Government agencies. Am sure every rakyat has to deal with them at least once in their lifetime. Normal instances are such as applying for passports, paying taxes, identity card registration and the list goes on. There are many complaints being thrown at these agencies and no prizes for guessing what they are. Yes, all related to the level and quality of services provided. It is certainly not fair to pass judgment solely based on what we hear from certain people. For that purpose, I would like to share my recent experience in order for an assessment to be done on that event.
I was trying to apply for a new myKad (identity card) because the smart chip on the one I am having was spoilt. It was my off day and I head out to the nearest National Registration Department (NRD) in the morning. When I reached that place, it was about noon. I proceed to the queue counter and took a ticket. The counter clerk was very friendly but her last words stunned me. She advised me to come back at 2.30pm! I asked her again to confirm what I had heard is exactly clear. No doubt the place was pack with people but to come back 2 hours later? I tried to ask for a clarification and I got the answer that really took me aback; they will be closing the place for a one hour lunch break starting at 1pm. Luckily I am off on that day but what if I am working? Isn’t lunch time the only free time we working people can run personal errands? Does a service center literally closed during lunch time? I was hoping at that time this only applied to that branch alone. I went back to the place at 2.30pm and waited for my turn. When my turn finally came, it was about 5pm already. The procedure itself only took me 5 minutes. I basically spent my whole day at the place for just a 5 minute procedure! The whole process is indeed a strenuous one. In fact, most of the public complaints do have some similarities on what had transpired. Judging by the fact alone, it is therefore fair to say such event do happens in most government agencies. What gives?
The perception conjured from us normal rakyat is as though the government agencies are not part of a service industry whereby customer satisfaction is top priority. They are free to do anything without repercussions to their performance review and with an attitude “if you don’t like it, you are free to leave and take your business elsewhere”. Hello, where else can we apply for a myKad or even a passport? The question right now is government agencies constitute as within service industry? If it does, Key Performance Index (KPI) exists to gauge performance? If KPI exist, is it enforced? In the business world, KPIs are used as a basis to gauge employees’ performance during year end review. This will in turn affect the employees’ salary increment and promotion chances. In a nutshell, an employee is subjected to rewards or even reprimands based on his work ethics. These two things alone will make an employee strives to perform to his best for he knows, if he does well he will be rewarded and vice versa. On the contrary, if this KPI system is not in place, an employee will be complacent because, why work so hard if there are no rewards or even reprimands. This complacency will indirectly result in inefficiency and the term most rakyat can relate to, “tidak apa” attitude. Anyone for a change?
“If you do not raise your eyes you will think that you are at the highest point.”
Antonio Porchia
Thursday, December 11, 2008
public service with an attitude
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
security not enough
Nowadays when we pick up the newspaper we are bound to come across some snatch theft or burglary stories. It does not stop there with other much worse crimes such as kidnappings and murders. These incidents are expected to increase ten folds in the coming days due to the economic downturn currently hitting us. Is it really not safe for us to wander outside our house anymore? What have Malaysia become compared to those good old days whereby we do not even have to lock our main doors. When security is this bad the group that normally comes into criticism is the police force.
There have been many complaints being leveled at the police force these days, ranging from incompetence to being indifferent to the current crisis. Some of these criticisms do seem harsh but when analyzed in a deeper context, they are actually not without merit. The police force’s main responsibility is in fact to protect the rakyat from harm and to uphold security. The police spokesperson always reiterate that they are doing all they can to reduce crime but sometimes action shows more than words alone can. The perfect example is the “Mat Rempit” issue. This problem has been going on for ages and yet it still threatening the safety of our fellow rakyat on the streets. Rather than reducing cases, on the contrary the cases are getting more and more and becoming increasingly violent as well. The rakyat is perplexed on why this happens whereby the menace can actually be eradicated if more roadblocks and spot checks on high-risk areas are enforced. The argument that the police force comes up is insufficient manpower. However, when a peaceful demonstration is staged, the police force can come out with hundreds of personnel in a matter of hours and roadblocks are set up in the blink of an eye. Does this mean that the police force is actually on standby to counter demonstrations rather than eradicating crime? Inadvertently, it also portrays the police force is much more courageous in dealing with people holding candles than thugs swinging crash helmets.
The police force’s image does take a beating nowadays. It is being seen as full of incompetent, insensitive and corrupt personnel. No doubt, it is unfair to pass a general judgment as such for there are dedicated officers in the force that do exist. But sadly as the saying goes, one bad apple will ruin the whole bunch. There are more incidences of bad experience compared to good experience when dealing with the police force. Just ask a man on the street to describe his view on the police force and there is a high possibility the answers obtained will be corrupted, inefficient and wasting public funds. To add insult to injury, the police laughing at victims when they report a crime? Now that’s certainly the icing on the cake.
