Public Service Department Scholarships

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said 280 Chinese students who scored straight 1As in the 2008 SPM examinations and are refused scholarships by the Public Service Department(PSD), had submitted their appeals to the MCA. Dr Wee is also the MCA Youth chief and party national education bureau chairman had been handling education and scholarship issues since 2001. This really proves what I claimed in my previous post just last month. This is a classic case of the policy implementers abusing their powers,these are what being called the "little Napoleons" in the government departments. The Deputy Prime Minister cum Education Minister of Malaysia,Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, tries to side track the issue by saying that it is due to some schools limit their students to sit for maximum 10 subjects only,therefore can not compare with those who sit for 14 subjects or more.To be fair these students should be considered for scholarships too. On the surface it sounds fair, but when think deeper,one realizes it is pure b.s.,it is blatant insult to the intelligence of the Chinese community.Even if you take away the extra subjects from the students who obtained 13A1s,they still definitely have 10A1s, still on par with those who are limited to sit for 10 subjects.Why are those who sit for less subjects are awarded the scholarships and not those who sit for more subjects? Be honest,be frank, admit that it is discrimination,period. If this is the idea of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's "1Malaysia", it is only good for a laugh.

Removal of the 30% bumiputra equity policy

The new Prime Minister of Malaysia,Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, announced on 22 April 2009 that the 30% bumiputra equity policy will be removed from 27 sectors in the service sector with immediate effect. Datuk Seri is also the Finance Minister of Malaysia. It shocked more than cheered people because it was such a bold move that it already treads on the baseline of the bumiputra supremacy. No Prime Minister has dared to do it before, not even a leader as powerful as Tun Dr. Mahathir himself. Although Tun Dr. Mahathir had pleaded with his followers to discard the "tongkat(walking stick)" many times and even shed tears in some occasions while doing so. But he stopped there , that is as far as he would go. Not only that,Datuk Seri Najib further liberalized the financial sector 2 days ago. What is the underlying reason that drives him to take such drastic measures immediately after he took over from his predecessor, Tun Abudlla Badawi? Is because the sound of the footsteps of globalization drawing near and wake him up? Is he feeling the heat of the financial crisis already? Is it because it is evident that the 30% equity policy (NEP)is ridden with ills? I really want to know. Actually,non bumiputras in Malaysia would not be as resentful towards the NEP as they are now if it was implemented properly. The greatest ills in the NEP is the huge disceptpencies between the implementation and the original definitions of the NEP. The NEP policy implementers calculated in a strange way,either due to their lack of mathematical ability or they did on purpose.They stick to the policy of 30% faithfully during recruitment of public service staff(civil servants), intake of students to public universities, allocation of low cost housing units, allocation of shares applications of government-owned companies,allocation of public transport permits,development projects,etc; but 30% of what? That lies the core of the problem. Take the recent intake of 1st year students into the oldest university of the nation,Universiti Malaya, as an example. It was reported that there were 27,000 students applying for the 3,500 seats available. So, how many seats should be alloacted to bumiputra students for this particular intake in accordance with the NEP's 30% policy? 5,100 seats should be allocated to the buminputra kids, therefore all 3,500 seats available should be reserved for bumiputras and still falls off target by 1,600. Why? Because 30% of 27,000 applicants is 5,100 students. Simple, right? Ok, if you protest, let's calculate another way. Supposing the total number of students in UM is 12,000. 30% is 3,600. Still there is no room for non bumiputras. Sorry lah, policy is policy. Of course if you got jalan, you still can come in. That is why you see a sprinkle of non bumiputra students as decorations inside. Anyone who has gone through primary 4 knows that 30% of 3,500 is 450, still plenty of seats left for fair competition. If this is the way they implement it, who will ever bothers about the 30% thing? Therefore, 30% is not the keyword, the keyword is 30% of WHAT?

