Marginalised

This letter which appeared in The Star 27 September 2006 is the first opinion I've seen which agrees with Lee Kuan Yew's statement about the marginalised status of the Chinese in Malaysia and Indonesia.

The letter:

"Meritocracy is the way for our country

SINGAPORE Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's statement on the status of the Chinese in Malaysia has drawn the ire of many local politicians.

The statement is highly provocative but it strikes right at the heart of concern for many Malaysians who have had to live under the New Economic Policy and, as a result, have been disadvantaged in one way or another.

In a way there is some truth to Lee's statement. Isn'’t it marginalisation if some deserving students are denied schorlarships due to some discriminative policies which favour one group of people over another?

Similarly, in the commercial sector many outstanding and efficient local non-bumiputra companies are sidelined due to the affirmative policies.

Are these companies not being 'marginalised'?

I am proud of my country but increasingly I feel I am being treated like a second-class citizen.

I have two young daughters and it is my sincere wish to see them grow up in an environment where they will be judged based on merit and not on race or colour.

I hope the country is able to fully embrace the concept of meritocracy soon. Otherwise statements like the one uttered by Lee will continue to haunt us.

LOW LENG HUA,

Klang."

The last paragraph on meritocracy seems to say it all. Everyone would love to see the concept of meritocracy being practiced here but I doubt it will be embraced whole heartedly by the populace. This is especially so for those who feel threatened by any signs of encroachment to their perceived birth right as they have been anointed sons of the soil.

There is also another group which may have been overlooked by the great LKY. The marginalised within the "sons of the soil" group. It is a well known fact that there are different classes in that particular society and those with links to the upper echelons or knows someone along the lines of power would most probably get an easier and smoother ride in life. To me, these are the real marginalised as they have been hoodwinked into thinking that their lot will be better with the current party and machinery. Alas, anyone with the slightest inclination to deviate from the party philosophy would be deemed a pariah and not worthy of being helped. This is despite the fact that they are their own brethren in blood and religion. Take a look at Kelantan and those who support the opposition.

Each person in this country has to fight his own battles. The battle might involve family and friends and many have given up the struggle along the way. Please do something if we feel we have a stake in this country, if we do not want a perpetuity of all the negatives winning the day. I do not have the perfect solution but I do feel the mere presence of dissenting voices bodes well for the future.

A bloom

My newly planted frangipani has given me some bloooms. This is actually a bragging act before the actual test begins. The plant arrived yesterday and had already some blooms as the man from the nursery wanted to prove that the plant does bear flowers. I was just so overjoyed this morning that the plant did not keel over during the night. Anything can happen with my gardening expertise. I'm crossing my fingers that the plant, is it a he or she I'm unsure, will accept me as its guardian as long as it is under my care. That caring stuff we will have to wait and see. Hope for the best as usual.

Neighbours

I accidentally saw something sticking out on the ledge above my kitchen a few hours ago. On closer inspection it is a rag from one of the units above me. No one has come knocking at my door inquiring about that missing piece. So I shall assume that it not wanted anymore. To the rubbish bin it goes. Most probably I'll be having more unwanted and unexpected presents from above. The vagaries of living with all sorts of people in a confined environment. I'm had it easy compared to some horror stories from others who had bigger items that could even endanger lives found in their compounds. Thankful for little mercies but I do wish this gift will stop flowing..

Money Politics

As usual the headline in the sun of 12th September 2006 is pure Dr. M.

It seems incongruous that someone who started this particular trend in the ruling party’s tradition has come out against it. Once upon a time, money was not evident during the party’s election campaign. But since that particular leader came to power, that habit of currying favour with your supporters with the aid of the big ringgit has been accepted as normal procedure. A known fact but not acknowledged publicly. If that style of campaigning is so despicable to him, why did he not stop it from the start? He may feign innocence since he does not know personally of any cases but is it a case of putting the blinkers to reality. Anyway, what is happening at the moment is a product of his legacy. If he does not like what he is seeing, he should shoulder the responsibility. Or maybe he should be proud that his supporters/successors have learnt their lessons so well from the great master. You reap what you sow.