There have been many complaints being leveled at the police force these days, ranging from incompetence to being indifferent to the current crisis. Some of these criticisms do seem harsh but when analyzed in a deeper context, they are actually not without merit. The police force’s main responsibility is in fact to protect the rakyat from harm and to uphold security. The police spokesperson always reiterate that they are doing all they can to reduce crime but sometimes action shows more than words alone can. The perfect example is the “Mat Rempit” issue. This problem has been going on for ages and yet it still threatening the safety of our fellow rakyat on the streets. Rather than reducing cases, on the contrary the cases are getting more and more and becoming increasingly violent as well. The rakyat is perplexed on why this happens whereby the menace can actually be eradicated if more roadblocks and spot checks on high-risk areas are enforced. The argument that the police force comes up is insufficient manpower. However, when a peaceful demonstration is staged, the police force can come out with hundreds of personnel in a matter of hours and roadblocks are set up in the blink of an eye. Does this mean that the police force is actually on standby to counter demonstrations rather than eradicating crime? Inadvertently, it also portrays the police force is much more courageous in dealing with people holding candles than thugs swinging crash helmets.
The police force’s image does take a beating nowadays. It is being seen as full of incompetent, insensitive and corrupt personnel. No doubt, it is unfair to pass a general judgment as such for there are dedicated officers in the force that do exist. But sadly as the saying goes, one bad apple will ruin the whole bunch. There are more incidences of bad experience compared to good experience when dealing with the police force. Just ask a man on the street to describe his view on the police force and there is a high possibility the answers obtained will be corrupted, inefficient and wasting public funds. To add insult to injury, the police laughing at victims when they report a crime? Now that’s certainly the icing on the cake.
Words alone are not enough to convince the rakyat that the police is revamping itself to be a much leaner force in tackling crimes. It must show that it is in fact doing so by starting to take tough actions on corrupted officers, handle public complaints effectively and eradicate the “Mat Rempit” menace once and for all. It is easy for the police to ask the rakyat to chip in and help the police to control crime, but the police must show that it is behind the rakyat all the way because for one, no one in his right frame of mind will confront a “Mat Rempit” without knowing he has sufficient backup.
Monday, November 17, 2008
where will my money go?
The world economy is reeling in its worst self lately and to some extent, many even equate it as a potential crisis of the world depression in the 1930s. Many governments of the world today are beginning to prepare for the worst case scenario and plans have been put into place to mitigate the risk of a total financial system meltdown. All these economic jargons seem huge and mesmerizing but the most important issue right now is what does this mean for the man on the street and how it will impact him? Like it or not, the impending doom of the financial crisis will hurt every individual regardless of one’s standing or status in the community. The have-nots will definitely bear the brunt much worse than the haves. No one in this world will be spared by the onslaught and Malaysians will not be an exception.
Already we are hearing about possibilities of retrenchments, spiraling issues of people’s quality of life diminishing and even bankruptcies. It is certainly a scary scenario if all these events do take place. The government of Malaysia has come up with various initiatives to cushion the financial crisis but the one million dollar question every citizen will ask, are they sufficient? Most of us are considered laymen when comes to these economic jargons and initiatives. We basically can’t tell from head to toe of what is being done but one thing is for sure, if it hurts our pockets, then we know the country is in deep trouble.
The first announcement made by the government is to prepare a so called stimulus package to boost the companies listed in the KLSE. How will that help the ordinary people in the streets is still a mystery to most of us but the rationale communicated to us is to stabilize the Malaysian economy as a whole. This could be true since the US is doing the same thing by providing assistance to failing conglomerates there. This is normally referred to as corporate bailout. However, the stark difference is in the US there is this entity called Congress. The functionality of this entity is to scrutinize every expenses incurred by the taxpayers to boost the faltering economy with the sole purpose of ensuring the expenses are justifiable and fair for the benefit of the entire nation. Is this check and balance process practiced here in Malaysia? The opposition bloc is harping on issues concerning bailouts of companies that are considered cronies. This scenario definitely will frighten every man on the streets since the bailout fund is taken from EPF, every citizen’s savings for old age. Is the ruling government so powerful that it can use the stimulus package as it deems fit without any scrutiny or transparency? We the rakyat definitely hope this is not true but what guarantees we have that this does not happen; none.
The subsequent initiative is to reduce the percentage of EPF contribution of a working rakyat to 8%. The rationale for this is to ensure the rakyat has additional disposable income to spend and in the process, boost the economy. Who in his right mind will want to spend frivolously in these uncertain times is way beyond our layman’s comprehension. However, in economics, this is supposedly to be a way to boost the economy. The downside to this will be, the rakyat will have fewer savings for their retirement later.
If one has a sharp mind, he can see that all these initiatives actually have one thing in common; the rakyat bearing the full brunt all by themselves to save the economy. The politicians can sit in their cozy seats in the Parliament while devising initiatives and plans. Upon finish doing so, they can go back to their big houses, big cars, yachts, private planes and a fat employment package borne by the rakyat. They buy stakes in companies and if the companies do not perform, they can always use the stimulus package to bail them out; if there are no approvals required by a selected committee. Why must the diminishing of wealth be the burden of the normal rakyat alone but never the politicians or their fellow corporate cronies? The rakyat that supposedly to be the master in turn become servant to these self serving politicians. Guess that is the beauty of capitalism in a democratic, free world. Only downside is, if you’re at the other end of the equation and be a normal rakyat, you’re screwed.
Think the best solution right now is just to take the reduction of EPF contribution and put the additional income into bank savings. At least the government can’t take extras to put into the stimulus package. At the end of the day, we the rakyat at least know where our money is going to. God bless our money.