Pakatan Rakyat shows sign of cracking

Malaysians' hope of seeing the formation of a 2-party system in Malaysia may be dashed if the barely one year old coalition called Pakatan Rakyat or People’s Alliance disbanded due to crossing over to BN by elected assemblymen. From the very beginning I had predicted this "marriage of convenience" among the 3 component parties will not last due to the following reasons: (1) The vast differences of ideology between the component parties - PAS only wants to establish an Islamic State, DAP champions for the Chinese community, PKR only exists to fulfill Anwar Ibrahm's dream of becoming next Prime Minister of Malaysia.Their only common denominator is the enmity towards Tun Dr Mahathir and BN. (2)The combined pressure of administrating a state government and maintaining smooth cooperation between member parties demands great tolerance from the party leaders. (3)Their most fatal drawback is their lack of experience of running a government because their are so used to criticize others instead of doing the tasks themselves. It is easier said than done. They have been playing the role of fire flamers for too long and find it difficult to play the role of fire douser now. (4)They are beginners in state administrative protocol and communication systems, many members are frustrated and want to leave the party as a result of this. Let's hope leaders of Pakatan will face up to their short comings and over come them in order to make it a reality for Malaysia to have a 2-party system.

Happy Chinese New Year

To all my Chinese friends: Happy Chinese New Year!

Teach English as a language

The politicians in Malaysia have lost their sanity in the quest of positions and powers.They messed with the education system of the country in order to gain attention and supports. The argument whether English should be the medium for teaching science and mathematics subjects in schools still rages on.This really puzzles one,what is there to argue about? Use BM in Malay medium schools,use Tamil in Indian medium schools,use Mandarin in Chinese medium schools and use English in English medium schools(if there is still any left).Simple and straight forward. If you want to ungrade the standard of English language in schools,fine and you have my whole hearted support,but do it in a sensible and logical way. Increase the English language periods per week,send teachers for proper,specialised training.Do not ask teachers who are physics,maths or engineering majors and who received their degrees after attending courses conducted entirely in B.M. as a medium of instruction. The only purpose in attending a science or maths class is to learn the concept or principles of the subject,not the medium of instruction itself.Young children, especially those in primary schools,have problems in mastering their own mother tongue already, it is placing undue pressure on them asking them to master the subject matter in science or maths and a second language at the same time.Don't you agree? Do you realise that in order to phrase a question clearly the vocabulary,grammar and sentence structures used have to be at least of the level of a year 5 or 6.How do you expect a year 3 or 4 student to fully understand the question and answer it accordingly? "Use the correct tool for the correct job".This principle was drilled into my mind when I was a young engineer long time ago.In countries like Germany,if you are caught using a pen-knife screwdriver (flat slot) on a Phillip screw(cross slot),you will received a warning letter.If you repeat the same mistake you will be sacked.This emphasises the importance of doing the right thing the right way in a developed country,we should learn from them if we really want to achieve our "2020" vision. Sometimes you are thirsty but not hungry,while sometimes you will be hungry but not thirsty.You need not do both things always when you are in a coffee shop.You order the right thing for right need. When you are thirsty,drink water or other drinks,you don't order a "sup tulang".Similarly,when you are hungry,eat some thing solid,you don't try to fill you stomach with gallons of water. When you want to carry heavy goods, use a truck not a bus. When you want to carry passengers, use a bus not a truck. Do not try to carry both passengers and goods together with either a bus or a truck. It is an offence to do so, isn't it? So I beg everyone to put politics aside for a while and think clearly with logic this time. Teach language in a language class,teach maths or science subjects with the language which the students know best for the maximum academic benefits.

Saddest day for the Chinese educationists

The United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) had voted not to extend the contract of New Era College principal Dr Kua Kia Soong during an emergency general meeting. Sad because the running of the icon of Chinese medium education in Malaysia,New Era College, is now decided by a group of businessmen who know nothing about education and who are only interested to gain cheap publicity for themselves.Gone are the days when concerned persons who would only donate huge sum of money and lands without interfering with the running of the Chinese medium education activities.They did not seek glory they only sincerely wanted to see the Chinese medium education strive and flourish. Sad because there are news that most of the senior staffs of the College are also leaving the College.Yes,life goes on in the College.But what standard of teaching will be given to the students by the junior staffs who stay back? Will the Chinese community have confidence to employ them upon graduation? I suspect that there are some among Dong Zong who sit in the committee with ulterior agenda.Now that the Ministry of Higher Education is eagerly trying to intervene and take over the running of the Chinese medium education functions,which the government had been trying very very hard for the past 50 years.This seems a golden opportunity for them to succeed finally. Those who join Dong Zong with the sole purpose to destroy Chinese medium education are successful in their efforts too. I FEEL LIKE CRYING NOW!

No blog today

It is really disheartening nowadays,the nation seems to be filled with liars and deceivers.Really one does not know what to believe and who to believe.I do not want to help spread these lies through my blog,so NO BLOG TODAY!