Improvement

It was a pleasant surprise when I went for my trip to Bangkok from Kuala Lmpur on 31^st

August 2006 as well as the return journey a few days later. Passengers were not kept waiting at the terminal for hours but we were let into the plane almost on schedule. There was a slight delay, maybe about ten minutes, before the actual taxing along the runway. This is such a vast improvement compared to the definition of delayed flights adopted by air asia – half an hour. I do hope they keep up with the good work. I also look forward to my next trip to see whether this improvement will be maintained or is it just a flash in the pan.

Image from air asia picture gallery

Does the end justify the means?

The fate that has befallen Malik Imtiaz Sarwar which he wrote in nst of 27th August 2006 marks a sad day for right thinking Muslims everywhere. There are sections of the Muslim community that do not want to engage in rational discussions but prefer bulldozing their beliefs unto others. There is that concept that since the believer has fallen out, he must be punished accordingly. Doesn't that solution strengthen the unbeliever's conviction that the religion is not for him. Condemning, sentencing is so very easy. But it will never make that man closer to the religion, but most probably the opposite. We'll wait and see but I do hope that Malik survives through it all. He is but one of the few shining light that might illuminate the darkness that the community is in at the moment. May he succeed in his quest to bring light to the those who can't see.

Blew my top

I have to acknowledge that the Kuala Lumpur taxi drivers are definitely kings of the road. I slammed the door of the tenth taxi that refused to take me to my destination about 8pm 25th August 2006. That particular driver became angry and there were shouts between us. I was fortunate that he did not beat me up in the heat of the moment.

Why does anyone become taxi drivers if they do not want to take passengers. The stock excuse is the heavy traffic especially when it rains. IÂ’m sure they know the risks involved when they choose this profession. Has anyone considered the passengers? Taxi drivers have the audacity to choose whom to take and the preferred destination. In the same breath they will complain they are having a hard time making a living.

So hopefully, they will get a taste of their own medicine when they least expect it. Then they will know that their attitude works both ways. They might be under the delusion that passengers have to play by their rules. Maybe in the taxi driversÂ’ world but any action will get a reaction. Someday, somewhere they will rue the day that they ignored the plight of passengers. Passengers are their bread and butter. They forgot that particular golden rule.

The authorities themselves seem helpless even after countless complains from the public. I still have to take taxis but I need to stop another blow up. That simmering anger is not worthwhile. I can still curse under my breath and say a silent prayer that they will meet their match one fine day. Bad thoughts.

The first flowers

It was with pride and joy when I saw the flowers today. Granted, it was just two flowers. To me, it was lovely and as you may have noticed I started the paragraph with the word "pride". It might be the pride before the downfall as I'm unsure whether there will be repeat performances from them - the plants. I do hope there will be more blooms in future. There is always that bit of trepidation not knowing whether I have done too much or too little. I'm talking about another life.
In this case, the pride and joy for this particular life may not be in the same category as parents who welcome their first born. But my feelings the moment I saw the flowers was akin to those proud parents. I should pass around the cigars.
I guess I'm taking liberties with this momentous event. I definitely did not do much in terms of nurturing the plants for the past week, watered them twice. I cannot take any credit for their magnificient show of colours or those perfect petals seen through my rose tinted lenses. Nature deservedly gets the major credit.
Thanks Mother Nature. Thanks flowers. I hope to see more of you soon.

Is it really shocking?

The headline in the nst of 18th August 2006 is a classic case of "Didn't you know all this is happening".

An excerpt:

One in two young adults are having sex. Unnerving? Try this. Eighty per cent of them do not use contraceptives.
What do you expect? When sex education is still a mundane taboo subject. Any student who does attend the classes may know the basics but practicising safe sex is a different ball game altogether. The sexual urges that peaks during the growing up years has to find an outlet somewhere and somehow irrespective of the edicts reprimanding the sexual act between unmarried couples. So, in the throes of passion, a lot of safety factors are conveniently forgotten.

