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.

Image from Reading English for specific purposes

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.

Image from wikipedia

Better for us to tap solar power

I am also perplexed as the writer to the “Letters to the Editor” that appeared in the Star of 18 May 2010 by the decision to look at nuclear energy as a solution to our energy problems.

I've always asked family and friends who worked in the oil and gas industry on the reasons why our country is not in the forefront of solar energy. It seems we have been too complacent or just too spoiled by the abundance of that energy source. No concrete or substantive effort has been given to alternative sources of energy during the boom years. Now that the supply is nearing its end, nuclear seems to be the favourite byword.

Why is France and Germany among the leaders in solar energy? Shouldn't we, in the equatorial belt be in the top ten list at least or better still be the leader in that field. A number of acquaintances have mentioned the prohibitive cost but isn't nuclear as expensive? I'm no expert in either but as far as I know from what I've read, solar energy wins hands down in terms of safety and long term cost effectiveness.

The sun is shining brightly on our land, why don't we use it?

The letter I mentioned is shown below and I've highlighted some parts which I find interesting.

I AM perplexed by the decision to look to nuclear as a solution for our energy needs. I would like to urge the Government to look at what the Japanese do to solve their energy needs. There is so much that we can learn from the small, but efficient, nation.


Too much is at stake. For a start, we do not have uranium or plutonium and we have to buy it from elsewhere. Why not look at something which is readily available in Malaysia in abundance and nearly free - sunlight?


Do we have in our pool of researchers someone who is doing something with regards to the potential use and exploitation of solar power generation? If the answer is no, then someone should be working on this immediately.


Please channel our limited ringgit to deserving causes.


Secondly, are we really capable of handling such a delicate but dangerous element? Looking back at the controversy in our handling of hazardous waste materials, it is doubtful.


Remember Broga? Nobody wants to have anything to do with such waste.


For the sake of our future generations, put aside personal interests and work out a solution acceptable to the layman.


TUAH ISHAK,


Johor Baru.

Everyone deserves a place in Malaysia

The following letter appeared under Viewpoints of the New Sunday Times 16 May 2010. I've highlighted some parts which I find interesting.








I DON'T think anybody was really surprised that a transsexual sought asylum in Australia. If she feels she will not be discriminated there, then so be it. Our country may appear modern and progressive, but of late there have been too many instances to the contrary.

We tend to react defensively whenever we come across something different from the norm. In the case of transsexuals, we prefer to deny that they exist. Can you blame others for perceiving that we are not progressive?

For too long and in too many cases, we have said one thing but done the opposite. Transsesuals are human beings, too, and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Transsexuals have been around for generations and we shouldn't sweep them under the carpet.

Everyone has a right to a normal life and and an opportunity to earn a living. The New Economic Model talks about "inclusiveness", but does this extend to those who fall outside the parameters of set categories and accepted genders?

We need to move forward by embracing this issue and handling it humanely. It is not right for certain groups to define the norm and expect others to accept it no matter what. When societies veer towards the extreme, repercussions will be severe.


SANDRA RAJOO
Ipoh

We should just say no

The following letter appeared in the Lifestyle section of the Sunday Star 16 May 2010. I've highlighted some parts which I find interesting.





I HAVE always believed that we women are to be blamed more than the men when it comes to the sexualisation of women. This is because, except for the underaged, we know what is required of us when we are asked to dress scantily for a photo shoot.

So what if there is the offer of money, etc? Why do we agree to the terms and conditions?

Even those of us who know that the man we have a relationship or affair is still married to his wife, we choose to carry on with him. Then later, when things don’t work out, we accuse him of deceit and breaking promises. It’s not that as adults we don’t know what we are getting into.

I am not trying to defend the men, but I wonder why we women can’t avoid such situations, although it takes two to tango? Remember, it is the men who are already married in the first place, or vice versa, although that is less common.

If we women won’t conform to what is required by the advertisers and promotors of a product, surely it cannot be forced upon us, can it? It is those who almost expose their whole bodies who should not be condoned.

