One rule for the rich and another for the rest of us

That is the heading of a letter in thestar of 6th November 2006.

No ground breaking news here. Has it ever been otherwise?

Time to change people’s attitudes

This letter appeared in thestar of 4 November 2006.

Nothing much to add to what has been written in the letter but I do agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments of the writer. Needless to say, I should also not forget to thank a certan leader for promoting a certain vision for the country. Today, we get our just rewards.

Pot calling the kettle black

A case of short memory or is it selective recollection. The full details are in the web edition of the sun of 23rd October 2006.

Extracts:

"Q: You said Malaysia has become a police state. Isn'’t is ironic because your critics said the same thing about your administration?
A: I never stopped people from making speeches. In 1987, when Tengku Razaleigh, Musa Hitam and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi challenged me, Abdullah remained as minister. They were travelling all over the country, campaigning with Umno branches and divisions and I never stopped them. But of course, Pak Lah now says he was stopped. Umno branches said they heard him when he came to talk. And I know because when I went to his area to speak, he came up on the stage and he spoke also. I never stopped him from speaking. I never stopped Tengku Razaleigh from speaking, which is why, although I was nominated by 86 divisions and Tengku Razaleigh was nominated by 37 divisions, I barely managed to win because of the intensive campaigning carried out by Tengku Razaleigh, Musa Hitam and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. But now, I am not allowed to speak to anybody. I know I'’m speaking to the Press now. I know some media companies will make some kind of spin about this but fortunately for us that in my time, we have the Internet, so I would advise people to read the Internet and not these newspapers because they are all getting phone calls."

I never stopped people from making speeches??? Duh. ISA, Operasi Lalang, Printing Press Act.

"Q: It seems that you have made a terrible mistake in choosing the Prime Minister.
A: Well I have made a lot of mistakes. I chose people and they all turn against me. I'’m very bad, really. You know when people come to me and cry over something, I think, ya, he is sincere. Although they were stabbing me before, when they come I accept them back."

He is so sweet. Kind hearted. Others stab him in the back. Poor guy. Not that brilliant after all if his anointed successors have been suchdisappointmentent...

Singapore corrupt?

My suspicions about squeaky clean Singapore had some support when I saw this article in bloomberg of 11th October 2006.
Excerpts:

``Actually, Singapore's success came mostly from being the money laundering center for corrupt Indonesian businessmen and government officials,'' Xie, who was based in Hong Kong before leaving Morgan Stanley on Sept. 29, wrote in the e-mail. ``Indonesia has no money. So Singapore isn't doing well.'' ``To sustain its economy, Singapore is building casinos to attract corruption money from China,'' Xie said.

I wonder why someone who works with Morgan Stanley, a renowned international firm, would even speculate about such things. Has not Singapore always pride itself of being above board? Maybe their cover-up job is so good that everyone has been hoodwinked into thinking that what is said is true.
But looking at Indonesia for example, I could see that a certain marginalised group has benefited a lot from their business links with Singapore. When push comes to shove, as in the debacle after Suharto's fall, many seek an escape route to Singapore. It is well known that quite a number have big investments in the city state and vice versa. Maybe the long lasting Suharto regime was propped up by money from the island state. Who knows?

Question Time: The NEP quota hangover

This headline in theedgedaily of 9th October 2006 seems very apt with the current debate on the fate of the NEP. I was particularly struck by this paragraph:

"So why is this misinformation perpetrated? The simple answer would be that there are many bumiputeras, especially the politically connected, who will benefit by it - but not the large majority of bumiputeras, mind you. These bumiputeras are those who benefit from an allocation of bumiputera shares to them at concessional rates and the need to get bumiputera partners to bid for government projects and so on. Many well-connected and politically influential bumiputeras will be affected if the quota system was unwound. That explains a lot of things happening now, particularly the reluctance of the political leadership all this while to do anything about the quotas or to revise the way that it is measured so that it is meaningful. It also explains why former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim supported the NEP when he was in government because he needed the support of those who benefit from it. Now, in opposition, that support becomes immaterial and he can call for the NEP to be abandoned. That would also explain why former Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB - a vehicle specifically set up under the NEP to enhance bumiputera equity ownership) chief executive officer Datuk Khalid Ibrahim now says the NEP could destroy the Malays because of the way it is structured to help only some bumiputeras and perpetuate inefficiency and patronage. And it also explains why young leaders such as Khairy Jamaludin, deputy head of Umno Youth, who was not even born when the NEP was implemented and of whom expectations were high that he would tread a more enlightened path given his youth and idealism, strongly defended the quota system."

These are the facts which those in power would never admit. As the article said, it is to the advantage of those in power to maintain the status quo ad infinitum. The have-nots will remain where they are now and any hopes of changing that situation will require a gargantuan effort from those in power. An enlightened power which the present administration does not seem to possess. Pity the meek and the downtrodden. Their fate in life???

Wherefore public transport

I was one of the thousands of commuters in Kuala Lumpur dependent on the light rail transport system affected by the system breakdown on Friday, 6th October 2006. This letter which appeared the next day in the Star sums up quite succintly how many feel about the system(?).