Already we are hearing about possibilities of retrenchments, spiraling issues of people’s quality of life diminishing and even bankruptcies. It is certainly a scary scenario if all these events do take place. The government of Malaysia has come up with various initiatives to cushion the financial crisis but the one million dollar question every citizen will ask, are they sufficient? Most of us are considered laymen when comes to these economic jargons and initiatives. We basically can’t tell from head to toe of what is being done but one thing is for sure, if it hurts our pockets, then we know the country is in deep trouble.
The first announcement made by the government is to prepare a so called stimulus package to boost the companies listed in the KLSE. How will that help the ordinary people in the streets is still a mystery to most of us but the rationale communicated to us is to stabilize the Malaysian economy as a whole. This could be true since the US is doing the same thing by providing assistance to failing conglomerates there. This is normally referred to as corporate bailout. However, the stark difference is in the US there is this entity called Congress. The functionality of this entity is to scrutinize every expenses incurred by the taxpayers to boost the faltering economy with the sole purpose of ensuring the expenses are justifiable and fair for the benefit of the entire nation. Is this check and balance process practiced here in Malaysia? The opposition bloc is harping on issues concerning bailouts of companies that are considered cronies. This scenario definitely will frighten every man on the streets since the bailout fund is taken from EPF, every citizen’s savings for old age. Is the ruling government so powerful that it can use the stimulus package as it deems fit without any scrutiny or transparency? We the rakyat definitely hope this is not true but what guarantees we have that this does not happen; none.
The subsequent initiative is to reduce the percentage of EPF contribution of a working rakyat to 8%. The rationale for this is to ensure the rakyat has additional disposable income to spend and in the process, boost the economy. Who in his right mind will want to spend frivolously in these uncertain times is way beyond our layman’s comprehension. However, in economics, this is supposedly to be a way to boost the economy. The downside to this will be, the rakyat will have fewer savings for their retirement later.
If one has a sharp mind, he can see that all these initiatives actually have one thing in common; the rakyat bearing the full brunt all by themselves to save the economy. The politicians can sit in their cozy seats in the Parliament while devising initiatives and plans. Upon finish doing so, they can go back to their big houses, big cars, yachts, private planes and a fat employment package borne by the rakyat. They buy stakes in companies and if the companies do not perform, they can always use the stimulus package to bail them out; if there are no approvals required by a selected committee. Why must the diminishing of wealth be the burden of the normal rakyat alone but never the politicians or their fellow corporate cronies? The rakyat that supposedly to be the master in turn become servant to these self serving politicians. Guess that is the beauty of capitalism in a democratic, free world. Only downside is, if you’re at the other end of the equation and be a normal rakyat, you’re screwed.
Think the best solution right now is just to take the reduction of EPF contribution and put the additional income into bank savings. At least the government can’t take extras to put into the stimulus package. At the end of the day, we the rakyat at least know where our money is going to. God bless our money.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
malaysia education system
“Education is the best provision for old age”
Aristotle
Education is a very important aspect of a person’s life whether one admits it or not. Education can empower a person to earn a living and in the process, sometimes enable a person to reach the pinnacles of ones dream. Education is also an essential tool enshrined in the doctrine of basic human rights and no citizen should be deprived of it by its government. After saying that, it is therefore of utmost importance for a country to ensure the education system is well in place to produce capable and industrious citizens to build the country’s future and in the process providing its citizens of their basic rights. In Malaysia, there is no exception to the rule. However, the argument point here is whether the education system in Malaysia is effective in the said objectives?
No doubt there is some foundation being laid by the British during the colonization days. In a way our education system does bear some resemblance to the British. However, along the years since the 50s, have our education system evolved to meet the needs of a new millennium? It cannot be denied that there have been some changes but whether they are sufficient are another matter altogether. An indication of the status of Malaysia’s education system can be seen by numerous complaints by potential employers, mostly foreign based companies that Malaysian graduates are definitely not up to mark in terms of essential skills level. Academic knowledge is certainly not an issue since we can see that there are many top scorers among Malaysians in public examinations. What is the complaint about then? Academic knowledge is important, but the capabilities to execute it effectively are equally important. What is the use of having profound knowledge but unable to express it when it matters the most in the workplace.
There is too much emphasis on scoring perfect marks in examinations. Students in their early years are taught that the best students are the ones that score the highest marks and the most As in examinations. With this in mind, students’ priorities are distorted whereby they concentrate more on scoring marks rather than understanding the implications of each subjects being taught. In other words, we are actually training mindless robots with good memories but not an effective employee in the working industry. Most of the graduates have difficulties in communicating effectively in simple English in the workplace for daily routine work, what more during presentations. Some do not even get past the job interviewing process. Judging by all these issues, the government should realize that there is indeed something wrong with our education system. Rather than being in denial, concrete actions should be taken to rectify this matter before it gets much worse.
The first instance is the usage of English language to teach Mathematics and Science. This is actually a correct step forward but there have been reservations by certain quarters mostly originated from nationalism feelings that since Bahasa Malaysia is the national language therefore should be used instead. Not to belittle our national language, but how many countries in the world conduct their business in Bahasa Malaysia? What is the point of learning a subject in the national language when the terms to be used in the workplace later are mostly English? How will our graduates be able to adapt and even to compete if all their schooling days’ terms are not used at all. They basically have to spend much of their early working years just to adapt to the new terms being used! Our graduates will lose competitive edge this way.
