The elderly

A letter regarding the treatment of the elderly at homes reminds us that this group of people are often neglected. All of us will eventually become old in future but most have forgotten this fact of life. Some of us due to circumstances will not be able to fend for ourselves and have to depend on others. Those without familial support will be taken care of by strangers. The lucky ones might get good caregivers who will do their utmost to make the lives of the elderly under their care as comfortable as possible. Alas, Uncle Tony who is mentioned in the letter does not seem to be in that group.

As the elderly become more numerous in society, a more holistic approach is needed to cater for them. Some of them need help physically but more than that, the attention given to them as a person would be the most important aspect in caring for them. Time spent with them, is more precious than just the daily routine of feeding and clothing them. They are cranky, uncooperative, stubborn, and some would be going through their second childhood but despite all these negatives, they still deserve better treatment.

They are in their golden era and should be treated as such, priceless. 

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New coins

The blame game begins as the headline says “BNM faults autopay vendors”. At the moment, machines that uses coins will still accept old coins but not the new ones as they have not been recalibrated to accept the new coins launched from 16 January 2012. The Bank Negara said they had given operators and vendors of autopay machines more than six months to upgrade to accept the recently introduced new coins. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Association for Shopping and Highrise Complex Management president, H.C. Chan said the authorities had not informed them about the need to upgrade the machines.

Who is right? Even if Bank Negara had given notice a year ago, should not the onus be on the authorities to ensure that most machines have been recalibrated before the launch? The public are not against the new coins but when so much of our daily lives involves machines and coins, a more effective implementation of the ruling would be beneficial to everyone. A much more thorough and smoother process to ease the transition to the new coins is missing. As it is, there will be grumbles and frustrations adding unnecessary stress on ourselves. The authorities have the experience and expertise to make this exercise painless but the reality is not following their script.

People First, Performance Now?

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Debate between the races

The headline said it all: “Debate between races won't bring any benefit: Mahathir”. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said debates between the races will not bring any benefit because each race will continue to hold on to their own stand. Is that so bad? A debate would certainly be able to highlight the differences as well as similarities between the races. The warts and all of each race would be open for scrutiny. This would be a better approach than the usual way of treading gingerly around sensitive subjects, especially those pertaining to religion and culture.

We have to make the first step to confront the boogeyman, the all encompasing sensitive issues. Any issue can be deemd sensitive in the manupulative hands of those who do not want to see a united nation forged among the populace. The divide and rule method is used relentlessly by these leaders as a cover up in maintaining the present status quo. These leaders will be the first to feel the brunt of a truly united nation if and when all races in the country rise up to the occasion. Each of us have a decent streak and in reality are able to look at sensitive issues objectively if given the chance. When all facts are laid out and civil exchanges are the norm, the benefit will flow naturally.

A debate between the races will definitely benefit everyone.

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Gracious and Compassionate

Two articles appeared in the wake of the deportation of Hamza Kashgari from Malaysia back to Saudi Arabia. Both lamented on how Muslims have forgotten the true meaning of their religion. Hamza, 22, had sparked outrage for an imaginary conversation with the prophet Muhammad on his Twitter account, in which he addressed him as an equal, amongst other lines were: "I will say that I have loved aspects of you, hated others, and could not understand many more."

The article by Farhana Abdul Halim equated the reaction of some Muslim demanding Hamza's death to the characters in the movie “The Twilight Saga”, She lamented that Muslims have turned Islam into a religion of punishments where all wrongs are dealt with severely. Muslims have forgotten that Allah is most forgiving and compassionate. Even if Hamza is guilty of insulting the prophet, is it impossible or wrong to forgive him? As long as we are still alive, there is is always room for forgiveness from God. So who are we, mere mortals to ignore Hamza's apology?

The article by Tehmina Kazi also questioned why some Muslims immediately demand the death penalty for Hamza. The writer mentioned that those who threatened Hamza should stop and re-examine their motives and remember what Islam is actually for. It is a belief system to purify the heart and the writer quoted a hadith, "Verily, in the body there is a piece of flesh. If it is sound, the body is all sound. If it is corrupt, the body is all corrupt. Verily, it is the heart."