The young ones do not think of death. The future is theirs. A different and a more holistic approach has to be found or else we will see more youth falling by the side..

Image from conceptimages

NO for now???

The headline in the nst of 15th August 2006 screamed at you that the decision on the bridge was final. I doubt that will satisfy the good doctor. He will continue to rant and rave since it was one of his pet baby projects.

The good doctor may have forgotten that the response from his successor and the cabinet follows exactly the lessons learnt during his 22 years tenure as the major domo of this country. The good doctor may recall that he did not even entertain any thoughts contrary to his vision and often times was dismissive of them. The doctor felt that his vision was the only route to progress for the nation. That path has taken us some ways towards a better standard of living etc but at what price. There are certain quarters who also forgot the fact that others do not have the same vision.

The good doctor is upset that his chosen heir has a different vision and method of doing things. Too bad. Or is this just the comeuppance that he deserves...

Artist impression of bridge from thestar 15th July 2006

My garden

At last a semblance of greenery in my miniscule plot of land. I'm not sure how long the plants will last as I neither have green thumbs or am the most dedicated person when it comes to taking care of living things. One of the reasons I do not have pets or plants is the thought of neglecting or abusing them. We shall see how long this green thing lasts.

Sensitive issues

It is interesting that there is now a ban on inter-religious discussions applicable to everyone according to thestar of 11th August 2006.

I love the way the word sensitive is used in this context. Now at last it is acknowledged that everyone is sensitive over the issue. But why? Is this the result of our very harmonious society, paraded around the world as an exemplary multi-racial, multi-religion nation. As if the those in power are so naive.

The old edict of divide and rule is still used by those who seek power. It is to their advantage that the nation is not united. The populace just tags along as long as the bread and butter issues are well taken care off. Even that is debatable.

I have not heard of any civilised heart to heart discussions between leaders on the sensitive issue of religion. One side is always adamant that there should be no compromise when it comes to religion. They are always right and everyone should follow. Humanity is missing. They have never even thought of putting themselves in the other's shoes. I'm sure they are following the Book to the tee but I've yet to see any mention that you should bulldoze your way to show your might. Compassion yes, but pig-headednes, definitely not.

I wish and double wish that these leaders would come to their senses. People are not automatons. They have feelings just like you and me. Please oh please, give a chance to the other view. Listen and you can even argue, but please do it in a civilised manner. Do not use the bullying tactics or a show of strength. The other side will react and the consequences might be even more painful than the infamous May 1969 incident.

Picture is of the Malaysian Home Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, from thestar of 25th February 2006.

Extinct turtles?

Compare the reports from the UN Environment programme which appeared in cosmosmagazine the 8th August 2006 and the feedback from the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Centre (Tumec) which appeared in thestar of 10th August 2006. What is the difference between "declined drastically"” and "“effectively extinct"”. The Tumec head disputes the effectively extinct verdict in the UN report.

He said the authorities found five nesting places with 336 eggs of two leatherback turtles this year compared to one nesting place with 90 eggs in 2005. In 2003, 14 leatherback nesting places, with 1,083 eggs, were detected while in 2004, five nesting places with 295 eggs were found.

I do not see any encouraging news from those statistics. Anyone can see that two turtles landing is a very dismal figure and this is already August 2006. Yes, I guess we can try and save the whole population starting from those two but isn't this a case of too little too late. That has always been the predicament faced by those involved with conservation in Malaysia. There is a lot of talk but any action taken leaves much to be desired. Lack of political will is one of the major contributing factors to this situation. I doubt the situation will change that much unless and until those in power realize that the non-human population is also important to this country.

We have inadvertently killed the goose that lay the golden egg.

Picture from cosmosmagazine

First choice in Singapore, not here

That is the heading of a letter from a reader published in thestar 22 June 2006.

One particular paragraph summed up the dilemma.

"At first, I was reluctant to accept any of the offers by the Singapore universities as I thought I had a responsibility to serve my country.