Crazy price hike

This is Malaysia 2008: Cost of living is going up,up,up! Standard of living is going down,down,down!

Think before you speak

QUOTE: Sharon Stone: Not real popular in China While on the red carpet at Cannes, Sharon Stone made one of those comments that was both insensitive and just plain dumb. When asked about the recent Chinese earthquake that killed thousands of people, Ms. Stone suggested it might be karma for China's treatment of Tibet. Not surprisingly, China took umbrage at the insinuation and Stone apologized faster than you can say "Basic Instinct 3." Unfortunately, the apology may be too late—Cristian Dior already dropped her as a spokesmodel. Now that's karma. (Oh, and for those who are interested, HowStuffWorks explains how karma really works.) UNQUOTE Can't blame Miss Stone,because she is only popular for her body not her brain.

Hishammudin apologises for wielding Keris

Malaysia Education Minister - Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein apologised in a press conference for waving the keris (traditional Malay dagger) during his speech at the Umno Youth annual general assembly for 3 consecutive years. This act of Hishammuddin's, who is also the chairman for UMNO Youth wing, is cited as one of the major factors for causing Barisan Nasional to perform poorly during the just concluded 12th general election on 8th March.His action has created great uneasiness and resentment among the non Malays and some Malays. Although he offered his apology out of political considerations,Hishammuddin was obviously not convinced that he had done any thing wrong.He insisted that the keris is part of Malay culture and expressed his doubts why should anyone be offended by it.He used the big "IF" to add some uncertainty in his apology. But to the older generation,especially the Chinese,there were frightening and painful memories connected to the keris.In the early days of Malaya Federation's independence racial conflicts were common.There were rumours that gangs of Malays formed what was then known as the "Big Knives Squads", members of which worn white head bands and wielding huge knives patrolling the villages.The leader of such a squad only held a keris in front of his face and chanting continually. I heard such stories more than once at after-dinner gatherings as a kid in the kampung.Imagine their shock when the older folks saw in the TV screen someone waving a keris at them! Maybe Hishammuddin has heard such stories before but he only remembers the part of being a leader waving a keris and forgets the rest,which prompts him to do such a stunt and stirs the past memories buried deeply in the minds of old folks. What a tragedy! Or,was it just a big hoax? If not,why didn't somebody stop Hishammuddin for doinng it 3 years in a row? Now that it back fires,and everybody starts pointing the finger at him,poor Hisham!

People's Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat) of Malaysia

The results of the 12th Malaysia general elections have rekindled the hope of forming an accountable opposition front.The 3 major opposition parties in the country namely, Democratic Action Party(DAP),Parti Keadilan Rakyat(PKR) and Parti Islam SeMalaysia(PAS), are forced by the prevailing circumstances to join hands and form coalition governments in 5 states - Kedah,Penang,Perak,Selangor and Kelantan (although PAS is able to form the state government on its own in Kelantan). They officially named the front as Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance),the state governments of the 5 said states will form a common secretariat known as People's Alliance Secretariat. It is not the first time the 3 parties had formed an united front,they had formed the Alternative Front in 1999.It ended in a dismay failure when PAS went ahead to fullfll its dream of establishing an Islamic state in Kelantan disregarding the feelings of other component parties.DAP was swift to cut itself off the alliance to save itself from being abandoned by its core base of supports.PKR was also starting to distant itself from this fundamentalist action.So the alliance was sadly disbanded. The formation of Alternative Front was at least carried out with some planning prior to the general election,yet it failed.However, the current front was fromed hastedly to cater for the prevailing situation, that is they need each other in order to form the government in the 5 states. It is just a "marriage of convenience". Many predict that if the PR did not win any state control in the next general election,it will just die a natural death.Some even predict it won't have to wait that long because soon the "honeymoon" period of the PR will be over and differences between the 3 parties will soon surface. Each of them has distinct ideology different from each other.Pas has its dream of an "Islamic State of Malaysia" since the day of its inception; DAP though a namesake multi-racial party defends the interests of the Chinese voters and PKR is a Malay party which caters to the less fundamentalist Muslims. How long can each of them hold off the demands from their core groups of supporters? It is everyone's wonder. On the other hand, it is the first time in the history of Malaysia the oppositions has a working "prototype" of an alliance for them to experiment on. If they can get the knack of running a real government and have sampled the sweet taste of power,they might try harder to blend together and establish a realistic 2-party system in our nation? My personal take on this is: as far as there are enough state goverments for PR to run,it will survive. Otherwise it will be the same old sad story again, the component parties in PR will go their separate ways, each on its own lonely trail of searching for a way to rule Malaysia alone.