This brings us back to the most repeated phrase in a Muslim's life, Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim, which is usually translated as "In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate". Gracious and compassionate, that must be our guide in whatever we do. We must never forget the depth of meaning or inspirational message that the phrase conveys. It is not meant to be repeated parrot-like but to be practiced and in Hamza's case, that compassion is sorely missing from some Muslims.

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Malaysia Singapore rivalry

The latest headline that Malaysians enjoy sex more than Singaporeans is another episode in the continuing saga of sibling rivalry between the two countries. The Malaysian media loves to highlight the successes that we have achieved as a nation vis-a-vis our southern neighbour, that little dot down south. I'm unsure whether the media in Singapore does the same but a cursory glance at any topic highlighting our neighbour would show a definite bias on our part. Nothing wrong with being patriotic but sometimes sentiment clouds the judgement.

I guess the results that show Malysians enjoy sex more is a fact to be savoured. We do have to be cautious though with survey results, as in this case only 506 Malaysian participants took part. A bias in the composition of the group would give the results published. A different group might give a different result which would show the opposite, ie, Malaysians do not enjoy sex more than Singaporeans.

When results are not in favour of us, I'm quite sure the news would not be on the front page. In this case results on sexual satisfaction might not seem of importance to the country, but every little win against that irritating neighbour is worth highlighting.  

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EPF helping the poor?

Two letters from readers regarding the loan to the Federal Territory Foundation which will help provide housing for the poor appeared in the Sun 15 February 2012 and does highlight a major issue with the whole scheme.

One of the letters reminded us that EPF's mission statement is to provide retirement savings for Malaysians and not addressing social problems like housing for the poor which should be the government's job. The other letter reiterated that since money from the EPF is hard earned for retirement and not part of the income tax revenue, it should never be used or directed to be used by the government. Alas, in a round about way, the government is using the EPF's money through an indirect order. The stated reason is to help the poor, so I guess it would make the EPF members feel a bit better contributing to a good cause.

No one begrudges the scheme for the poor but taking the money set aside for the members retirement has touched a sore point. The details of the scheme does not seem to have additonal benefit for those who need it since at the end of the day, they still have to pay a high interest rate for the loan. As one of the letters pointed out, would the authority chase out those who are unable to pay? That definitely defeats the purpose of the whole scheme.

Further details should definitely be forthcoming and the short period of time between the proposal and the annoucement does point to a rushed job. Or maybe it has been hatched for quite some time but the nitty gritty has not been finalised. Initial statements that need to be backed up later is not the correct way to assuage the public. It is their hard earned money.

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Wealth and power

The article which appered in the Star 13^th February 2012 mentioned that for many people wherever they are,“the ultimate goal in life is the acquisition of greater wealth and power”. Looking at a glance the current pursuit of material wealth, what the author said is very true indeed. The struggling masses in the poorer parts of the world are struggling daily and constrantly just to eke out a living. They are lucky if they can get a meal once a day. The tremendous effort to uplift themselves from poverty to a more sustainable life would need not just their own efforts but a lot of help from the their governments.

China as mentioned in the article has mamaged to leap frog to become a new wealthier nation after taking the plunge into a much freer market economy. The increasing number of millionaires from China is testimony to its success. The standard of success in this case is material wealth. Once someone has managed to leave poverty behind, the goal in enriching oneself seems to be an obsession. What is the ultimate aim?

It might be said that the millionaire has done his social duty if his business set-up has helped to increase the number of job opportunities for others. In his own way, every businessmen has contributed to uplift another person's economic situation. We can't dismiss the fact that some have exploited their workers and the rules and regulatons of the country are supposed to prevent such cases.

The succesful men, either self-made or with the help of others, are not satisfied with their status quo. Most often than not, they will be unstoppable in their quest for greater wealth. Even though the wealth accumulated can be put to good use but sometimes it is just to increase their own coffers and to enable them to continue indulging in their opulent lifestyle.

Examples of past and present successes will continue to fascinate the general public and be a catalyst for others to strive to be the same. A succesful man, with much wealth and power seems at ease with his achievements but whether he is contented with what he has is another question.

