While I was sending SY to the airport today, I spotted this black 3 series BMW.
Now, the car looked pretty good and all, but what really got to me was this fellow's blatant disregard for the law. Hey not to be nit-picking with this fellow, but it seems that there are really quite a lot of these fellas around in Malaysia.
Now I only snapped this fella with my phone camera as that was the only camera I had with me.
What annoyed me was that his number plate, even while I was directly behind him - was so dim and unreadable. Note that I have not 'Photoshop-ed' the picture and that really is how his number plate area looked.
Click on the full version of the picture to view a full version if you don't believe me.
Now again, I'm not single-ing this fella out, and the point is that a lot of expensive car owners seem to have this attitude with their vehicles. Do they ever get caught?
I really attribute the presence of this attitude among Malaysian drivers to a few factors.
One - which I have mentioned tonnes of times, is the lack of police presence on our streets which will probably not improve anytime soon unless the crime fighting force is more attractive as a career to Malaysians.
Two - because of the lack of police, and the presence of corruption, people who have money to throw have the attitude of "Catch me and I will pay it off" attitude. Now you'd be surprised how many of such people there are on the streets. Next time you're out in your car, just keep an eye out for these bunch and you'll be surprised.
Now of course, this hampers our authorities' "want to try and fight corruption" efforts but as long as the police force's wages is what it is at the moment, there will always be corruption.
Most importantly - as long as the mindset of Malaysians do not change, corruption will really not go away.
Three - now I'm going to say this as best as I can without sounding controversial. There is just too much favouritism when it comes to people with titles in this country.
This is probably why every Tom, Dick and Harry in Malaysia wants to put state emblems on their vehicle number plates. Can't beat them? Join them! Maybe then when you run into trouble with the law, you might be let off because people might think "Hey, this fellow might be a Datuk's son, don't play play!"
Oh, if any of the police are actually reading this and are thinking of perhaps launching any sort of campaigns to weed out illegal number plates (again?) make sure you check the lights of some of these morons as well.
Some of these fellas have headlights that look more like floodlights that blinds any oncoming person.
Ah well, Malaysian roads.
You are so wrong here...Money and connection...that's important...Money can do as i please...connection..can let me get away with it...Put them together and i can be king...
You can't have fireworks without a spark..
U know.. & i'm in CA.. so there's a huge difference..
but REAL money... is when you can afford a Lamborghini -type car. . its when you put your self in a position that is practicaly impossible for others to reach.
why? cuz most people can get a Mercedes / BMW.
a Lamborghini.. you don't need to speed with others..its beneath you..
The car says it call.
If you have do to all these things.. it means you really aren't that rich.
Dude Chucky,
Considering a 3 Series is dirt cheap in CA, of course most people can afford one there. Relativity, my friend.
You still find a-holes everywhere - just take a look at the selected celebs who think they can get away with anything. Doesn't matter what their ride is.
Edwin.. yes.. sorry.. relative is my missing word.
Oh.. Money buys connection. If i donate $200,000 to a political candidate & he won, I could be appointed ambassador to almost any country of my preference. During my time as ambassador, if I own any shares in any company, or any money I make, is 100% tax free.
- C.
Bugatti Veyron....that'll stop all conversation on wealth, relative or not.
oh...and btw, duck, you slimmed down a lot compared to last year's new year..catch up during the CNY break.
I've had conversations with some co-worker on why some ( like me ) prefer the lamborghini over all other cars.. even though the Ferrari is faster ( top speed I think )..
the answer: the lamborghini ( especially the Lamborghini Reventón.. is pure testosterone . . it 's angular shape make it looks lean & mean. like, it would not hesitate to kick your mama's ass.
ultimately, its individual taste, but I think for those who only choose to go after the lambo. that's why. just my $0.02 .
Coming from a Malaysian... yes Corruption is bad. But just think on the bright side, it means we can be doing some speeding (I said speeding, not wreckless driving, one doesn't mean another) on the Plus highway.
Looking at the picture, I think you drive a Subaru, don't tell me you haven't tried driving fast in it. And your license will be safe if you get caught thanks to corruption.
hey, first time reader, but I know what you're talking about.Here in michigan and well after a while, going back to malaysia,its just not the same.I mean,really..I hate to compare, but well people just don't respect the law.Yeah if you are rich, you just walk away from all kinds of things.Some people I know say its because Malaysia is a fairly young country compared to the states or any other country..like the uk for example.But I hate the fact that people flaunt their money and as if it makes the invincible and think that it overrides the law.Its annoying as hell..But as long as there are people who don't even up hold the law(i.e police)..its still going to continue,hate it.I love malaysia, but at this rate,we might be going down the drain..my humble opinion..
andy: Hi andy, yes you are right, I do drive a Subaru, and I'm going to admit it - I do speed from time to time. But what I do not do and condone is reckless driving. And I do agree with you that they don't equate to each other.
Corruption is definitely good for getting ourselves out of situations to do with the driving license but unfortunately - at the end of the day I guess the question to ask is "at what cost to our society?".
fazari: Welcome and thanks for visitting! I hope you come back as I definitely welcome more thoughts and comments from my readers. :)
Just as I mentioned to andy before I think at the end of the day it's what's in the bigger picture. If social ills are not addressed in the upper levels of governance and society, it will definitely filter down to the people. So I agree with you totally.
I understand where you're coming from, whilst all of us have been enjoying the fun of getting away with anything on the highway, it has came at a price of how unsafe Malaysia has become.
btw, just curious, is you're Subaru the same one you drove in Melbourne?
andy: yup it is the same one. :)
nice... as in you Imported it back? Maybe I should bring my scooby back to Malaysia from Melb too when I'm done with uni :)
Yup sure did! Go for it dude if you really love it. Get in touch if you need more info on how to go through the whole process.