An ordinary man's view on the 12th general election results

The results of Malaysia's 12th general election on March 8 were stunning,at least it is to me. The Barisan National no longer command 2/3 majority of the Parliametary seats which it did and was taken for granted for so long.It also lost control of 5 state governments which is unimaginable in the 50 years existence of Malaysia! I'm still in a daze up to this minute.After reading the analysis of many political observers I still can not fully comprehend what happened. Their theories on ideology,political leaning,religious preferences,economy,etc instead of clearing my mind but makes me more confused. As a simple Malaysian,I look at things like any ordinary man.Here are some of the things taking place lately that bothers me: (1)Rising crime rates:

• Snatch thieves: This category of crime was used to be considered minor case because the theives usually snatched neck-laces and the victims are not hurt except for minor scratches around their necks.Usually the victims did not report because they rather not go through the hassle of making a police report and forget about it. But now the thieves go for the victims' handbags slung over their shoulders.When they attack they pull suddenly at the victims' sling bags,causing the victims to fall flat on the floor,sometimes down staircase or from motor-cycles.Some of them sustain head injuries and lost not only their valubles but also their lives. These snatch thefts occur in busy streets in broad day light,and they got away and were never caught. The law makers have increased the punishment for this crime, but punish who if the wrong doers are never caught? The government seems helpless or plain indifferent towards this situation and offers the opportunity for the opposition parties to harp on this issue.Slowly the people start to believe the opposition parties have the solution and are tempted to give them a try.
• Unsolved murder cases:There were several well publishised rape cum murder cases remain unsolved.Some arrests were made but the suspects were soon released and not produced in court and no further follow ups are reported.The people begin to question the capablility of the police force to deal effectively with the crimes in this modern days.At the mean time there is a nagging question in everyone's mind,"Who will be the next unlucky one?" The fear is real and we Malaysians are living like herds of deers or rabbits wishing not to be picked by the predator to be their next prey!
• Murder cases involving public figure: (i)The Mongolian girl case in KL.This case links to an adviser to a very very prominant public figure in this country,the judicial system is dragging its legs right through the 12th general elections and is still going on.Maybe untill eternity,when it will be forgotten by the people. (ii)The fish monger vs ex-state mininster case in KK.It is an undenialble case that the ex-minister shot dead a person,yet he is still walking about freely on the street.This is really beyond everybody's reasoning power.Maybe this is another drag and forget case. (iii)The boy drowned in a swimming pool.This boy who came from China to live with his uncle,who is a Datuk, while furthering his study in KL, was found drowned in the swimming pool in his uncle's house.But autopsy revealed that it was no simple drowning accident,the boy sustained internal injuries before he was killed and thrown into the pool to appear as a drowning case.The uncle was arrested but was acquitted soon afterwards,another huge judicial puzzle.

(2)Judicial system losing credibility:

• A video clip showing a well known lawyer in the country speaking over the phone bragging that he has the influence over the outcome of the promotion of a senior feredal judge.This video clip has made the Malaysian judicial system the laughing stock of the international community.
• Increasing numbers of acquittal of serious cases.Several serious cases like murders,drug trafficing,fire arms and armed robberies are acquitted due to various reasons like improper prosecuting proceedures,insufficient evidence,etc.Sometimes it is the results of the negligence of the prosecuting officers or sometimes due to the exceptional leniency of the presiding judges.It may seem fair to the suspects,but is it fair to the victims or the families of the victims? Why are not these careless officers brought to courts for obstructions of justice? Barring them from promotions is not a punishment at all,in fact it is a reward for them.It is hundred times more lucative to stay in these posts than a promotion.