As a woman myself, I love to look at beautiful girls and women, but not those who expose too much. Who do we blame then?

Evelyn

Policies pushing grads away

This letter to the editor appeared in the Star 6 May 2010. I've highlighted some points which I find pertinent to the topic.





I WAS compelled to write this letter after reading the news report ”Concern over exodus of medical grads” (The Star, May 4).

According to the report, the vice chancellor of UKM Prof Tan Sri Sharifah Hapsah was pleading with new medical graduates not to succumb to temptation of doing housemanship in Singapore without even first registering with the Malaysian Medical Council.

Without even asking for details from the dean of the Medical Faculty, Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Saim, I can safely assume that all 20 of those fresh graduates being poached to do housemanship in Singapore were non-Malays.

Apparently, there was another group of students at Universiti Malaya Medical Faculty opting to go to Singapore to do their housemanship and forgoing the prospect of ever practising in Malaysia.
I can also safely assume that these students were the cream of the crop, otherwise Singapore would not have bothered.


Such is the state of our country that new medical graduates have no confidence that they will be treated fairly even after graduation. They are afraid of missing out on post-graduate training. The salary issue is definitely not the main reason why they decided to leave. Even privately funded medical students studying overseas and government medical scholars are looking for reasons not to come home.

I urge Prof Sharifah to institute meritocracy in every part of her university in order to maintain standards. Prestige of our post-graduate medical training programmes have deteriorated because of manipulation of numbers and standards. The new graduates themselves can see this happening, that is why they are leaving. There is no point being a doctor who is not competent and the decision to leave has nothing to do with ethics or lack of patriotism.

Our standard of medical care is slipping. This can be confirmed by the large number of VIPs seeking treatment in Singapore. The wealthier ones see someone in Germany or the United States. Have they no faith in Malaysian doctors? Can you label these people as lacking in ethics and patriotism?

What new machine or equipment is available in Singapore that our hospitals here cannot afford? More often than not, our VIP patients end up being seen by Malaysian doctors who were disappointed by the system in the past and decided to stay in Singapore and not return home.

This is fine if you have deep pockets and can afford to pay your doctors in Singapore dollars. What about the man-in-the-street who has to make do with any doctor they can find? Malaysian doctors are hardworking and intelligent, but we are losing them to neighbouring countries because of short-sighted policies.

YAP BOON KAH,
Kuala Lumpur.

Abused by LRT security guard

This letter to the editor appeared in the Your City section of the New Straits Times 16 April 2001. The main points are highlighted.







I boarded the LRT at the Masjid Jamek station to Sungai Besi recently, using my Touch & Go card. However, when I reached the Sungai Besi station, I could not exit using the card.
When I complained to a security guard at the station, he shouted at me and told me to use other modes of transport if I wanted a perfect service.
Having experienced the service breakdown so many times previously, the station should have thought of a backup system.
I would have just walked away and endure the long queue, if not for the derogatory remark the worker made.
The innocent complaint about a lack of backup plans almost became an all-out brawl that lasted more than 10 minutes and witnessed by many people.
Do I not have any rights as a commuter and customer?
The incident was witnessed by many of the LRT company's employees but no one did anything to stop the foul-mouthed tirade from the guard - a poor choice of ambassador for the company (the guard claims to be the company's ambassador).
For the record, I never expected perfect service from the LRT provider as the variables are plentiful and anything can happen. However, it is essential to have a backup plan in case of contingencies.


WAL
Kajang

Penalised by bank for somebody else’s mistake

This letter to the editor appeared in the Star of 15 April 2010. The main points are highlighted.

I would like to voice my objection to the unfair penalty imposed on me by my bank even though it was no fault of mine.

I received a cheque that was directly deposited into my savings account by the issuer, hence I had no knowledge of this cheque. Then I received a letter from my bank informing me that the cheque had been returned due to the date being wrongly written. I contacted the issuer to let him know about the error and I was told that a new cheque would be issued.

