SPAD Officers - Where are you? (2)

Another letter to the editor which highlighted the RM15 fare charged by a taxi driver for a ride between the Central Market to the Methodist Boys’ School at Jalan Hang Jebat.







Where are the SPAD officers?

I REFER to “RM40 for short taxi ride” (Letters, July 18). Living and working in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, it is more like a miracle when I come across a taxi driver who uses the meter. A few weeks ago, I wanted to take a taxi from the bus stop in front of Central Market to the Methodist Boys’ School at Jalan Hang Jebat. It would have been a 20-minute walk uphill but I was tired.


The first taxi driver I approached rejected me, saying that he didn’t want to go through a jam. The second driver said that he was not planning to go to that area. The third driver said he would take me there for RM20. I thought I had no choice.


I bargained with him and brought the fare down to RM15. The ride through the clear road took five minutes. I had to spend almost 10 minutes to get a taxi and bargain over the fare for a five-minute ride.


Taxi drivers seem to have a pact. The first two in the queue rejected me and I was left with no choice but to accept the third driver’s terms. This is like bullying.


RoshMuni
Kuala Lumpur

SPAD Officers - Where are you? (1)

This is a letter to the editor of the Sun daily newspaper highlighting the RM40 charged by a taxi driver for the ride between Pavilion, Bukit Bintang to a hotel in Pudu:




RM40 for a short taxi ride


MY parents came to KL for a holiday and I took them to Pavilion KL to shop and have dinner. As they are elderly and unable to walk a long distance, we decided to take a taxi from the shopping mall back to their hotel in Pudu.


It's a short distance from Bukit Bintang to Pudu but the cabbie insisted on charging RM40. It sickened me but we had no choice.


KL cabbies have given the city a bad image, openly fleecing Malaysians and foreigners alike. The authorities should act fast and not continue to turn a blind eye.


This is bad for tourism, bad for Kuala Lumpur, and bad for Pavilion KL.


BL
Penang

The "helpful" Malaysian - an endangered species

Another letter to the editor highlights how “helpful” Malaysians are in light of the recent tragic snatch theft case in Penang. The writer felt that it is not too late to change and the act of helping others must be inculcated from young.

I'm still perplexed on the reasons why Malaysians have come to this “helpful” stage. Parents countrywide seem to go overboard giving the best that money can buy to ensure that their children are not deprived of the latest in their physical, mental and emotional development.

At first glance that should be enough preparation to give the child a head start and grow up being a responsible and caring adult. Responsible maybe but the caring part is a bit difficult. That part comes from examples set by the adults and practical lessons since young.

The nuclear family is becoming the norm with both parents working and the child left in someone else's care. The time spent with the child has become less and exposure to others in an extended family is rare. Meanwhile, neighbours barely acknowledge each other as time is money and each of us are in such a hurry to accumulate as much wealth as possible.

When would be the time for the child to observe and absorb that caring trait. Most probably from the mass media, the television, cinema and internet. All those flickering images, at most for about two hours are still images.

The reality is different. Has the child ever been thought to give precedence to those less fortunate? The aged or disabled? As far as I can see, most parents just tug the child away from this group of people so as to avoid any close contact. Those less fortunate are an anomaly to be cast away from the utopian view of a perfect world.

They might be willing to visit an old folks home or an orphanage during certain occasions but in their daily lives, the less fortunate are not in their world view. Images of poverty or hunger have become so common, that we have become immune and unable to relate to them. We switch to the denial mode.

We have not been thought how to react and show empathy or be compassionate when the situation warrants it. We can have as many lessons in school or at home but when we avoid giving that helping hand in real life, the “helpful” Malaysian comes to the fore.

Image from teamsnap

Pregnant lady kept standing

No one giving up their seat to a pregnant lady is not strange. It has become more and more common. Sometimes in the bus or LRT, even the women folk do not give up their seat for those more deserving.

The lady in the letter to the editor was seven months pregnant and was attending an investment seminar where she assumed the audience to be at least more enlightened on the predicaments of a pregnant woman. That was not to be.

She mentioned that “All attendees were educated and I would say were mostly highly educated and yet there was no compassion and human values.”

Yes, that is the crux of the matter. Compassion and human values are becoming less common compared to the pursuit of material wealth. A pregnant lady? Is that any concern of others?

I guess many have forgotten all of us have mothers and they did carry us in their wombs for nine months. Can't we forget for a moment our own tiredness and give up that seat for the pregnant lady.  

I don't have an answer on how to change this attitude of being uncaring to those in need. Education has always been held as the answer but as the lady said, she believed that those attending the event were educated. In that case, those in that room would be able to think and have some common sense and empathy for a pregnant lady. That did not happen.

Will it ever change? If the educated themselves do not lend a hand to those in need, there must be something wrong with the education that they received. A revamp is needed on what we teach our children. The emphasis should not be just that string of As, but also the human values and compassion necessary as member of a society. The moral or religious education classes might help but the adults' examples at home and in society at large is a great influence.

A change in the mind-set is needed or else the children will definitely grow up to be uncaring adults.


The letter in full:


I AM about seven months pregnant. I attended “Invest Malaysia 2012” which was held in Shangri-la recently.


I made the trip as I was interested to listen to our Prime Minister speak on “Capitalise on Asean’s multinational marketplace”.


The event was attended mostly by professionals or working people in the investment community.


I could not find a seat and it was just too crowded. I stood near all the seated attendees for almost half-an-hour (near the side entrance), hoping that someone would be kind enough to offer me a seat.


Unfortunately, no one volunteered.


As I could not stand any longer with my big belly, I left the event after half-an-hour. It was painful to think how our society has changed.


All attendees were educated and I would say were mostly highly educated and yet there was no compassaion and human values.


I guess perhaps it is time that our Government does something, e.g. emphasise more on moral values in our education system or to do some activities that encourage people to be more compassionate and courteous in treating others, especially the weaker ones.


All these can be done through the media and education system and it has to start from young.


TAN PM
Kuala Lumpur

Image from babytidings

The police should be the "mata-mata" again

The suggestion that police foot patrols will help boost security has its merits.

At the moment we see quite a few pondok polis in our neighbourhoods and we notice some policemen making their rounds on their motorcycles or cars. The ones on foot are not common.

I've only seen some at the Bukit Bintang shopping area and their presence does make us feel more secure. They seem approachable and always willing to give a helping hand. A positive image indeed. Nevertheless, the police beat base is still relevant as the most convenient one stop centre to ask questions or make reports.

Unfortunately the police force would not be able to accommodate all areas that need them. That would require more manpower which we could ill afford as their job is not just to patrol a certain area. Random walkabouts would be most welcomed and at least they will be able to get feedback on what is happening on the ground.