The other grouses will be the treatment of students in terms of scholarships being offered. There have been complaints from the public that this process does not constitute a transparent affair. It is even seen by certain quarters that there are some elements of racial biased within the system. It is truly heart wrenching to read about top achievers not being able to pursue their preferred courses or even to secure a scholarship in the process. The Malaysian government has always been vocal to attract Malaysian talents from overseas to serve the country for patriotic reasons but failed to realize that it is the government itself shuns the potential talents in the first place. It is imperative for the government to realize that affirmative actions are no doubt important for a multi racial country in terms of nation building but there must not be any compromise on quality for certain critical industries and the best minds should be considered to serve in these industries foremost. After saying that, the Public Services Department should also heed the public’s call to be transparent in the matter in order to put to rest all uncertainties regarding the award of scholarships for potential nation builders of the future. Meritocracy is a critical element to be assessed here for we must ensure the best minds are given the tasks accordingly.
The Malaysian education system is not entirely flawed in that sense but there is definitely some room for improvements. The main objective of education should not be lost in some political playground. Education is to empower people to earn a living and in the process able to contribute effectively to the growth of a nation.
Aristotle
Education is a very important aspect of a person’s life whether one admits it or not. Education can empower a person to earn a living and in the process, sometimes enable a person to reach the pinnacles of ones dream. Education is also an essential tool enshrined in the doctrine of basic human rights and no citizen should be deprived of it by its government. After saying that, it is therefore of utmost importance for a country to ensure the education system is well in place to produce capable and industrious citizens to build the country’s future and in the process providing its citizens of their basic rights. In Malaysia, there is no exception to the rule. However, the argument point here is whether the education system in Malaysia is effective in the said objectives?
No doubt there is some foundation being laid by the British during the colonization days. In a way our education system does bear some resemblance to the British. However, along the years since the 50s, have our education system evolved to meet the needs of a new millennium? It cannot be denied that there have been some changes but whether they are sufficient are another matter altogether. An indication of the status of Malaysia’s education system can be seen by numerous complaints by potential employers, mostly foreign based companies that Malaysian graduates are definitely not up to mark in terms of essential skills level. Academic knowledge is certainly not an issue since we can see that there are many top scorers among Malaysians in public examinations. What is the complaint about then? Academic knowledge is important, but the capabilities to execute it effectively are equally important. What is the use of having profound knowledge but unable to express it when it matters the most in the workplace.
There is too much emphasis on scoring perfect marks in examinations. Students in their early years are taught that the best students are the ones that score the highest marks and the most As in examinations. With this in mind, students’ priorities are distorted whereby they concentrate more on scoring marks rather than understanding the implications of each subjects being taught. In other words, we are actually training mindless robots with good memories but not an effective employee in the working industry. Most of the graduates have difficulties in communicating effectively in simple English in the workplace for daily routine work, what more during presentations. Some do not even get past the job interviewing process. Judging by all these issues, the government should realize that there is indeed something wrong with our education system. Rather than being in denial, concrete actions should be taken to rectify this matter before it gets much worse.
The first instance is the usage of English language to teach Mathematics and Science. This is actually a correct step forward but there have been reservations by certain quarters mostly originated from nationalism feelings that since Bahasa Malaysia is the national language therefore should be used instead. Not to belittle our national language, but how many countries in the world conduct their business in Bahasa Malaysia? What is the point of learning a subject in the national language when the terms to be used in the workplace later are mostly English? How will our graduates be able to adapt and even to compete if all their schooling days’ terms are not used at all. They basically have to spend much of their early working years just to adapt to the new terms being used! Our graduates will lose competitive edge this way.
The other grouses will be the treatment of students in terms of scholarships being offered. There have been complaints from the public that this process does not constitute a transparent affair. It is even seen by certain quarters that there are some elements of racial biased within the system. It is truly heart wrenching to read about top achievers not being able to pursue their preferred courses or even to secure a scholarship in the process. The Malaysian government has always been vocal to attract Malaysian talents from overseas to serve the country for patriotic reasons but failed to realize that it is the government itself shuns the potential talents in the first place. It is imperative for the government to realize that affirmative actions are no doubt important for a multi racial country in terms of nation building but there must not be any compromise on quality for certain critical industries and the best minds should be considered to serve in these industries foremost. After saying that, the Public Services Department should also heed the public’s call to be transparent in the matter in order to put to rest all uncertainties regarding the award of scholarships for potential nation builders of the future. Meritocracy is a critical element to be assessed here for we must ensure the best minds are given the tasks accordingly.
The Malaysian education system is not entirely flawed in that sense but there is definitely some room for improvements. The main objective of education should not be lost in some political playground. Education is to empower people to earn a living and in the process able to contribute effectively to the growth of a nation.
Friday, April 4, 2008
detention without trial
Detention without trial; a person can be detained for months and even years without going through the due process of the law. This term is beginning to be a norm not only in Malaysia but even in the world today. Human rights advocates clearly states that a person is entitled to a fair trial and right to be heard. Things like that no doubt can happen in countries controlled by autocratic regimes, but in the free world?. The next question that comes to mind will be, “How is then such action possible being practiced in countries that promote democracy?” Let’s do a thorough analysis on how such a concept can originate in the first place.