With the issue sorted out, I rested easy thinking the matter was rectified. Imagine my shock when I checked my bank book to discover that I had been fined RM10 due to the returned cheque.

I am really annoyed because I was penalised for no mistake of mine. It was beyond my control and without my knowledge. I called up the call centre of my bank to get a clarification and was informed that the bank was right in doing so.

It is a question of principle. Can Bank Negara please explain the rationale for this action? Why was I penalised? Why are two parties being penalised for the same offence?

ESTEE,

Kuala Lumpur.

‘No haggling’ sign is just for show

This is a letter to the editor which appeared in the Star of 29 March 2010.






AT about 10.30am on March 25, I was at the bus stop in front of IOI Mall in Puchong. I wanted to go to Petaling Jaya and approached one of the three taxis there.

All the drivers demanded RM20 instead of using the meter although the “No haggling” sign was plastered at the side of their taxis.

I reminded them of the newspaper report that they must use the meter but they refused to budge.

One of the drivers admitted that they preferred to take passengers straight to Kuala Lumpur and even suggested that I wait by the road for other taxis.

After a few minutes, a taxi stopped and a passenger alighted.

I approached the driver but he too demanded RM20. When I protested, he drove off.

I finally managed to stop a taxi driver who agreed to use the meter. The fare came to RM11.30.

As far as taxis are concerned, people like me are usually at the losing end. Taxi drivers complain about not being able to make a living even though their rates have gone up.

They refuse to use the meter even during off-peak periods, and on rainy days many opt to stay home!

VICTIMISED,
Kuala Lumpur.

Books are considered luxury items

This letter to the editor appeared in the Sunday Star of 28 March 2010





I REFER to the letter “Read the signs on why we’re not reading” (The Star, March 26).

I can’t help but agree with the writer that books are considered luxury items in Malaysia.

How many times have you gone into a bookstore to see the “Sale” sign everywhere and come out disappointed because it meant a markdown of RM5 from the original price of RM35.90?

When we compare the price of books overseas, the currency conversion may make it seem expensive but it is extremely affordable for someone living and earning their salary there.

When I was in Bangkok recently, I could find books which costs about RM15.

Our ministers have been talking about making Malaysia a reading nation ever since I was a toddler.

Now an adult, I only see book prices going higher and higher.

Are we expected to treat bookstores like libraries now?

And are libraries even accessible?

From what I know, even the small community library in Subang Jaya isn’t there to serve us with knowledge.

Honestly, before people in power go on babbling about how much we need to read, visit the bookstores in our country and tell us how on earth can we afford these books when they cost us half our grocery expenses at times.

JASMYIN TAY,

Subang Jaya.

It’s terribly lonely to be single

This letter to the editor appeared in the Star 26 March 2010.






I am wondering how single people, especially those in their 40s and 50s, cope with being single.

I am also single and we are the people who are not able to get married due to many reasons that are best known to ourselves.

My question is: If all women only seek the best men, where would all the second or third-rate men turn to if not prostitutes?

When age is catching up, people will come to a crossroads and make decisions for themselves.

I can’t blame the authorities for not legalising prostitution, given our Islamic culture.

But to be alone and to die in loneliness, I would rather have a brush with the authorities and meet my fate.

GRACIOUS,
Kuala Lumpur.

Stop using God’s name in vain

A letter to the Editor which appeared in the Star 22 March 2010








I REFER to the letter “Gay lifestyle not welcome in our society” (The Star, March 22).

The writer sure has some issues about those who embrace the “alternative” lifestyle.

I do agree that in this day and age, the marriage institution is not what it used to be, but that doesn’t mean that all broken homes produce perverse people! Materialistic? Well, that depends on the individuals.

And please, stop using God’s name in vain.

I’ve had it up to here with those who use God’s name to abuse and seduce innocents, young and old and sadistically torture living things (read animals and humans), not forgetting those who love ramming down our throat anything to do with religion.

I have great friends who are gay and believe me, they love you and treat you with more respect than most of the God-fearing souls I’ve met in my journey through life.