Once upon a time the police were also called “mata-mata”, literally the eyes. They can be seen making their rounds and was a part of the community. Children were even cautioned by their parents that the mata-mata will catch them if they misbehave. That threat is so old-fashioned and no longer carries any weight in this time and age.

The mata-mata is not in our midst any more so we are unable to have that emotional link with the police force. They are not just there to help us during troubled times but can be a dependable friend at other times as well.

The police should embrace the mata-mata spirit again and become our friend, a part of us.

Image from oldman40k2003

More employment means less crime

The opinion in the letter to the editor titled “How to bring the crime rate down” is food for thought. The writer believes that if everyone has a job then the crime rate will go down. I think this has some merit since a job would translate into money in the pocket which indirectly means the person would have less reason to commit a crime.

We are just talking about the numerous snatch thefts and break-ins that are reported daily in the media. These are preventable if everyone has an equal opportunity to have a decent wage instead of being sidelined by employers.

The official statistics might show the country has achieved almost full employment but more often than not ordinary folks are struggling to make ends meet especially those living in urban areas. The subsidies do help but it does not solve the basic problem of low wages compared to high daily living expenses.

The worst affected group are those ignored by employers even for menial jobs. They are the most likely candidate to try their hand at making a living from crime. The spate of physical attacks on the victims is a symptom of desperation to get whatever they can at whatever cost.

They have lost all considerations for the targeted victims as their main aim and ultimate goal is to get that handbag or anything of value on that person. The victim's struggle is a normal reaction from  anyone who has been surprised by an attack. Unfortunately the more the victim struggles, the more hard hearted and determined the robber would be. He changes to a totally different person in a split second and the victim gets the brunt of his outburst.

Yes, employment would definitely give at least some hope to those in dire situations. They would at least be assured that they will be able to afford their daily meals. Sad to say but employment would not be the solution to white collar crimes. That is another story.

Image from jonpackapproves

Malaysian taxi drivers must use the meter

The heading in the letter to the editor says it all, “Start by insisting they all use meters”. All the subsidies that are given to the taxi operators whether it is the fuel subsidy or recently launched tire subsidy would not make a dent in improving the taxi services in this country unless and until all taxis use meters.

I'll quote some paragraphs that I like:

“In Kuala Lumpur, the taxis have meters and display signs on the doors about "no haggling" but it's all "face" as most taxis refuse to turn the meter on.” This is so so true.

“The driver usually starts quoting a fixed fare of twice the normal amount "because of heavy traffic" or "because it's raining" etc. The abuse of the system is endemic.” Most often that not even if there is no heavy traffic and the sun is shining brightly, the taxi drivers will still pick and choose whether they want to take the passengers.

“Compare the situation here with that in Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta. In all these cities, the drivers turn on the meter without question and rarely try to cheat.” I have not been to Manila but I can vouch that in the other two cities which has a bigger population and worse traffic condition that in any city in Malaysia, the taxi drivers automatically use the meter, come rain or shine, irrespective of the traffic conditions.

“I may be wrong, but I don't think the tourism minister or SPAD chairman had ever tried to hail a taxi in the street. If they did, they would see a different reality.” I would like to give the benefit of the doubt here. Yes, maybe the tourism minister or SPAD chairman had tried hailing a taxi in the street just like the rest of us. At the moment both of them might be working diligently trying to find a solution to the perennial bad image of our taxi services. I am hoping and praying that they really did hail a taxi in the street and had the same experience as the public.

I just love the last paragraph:

“Perhaps the way to start is to go to Bangkok and find out how the system there works and why in Malaysia it is horribly broken.” Of course I'm biased, since every visit to Bangkok has been pleasant, and even during the period when they had different factions fighting to be the ruling government, the taxi drivers will still take you to your destination using the meter.

The key point has to be emphasised again: Malaysian taxi drivers must use the meter.

Image from killingtimewithijahamran

The staircase at KL Sentral station

I could not agree more with the sentiments in the letter to the editor which highlighted the pasar malam atmosphere at the KL Sentral station. The letter mentioned the rows of temporary kiosks filling the concourse area at Level 1 which not only obstructs the flow of commuters using the station, it is also a definite hazard in times of emergency. The huge signage for the other conncting modes of transport are also hidden by some of the kiosks.

I feel one of the major flaws of the station is the exit for passengers going to Jalan Tun Sambanthan. I'm not sure why there is only one staircase and an elevator catering to the thousands who use that route daily.

The station was originally planned without the buses waiting at the ground level. That in itself should not have been the reason for having only one staircase for a central station. At present I can see work being done to have a bridge to the next station. When it is completed we still have just one staircase to go to the ground floor if we want to take the bus to the airport or taxis to other parts of the city.

I do wonder how the architect envisioned the whole KL Sentral complex. Was that one staircase not to be used at all? If that is the case, pedestrians would use the road meant for motor vehicles which goes downwards to Jalan Tun Sambanthan.

I am a pedestrian and having that one staircase has always been the bane of any visit to KL Sentral. At least I can still walk but I can see the disappointed faces of those with problems when they see that staircase.

That staircase deserves the accolade of being the most unfriendly path at a public building in Kuala Lumpur.

Image from wikipedia

Air Asia's female pilots

I've always had a love hate relationship with AirAsia from day one due to the numerous flight delays during the early days and now the not so friendly booking online system. They deserve a pat on the back nevertheless for their equal opportunity policy in terms of employment.

This fact is highlighted in the article on female pilots working with the airline. AirAsia currently has 21 female pilots. Twelve of them fly with AirAsia operating the Airbus A320 while the remainder fly for AirAsiaX, operating the Airbus A330. According to one of the pilots interviewed, she even had the experience of being on a flight manned by an all female crew. Now, can anything beat that?

I do wish other organisations can take a leaf from AirAsia and give equal opportunity to the females in their fold. It is a waste of talent and resources if a woman is sidestepped from a position just because of her gender. When all things are considered and the woman is suitable for the post, there should not be any qualms in putting her in that job.

At the end of the day, any organisation has targets to achieve and if the most capable to do the job is a woman, so be it. It might be a man's world for some job categories, such as the airline industry but when it comes to the crunch, the ability to deliver is what counts.

In that sense, kudos to AirAsia.

Image from NST

Will the taxi service in Kuala Lumpur ever improve?

The headline “Taxi drivers not using meters nothing new” in a letter to the editor is a fact of life in Kuala Lumpur. The writer mentioned his experience when working in the city in the mid-90s and  he is taken aback that nothing has changed during his recent visit.