"Breakdown failure on operator’s part

FIRST-CLASS infrastructure, Third-World mentality. High-tech driverless Putra LRT, bottom-rung maintenance. It's sad.

Imagine this: Thousands of commuters during Friday morning rush hour. And the train system conveniently breaks down, again. Chaos results.

Are Malaysians surprised? No. That’s what makes the entire situation so wretched.

For the past five to six months, the LRT service has been disrupted about once a month. Every time it malfunctions, Putra staff will put up the sign “We are having an unavoidable technical problem”.

Many of us have travelled on the virtually trouble-free Singapore MRT.

It's simple. If you don’t maintain the trains, the system stalls.

I urge the Transport Minister to make the following changes:

1. Fire the top management in charge of Putra LRT. Constant system failure means failure on their part.

2. Fine the company RM1mil for every hour the LRT is down. It's a small sum to pay for delaying the thousands of people who would otherwise be working and contributing to the economy.

3. Display the LRT’s KPI. Show monthly statistics on system failure, late trains, Touch ’n Go breakdown, ticketing gate malfunction, air-conditioning failure in trains and stations. In this way, I'm sure Putra will do more to improve the system to save face.

4. Fire those who can’t meet these KPIs.

Drastic action is needed for a major change.

RADICALHOP,

Petaling Jaya."

I agree whole heartedly with the writer's suggestions but I doubt any of it will see the light of day any time soon. As it is, there will be an inquiry and it would be anyone's guess whether any action will be taken after that. The planners are never the ones who use the system. They are bureaucrats, pen pushers, cocooned in their air-conditioned offices dictating what is best for the rest of city. They must use the system too to see how viable or reliable it is in action. There is a huge difference between that lovely skecth on paper with reality.

Hope

An apt article appeared in thestar 30 October 2006 after the Chinese marginalisation statement by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
Those without connections will always suffer in this country as long as the ruling party continues with its present policy of giving the wealth largesse to just a select few. We are just continuing the old feudal system replete with masters and servants. That system seems to be the preferred choice of the ruling class to maintain the status quo. The only hope of a viable alternative government does not seem to have much hope of seeing the light of day in the immediate future. We are so used to the current political set-up that anything which differs from the norm might look so strange to the majority.
Whatever faults the current administration has, the bread and butter issues seems to be a top priority. But the present escalating cost of living is testing the patience of the common people. The opposition might be able to make some headway if they exploit this issue intelligently and gave a better solution than the present government. If people of this country are assured that they at least can make a decent living within the present economic conditions then maybe the other issues such as sharing equitably the economic cake and race relations can be tackled with more vigour.
We do hope the future will be better for the next generation of Malaysians.

Racial polarisation

It is always intriguing whenever the great doctor says his piece. An example appeared in the sun 28 September 2006. Part of his speech appeared in the article on the Second Congress of Leaders of Traditional Religions held in Astana, Kazakhstan on 12-13 September 2006.

The excerpt.

'It would be more effective for heads of religious institutions to convince world leaders to help remove the causes of terrorism, than trying to convince terror groups to stop their aggression. Former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, an invited speaker, said this when addressing delegates during the second day of the congress. Mahathir said:"Perhaps religious heads could persuade would-be terrorists not to blow up aircraft and their passengers but frankly, I do not think this will work." He said no matter who talks to them (terror groups), the pain will always be there and these people who threaten international security have no other means to fight their powerful enemies except via terror attacks. He said the anger and frustration of the Palestinian people have reached a stage where "rationality" is no longer possible. "Bereft of other weapons, they resort to blowing themselves up and killing innocent people," he said. Mahathir said the world must realise that the strategy of "out-terrorising" the terrorists by Israel and the United States is not working. "All that we see is an escalation in their counter-attacks and the whole world feels insecure and we are even being haunted by the fear of being blown out of the sky whenever we fly," he said. He called on religious heads to convince leaders of the countries against whom the attacks are directed to try and understand the problem and deal with the root causes. Later, in response to a question by theSun, Mahathir said the fervour of multi-cultural relations in Malaysia is the same as in Kazakhstan. "But, of course, there will be groups (in Malaysia) which will try to promote differences among the races but it is up to the majority to ensure that differences are settled in a proper way," he said. Asked what may have caused racial polarisation in the country and if it will grow to become a "painful thorn on the side" in later years, he said: "It is partly due to political reasons." "Because certain parties play up Islamic issues there will be a tendency for other parties to attempt to also make use of religion to seek'religious justification' by themselves." "In the process they might become more extreme and this will lead to the kind of problems we see among the people today," he said.'

I wonder which political party made the move to be more Islamic than its opposition. Did the leader forgot the decision he made to take into the party's fold an ex-student leader who was known to have strong support among the young and those aligned to the Islamic movement. The worsening polarisation we see in the country is in a way the result of policies implemented by the great doctor in his quest to achieve his vision of a developed Malaysia. He will never acknowledge that he had a part in the current predicament that we face. Not in his character to admit that he had made a mistake. Admitting one's mistake needs a bigger man. That man is not the doctor.

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.