In Malaysia, detention without trial is enforced by the Internal Security Act 1960. Its primary objective is to suppress organized violence against persons and property in Malaysia. This legislation was originated from the British during the colonial era. At that time, it was solely used to counter the armed insurgency of the communists in Malaya. Touching on that point, the Americans used a similar tactic to counter the terrorists under detention at their naval base in Guantanamo Bay. There is a similarity here if one is able to pick up the insinuation. The legislation is used by a government on foreign nationals bend on destruction and mayhem towards their interests. If that is the case, can we say that the legislation is some sort of colonial-master tool to suppress dissent? For one, we don’t see them implementing such legislation on their own nationals. The conscience of America is beginning to question the legitimacy of detaining so-called terrorists without trial and to some extent, some of these “terrorists” are actually proven to be innocent people. Recently the Americans did enact the USA Patriot Act, kind of similar to the ISA. However, its implementation is widely criticized and is not easily enforceable to the whims of the government. How is this legislation enforced in Malaysia then? There are many reservations brought forward by Malaysians on ISA. It is undeniable good in way for it maintains peace and order. However, the main question one should ask is, at what cost?
The government of Malaysia has been using ISA against countless people. From triad members to cult members and not forgetting the source of recent outburst of discontentment, political adversaries. It is within logical sense to detain triad members and cult members for these people are a threat to national security and to the general public as a whole but politicians? It is difficult for anyone to see how a politician can be equated to an armed terrorist. The only common excuse that the government dishes out is, the politician is stroking racial sentiments and this could generate into all out racial clashes. It is definitely a nightmare if these clashes do happen in multiracial Malaysia but could this really happen? It did happen once in 1969 so there is always a possibility this might reoccur. The only argument is why this particular politician can’t be charged in court for seditious remarks rather than stripping off all his individual rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution and is treated like an outcast. Are our police force and public prosecutors that incompetent that they are unable to bring a simple case against the politician in the court of law? Furthermore, if the ISA is not in existence, couldn’t all the triad members and cult members be prosecuted as well? Every time the ISA is invoked, at that very moment the judiciary system in Malaysia will lose a credibility point. In the end, what is the point of having courts of law if the government can bypass these courts at its whim. The Malaysians’ perception is that the government can detain a citizen with impunity if the citizen is deemed to be a threat to national unity without any chance for him to defend himself in the courts of law. This is beginning to look more like living in a feudal state rather than a democratic state.
The ISA has also brew suspicion that the government is using the legislation to silence political dissent. This is certainly not without credence since most of the ISA detainees are basically politicians from the opposition camps. It is definitely unsettling that all criticisms hurl towards the government can be construed as dissent even for the constructive ones. As power corrupts, the government could run into the risk of abusing the ISA. It does more good than harm then if such law is repelled and inadvertently the credibility of the government will then be restored as a just entity protecting the rights of every citizen.
As Habeas Corpus, one of the oldest liberties clearly states “No free man shall be seized or imprisoned except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land.”
In Malaysia, detention without trial is enforced by the Internal Security Act 1960. Its primary objective is to suppress organized violence against persons and property in Malaysia. This legislation was originated from the British during the colonial era. At that time, it was solely used to counter the armed insurgency of the communists in Malaya. Touching on that point, the Americans used a similar tactic to counter the terrorists under detention at their naval base in Guantanamo Bay. There is a similarity here if one is able to pick up the insinuation. The legislation is used by a government on foreign nationals bend on destruction and mayhem towards their interests. If that is the case, can we say that the legislation is some sort of colonial-master tool to suppress dissent? For one, we don’t see them implementing such legislation on their own nationals. The conscience of America is beginning to question the legitimacy of detaining so-called terrorists without trial and to some extent, some of these “terrorists” are actually proven to be innocent people. Recently the Americans did enact the USA Patriot Act, kind of similar to the ISA. However, its implementation is widely criticized and is not easily enforceable to the whims of the government. How is this legislation enforced in Malaysia then? There are many reservations brought forward by Malaysians on ISA. It is undeniable good in way for it maintains peace and order. However, the main question one should ask is, at what cost?
The government of Malaysia has been using ISA against countless people. From triad members to cult members and not forgetting the source of recent outburst of discontentment, political adversaries. It is within logical sense to detain triad members and cult members for these people are a threat to national security and to the general public as a whole but politicians? It is difficult for anyone to see how a politician can be equated to an armed terrorist. The only common excuse that the government dishes out is, the politician is stroking racial sentiments and this could generate into all out racial clashes. It is definitely a nightmare if these clashes do happen in multiracial Malaysia but could this really happen? It did happen once in 1969 so there is always a possibility this might reoccur. The only argument is why this particular politician can’t be charged in court for seditious remarks rather than stripping off all his individual rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution and is treated like an outcast. Are our police force and public prosecutors that incompetent that they are unable to bring a simple case against the politician in the court of law? Furthermore, if the ISA is not in existence, couldn’t all the triad members and cult members be prosecuted as well? Every time the ISA is invoked, at that very moment the judiciary system in Malaysia will lose a credibility point. In the end, what is the point of having courts of law if the government can bypass these courts at its whim. The Malaysians’ perception is that the government can detain a citizen with impunity if the citizen is deemed to be a threat to national unity without any chance for him to defend himself in the courts of law. This is beginning to look more like living in a feudal state rather than a democratic state.