The mid-90s until now would cover a period of at least 20 years and since the situation has remained the same, is there any hope at all that it will change in the immediate future? The chances of an improvement in the service seems very dim even with the recent tyre subsidy and personal accident scheme under the Teksi Rakyat 1Malaysia (TR1Ma) programme.

Has any officers from the Land Transport Commission (SPAD) gone to the ground and tried using the taxis in Kuala Lumpur?

Anyone going down the staircase at KL Sentral towards the area where the buses and taxis are waiting for passengers would be able to see and hear the haggling that continues between the taxi drivers and their potential customers. The same scene is repeated at many other taxi stands eg, Pasar Seni, KLCC and the LRT stations.

That has not stopped even with the no haggling and metered taxi stickers plastered on the taxi doors. Those notices are just for display after so much promise that the situation will improve after the grand launch of the stickers. The majority of taxis have that sticker but it does not mean anything.

Passengers are usually advised to just open the door and get into the taxi when they are successful in attracting the attention of the taxi driver that is driving along a road. Unfortunately, in reality the passenger will be asked first where is his destination and if it is to the agreement of the taxi driver, then and only then can the passenger get inside the taxi.

Most often the passengers will try to persuade the taxi driver to take them to their destination even if he is at first reluctant to do so. That is the time when the bargaining starts. The fare quoted would be at least double the metered fare as the taxi driver knows that even after bargaining, he will still make a profit.

I've also never understood why the traffic conditions has been used umpteen times as an excuse not to take passengers to a certain destination. The traffic conditions in Bangkok and Jakarta is worse but the taxi drivers still take the passengers and use the meter.

I do not foresee any improvement in our taxi service in the foreseeable future until a major revamp of the whole system has been implemented. That would be another story.

Image from hotelkualalumpur

How much does it cost to get the Malaysian halal certification?

I'm glad that the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said that food outlet operators are not compelled to apply for the halal certificate and logo. He gave examples of hawkers such as the nasi lemak, nasi dagang and keropok lekor seller who would have to close shop if this group of traders are compelled to apply for the halal certification.

I do wonder how much does it take to get the certification to the point that an ordinary hawker has to close shop. According to the e-halal portal, applicants have to list all the ingredients used in their food preparation before proceeding with the application.

As an example, the keropok lekor seller will list the fish, oil, flour and other ingredients used in making his delicacy. I'm unsure what other details are needed since any applicant who wants to use the portal must first register with Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM).

Would the cost of submitting this information and other checks be so exorbitant that the trader has to close shop? Or is it only the big businesses that can afford the certification.

I have always had more faith in the small traders as some of them are my neighbours and friends. I've seen them prepare the food and know where they get the supply. I'm uncertain what actually happens during the certification process such that only big businesses can afford the checks.

As I said, how much exactly does it cost to get the certification?

Image from knizam

Housebuyers in China are spoilt for choice

Those with money do get lots of perks, don't they? Money makes money as the saying goes and the news that those who buy a house in China will get a free home in Malaysia is testimony to it.

The catch is buyers will have to purchase a RM10mil residence in China to get their free luxury home valued at RM500,000 in Malaysia. I guess if you can afford a RM10mil home, RM500,000 is just peanuts.

Those who have made it to the rich league in China are definitely a sought after group. This might just be a sampling of other schemes that will entice the newly rich to part with their money. Malaysia is not complaining of course since we get the benefit of these foreign funds coming onto our shores.

What might be of concern is the impact on the local home buyers. How many can afford houses in the RM500,000 price range? That price range is not in the average income earner's horizon in the immediate future.

Affordable homes are getting fewer in number especially in the urban areas. Wage earners save and tighten their belt to buy their dream home. Sometimes the goal posts are changed just as the buyer nears his target.

The influx of foreign buyers indirectly makes house prices rise even higher. Higher and higher it goes until locals will be left with just crumbs. That is a depressing scenario indeed.



The news item that appeared in the Star, 3 July 2012 is shown below:

BUY a house in China and get one free in Malaysia.


Developers are using this innovative marketing approach to boost property development in both countries, Nanyang Siang Pau reported.


However, buyers will have to purchase a RM10mil residence in China to get their free luxury home valued at RM500,000 in Malaysia, the paper said.


The local developers would maintain and rent out the property for the foreign owners and, at the same time, help them apply for the Malaysia My Second Home programme.


Many Chinese developers have purchased a large number of properties in Malaysia, which they give away as gifts to customers who buy houses worth between RM10mil and RM20mil.

Image from piz013

All the best to Firefly

I am happy reading the news that Firefly is to launch two new routes. They will also increase the flight frequency on certain routes starting from 10 August 2012. I do hope this good news will continue and also cover routes to and from the Peninsular to Sabah and Sarawak.

I've always believed that we need competition in order for incumbents in any industry to give better value to consumers. The consumers are the ones who made certain brand names what they are now and any upstart to their dominance is not a threat but more of a challenge.

The proof of a great organisation will always be shown when it manages to bring its own services to the next notch in attracting customers. Sometimes when success gets to your head, we tend to forget the basics and ride roughshod on others.

When Firefly started, no one gave it a second chance as AirAsia was the leading low-cost carrier at that time and still is now in the region. No one expects Firefly to be in the same league as AirAsia but at least consumers have another choice when making decisions. The recently aborted share swap and consolidation plan between MAS and AirAsia put Firefly in a tight spot.

AirAsia for all its strengths must acknowledge that the field is wide enough for another carrier to enhance services that can be provided to travellers. Remember when AirAsia started and took over the rural services in Sabah and Sarawak? That was a big mistake as the AirAsia setup was not capable to cater for the different needs of those in the rural areas.

That is a different segment altogether and there should be more flights from the Peninsular to Sabah and Sarawak. We must not be taken hostage by flight cancellations or delays. As consumers we must be vocal that we need those services or else how do we even bridge the gap between the two. The internet might be a solution but there is nothing like actual face to face communications.

In that sense Firefly feels a void where consumers are concerned. I hope Firefly will be another success story for the nation in the steps of its big brothers, MAS in its heyday and AirAsia.

Image from flylcct

Another plan to ease the burden of the poor from our benevolent government

The latest aid from the federal government in the form of free Cityliner stage bus tickets, worth RM1.6mil, to the poor and needy in Kelantan for a year beginning this month seems to follow the examples of the book subsidies and the more recent tire subsidies for taxi drivers.

The subsidy is only for a year and those entitled to the bus tickets have to struggle again after that period ends. This is definitely a temporary measure and does not go to the roots of the problem. The people are still poor and cannot even afford the bus fare.