(3)Corrupted politicians:

• Zakaria's Istana:Datuk Zakaria Deros was the assemblyman for Port Kelang.He spent more than 10 millions ringgits to build a luxurious spacious istana-like bangolow in a low-cost housing estate,of all places,which irked his new neighbours.This quickly came into the national limelight,and more improprieties surfaced. How did he amass this kind of money? He had no proof of inheriting it from any rich relative,he was a poor railway gate watchman before joining politics. He was summoned by the Sultan of Selangor to explain in front of His Majestice and some how managed to get off the hook without a scratch,amazing! Then the Anti Corruption Agency called Datuk Zakaria for questioning and subsequently wanted to bring him to court for 39 charges.When the whole nation was eagerly waiting to see Datuk Zakaria to be thrown into jail,suddenly all 39 charges against him was dropped.Not a single token charge was brought against him,this guy was a real magician! He did not obtain any approval from the Town Council before starting constructions on this new house,but he quickly settled this problem because he himself,his son and his son's wife all sat in the Town Council! Can you beat it? And the question is: how can a Datuk,a State assemblyman qualify for a lot(few lots to be accurate) in a low-cost housing estate,which is reserved primarily for low income group? Besides, he owned a shop selling satay which is also built without obtaining approval from the Town Council.This structure was subsequently demolished by Town Council workers under public pressure.But the construction works on the "Istana" went on despite all eyes were on it. To top it all,it was reported that 60,000 quests attended his house warming party when the "Istana" was completed! The faces of many prominant political figures of the nation were seen in this party and the pictures were splashed all over the internet,what a launch(or rather,a downfall)! Many people pointed out that this sort of news would never be allowed to appear in the news during Tun Dr Mahathir's time.If it ever managed to sneak into the news,it would be quickly sniffed at its bud,unlike Datuk Seri Abdullah who allowed it to grow into a colourful full blossom over a period of more than 8 months.It is simply unbelievable.
• Said Yusof vs the Customs Department:Jasin Member of Parliament,Datuk Mohd Said Yusof, was reported in the news to have asked the Melaka Customs officers to "close one eye" while discharging their duties.Datuk Said admitted that he had interests in 2 barter trading ports namely,the Sungai Rambai and Kuala Linggi barter trading ports in Melaka.He was also operating a forwarding and shipping company through these ports.Therefore he asked the Customs to bend the rules in order for him to make handsome profits.When the officers reused to listen to him, Datuk Said blasted the Melaka Customs office in the Parliament for various alleged poor performance.The Customs responded by going to the press exposing Datuk Said's harassment of the officers.On the surface it seems a simple quarrel between 2 parties,but people suspected there were more untold stories behind this.

(4)Racial Dissatisfactions:

• This is no new story.The main source of dissatisfactions of minority ethnic groups namely, the Chinese and the Indians, is the New Economy Policy(NEP).The NEP appears a bit crazy in the eyes of people of other nations,because it divides the people of our country into 2 distinct categories,the Bumiputra and the Non-Bumiputra.
• The Chinese have come to terms with this segregation over the years, but not the Indians.They formed a group called HINDRA which claimed to champion the cause of the Malaysian Indians.They protested in processions and attracted worldwide attentions.
• Whereas the Malaysian Chinese are ultra sensitive over the education system of their children,especially their mother tongue.When they are tolerant over the abuses by some government leaders on other areas like business opportunies or employment in the civil services,but they will fight back in unison without hesitation if the survival of their mother tongue is threatened. They demonstrated this anger when a Chinese medium primary school was closed and moved to a new location because the original location was in a prime commercial area.The authority gave the reason for shifting the school was for the sake of the school children's safety,but nobody believed it.The Minister of Education promised to re-open the said school just weeks before the general elections,again not many believed him.

(5)Rising prices of commodities:

• The price of crude oil has sky rocketed thanks to President George Bush's attack on Iraq.This in turns has caused petrol prices all over the world to shoot up,Malaysia can not escape it too.The increase has being kept low by subsidy from the government,but the government had warned that the petrol price would have to rise soon because the country can not afford to subsidise it forever.However,the opposition parties, on the other hand, promised to bring the petrol price back to its original level if they were elected to form the next government.The temptation is hard to resist!
• The price of sugar has also gone up,the factories owners as well as retailers started hoarding in the hope of gaining a bigger profit in face of a bigger price hike.The result: nation wide shortage of sugar.And nobody heeds the government's warning against hoarding,and the authority is again helpless.
• The situation is the same with cooking oil and worse.
• Then the flour price sky-rocketed and subsequent shortage.
• Finally, the effect spreads to all commodities which are essential in everyone's life:bread,cakes,noodles,the list goes on....The leaders of ruling party couldn't do a thing,all they could say is,"it's a global thing".The opposition, on the other hand,promised the people a maricle,"bringing petrol price back to its old level,free university education for all,introducing a minimum wage at RM1,500.00.." The BN leaders just brushed it off as silly ideas.But the people bought it,and that is what counts.