The ISA has also brew suspicion that the government is using the legislation to silence political dissent. This is certainly not without credence since most of the ISA detainees are basically politicians from the opposition camps. It is definitely unsettling that all criticisms hurl towards the government can be construed as dissent even for the constructive ones. As power corrupts, the government could run into the risk of abusing the ISA. It does more good than harm then if such law is repelled and inadvertently the credibility of the government will then be restored as a just entity protecting the rights of every citizen.
As Habeas Corpus, one of the oldest liberties clearly states “No free man shall be seized or imprisoned except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land.”
Saturday, March 22, 2008
the evolution of malaysia
The just concluded 12th general election in Malaysia has brought about changes that not every Malaysian could envision in their wildest dreams; the diminishing control of the mammoth Barisan Nasional over the government. No one expected the opposition parties can turn the tides as what had happened and this comes as a surprise even to the opposition members themselves. However, one can argue whether this is actually surprising to us normal Malaysians, especially those that cast their votes.
The built up to the election had seen many rare happenings that have never been seen before previously. Opposition’s rallies had seen crowds nearing to the thousands and mind you, these crowds comprised of different races mingling together to see what the speakers were trying to bring forward. The internet was abuzz by postings and discussions of all Malaysians irregardless of race and all of them saying the same thing; the present government is too powerful at the point of being arrogant. Malaysians should deny the Barisan Nasional 2/3 majority in Parliament. In the previous elections, all these talks did come out too, but the difference this time around is, it really happened! This is certainly mind boggling since for the opposition to achieve that, the majority of Malaysians voted against BN comprise of Malays, Chinese and Indians. Every race voted as one. It is still too early to tell but from what can be roughly seen, could this be the beginning of the creation of “Bangsa Malaysia”?
The built up to the election had seen many rare happenings that have never been seen before previously. Opposition’s rallies had seen crowds nearing to the thousands and mind you, these crowds comprised of different races mingling together to see what the speakers were trying to bring forward. The internet was abuzz by postings and discussions of all Malaysians irregardless of race and all of them saying the same thing; the present government is too powerful at the point of being arrogant. Malaysians should deny the Barisan Nasional 2/3 majority in Parliament. In the previous elections, all these talks did come out too, but the difference this time around is, it really happened! This is certainly mind boggling since for the opposition to achieve that, the majority of Malaysians voted against BN comprise of Malays, Chinese and Indians. Every race voted as one. It is still too early to tell but from what can be roughly seen, could this be the beginning of the creation of “Bangsa Malaysia”?
Before we jump to any conclusion, let’s do an analysis on how the opposition able to gain an upper hand this time around. What pushed nearly half the Malaysians to vote for opposition? During the campaigning period, the opposition actually did bring up some issues that affect all Malaysians irregardless of race; petrol price, judiciary problems, minorities’ rights eroded etc. These issues are commonly brought up by the opposition and BN with its past experiences should be able to brush them off as they did so previously. The plan did not work this time judging by the opposition’s thumping unprecedented success. BN had definitely miscalculated certain items not seen before from previous years.
The first miscalculation is that the bulk of the voters belong to a newer generation. Long gone are the days when issues like the racial riot of the 60s send a chill down the voters’ spine. This “scare-tactic” is no longer applicable since these voters are born after that period and it is difficult for them to visualize the so called terror then or even to comprehend how such event could happen in the first place. There is no place for racial sentiments for the younger generation since many are well read and exposed to global affairs. Threats will only put a foul taste to their mouth. The second miscalculation is the boon of Internet. The previous tactic of BN is to control the mainstream media to spread its propaganda. Media is a powerful tool to sway opinions. That is exactly what the Internet does. The old hands in BN have lost touch of what the latest technologies able to offer and the opposition took advantage of this. Propagandas had been spreading like wild fire thru the Internet championing the opposition’s cause. This is apparent since even a well known blogger has been voted into Parliament. The third miscalculation and the most critical one are the issues being put forward. Higher costs of living and increase in petrol are all normal issues faced by any developing country. The BN did a good job in pointing this out and even when the opposition says that it will reduce the price of petrol, it does not hold water for most of us well read Malaysians. Then why do the votes swing to the opposition one may ask. The real grouses most men on the street have are prices can increase but the government should justify why this has to happen. The magic words here are transparency and accountability. Corruption has been rampantly committed and charged in the court of law but this is just the tip of the iceberg, in the opinion of this new generation. Therefore, in their opinion, BN should be put in its place and to have a wake up call that its power is not a privilege but actually a blessing from the people of Malaysia. The outcome of the 12th general election showed just that.