Should not the adage, teach them how to fish and not just give the fish be the mantra? Or are we kept in the dark on some future plans that has been approved to upgrade the livelihoods of this group of people?



The full news item that appeared in the Star 1 July 2012 is below:

KOTA BARU: The federal government is giving away free Cityliner stage bus tickets, worth RM1.6mil, to the poor and needy in Kelantan for a year beginning this month.


International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the programme was the first ever implemented in the country to help ease the burden of the targetted group.


Under this programme, 10,000 pre-paid tickets for the Cityliner stage bus service would be distributed to the poor and needy, including persons with disabilities (OKU), single mothers and orphans, in Kelantan every month, he told reporters after the launch of Cityliner's first eco-friendly bus in Kelantan here on Sunday.


Cityliner, which runs the stage bus owned by Konsortium Transnasional Berhad (KTB), has a fleet of 150 buses operating in Kelantan. About 20,000 people use the bus service daily.


Mustapa, who is also Kelantan Umno liaison chairman, said the Social Welfare Department would determine those eligible to receive the free bus tickets. - Bernama

Image from abgteror

Smartphones can reveal secrets

The headline “Man discovers wife’s infidelity after she accidentally calls him during sex” should be a lesson to those planning to have a fling behind their partner's back. According to the news item, the wife accidentally dialled the husband's number on her touch-screen smart phone as she was having sex with her lover, just in time for the husband to hear her breathing heavily on the line.

I guess the lovers were in such a passionate moment that she did not realise that her phone was nearby. The lovers did not plan their time together in detail and did not cover all possibilities. Most probably the thrill of being caught might even have a role here. Unconsciously perhaps, the wife wanted to be found out and it is her way of informing her husband that their marriage is not what it used to be.

In a way, this is quite a good advertisement for smartphones. It shows how easy it is to dial a number when we have a smartphone even when we are in the throes of passion. It is also a reminder to anyone that the phone should not be too near you while engaging in something that should be a private affair in case you accidentally dialled a friend or family member. Unless of course you purposely want your love-making to be made public.

Another astounding fact from this particular story is the excuse that the lover gave when caught in the closet. The lover told the police he was visiting the woman, an old friend, and had gone into the closet to masturbate when she was having a shower.

Can anyone beat that as an excuse?



The full news item taken from the Star 30 June 2012 is below:

A NEWLY-WED woman in Taiwan accidentally dialled her husband's number on her touch-screen smart phone as she was having sex with her lover, just in time for the husband to hear her breathing heavily on the line, reported Kwong Wah Yit Poh.


The husband, only known as Zhang, rushed home after he received the call at work, thinking that his wife could be in trouble.


However, the engineer was shocked to find his wife sitting on their marital bed only in her undergarments. The blanket was also missing.


The wife told Zhang that she had taken off the bed linens to wash them and was about to take a shower.


Suspecting something amiss, Zhang searched the house and found a man, wrapped in the blanket, inside the guest room closet.


“My heart was broken,” he said, adding that he had seen the man's photo in his wife's Facebook profile.


He later lodged a police report.


At the police station, Zhang's wife claimed that the man was merely visiting as she was going for a shower after cleaning the house.


The lover meanwhile told the police he was visiting the woman, an old friend, and had gone into the closet to masturbate when she was having a shower. 

Image from clker

Tuition's importance in the Malaysian education system

What is the role our schools as it seems tuition has gained more importance than the actual time spent in schools itself? Shall we scrape schools altogether and just concentrate on tuition centres?

Those are my thoughts after reading the news item below from the New Straits Times, 29 June 2012.

The government has approved an allocation of RM2 million from a special fund to implement the interactive 1Malaysia People's Tuition programme (iTR1M) to give free tuition to 10,000 students in Selangor who will be sitting for public examinations this year.


Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the programme implemented by the Malaysian Teachers Foundation Berhad (YGBM) at Seri Perdana, here, today. Also present was YGBM chairman Tan Seri Alimuddin Mohd Dom.     
Alimuddin said the pioneer project, implemented in Selangor, would benefit poor students who could not afford to attend private tuition classes but would be sitting for the UPSR, PMR and SPM examinations this year.    

"The iTR1M programme will help boost the academic performance of students from low income families to achieve excellence in the examinations," he told reporters after the launching ceremony.    

Alimuddin said the programme which started on June 18 and will end in October, was implemented in 107 schools, namely, 30 secondary schools and 77 primary schools in Selangor.  

He said 350 teachers from the schools concerned would give tuition in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mathmetics and Science every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"The aim of the iTR1M programme is to give free guidance outside of school hours for children of low income earners from the various communities and help them optimise the use of the 'Netbook 1Malaysia' and ICT facilities provided by the government," he said in a statement.    

Alimuddin said under the programme, UPSR candidates used the learning and self-evaluation method online from houses, schools and community centres (Rural Libraries, Community Broadband Centres and rural information hubs).    

He said for PMR and SPM candidates, conventional guidance in several selected secondary schools would be held from 3pm to 5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.    

Furthermore, he said SPM candidates sitting for pure sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) would use the learning and self-evaluation method online from home.    

"Preparatory seminars and workshops to face the examinations would be held towards the dates of the examinations," he said.

Image from dreamstime

Watch out for termites if you save your money at home

The news that a Taiwanese undergraduate loss all her life savings of RM106,000 to termites seem incongruous at first as most of us keep our savings in the bank. In this case, she did not trust banks. I'm glad that I have not read any similar incident in Malaysia.

The fact that we have not had anyone losing their money in such a way is proof of how much we trust our banks. Some might say there may be people who do keep their money outside the banking system and as far as we know they have not lost that money to insects or other natural calamities. That is food for thought.

In Malaysia we are assured of the safety of our deposits through the auspices of the deposit insurance system administered by Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM). Aren't we glad that we can sleep peacefully knowing that our savings would not disappear overnight even if a member bank fails.

This insurance does not give carte blanche to the banks to do business recklessly. As a business entity we are certain that commercial banks would prefer to see continued growth rather than sudden dramatic spurts which ends with a big flop.

We are however uncertain of the human factor. Those in management might prefer the spurt and flop scenario in order to line their own pockets. It is tempting to make the hay while the sun shines. We are fortunate that our central bank is always vigilant and banks that show anomalies will be investigated and remedial action can be taken.

We have to emphasise to those who doubt the credibility, trustworthiness and strength of our banking system that what we have in place is well-managed and has the full support of the government and people. Our deposits are tiny compared to savings worldwide but account holders need not have any doubts that their money is in safe hands.

We do not need to stash our savings in our own house.