A MALAYSIAN MUSLIMAH,

Cheras.

Gay lifestyle not welcome in our society

A letter to the editor which appeared in the Star 22 March 2010






I REFER to “Show sympathy for gays and lesbians and update the law” (The Star, March 20). Whatever the causes, homosexuality is a perversion that cannot be accepted in any moral, God-fearing society as normal behaviour.

It is true, in Western society homosexuals have become a force to be reckoned with, to the point that people openly flaunt such sexual orientation. This is not an indication that these societies are evolving. On the contrary, it is a sign of Western decadence in a godless society.

The flawed Kinsey Report, broken families and a growing materialistic population have all helped nurture this perverse lifestyle.

WG,
Kuala Lumpur.

Show sympathy for gays and lesbians and update the law

A letter to the editor which appeared in the Star 20 March 2010






IT certainly projects a less than desirable image for Penang to become a hub for commercial gay sex services: “Police: Penang a gay sex services hub (The Star, March 15).

However, it was then reported that such gay sex activities at health clubs in Penang seem to have ceased following the recent police crackdown: “Cops to continue monitoring organisers of illicit gay activities” (The Star, March 19). The two news reports are conflicting.

Society seems to have misunderstood many issues pertaining to gay activities.

Lesbians, bisexuals, gays and transvestites are often targets of prejudice and ridicule. Growing conservatism will make this minority group fearful and remain largely underground.

It is about time that issues such as homosexuality, transsexuality, bisexuality and HIV be openly discussed with proper guidance.

We already have a draconian law in section 377 of the Penal Code which criminalises homosexual activities. Having such laws will do little in preventing HIV infections.

This ancient law may have been enacted as a discrimination against same-sex encounters. We must evolve to become a society where people must not discriminate against lesbians, bisexual, gays and transsexuals.

Their rights must be upheld and respected. We must be sensitive to their needs. Maybe repealing section 377 of the Penal Code could be the first small step.

NG SHU TSUNG,

Kuala Lumpur.

Hope of coming home to serve country dashed

It looks as if Malaysia is the only country in the world that I know of at present, who does not want her sons back despite the qualifications they have attained. Just read the following letter to the editor which appeared in the Sunday Star of 11 October 2009.

"Hope of coming home to serve country dashed

I AM almost completing the Graduate Diploma in Education at the University of Western Australia and have been looking forward to serving the country.

I completed my undergraduate Science degree in USM Penang and opted for an internationally recognised teaching qualification for security purposes.

I recently applied online on the Education Ministry’s website for the position of Guru Sandaran Terlatih and have been regularly checking the site for updates after I found it difficult to speak directly to a person about my circumstances.

When I finally managed to speak to an officer from the ministry last week, he informed me that the route to a permanent post is via an initial probationary period subject to confirmation, and that it was the same for teaching students from public and private colleges.

He, however, could not offer me more information and suggested I call back at another time. I later spoke to someone else in the office about the process and she told me that I would need to have my qualifications recognised by the JPA before I could be granted an interview. But she did not know what should be done after obtaining the JPA recognition.

Anyway, I called JPA and was curtly told that my qualifications are not recognised, never mind that it is internationally recognised. I was too distraught to proceed with further questions like where should I go from here, etc.

I do not mean to sound pompous, but my reports and academic results have been outstanding and I have even been offered a teaching position overseas. I declined because I wanted to come home to serve my country.

To be presented with such news is both disappointing and shocking. I guess I can still apply to local private schools but my desire is to make a positive difference in the public education system – a system that I am proudly a product of.

Now I need to figure out what to tell my parents who have funded this course with their life savings. I know I will be faulted for not finding this out before enrolling but really, who would have thought that an internationally recognised qualification is not recognised in Malaysia? Needless to say, I am disillusioned and extremely disappointed that my qualifications and big dreams have no place in Malaysia. Do we even need to wonder why young people are forced out of their own country?

DISILLUSIONED,
Australia."