The above mentioned incidents may appear to be insignificant taken individually,but the impact is tremendous if taken collectively. As a simple analogy: a loose nail on a zinc roof is no cause for alarm; but a loose nail here and a loose nail there,the whole zinc roof may be blown off one day! Look at what happened to the zinc roofs of Kedah,Penang,Perak,Selangor and Kelatan? Our PM was confident that his personal charimas will over shadow these "minor issues",but the eletions results proved how wrong he was. Pak Lah should make some adjustment to his "wait and see" policy on issues arising in the country.If he waits too long, small insignificant issues will grow into unmanagable big issues.

Polling Day : To-morrow!

The 12th Malaysia general election polling day is March 08 2008. All registered voters should exercise their most important right as a citizen in a free democratic country.Don't deny yourself this very important right.Go and vote. If you don't,all your hours of arguement in kedai kopi,living rooms and online forums are just waste of time and breath! This is the time for actions,not mere talks.

Minister of Helath Resigns

Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek,the Minister of Health of Malaysia, resigned this afternoon just 24 hours after admitting that he is the man in the video clip showing him having sex with an unidentified woman. Datuk Seri Chua was very vocal for a minister in the Malaysian government,especially in matters under the jurisdiction of his ministry. It is obvious that this is a plot to disgrace him because these VCDs were not sold for monetary gain but were distributed free of charge. Many believed that this was the work of the Opposition,but isn't it kind of stupid to pick on someone who spoke his mind and is liked by the people instead of someone else? Moreover, the Opposition would not be contended with only bringing down a Minister who is not that high in ranking, they would rather go for bigger fish if they want to.

PTPTN scheme - the best move towards nation building

Many parents, especially those from the Chinese community, are unaware of the existence of the Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional-PTPTN (National Body For Higher Education Fund). As long as your child is accepted into any government-run or semi government-run institute of higher learning, he/she is eligible to apply for an annual study loan of RM15,000.00 maximum. The amount approved will be depending on the total incomes of the parents. Students whose parents' monthly incomes are RM3,500.00 and below are urged to apply in order to lessen the burden on your family budgets. There is no more excuse for NOT sending your child to further study if his/her results are good enough to earn a place in any government or semi government institute from now on. I was quite saddened by the bad news that there were mishandlings of the PTPTN loans recently. The concept is so good and noble , yet there are selfish and greedy people trying to ruin it. We need highly educated young people in order to build a nation that is advanced, prosperous and happy. Please don't ruin the PTPTN loan scheme so that smart children from poor families can persuade their dreams of completing their higher studies and help to build a nation that can be on par with any developed nation.

Merdeka!

Merdeka! Malaysia is 50 years old already!

Thumbs up for LPNK

I have this to add to my previous post because I forgot to mention it. On the day my son was returning home from national service,my opinion on the national service board (LPNK) changed drastically. The way the LPNK officials were conducting things was a huge contrast to the first day when my son was reporting for duty. The number of officials deployed at the airport was increased and the most important difference was that they were dressed in official uniforms. The kids arriving at the airport were also in uniforms and could be easily picked out from other passengers travelling in the air craft with them. They were then ushered to a assembly corner and be counted. My confidence in the LPNK officials' professionism multiplied 100 folds immediately. How I wished it was done this way on the day when my son was boarding the plane, it would have saved us months of worrying. Sybas, LPNK!!!

National Service is equally important for male and female students

After 4 years in existence, the National Service Board is still struggling to iron out many of its problems. In my personal opinion the root of all these problems is the attitudes of the people entrusted with the responsibilities to run the service smoothly. They all treated this as "main main" stuff, afterall what can you learn in 3 short months? National service in other countries like Taiwan, Korea and Singapore last for 2 years and more, with proper salary scales and all. But in Malaysia everybody thinks it is just like a summer camp only. Then everybody has a rude awakening when Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Defence of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak sacked 3 of the top brass in the board after a series of fumbles up during the first day of the first intake of year 2007 series which caused an up raor from the concerned parents. Datuk Najib's swift and decisive action drives home the message "don't play-play hah!". And things appears to improve, for the time being at least. My son happened to be in that first group of the year to report for duty, and he was assigned to a training camp not in his home state. But my son insisted that we do not appeal to have him transfer back to the home state because he wanted the experience. This was the first time in his life to venture away alone, imagine the anxiety of us parents. But the responsibility awareness of the officials in charge on that reporting-for-duty day was really worrying the parents. We were fighting inside ourselves whether to place the safety of our kids in the hands of these irresponsible people. Some parents took their children home and were willing to fight it out in the courts. We do not have the resouces to fight the authority in the court so have to put my son on the plane reluctantly on the night of the 2nd day. He was on waiting list, luckily some kids opted out so he boarded the plane on the 2nd day, else he would have to wait for the 3rd day, 4th day...... My son is now home safely now. I can notice a few positive changes in him. He said that life in the camp is tiring but enjoyable. He even joked that some of the training are so strenous that he might not be able to last for another month. I think this is a point that the authority should consider making some adjustments. So I should say national service is good for kids, only need to be properly manged. It is very unfortunate that there were some cases that resulted in death among the female trainees. This has prompted the proposal to exempt the female youths from national service. I think this is not the right solution, because in doing so it will imply that our male youths are less disciplined that the females, which is utterly untrue. Both our male and female youths need equal amount of training in discipline. I am not an expert, but as a parent who cares about his kids, I venture to offer my observations here:

• This is obvious, but I still list it here just in case. Be aware of the differences between the physique of the male and female; some exercises which are simple for the males are difficult for the females. So do not demand them to carry out the same amount of exercises of the same nature.
• Rest is the best remedy for all, whether for fatigue or for minor illness. Make sure they have a lot of sleep. This is quite hard to achive as too many of trainees are staying in one room. Teenage girls are extremely sensitive about their privacy, asking them to sleep in groups is a torture. Some of them may have many sleepless nights and suffered in silence, until one day they just collasp. My teenage girl always locks the door whenever she is in her room, and her mother always knocks on the door to ask her to open it. And a war breaks out. This proves one thing: girls treasure their privacy.
• Girls are naturally less carefree than their male counterparts, they worry about every thing: pimples, weights, studies,friendship,etc,etc...And they have another thing to worry about now, to arrange for their further study. They can only sleep after they have it settled, and they need time-off to settle those matters. Please allow them to have leaves for doing it, else they will not be able to sleep at night, and their health may suffer.
• After a hard day's physical training the body needs nourishments to replenish the resouces lost. Is the food in the camp providing enough for this?
• Bear in mind, every single trainee is an individual, a human being, moreover, maybe the parents' pet. Please teach them discipline, but don't take this opportunity to torture them.

National service is neccessary for boys as well as girls.

Welcome 2007!

Happy New Year, Malaysia! Wish 2007 will be a better year for every Malaysians.