Image from dreamstime

The DBP should not be an enforcement agency

I disagree with the idea that the government-run language and literature institute Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) should be given the power to act against advertisements in public places that do not use proper Malay. The Deputy Education Minister Dr Puad Zarkashi said currently the power to take action against such outdoor advertisements lie with local authorities.

That division of roles should remain so that the DBP can concentrate on its objectives to promote the language and its use. DBP must maintain its advisory role and not be the judge, jury and prosecutor in one swoop. Education will always be the best way to promote the language and DBP's research department must continue to develop the language in all sectors. The onus is on the DBP to be more aggressive in promoting the correct usage of the language in all spheres of life.

The most common misuse of the language is the regular habit of literal translation of terms from a foreign language. This contributes to miscommunication as the intended message is not conveyed properly to its target audience. The DBP is always there to help or advise but most of us take the language for granted, giving rise to a hybrid version of the language.

The cyberworld has exacerbated this trend when a mixture of Malay and other languages are strung together in a sentence. All thoughts and desires tend to use a short form as time is of the essence in today's world. How often do we use grammatically correct sentences when using facebook or twitter?

In the name of saving space, we sacrifice the beauty of the language. DBP might be able to take a proactive action by encouraging the usage of for example, the pantun as that form of the language can be succinct and to the point. Pantuns are open to so many possibilities and those who are adept will be able convey a myriad of emotions in just a few words. Saves a lot of space and time.

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Will other convicted rapists follow asking for maximum sentence?

This is the first time I've read that a convicted rapist has asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence for his crime. He has pleaded guilty to raping a girl in 2009. The prosecutor mentioned that the rapist, S. Thiyagaran is an habitual offender based on previous convictions and is currently serving a 50 year sentence for two previous rape convictions. 

The judge in this case sentenced the man to a 20 year sentence in jail and 10 strokes of the rotan. The jail time is to run consecutively from the current jail time.

The man will serve a total of 70 years in jail and as he is now 35 years old, the chances of him being a free man again seem quite slim. That would at least keep him from repeating his crime on others. He said that his crime cannot be forgiven and we do not actually know why he has made this conclusion only after repeated offences.

How many other rapists have come to their senses and realise that the crimes they committed have long-term effects on the victims. In this case, at least the rapist will be able to reflect again on what happened in the past and might be able eventually to come to terms himself. He as the aggressor would never be able to amend or turn back the clock for the victims.

The victims who are reading the news on his plea for the maximum sentence would be able to heave a sigh of relief that at least the perpetrator will be behind bars for a very long time. The psychological scars might still be present and they would still need the emotional support and assurance from those close to them.

One rapist behind bars for a long time does not guarantee that  the crime will not occur again. We must still be vigilant and on alert as potential perpetrators are always present to pounce on unsuspecting victims. I doubt S. Thiyagaran's example will have any effect on potential criminals as   those who want to commit a crime especially rape will not give a second thought when they feel the urge to do it.

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SPAD is doing a 'good' job

Any loyal Malaysian would take offence at the insinuation conveyed by the last paragraph in the letter to the editor today “One wonders whether this is due to SPAD being too skilful in the art of quantitative management, the enforcement personnel having vision defects, or practise of the culture of “semangat tolong-menolong.””

How could the writer say such things? All of us know those who worked at the SPAD since its inception have been trying hard to make the life of a commuter much more pleasant. The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has been entrusted in improving road and rail-based public and freight transport in the country. The heading in their website shouts out that the SPAD is to lead the transformation of public transportation to become the rakyat's preferred mode to commute.

The rakyat would be the ordinary folks and not those with the outriders or even the SPAD management. That distinction has to be made clear from the beginning. The commuters are those lucky enough to be under the care of the SPAD. At the time of writing, many do spend a few hours every day commuting to and from work. The transformation of our public transport system overseen by the SPAD will take time to bear fruit and in the meantime we should all be thankful that our roads are still packed with many cars that has just one occupant.

One bus can accommodate at least 30 passengers and is equivalent in length to two or three cars bumper to bumper. That one bus does take up space when the car is much more deserving. More cars is a sign of progress, right? Buses inadvertently are always the first choice for some. It does not matter that some of our buses can be a furnace in a heat wave when the air-conditioner breaks down or we can play dodge the dripping water from the roof top when it rains as this is just a temporary nuisance. The SPAD has so many plans in the pipeline that will make commuting such a pleasure in future.

The recently announced Teksi Rakyat 1Malaysia scheme will definitely change the face of the industry and we will be the envy of the world. The days of rude, unresponsive and picky taxi drivers will be past history. Welcome to better public transportation and many thanks goes to the SPAD. Don't forget this is for the rakyat and please remember that in this Orwellian world, there are rakyats and there are rakyats.

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KTM services needs to be punctual

Being on time does not seem to be top priority for KTM as the letter to the editor today highlighted numerous incidents when the train did not arrive on time. It can even be a two hours delay and have involved passengers who are visiting our country.

That is the image they will bring back home, a public service provider who takes the consumer for granted. All of us have seen and heard many pronouncements that the service will be improved but when the core service, punctuality is not up to mark, what do you expect the public to say? Is the KTM management waiting for heaps of praise for the “good” service they have doled out to the public.

There is a definite disconnect in reality between the management and the passengers. The management will always apologise for the inconvenience caused, but do they actually feel and embrace that apology. It is just a word, conveniently put out to conform to the key performance index matrix as proof that they have taken action on a complaint. There will be another apology for inconvenience caused in future when another problem occurs.

The time lost and wasted by each passenger can be better used productively in other areas and it could be time spent with the family. No wonder many are stressed out by the end of the day. Taking the train was supposed to lessen the stress level but the delays have the opposite effect.

The town planners want more people to use the public transport as a way to ease the traffic congestion in our urban centres. The commuters want to do their part by taking the train but when they are confronted by frequent delays and breakdowns, an alternative has to be found.

Many choose to drive instead of taking the train out of frustration with the level of service provided. Then we are back to square one. Commuters are willing to be stuck in a traffic jam in the comfort of their own car rather than being cramped at the stations waiting without any assurance for the next train arrival.

Minutes ticking by, at least in the car, the driver knows that he is inching away to his ultimate destination even in the worst of conditions but at the station platform, the clock showing the arrival time of the next train keeps changing. The goal post keeps changing and your team will never win.

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A glass of warm water is 80 sen at a kopitiam

I wonder why the kopitiam mentioned in the letter to the editor today charged its customer 80 sen for a glass of warm water. They are either making lots of profits from plain water or the water authorities themselves has increased their charges.

