Let's make it a happy 2007!

I don't make New Year resolutions for the simple reason that I try to improve myself throughout the year. I could have new resolutions in March or June or any other time of the year. Instead, what I normally do is make wishes on New Year's Day.

This year is no different.

My wishes for 2007:

1. People learn to respect other people's religions and beliefs and no one considers themselves superior. Whether you worship Allah or Jesus or Buddha or Krishna or Yahweh or a tree, everyone should respect your rights to your own beliefs. And no mixing of religion/race with politics.

2. People under 18 will not have sex. My dear children, you do not want to spend your teenage years handling unwanted consequences. Wait till you're at least 18, then go wild if you want. Because by then, your brain would (or at least should) have developed enough to understand that a baby is forever, and sexually-transmitted diseases are more common than you think. And whatever age you are, practise safe sex.

3. The Malaysian public develop manners overnight. There will be no more spitting or nose picking in public, cutting queues, road rage, rude gestures and so on. Everyone will be polite to each other and maintain cleanliness and orderliness ... but without our country actually becoming as sterile as a particular southern neighbour.

4. All the dumb Malaysian politicians get kicked out and replaced with intellectuals working towards the country's best interests. This would probably mean an overhaul of the entire Cabinet barring a handful of ministers. Unfortunately this seems to be the least likely wish to come true.

5. The Malaysian ringgit becomes much stronger, enabling us to travel and actually enjoy holidays without bankrupting ourselves. Oh, and house prices come down too.

So there you have it. My wish list for the year.

Those of you reading this, kindly contribute to Wish #3, ok? That's probably the only one under our control unless of course you're a politician or a horny under-18.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Till next time, this is Kucing Gatal signing out with a brand new Meow for a brand new year.