Every Malaysian will now ask the same question, “What is in store for Malaysia right now?” Malaysians have shown that they are not to be cowed at anymore at the polls and they will vote for the benefit of the whole nation first with racial issues coming second. Just has they had single handedly dealt a blow to the ruling government, they could do the same if the opposition are not up to mark for the next 5 years. This will definitely keep the ruling coalition and even the opposition at their toes. They know now, to capture the hearts and minds of all Malaysians are at utmost important and will never take them for granted anymore. Changes are being made by both camps to reflect the wishes of the people. The opposition’s Malaysian Economic Agenda (MEA) is actually quite similar to the New Economic Policy as practiced by BN. However, even though similar in essence, the MEA has a slight advantage; transparency. Open tenders will be practiced by the states captured by the opposition. Whether the ruling coalition will follow this directive remains to be seen but one thing is for sure, if they do not, the opposition will be seen as a better alternative. All senior officials are required to declare their assets in both camps and this is definitely on the right track to combat corruption. However, a point of note though, declaration is one thing but verification that it is correct is totally a different thing.
The sceptic would say that all these measures taken by both camps are just rosy color lenses aimed at enticing the people. This cannot be denied outright but in the end, if things do not work out, the people of Malaysia will exercise their voting rights effectively again in the next general election. This is definitely an evolution that can propel Malaysia to a whole new beginning in uncharted waters. God bless Malaysia.
The first miscalculation is that the bulk of the voters belong to a newer generation. Long gone are the days when issues like the racial riot of the 60s send a chill down the voters’ spine. This “scare-tactic” is no longer applicable since these voters are born after that period and it is difficult for them to visualize the so called terror then or even to comprehend how such event could happen in the first place. There is no place for racial sentiments for the younger generation since many are well read and exposed to global affairs. Threats will only put a foul taste to their mouth. The second miscalculation is the boon of Internet. The previous tactic of BN is to control the mainstream media to spread its propaganda. Media is a powerful tool to sway opinions. That is exactly what the Internet does. The old hands in BN have lost touch of what the latest technologies able to offer and the opposition took advantage of this. Propagandas had been spreading like wild fire thru the Internet championing the opposition’s cause. This is apparent since even a well known blogger has been voted into Parliament. The third miscalculation and the most critical one are the issues being put forward. Higher costs of living and increase in petrol are all normal issues faced by any developing country. The BN did a good job in pointing this out and even when the opposition says that it will reduce the price of petrol, it does not hold water for most of us well read Malaysians. Then why do the votes swing to the opposition one may ask. The real grouses most men on the street have are prices can increase but the government should justify why this has to happen. The magic words here are transparency and accountability. Corruption has been rampantly committed and charged in the court of law but this is just the tip of the iceberg, in the opinion of this new generation. Therefore, in their opinion, BN should be put in its place and to have a wake up call that its power is not a privilege but actually a blessing from the people of Malaysia. The outcome of the 12th general election showed just that.
Every Malaysian will now ask the same question, “What is in store for Malaysia right now?” Malaysians have shown that they are not to be cowed at anymore at the polls and they will vote for the benefit of the whole nation first with racial issues coming second. Just has they had single handedly dealt a blow to the ruling government, they could do the same if the opposition are not up to mark for the next 5 years. This will definitely keep the ruling coalition and even the opposition at their toes. They know now, to capture the hearts and minds of all Malaysians are at utmost important and will never take them for granted anymore. Changes are being made by both camps to reflect the wishes of the people. The opposition’s Malaysian Economic Agenda (MEA) is actually quite similar to the New Economic Policy as practiced by BN. However, even though similar in essence, the MEA has a slight advantage; transparency. Open tenders will be practiced by the states captured by the opposition. Whether the ruling coalition will follow this directive remains to be seen but one thing is for sure, if they do not, the opposition will be seen as a better alternative. All senior officials are required to declare their assets in both camps and this is definitely on the right track to combat corruption. However, a point of note though, declaration is one thing but verification that it is correct is totally a different thing.
The sceptic would say that all these measures taken by both camps are just rosy color lenses aimed at enticing the people. This cannot be denied outright but in the end, if things do not work out, the people of Malaysia will exercise their voting rights effectively again in the next general election. This is definitely an evolution that can propel Malaysia to a whole new beginning in uncharted waters. God bless Malaysia.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
nepotism
Nepotism. We have always come across this term and not everyone understands what it actually means. Let’s get the dictionary’s definition of what the word means.
a
“The giving of special favor to one’s relatives, especially good jobs, because one is in a powerful position”
From the definition given, that seems kind of like what every family should do. Always give preference to one’s close family members first as a priority. Is that perception entirely wrong? Isn’t that what every typical Chinese family will do? To enrich its future generation. I believe the other races also should have this perception deep inside their culture. If that is not the case, then we can argue that it boils down entirely to human nature itself, if one is in a position of power, why not use that power to create a better life for one’s family members, relatives and close friends? I believe everyone in majority, irregardless of race thinks that way. So what is actually wrong with nepotism, one may ask.
In Malaysia, just ask a layman on the street what he thinks of his elected representative in Parliament. More likely you will hear him say that the elected representative is going to get rich beyond his wildest dreams. Actually you cannot blame him from saying so when in majority, most of the elected representatives are really getting rich beyond their wildest dreams. Most of the aspiring politicians have one aim to gain power; when you are in power, lots of opportunities open up miraculously. This perception is open to debate of course, but for the time being let’s put it that way. Now you are in power and able to make lots of money. What do you do next? Common sense speaking, time to share the “wealth”. Who do you share them with? A stranger on the street or your close family members? I believe the answer should be quite apparent. The question right now is where should we draw the line on nepotism rather than eliminate it entirely which is quite impossible to begin with.