Water is a basic necessity and if the price of a glass of warm water keeps increasing, what can the public do? Shall all of us make daily trips to the nearest natural water source, rivers or lakes and take whatever we can while we can? Another way would be to collect rain water which should be in abundance when there is a thunderstorm in our area. At the moment, the rainfall is just a trickle and has not helped much in cooling off the heat brought on by the annual haze phenomenon.

We are supposedly a tropical country that enjoys heavy rainfall throughout the year and yet water is an expensive commodity. The authorities will say that the cost is related to the water treatment process and added expenses providing clean water to the consumer. Fair enough I guess but 80 sen per glass is a lot of money. I realise 80 sen is not a big amount in this day and age, therefore charging that much for a glass of water is just plain daylight robbery.

I cannot fathom the reason behind such a price. Water must now be a controlled item too or else speculators will take advantage of this precious commodity. Agreed?

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Scientific research for its own sake

Today's letter to the editor gives an insight on how we have come to the stage when anything and everything must have a value. In this instance, the letter mentioned scientific research which might be confused with the development in the much used term R&D.

As the writer reiterated, scientific research for its own sake, which is usually out of curiosity on the why and how our surroundings work has always been at the core and basis of a study. No one knows whether any application can be gained from the research but we definitely gain an insight on the workings of our surroundings. Research done just for research's sake seem pointless but has not man been always curious at heart.

This in a sense is the dilemma faced by the curious at any period of time. He might want to pursue further and satisfy his inquisitiveness but more research would depend on more funds. Funds meanwhile can only be procured if the research findings has a value to the fund provider. There are doubts whether any philanthropist would provide funds into the esoteric. The fund provider has to be convinced that his contribution is not just money down the drain. Practical considerations will always take precedence in the decision.

A research scientist would have to compromise and find a balance between his pursuit of answers to   theoretical questions and a practical solution to problems. It seems unfair but unless he has made good in the practical application of his research, he would not have the luxury of pursuing research for its own sake. The way of the world.

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Malay one of the most popular Cambridge IGCSE subjects among students in Malaysia

The fact that more students are taking the Cambridge qualifications examinations should not come as a surprise to us in Malaysia. The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is a provider of international qualifications for students between the ages of 14 and 19, offering examinations and qualifications in more than 150 countries. CIE first developed the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) more than 20 years ago for an international student body and if I recall correctly they were the examinations body before we gained independence from the British.

A long history of excellence gives them an added advantage in attracting students. Students and parents are confident that these qualifications would open doors to greater opportunity in further education and career prospects. That confidence in what they can offer is their selling point.

What intrigued me most about the news item was the fact that Malay was one of the most popular subjects taken besides English and Mathematics. How did CIE manage to instill confidence to such an extent that even students from Malaysia are taking the Malay subject offered under the Cambridge examinations? I thought our Malaysian Examinations Board despite the brickbats hurled against them would at least be the premier examinations board for the Malay Language paper. I guess I'm mistaken.

I still remember a time when Malaysian teachers were marking Malay Language examination papers from all over the world but I guess that was under the auspices of Cambridge too and not the Malaysian Examinations Board. It is strange that Malaysia which enshrines the Malay Language as the National Language in its constitution is not the premier centre for the language. Can someone shed some light on this?

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Caning does not solve the problem

The heading of the letter to the editor “Not just by caning alone” is quite apt when we looked at the effects of the punishment on the children. The writer believes that it is the teacher who carries out the caning who might be the problem since some of the reasons for the punishment seems very unreasonable such as forgetting to ask parents to sign off the student's homework.

In this day and age, caning does not leave the desired mark that the teacher wants to impress on the student. Caning might work when the student is still a child but once he can think and reason for himself, there will be doubts and questions on why he was punished for such and such misconduct.

Now even a child who is in kindergarten will ask why he is being punished and the adults must explain the reasons behind the action taken. The adult will be asked repeatedly until the child is satisfied that the punishment was justified. The present day child is exposed to so many external influences and most often has developed the curiosity as well as reasoning skills to think for himself . He needs logical and appropriate answers.

The same or even more would be expected from those in school and especially the teenagers. The children's growing up years is the most trying and stressful period for any parent who wants to see their brood well-behaved and well-adapted socially. Caning or any physical punishment does not help in attaining that goal. It might even backfire if the child rebels against the adults and vents his frustrations by taking the wrong path.

It would be very hard for adults to resist from using the cane but we must try. Never give up and we must always remember that the seeds have to be nurtured from the beginning. The children's behaviour when they reach their teens is the culmination of lessons learnt since young. When a two-way communications have been established from the beginning, there is more room for the adult to find out what triggered an act, whether good or bad.

We must be ready to hear and listen, then only can we resolve the problem faced by the child. The child needs compassion, not the cane.

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Long live Lynas

It is refreshing that the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant committee chairman, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin answered "Why not?" when asked whether he was willing to live near the Lynas plant since the PSC found it to be safe. It would remain to be seen whether anyone from the committee had actually made plans to shift near the site.

The authorities must take this golden opportunity to promote the area surrounding Lynas as a safe haven, a model for others in terms of safety and transparency. The site could be the new booming suburb for Kuantan and the catalyst for an unprecedented growth spurt for the East Coast.

We have been told numerous times that Lynas will be the start of a new era for the country in terms of new technology and the downstream industry that will benefit from the plant. The country at the moment is at the threshold of the giant leap into the league of developed nations and the Lynas plant is a start. The public must never doubt the sincerity of those in power as I'm sure they have the best interests of the people whenever making a decision.

The decision by the PSC to award a temporary operating licence (TOL) to Lynas as it has met all the requirements must be welcomed and greeted with thunderous approval by all who want to see the country in the forefront of this new and exciting cutting edge technology. The committee mentioned that the Lynas project has complied with standards and laws in Malaysia, which are in line with international practices. In fact, it seems more stringent rules have been imposed on the plant compared to international standards.

So folks, there we have it, Lynas in all its glory. Long live Lynas.

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We can still grill and barbecue despite the haze

The Department of Environment (DOE) has announced an immediate ban against open burning for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya until a date to be specified later. Director-general Halimah Hassan said exceptions would only be given for religious and funeral rites, and grills or barbecues.

I wonder why grills or barbecues are in the list of exceptions as I doubt many would continue with these culinary treats in the present conditions. As far as I know, grills or barbecues are not common in high rises unless the place has event areas specifically for such cook-outs. That leaves those with landed property having the choice in having the grills or barbecues at their premises. I'm quite sure we're willing to forego grills and barbecues momentarily in the present hazy conditions. They are not a life and death compulsory event.

