there. When the anti drugs agency officer went out of the Courtroom, she met the brother outside. As they were talking, the brother told her that he was very happy that the Magistrate is considerate enough to do what he does.

“Orang tua cakap takde maknenye. Kena Tuan macam tu cakap baru ada kesedaran sikit kat budak tuh.”

The anti drugs agency officer told him that it was usual of me to make these junkies “earn” their order.

She even brought two car loads of officers the other day to witness the “drama” in my Court.

I’m gonna miss the junkies… they can be real fun!

“ASSALAMUALAIKUM TUAN HAKIM! ALHAMDULILLAH KITA BERTEMU DI MAHKAMAH YANG MULIA INI! SAYA SI PULAN BIN SI PULAN KETURUNAN PATANIIIII!!!”
*with his hands showing the good sign*

You can just imagine how hard I was laughing on the Bench. Siape boleh control beb!!! Muke confident kaw kaw punyer… HAHAHAHA!!! In the end, he was sent to undergo rehab. Only a few years gap between his last rehab… kesian…

I know it’s not easy to kick the habit. I struggled like hell with my Red Marlboro. What more with drugs. Some are even willing to kick the bucket when caught again and again. One junky that I know did just. He hung himself. A very very “brave” but stupid act. A shortcut to quit taking drugs.

Memang berhenti betul-betul… berhenti sampai mati…

Blog adjourned.

Moving Up

It is official. Sometime this month will see me be transferred out of Kuala Lumpur. I have been given some time to complete my duties and to tie up loose ends. Focus requires more effort than it did before.

Motivation seems to fade when you know that you are moving on. It is still there. Somehow anticipation has a bigger impact now.

Mixed feelings can be very confusing. At one point you can be happy with change. Excitement feels up your adrenaline rush. As the Bride reminded me, in order to change, you need to move on and leave your comfort zone. The next minute you are not sure if it would be as comfortable as it is now.

Sometimes you can even hear voices commenting on such move. Most of them would not even dare to accept the challenge. I know of some who could perform but is restricted due to some reasons. I make it a point not to be bothered with personal attacks.

I know for a fact that I will never back stab anyone for my own benefit. It’s simple. Don’t do unto others what you don’t want them to do unto you. Yes, I can safely say that I share the same sentiments as the former Chief Justice when he said he never begged or lobbied for a position.

I didn’t. In fact, I was recommended. I do not know who the first recommender was but I was informed that my previous cool Judge said that I am highly recommended officer. (Fuh.. Alhamdulillah!!! Bangga seh…).

The wind of change was certainly not anticipated. I was shocked and practically shivered in my shoes. I was just enjoying my work even more than before as I was very much familiar with the law and procedures. But now, I’ll have to leave this beautiful chamber of mine and move to work in a different chamber. A bigger chamber. The one looked upon respectfully by everyone.

The thought of such position did cross my mind some time ago. Becoming a millionaire was also part of the list but the former came true.

Stepping out from my present chambers is certainly a heavy step for me to take. A heavy step for a brighter future Insya Allah. I pray for His Mercy and Blessings… Verily, Allah knows best.

Blog adjourned.

Diamonds of Wisdom

I met a very close spiritual adviser of mine the other day. We talked about envy (hasad dengki), a very popular sickness among us from time immemorial. The Prophet himself is being condemned 1400 years after his demise.

He said when you get something that is rightfully yours, (such as a promotion without lobbying or begging and because you name was recommended), you should not allow fitnahs to masuk telinga kanan and keluar telinga kiri. You should prevent it from even entering your telinga kanan.

“Kalau awak diamond yang kena baling dalam longkang, kalau di cuci masih berharga. Tapi kalau awak hanya kaca, disalut emas pun tiada nilai untuk dipajak gadai!”

Do your job sincerely and “jangan peduli puji dan keji”. Duties must be completed for the sake of Allah. No need for hanky panky. Whatever that God gives you is enough.

Remember Him and He will remember you. If you come to Him walking, He will go you running. Verily He is the best protector against hasad and dengki. Invoke His remembrance by remembering Him.

He also mentioned this and I’m posting it here to share it with you all:

“Bengkang – bengkok is a beauty,
Doing things straight, is a duty!”

I feel the need to write more about this soon… But now I need to prepare for one of my bestmagistratebuddy’s wedding!!! Woot woot!!

Blog adjourned.