Moreover, the Government has been working hard in addressing our country's brain drain problem."

That paragraph speaks volumes about the sentiments of “the others”, since it is usually this group that gets rejected from Malaysian universities despitfulfillingng all the requirements. Unfortunately, they could never cross to the other side of the road unless they become Muslims.

It is tragic, unsavoury and demeaning to say the least when your own country does not want you just because you are not one of them. The government may say otherwise but reality stares glaringly bright. This does not happen only in education but throughout the broad spectrum of Malaysian life.

The leading brains should just stop wasting their time trying to get back the brain that has gone away. If the so-called think-tank could not or would not point out the government's policy blunders, the trend will continue ad infinitum. All the talk about unity in diversity would just be paying lip service to higher ideals. No action, just talk.

Why the Malay Agenda won’t help Malays

This article sums up quite neatly what is happening among the Malays in Malaysia today - 2006. This article is in theedgedaily and the printed version appeared on 12 June 2006.

Some excerpts.

"But more often than not, it'’s not the community they are looking out for. They are looking out for themselves and for very narrow interests within the community, often at the expense of the very community they purport to represent."

"They" in this article refers to the leaders of the Malay community. How so very true but of course it is not acknowledged by "them". There are also supporters who do not mind being their lackeys as long as they get their share of the largesse. A continuation of the feudal lord-servant mentality, perhaps?

"The new Malay Agenda must recognise that a clean, efficient and incorruptible government serves the Malay's best interests and that what is good for the country as a whole is good for the Malays too because they form the majority in the country. In many ways, the new Malay Agenda will also be a Malaysian Agenda."

A most heartening wish. I do hope it will become a reality but I doubt this will happen in my lifetime. Maybe in the next generation or two if everyone is willing to put the good of the community first. That will be the day.

Fragile faith

It takes the Prime Minister himself, check thestar 16 June 2006, to put a stop to the so-called fatwa that the kongsi raya celebrations is a big no-no for muslims. I’m sure he’ll be cursed to kingdom come for being bold enough to issue such a statement. This will be another test whether the PM’s vision of a moderate Islam can withstand the pummeling from the established conservative religious scholars.

The fight will be an uphill struggle since the religious establishment is always adamant that their interpretation is the correct version of how we should lead our lives as Muslims. Any suggestions otherwise is dismissed as half-baked ideas from those not qualified to delve into religious matters.

We will wait and see what will be their next move.

Ulamas want kongsi raya celebrations reviewed

That headline appeared in the The Star 14th June 2006.

Here we go again. Why do Islamic religious leaders in Malaysia keep on harping on minor issues. There are other important and urgent issues to be discussed rather than a review of practices such as the 'kongsi raya' celebrations and open house. It seems this is to ensure that the celebrations do not contradict Islamic laws.

'the National Fatwa Committee had decided that celebrating the festivals of other religions could erode the faith of Muslims and could lead to blasphemy.'

Has there been any indications of such thing happening. I for one who is not well versed in Islamic laws cannot see what went wrong. I have always thought that once the fundamental allegiance that there is 'Only One God That Is Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger' has been made, all else will follow suit. The Muslims will learn about the good and bad guided by that oath.

The open house concept is just celebrating each others big day. I do not see any wavering from that fundamental oath. I'm sure there are some Muslims who partake of forbidden things during those festivities but I doubt they have forgotten that oath or have had a change of heart and change their allegiance to others.

The leaders must look again at what exactly is affecting the community. Are they afraid of losing the flock. If that really is the case, should not the way the religion has been thought be reviewed. At the moment the hell and brimstone aspect is emphasised and the beauty of the whole concept of Islam has been neglected. The Muslims in Malaysia seem to be Muslims in name but the love for their religion is missing. The externals are there but the fundamentals are not internalised. What a shame.

And who, really, is demonising whom?

That is the title in the New Sunday Times 11 June 2006 from the man who has been accused of masterminding a 'blackout' of the good doctor in the Press.