Those outside Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya meanwhile can continue with open burning activities and we'll see how the wind blows. The short-lived morning rain today has given hope that there might be a respite from the haze. That hope unfortunately will depend a lot on the vagaries of the unpredictable weather. Will mother nature have a heart and help us? As it is, we have brought this situation onto ourselves and know that the solution is within our hands.

That will be like asking for a miracle as the annual haze has been going on for at least a decade and nothing has changed since we found out that the main cause is the open burning in our neighbouring country. In the name of development and progress, we shall endure another haze this year and the next and the next ad infinitum.

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Please spread the news on VenusBuzz CARing project

The initiative by online women’s magazine Venusbuzz to champion the safety of women and children in public spaces with its CARing project is not only laudable but must be supported by everyone concerned with the recent crimes against women.

The authorities are entitled to say that crimes rates are down and those highlighted in the media are the exception but the public has to take precautions. We may choose to believe or disbelieve all the reports that have been appearing in the social media but why would anyone take the trouble to put up photos of their brutalised faces and body injuries for all the world to see? I'm sure they are not pranks.

It not a ride in the park but a traumatic experience when someone becomes a crime victim. Those who have been through the ordeal would know that it is far from a pleasant experience. We do not want anyone if possible to go through that harrowing moment. Unfortunately, those who compile the statistics would treat those incidents as just mere figures to be reported to the higher management. The policy makers would not be able to empathise with the victims as the crime did not happen to them.

The denial syndrome might be a solution to prevent reality from encroaching their own perceived safe havens.  As long as the crime happened to others, they feel safe and secure. Most of us do not have a 24 hour security detail ensuring our safety which some in the upper echelons of society can afford to have. Those who can afford that buffer zone in terms of security are worlds apart from the ordinary folks.

We will eventually have two groups of people living in this nation. A privileged group who enjoys an almost crime free environment and the other who will struggle everyday just to be safe and sound. Can't the first group acknowledge that our crime rate is NOT going down?

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Air Asia apologised for the inconvenience caused

I'm glad that the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia has ordered AirAsia to refund a Medan, Indonesia one-way fare worth RM646 to a private secretary to a minister. The private secretary to Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob filed the claim on May 28, after his May 20 flight was postponed indefinitely preventing him from going to Medan on a working trip with the minister.

The flight was supposed to be at 1.40 pm but he received a text message from AirAsia saying that it had been postponed to 8.40 pm. Unfortunately when he arrived at the LCCT, the flight had been delayed again and the airline staff were unable to confirm a definite departure time or reason for the delay.

Air Asia's legal department representative has apologised on behalf of the carrier for the inconvenience caused and informed that the flight was delayed due to technical problems. Why did AirAsia wait until the secretary took the case to the tribunal before acknowledging the problem? The standard apology for inconvenience caused is similar to the announcement we hear whenever there is some problem with the light rail transport system. An apology does not compensate for the time lost.

AirAsia, the transport operators or any public service provider must at least keep the customer informed whenever there is a delay. Keeping silent will definitely agitate the customers more and add to the stress level of everyone.

AirAsia as a leading low-cost carrier in the region has always emphasised that they want to keep their costs at a minimum so should not the same principle be applicable to their customers? Keeping a customer in the dark does not augur well for the airline's reputation. They might be a giant among their peers but others are always waiting for the opportunity to entice their customers to the opposite side.

Some have even opted to fly with regular carriers and pay a premium rather than go through the hassle of not knowing what happened to their flight. It might have been an isolated incident but the question still bugs me why AirAsia waited for the case to be heard at the tribunal. A responsible business will acknowledge their weak points and try to rectify the problem as soon as possible. They could have responded immediately when the incident happened but I guess they felt they were not obliged to make customers their first priority.

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Sentences run concurrently

I was pleased reading the headline that two men will be jailed a total of 75 years for raping two underage girls in 2010. Unfortunately on further reading, the sentences are to run concurrently. One man was sentenced 15 years and two strokes for each of his two offences while the other received 15 years and two strokes for each of his three offences.

In reality each man would serve less than 15 years as good behaviour while in prison might shorten their stay there. Their defence counsel has requested for a stay of execution pending an appeal. If the appeal is successful, they will be free men again.

A crime has been committed and two teenage girls are the victims. I do hope that the sentence would run consecutively if the appeal is unsuccessful and the men are found guilty without any doubts at all. A consecutive sentence effectively means that the men aged 36 and 38 would at least spend 30 years in jail. That should be ample time to reflect on what they have done to the girls who were 13 and 14 in 2010.

Why do some people take advantage of those who are underage? Adults should be protecting and guiding them not abusing the power they have over these children. Yes, they are children even if they are physically well-developed. It is a sign of the progress that we have made and enjoyed under the guidance of our beloved leaders that most children are well fed and reach their physical maturity quite early.

The mental maturity is a different kettle of fish. The girls were lured by promises of prepaid top-up cards and one man even gave the girls RM30 in exchange for sex on several occasions. RM30? That amount does not buy much in KLCC and I guess the girls need topping up quite often.

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Do pedestrians have any rights?

The experience mentioned in the letter to the editor today of motor vehicles running the red light at pedestrian crossings in Kuala Lumpur is well-known to those who walk in the city. The pedestrian crossings are timed to allow the pedestrians to cross the road within 20 to 30 seconds. In reality, pedestrians have to wait a few seconds just to make sure the cars have actually stopped before crossing the road.

I'm sure there have been studies on why motorists love to speed when they see the yellow light whereas that is supposed to alert them to slow down. Most probably motorists are confident that they can make it before the lights turn red. Some motorists do try to slow down but those behind them would be honking impatiently and urge those in front to continue driving. I guess motorists are the only ones who have to reach their destination within a certain time and those precious moments must not be wasted by stopping to let pedestrians cross the road.

These motorists might not have the experience of crossing a road as a pedestrian so they would not know what actually happened. As kings of the road who pay the road taxes they are entitled to lord it over the pedestrians. One or two pedestrians being knocked down should not be their concern. It was the pedestrian's fault for not letting the motorist to go first as he has the right of way.

Some motorists on Malaysian roads do not see the pedestrians at all but just concentrate on other motor vehicles. A case in point would be the mat rempits and other motorcyclists who weave in and out of the lanes. The element of surprise would always be there when a motorcyclist is suddenly by your side and the motorist does not realise there is a pedestrian in front. The poor motorist has to be alert of not just moving traffic but the pesky pedestrians.

It would be ideal for motorists if pedestrian crossings are abolished and they can speed as much as they can.  Pedestrians are not welcomed in the city.