If one is a self-made millionaire with a huge organization, then nepotism should not be criticized here. Of course, that person would like his management board comprise of trusted members and who can you trust if not your own family members. You can’t say he is not doing the right thing just because he didn’t choose the best person to do the job because every consequence to his business, he has to bear himself including losses and even bankruptcy. That is his prerogative. No problem with nepotism here. However, what if the person is holding a public office in a government? By virtue of his position, he will be able to grant government projects to his family members. Something is definitely not right here, because in this case, it is not his own skin that he is putting at risk here but rather the skin of the entire nation! Taxpayers’ money is being channeled to your own relatives. No way could this be right in any way you look at it. As stated earlier, it is basic human nature to enrich its own kind so how do we go about this?
To kill off nepotism in public office there are only two ways one can think of. The first one is to have an honorable elected government leader that is not corrupted. Let’s move on to the second option since this is not just near impossible but chances to find such leader are virtually zero, because power corrupts. The second option will be to put into place a machinery within the government that can keep in check for any nepotism to occur. This is called check and balance. To have an effective check and balance system, there is only one way to achieve the objective that is to ensure the check and balance system is free from any influence by the ruling government. This is because if the ruling government has influence on this system, then the credibility of such system will be highly questionable. Therefore, to implement a perfect check and balance system a committee should be formed to helm it. The committee must have the following characteristics:
1) Comprise of politicians from the ruling government and opposition.
2) Comprise of intellectuals that have no affiliations with any political parties.
3) Politicians within the committee must be free from any party WHIP order.
4) All government tenders must be presented to this committee and the debates are conducted in public eye.
5) All members of this committee must declare their assets periodically.
It is wishful thinking to eliminate nepotism entirely, but with proper system in place, this problem can be mitigated to an acceptable level.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
fight for equality
The fight for equality has always been the backbone of every struggle encountered here in Malaysia. There is always this tendency for the government to label these struggles to be challenging the special privileges accorded to the bumiputras. However, the government is not entirely to be blamed in its action to crack down hard on these “elements” since most of the methods employed could be construed as extreme and sometimes to the extent of being violent. It cannot be denied that equality is a form of basic human rights preached by the doctrine of democracy. Everyone should be treated as equals regardless of race, religion or nationality. However, the main question that everyone should ponder on, what is actually regarded as being treated equally?
a
In Malaysia, there are many races and with different faiths living side by side. How do we determine then that what is accorded to one race is actually not equal to another race? For example, in education, the Chinese are well known to emphasize in this area from generations ago and they normally excel in this area. Therefore, in order to be equals, don’t the Malays or maybe Indians required additional help in order to be on par with their fellow counterpart? There are many other areas that one race requires much needed assistance compared to another race and vice versa. Everyone should be given an equal chance to compete with the necessary tools. Isn’t that what is construed as everyone being treated equally? The Malaysian constitution and the political landscape actually promote this ideology of protecting each race’s interests. Where else in the world that we can find a ruling government consists of various race-based parties working together so effectively? Not to belittle the oppositions’ contributions, the current ruling coalition is the best bet entity to bring success to Malaysia.
The next question that comes to mind is, why are there so many rallies demanding for equal rights? What the people that supported these rallies don’t realize is that they are barking at the wrong tree. The system does promote equality but the people executing the system are the failures. For example, why the bumiputras still cannot achieve the 30% equity of the economy? How will they be able to achieve that if the whole pie accorded to them is being given to a selected few only? Imagine a tender for a RM10 million project being given to a sole beneficiary. Wouldn’t it be better to have spread it out to 10 beneficiaries? It might be a mistake by thinking this happens, but all doubts can be eliminated if there are open tenders published publicly. Corruptions are rampant within the government and some officers are publicly charged. It would be wishful thinking if these are considered as isolated cases. Government agencies wasting millions on pointless projects and shadowy claims whereby these money can be used to benefit every Malaysian citizen.
Every citizen must realize that the peace we achieved here in Malaysia is envied by other countries. We must never jeopardize that by being guided to the wrong direction. The equality we all should be fighting for is to ensure the government treats its citizens and its “elite friends” as equals.
The next question that comes to mind is, why are there so many rallies demanding for equal rights? What the people that supported these rallies don’t realize is that they are barking at the wrong tree. The system does promote equality but the people executing the system are the failures. For example, why the bumiputras still cannot achieve the 30% equity of the economy? How will they be able to achieve that if the whole pie accorded to them is being given to a selected few only? Imagine a tender for a RM10 million project being given to a sole beneficiary. Wouldn’t it be better to have spread it out to 10 beneficiaries? It might be a mistake by thinking this happens, but all doubts can be eliminated if there are open tenders published publicly. Corruptions are rampant within the government and some officers are publicly charged. It would be wishful thinking if these are considered as isolated cases. Government agencies wasting millions on pointless projects and shadowy claims whereby these money can be used to benefit every Malaysian citizen.
Every citizen must realize that the peace we achieved here in Malaysia is envied by other countries. We must never jeopardize that by being guided to the wrong direction. The equality we all should be fighting for is to ensure the government treats its citizens and its “elite friends” as equals.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)