When the lunatics run the asylum

The message which the following story conveys is very similar to one of my previous entries ( http://asimplemalaysian.blogspot.com/2006/10/who-is-more-convincing-epu-or-asli.html) Anyway,enjoy...:=)) > > "Hidup China! Hidup China! Hidup China!" > > > > "Hey, Wong! What the hell are you trying to do ah?" > > > > "I'm rehearsing my speech for the Annual General > > Assembly lah Ali." > > > > "But what's with this `hidup China' thing?" > > > > "That's how I will close my speech. I will shout > > `hidup China' three > > times." > > > > "That's so ridiculous. Can you just imagine a Malay > > standing on > > stage and screaming `hidup Melayu' at the end of his > > speech? Would > > he not look downright stupid? I'm sure he would also > > be considered a > > racist. And isn't brandishing that Kung Fu sword > > above your head > > very provocative as well? I mean, how would you like > > it if a Malay > > starts waving a keris and threatens to bathe it in > > blood or > > something like that? I am sure you will get upset." > > > > "Hmm..you're right. Maybe I will drop the Kung Fu > > sword bit. But > > what's wrong with shouting `hidup China'? After all, > > we are a > > Chinese political party." > > > > "I know. But Malaysia is not a 100% Chinese country. > > It is 60% > > Malays and 40% non-Malays, or roughly something like > > that. I also > > don't know the real figure because there are so many > > Indonesians who > > have been given identity cards that we really don't > > know how many > > there really are anymore. So would it not be > > insensitive of a Malay > > if he were to stand on stage and start screaming > > `hidup Melayu'?" > > > > "I suppose you're right. Maybe I should cut out the > > `hidup China' > > part from my speech as well." > > > > "Right! You must be more sensitive to the feelings > > of the other > > races. Before you say something you must stop and > > ask yourself > > whether what you are going to say will hurt the > > feelings of the > > other races or not. Just like no Malay leader, > > especially someone of > > the level of Prime Minister, would ever stand on > > stage and > > scream `hidup Melayu', you also should not go around > > > > screaming `hidup China'. What if the Malays > > retaliate by also > > shouting `hidup Melayu'? How would you feel?" > > > > "Yes, you are right. I did not think of it that way. > > I think that is > > good advice." > > > > "We Malays may form 60% of the country's population, > > but we are > > always concerned and conscious of the minority > > pendatang's feelings. > > We always consider the feelings of immigrants like > > you." > > > > "I appreciate that." > > > > "My grandfather emigrated from Indonesia soon after > > it obtained > > Merdeka because that country was in a mess. Malaya > > then was still > > under the British but it was a peaceful and stable > > country, even > > though still a colony of Britain. My father was born > > in this country > > so we regard ourselves as Malaysian Malays and not > > as Indonesians > > anymore. So we must think as Malaysians. I am sure > > you are the same." > > > > "Yes, my ancestors came to Malaya around 1400 and > > none of our family > > has ever gone back to China, not even to visit it as > > tourists. We > > don't even know who our relatives in China are or > > where they live." > > > > "I go back to Indonesia once in awhile. I still > > visit some of my > > relatives there but they're very poor. Life's very > > hard in > > Indonesia. We are more fortunate in Malaysia. Life's > > easier here, > > especially for Malays like me." > > > > "You're very lucky. You still have family members in > > Indonesia. It's > > like having two countries as your home. We Chinese > > only have > > Malaysia. China will not accept us back even if we > > want to go back. > > But what's there to go back to anyway? There's > > nothing there for us > > anymore." > > > > "But Malaysia's not so bad. At least you Chinese can > > earn a good > > living here. If you can't find work you can always > > do business. We > > Malays need to work for the government. If not then > > we can't earn a > > living." > > > > "Chinese can never work for the government. The > > government will not > > take us. So we have no choice but to do business, > > even if it is just > > selling pirated VCDs. Our unemployment rate for > > university graduates > > went up 50% this year compared to last year. Did you > > know that?" > > > > "Wah! So high?" > > > > "Yes. Last year two Chinese graduates were > > unemployed throughout > > Malaysia. This year, three Chinese graduates are > > unemployed, an > > increase of 50%?" > > > > "That's terrible. For Malays it's not so bad. Last > > year it was about > > 60,000 unemployed graduates. This year it's 66,000. > > So ours went up > > only 10%, not so bad." > > > > "See, Malays are more fortunate. The government > > absorbs the > > graduates. You can also join the police or army. We > > Chinese, where > > we want to go?" > > > > "I suppose you're right. But it's all the fault of > > your political > > leaders. We have Umno that takes care of the > > interest of the Malays. > > You have MCA and Gerakan, but they do not take care > > of the Chinese. > > You Chinese are neglected and have to fend for > > yourselves. You have > > to work hard to become rich. It must be very tough > > for you Chinese." > > > > "Tough, very tough. You think it's easy to become > > rich? Very > > difficult. You cannot become a millionaire > > overnight. You need at > > least two or three years. We have to open shops. You > > can go see at > > any shopping centre in Malaysia, almost 100% of the > > shops are owned > > by Chinese, even in places like Kota Bharu. Malays > > don't have to do > > this. We have to work the whole day long, even on > > Sundays. The only > > holiday we get is during Chinese New Year. You > > Malays work five days > > a week and every public holiday you can rest at > > home. You Malays > > work only 34 hours a week. We Chinese have to work > > almost 100 hours > > a week, three times more than you Malays have to > > work. We have no > > time to even go shopping. That's why you see at the > > shopping centres > > or places like Giant, almost all the customers are > > Malays. We > > Chinese where got time to go shopping? We are too > > busy working." > > > > "Yes, I have noticed that." > > > > "Actually, sometimes I wish we Chinese have a > > political party like > > Umno. At least then we can relax a bit and not work > > so hard and let > > the party look after our interest. This MCA and > > Gerakan are useless. > > They will never help the Chinese. So we have to help > > ourselves. If > > not, who will help us?" > > > > "That's why. You Chinese should be more political > > minded like we > > Malays. I tell you, if not because of politics, we > > Malays will also > > be nowhere like you Chinese. Luckily we have Umno. > > If not we Malays > > would also be suffering like you Chinese. Imagine if > > I have to work > > 100 hours a week and sit in my shop from morning to > > night, every day > > of the week with no rest. Aiyah! I just cannot > > imagine that."