Chope: Another New Year

New Year’s Eve bores me. I hate how it’s an occasion that is often celebrated for the sake of it, even though the happiest people are likely to be the owners of a bar or club. Every 31 December, cover charges reach astronomical heights faster than our angkasawan did.

As far as having fun goes, I’ve had a better time out on a normal weekend. Hell, I’ve even had a better time on a weeknight with an early appointment the following day. New Year’s Eve itself is rarely ever on the top of my memorable nights out, whether it’s a private bash in a rented room in one of the serviced apartments in the city, or a massive outdoor party all the way out in the sticks.

Nevertheless, unless you are abnormal, then you’re most probably recovering from some sort of  new year celebrations. Excess of some kind was probably involved. Plenty of bad behaviour too, I’m sure. Still, celebrated or not, a new year remains a new year. Even the most cynical would see the occasion as an opportunity for change and renewal, no matter how fleeting.

That being said, I’m no longer naive enough to succumb the optimistic mood that comes with every January 1. Nor do I believe my sins are washed clean every 31 December either, despite my attempts at purification by gin.

Instead, I’ve come to accept that life is essentially a series of decisions. Unfortunately, these choices are often presented in the most unexpected of times—our most important decisions are often made at the spur of the moment. With the start of every new year, we can make all the resolutions in the world, but whether you quit smoking, eat less donuts or manage your finances more wisely doesn’t depend on what you decide on a drunken 31 December or a hungover New Year’s day in bed.

None of that which will stop many of us from making ambitious goals we know we’ll fail to achieve. The temptation to forget the year that was, while fantasising about the year to come, is simply too great.

Imagine if the city could make its own resolutions, however. What would it want to change? What’s on the Klang Valley’s list of resolutions for 2008? To become a more inhabitable city seems to be on the list, as DBKL makes plans for free wireless Internet all over the city while also constructing skybridges that link key points in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Combined with the expected increases in petrol prices and toll charges—not to mention the mooted congestion charges—it does seem as if KL will be dragged into walking around more. If I know the people of this city as well as I think I do, I have my reservations on how much we’re willing to change.

Feeling safe in the city has certainly become a luxury in these times of snatch thefts and motorcycle gangs, so it’s safe to assume that the Klang Valley would resolve to fight the crime rate that is giving it a bad name. Expect to see even more CCTVs in 2008. Whether that means a safer city or just one where criminal acts can be seen on YouTube is a different matter altogether.

Given that the cost of living in this city has increased quite a bit in the past few years, the Klang Valley would probably resolve to remain an affordable place for its residents to live and play. Unfortunately, the likelihood of this happening is rather low, as the cost of essential goods increase while consumers are developing a taste for better things.

Like any good New Year’s resolution, the Klang Valley would probably aim to lose some weight and get into better shape this 2008. As the city continues its relentless physical growth, the excess weight seems to be too much for it to handle. Everything is bigger and further apart these days. Time was when there were stores, shopping malls and supermarkets. Now it’s superstores, megamalls and hypermarkets. Everywhere you turn, some sort of new sprawling development is taking place. And every time I look, Puchong seems to be growing bigger and bigger.

Most likely, however, the new year will be what it really is—nothing more than the continuation of the previous one. Not unlike how Visit Malaysia Year 2007 has been extended to some point this year. There’s nothing more fitting than a nation of tardy people who are still carrying on a year-long event the following year. Ready or not, however, 2008 is starting on schedule. Not that you would really notice any difference.

Brian Yap is leaving his 20s behind in 2008. Wish him a happy one at brian@klue.com.my