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Can we leave the gadgets for a while?

I can empathise with the letter to the editor today on “City folk tied to their smart gadgets”. One paragraph that rings true is when the writer mentioned friends whom he has tried to meet for more than a year despite them staying about 5km away. I might add that my friends and I do meet each other but the occasion would see everyone using their gadgets rather than talking face to face.

The other occasions friends and families meet would be at weddings, funerals and anything to do with food. Food would certainly bring many out of their fixation with the gadgets but up to a certain point. The food is finished as fast as possible so as to enable the person to go back to his gadget and check the latest happenings. No wonder each morsel taste the same as the next and the chef's efforts goes to waste.

I'm guilty as the next person in this aspect but try to put my foot down that our meets must set aside at least some time talking to each other face to face. This rule has to be put in place or else there would not be any point at all meeting each other. Keeping up to date with the latest events is understandable but doesn't anyone want to know what is happening to the person in front of  us?

We can be updated continuously on what is on going in anyone's lives who is in our network. We can even make video calls and would be able to see his facial expressions in order to gauge the emotional state he is in at that particular time. But once we are meeting each other in person, shouldn't we concentrate and make full use of that moment.

Time is precious and everyone is in a rush. The gadgets supposedly help us to be well-informed every hour of the day. It is a personal choice and some might want that kind of life but for me there are limits. There is a time and place for the gadgets. Real human interaction is much more fascinating.

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Give tourists the real Malaysia

The letter to the editor today, “Know visitors' wants” gave quite a few good suggestions on how to gain more mileage from the tourists that visit our country. I am particularly intrigued by the idea that there should be a tourist centre that houses all the local produce that a town or village has as well as the culture and traditions of that area in one place. He goes on to write that anything produced elsewhere, particularly from overseas, should not be allowed in such local tourist centres. 

This is one of the basic musts of a local tourist spot. Tourists visit a country to experience the local atmosphere and gain something different from what they have at home. The visitor would be wondering whether he had ever left his homeland if and when he finds similar handicraft as what he has in his country. Those objects should not be touted as Malaysian unless they had morphed into local variations.

Our geographical location made us the melting pot of the region and at the crossroads of many influences. We have to acknowledge that many of the traditions and cultures in this country came from somewhere else but has been tweaked through many generations and taken a decidedly local colour. It cannot be helped that the fluid movements among the peoples of this region has contributed to our rich heritage.

That is one aspect of our history that we should highlight and promote. We do not have to import handicraft from other countries and say it is made in Malaysia as any knowledgeable person would realise the real origins of a particular object. There are many local handicraft and traditions that we can proudly say is ours but the marketing has been poor at this point of time.

A classic example is the stalls at the Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. How many of them sell home grown Malaysian arts and crafts? As far as we can see, the moment we enter the main entrance facing the car park, we will be greeted by carpets from India and Pakistan as well as arts and crafts from the Asean region. We will be able to see pewter or silverware at some stalls but it is not displayed prominently.

A different strategy is long overdue in terms of marketing Malaysia. The strategy of building an Arab Square to attract tourists from the Middle East is another example of a poorly planned strategy. That square is now hidden behind the many garish stalls around the area and I doubt the Middle Eastern tourists want to congregate at the square when they come here.

Bring back the real Malaysia for the world to see so that when the tourists return to their countries they will remember a unique country, different from their own.

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Following in the father's footsteps

It is with immense pride that we read the news touching on two Malaysian students who are going to further their studies at military academies in the United States of America. Others might not see this as of any significance but gaining entry to those academies is no mean feat.

What seems sweeter is the fact that both are carrying on their father's involvement in the military service. One of them, Chan Jun Kwan will study at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. His father is Capt Chan Beng Cheong, a communications director in the Defence Ministry while two elder brothers are also going to be in the military after completing their studies. The other Malaysian is Suhanraj Rajasegaran, will study at the US Military Academy in Westpoint, New York and his father is a retired army warrant officer. Suhanraj has always wanted to be in the military and his father encouraged him to aim higher than just being a warrant officer.

Isn't that amazing that the sons are following in the father's footsteps. Most probably the military discipline did rub off on them when they were growing up or else how could the interest be so deep that they want to continue in the same profession as their fathers. Not many of the younger generation would even think of choosing a military career as their future profession. Most would harbour that thought only during certain periods when movies or stories with military themes are popular among the public.

Sustaining the interest throughout the school days and making an effort to excel not just in academic subjects must be proof that they really love what they are doing. That passion would help them during the next few years of study and we hope they will bring a new dimension to our military strategy. In times of peace, the military is not so prominent but we must always be prepared for any eventuality or acts of transgression across our borders.

Twenty Malaysians have graduated from various US service academies since 1991 and we hope the numbers will increase in future. We might even have more sons and daughters of the current military personnel following in their father's footsteps and continuing the family tradition.

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The children need empathy and consideraton

The article that appeared in the Sunday Star on suicidal tendencies among young children is quite an eye opener. The many problems mentioned faced by children seem so ordinary that adults take it for granted it is part of the growing up process. The adults will say that they went through the same daunting period but survived it whole and intact. Times have changed and the challenges are in a different guise. The article emphasised that communication is the key factor.

Communication is a rare commodity in many homes at present especially when both parents are working. The parents want to give the best that money can buy and try as much as possible to give their children a better stimulating growing up experience. In the parents' eyes, money will be able to buy the educational toys when the children are toddlers and help to give a head start in the race to success. Money will also support music and other extra lessons so as to equip the child to be an all-rounder. The parents want the children to have all those advantages that they did not have during their own growing-up years.

All these support and help to put the child at the front line is of course done with good intentions. Unfortunately, the child has not been asked his own opinion or likes and dislikes. Music, ballet, swimming, taekwondo and other activities are part of the children's every day lives in addition to the normal school hours. The child's time has already been allocated to each activity in such a way that there is no hours left for him to choose and do what he really loves.

The other scenario would be those families who could not afford all those extra activities for their children and they are left to their own devices. In this case, friends are always the greatest influence. When those of the same age group spend most of their time just among themselves without the adults involvement, they become more independent and form their own opinions. Any issues at school or personal relationships are shared among their peer group. Parents or adults are never around to be of guidance.

In both scenarios, the communication is missing. The adults would know their children are there at home after school or at the dinner table. The hours together might be longer if they watch the television together but many children would prefer to be left alone in their own bedrooms. The escape into their own world puts more distance between them and the adults.

Parents do not have the time and the children are not waiting patiently for that golden moment to talk. The children would decide on their own that they can solve their problems without the adults' input. Therein lies the possibility of another teenage suicide.

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