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Mobiles nuisance

The article on mobiles being everywhere struck me as very true since what the author said reflects a common scene found in every nook and corner of the country. Whenever a group gathers for a meal, almost always the first action as they take their seats would be taking out the mobile to check the latest updates on their social networking sites. What exactly is the point of meeting each other if there is no conversation amongst them? They might as well be at home or somewhere else and continue their communicatons with others using their mobiles. At least, there will not be as much stress on themselves making the effort to come to the designated place at the appointed time. The traffic conditions especially in the urban centres are not to be sniffed at. So why not forego the motions of meeting each other and just enjoy the mobiles at home. Saves energy, time and fuel.

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More like these, please

Are they still man like Toh Chin Boon in our midst? He was highlighted in the Star 6 February 2012 under the “Be Inspired” series. A 90 year old man who for the past 54 years has scoured the obituaries of government servants in the local newspapers and helped the widows on how to make their pensions.applicatons to the Public Service Department (PSD). He will send a comprehensive pack which contains a hand written letter that outlines the steps, a sample letter to the PSD and photocopies of all necessary forms for the application.

Toh became aware of the difficulties widows faced when filing claims for their spouse's pensions while he was a legal assistant before his retirement.He wanted to help but during the bereavement period, any advice given might have just fallen on deaf ears. He used another approach by writing to them instead. His helpling hand since 1957 has seen some who thanked him through letters or even meeting him personally. He himself just continues with his routine and many more hopefully will benefit from his selfless act in the future.

Yes, how many are like Toh? Maybe there are others unknown to us bringing cheer and hope, kindness and inspiration to those who need them. These are members of society who are the backbone and pillars of strength, giving themselves in the service to others, without any thoughts of rewards. They are the ones who should be highlighted and put up as examples to emulate. Not just the millionaires, high academic achievers or political big wigs. Some might feel the contributions of these good samaritans do not merit a second mention as their deeds only affects a few. Even though those who benefit from these deeds are few in number in comparison to national level projects, at least some members in our society are taking the initiave without any help from the government. Real life stories like these are inspiring and can have a domino effect. If and when the act of helping others becomes part of our psyche and just another altruistic act, imagine the impact on the whole nation.

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Well read

According to the letter to the editor that appeared in the New Straits Times 7 February 2012, we need to be well read persons in order to regain the lost art of conversation. This might be true for certain types of conversations but sometimes those who have experienced life might be better conversationalists.

Conversations may cover a variety of topics and those that touch on life is the most relevant to anyone irrespective of his work or academic background. Observations can also contribute to the wealth and depth of a conversation. A well read person has to ponder and digest what has been read. If the words are just mere words to the reader, what has been read would not bring any positive benefits to any aspects of his life.

A passive reader will be able to read countless number of books but at the end of the day, the active reader will be the better receipient of the knowledge contained in all those treasures. An inquiring, inquisitive, questioning mind will enhance the pleasures of reading and subsequently contribute to a more meaningful conversation. Quiet moments to reflect on what has been read and observations would also add to a heightened pleasure during a conversaton.

The art of good conversation will still be around as long as we put in the effort to be active in our pursuit of knowledge whether by reading or experiencing first hand what life has in store for us.

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Racism

A timely letter to the editor appeared in the Star, 6 February 2012 notwithstanding all the sloganeering we are bombarded with from the ruling government of the day. The heading of the letter “No place for racism here” is most appropriate and must be repeated continuously until it becomes a natural part of our lives.

The writer mentioned a teacher who said that the word racist does not exist. This statement was in response to an incident in her class. How does the word not exist if the action perperated by a group of people continue to emphasise the differences between the races. If the word does not exist, there will be other words to describe that charcteristic of a group of people who feel superior to other groups.

Differences between groups of people are part and parcel of human diversity. The difference does not make one group superior to the other but it is more of a marker of where and how each group acclimatised itself to its environment. History shows communities growing in places which might not be hospitable at first glance and the effects of adjusting to different locales would produce a different approach to living.

Malaysia as a melting pot of so many groups would host a myriad of colours and creed, each bringing their past history and adjusting to the new landscape. Later generations would still have that link to the their ancestors in the way they perceive and approach an issue. These differences are a positive addition to the nation's collective memory. A basis to foster unity and strengthen the bond between the people.

The combative approach does not bode well for the nation's progress. The better way would be to embrace the plurality which is a fact of life of the nation and emphasise the positves that each group can contribute to the nation.

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