At least we know his point of view which generally reflects what a lot of people think of the current rantings of the good doctor. I'm not sure the good doctor sees the whole picture and consequences of his rantings. If push comes to shove will he come out squeaky clean. As the saying goes people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

The good doctor is only human. He is not infallible. I have not detected an iota of humility when the good doctor speaks of his frustrations with the current administration's handling of national affairs. The good doctor's plans or vision is not for me at least my plan or vision for this country. The cabinet's agreement with the good doctor while he was in power is more a reflection of the yes-men mentality of the whole group that surrounded him. Any dissent is always dismissed. Just look at Musa Hitam and Daim Zainuddin's resignations.

The good doctor always knows best even if the medicine kills the patient in the process. Take a look at the damage done to the environment in the name of progress. For a doctor, he has failed miserably to take account the fragile nature of this temporary abode we call Earth. He knows if we take step A, we will gain something in terms of economic and monetary progress. But what about the opportunity cost? There has been a lot of objections to his vision and the minority groups that were affected negatively by those plans. But since they are the small people who are inconsequential to the whole scheme of thing, their voices have been silenced.

That is our good doctor.

Some opinions on the good Dr's comments

A few opinion pieces today 9^th June 2006 from Rehman Rashid at NSTP as well as Wong Chun Wai and Joceline Tai at the Star sums up quite neatly what is happening.

I find this statement from Joceline intriguing:

'What he said on Wednesday was perhaps the deepest cut. It amounted to disowning his choice of successor and was as good as a severing of ties. But can one disown one's own decision without casting some aspersions on oneself?'

The good doctor has not come clean on why he chose Abdullah over Najib. Is Abdullah in his eyes a pushover, to be manipulated behind the scenes? That would be ideal for the circle around the doctor as they would benefit the most from any decisions that are in their favour.

But so far, Abdullah has been his own man. The business community might argue that the economic pace has slowed down compared to the halcyon days of the doctor. But has everyone forgotten the high price we paid and still are paying for those projects. The consequent social problems.

For example, the construction industry had a heyday with so many government spearheaded projects. The labour force comes from abroad with their own attendant problems. The local work force are set aside since the industry argues that the imported labour is cheaper. At what price. The hallmark of the doctor's schemes have always been 'implement the plan at whatever cost to the nation'. Whereas his successor tries to take a more holistic approach. An overall view of the opportunity costs that will accrue if this or that project is carried out. Of course he is not perfect. A different style entirely and that bugs the good doctor to the core.

Here we go again

Today the 8th June 2006 big news in most of the dailies is about the good doctor again as in the New Straits Times

Some excerpts:

Dr Mahathir complained that the new Government had cancelled several major projects initiated during his two decades in power, despite assurances they would be carried out after he left office.

Hmmm, I wonder whether he is talking on behalf those who have been left out of the money making machine. - big projects. The present PM is just continuing the previous administration's legacy in other areas and the spoils goes to the inner circle of the present leadership.

He is also upset that the pace of development of Putrajaya has slowed; peeved that the Johor bridge project has been scrapped; and angered that the National Automotive Policy has put Proton at a disadvantage.

All those projects mentioned and others as well have their detractors from the start. The previous leader has never entertained any disagreements to his vision, a classic example of doctor knows best. Some of the plans worked well but others seem more half baked than anything else. There are some projects like the Bakun Dam that should have been given more thought but it was just pushed through hurriedly.

"One cannot tell what a person will do when the person is out of your control," Dr Mahathir said yesterday. "I thought I had made the right choice."

A telling statement. He controls people. So why the surprise and frustration when the person is out of his control? It is just a logical progression for those who have been so long under the rule of one man to try and breath easier and try to do their own thing in their own way. It is just the wheel of fortune turning as usual if some of the things seem the opposite of what been agreed during his leadership.

He can continue his vigilance over the present administration but to harp on the change in attitude and direction seems naive. They are just implementing what has been learned during his leadership – power in one hand and be damned to all opposition.