Monday 9 March 2009

Hot off the press

In the "write-in" section of this morning's papers:

"In response to Monty Phyton's text (Metro, Thu) - the Americans might be stupid for giving Brown a standing ovation but the British are complete idiots for putting up with him being Prime Minister"

The day someone scribbles something similar in the The Star is the day people in Malaysia should celebrate.

Tuesday 3 March 2009

Why drive on left side?

It's of some interest to note the reason why Japanese drive on the left side of the road has roots in the feudal age, where bushi (warrior ranks, samurai) wore swords by law as an indication of their position and status. This brought to light a situation termed as saya-atte, the unintentional (or intentional) contact or hitting of one's sword scabbard, the saya, an offence akin to insulting or punching said person in the face.

The consequences of this is bloody for most occasions, due in part to the above reason and the haughty disposition of the warrior class who viewed almost everyone else as an inferior being and woe befall any poor soul who had the bad luck of accidentally touching the saya of their katana.

Being the land of superb social conduct, it was devised that samurai or any swordbearing person to walk on the left side of the path, allowing oncoming travellers to pass on their right side, thus reducing the risk of saya-atte.

One of the few other countries that drives their automobiles on their left is UK, with a similar history. Falconers of the old have their birds perched on their gloved left hand which also holds on to the reins of their horse. This leaves their right hand free to draw their sword should the need arises.

What about Malaysia then?

*Inspired and adapted from the writings of Clive Sinclaire of To-Ken Society of Great Britain*