constructive rivalry

Rivalry is not uncommon to us as human beings. We tend to experience it at some point of our lives if not throughout our entire lives. We have seen rivalries between political leaders, corporate executives and even siblings. However, rivalry can be seen differently in different situations. Some rivalries are good while some are bad. How do we decide then, one may ask?

Let’s take a scenario to put this issue under a microscope. There is one coveted post within an organization and this post is being eyed by two individuals. The first individual’s strategy to increase his chances is by highlighting his competitor’s weaknesses and even to the extent of spreading malicious lies to attack his reputation. By doing so he will be able to gain an upper hand by projecting himself to be stronger in comparison. The second individual’s strategy however is to observe his competitor’s moves and actions to identify his weaknesses and what makes him ticks. Upon identifying these characteristics, rather than magnifying them, he trains and improves himself in order to be much more competent in comparison.

Both individuals no doubt exude different types of strategies to achieve their objectives. For the first individual, his strategy can be seen in many psychological warfare whereby the main objective is to undermine your opponent and destroy his standing in the public view. This strategy is quite malicious in nature but undeniably it does work. Once your opponent’s reputation has been destroyed, one can move over him easily. However, he will always be labeled as a conniving and scheming individual. For the second individual, his strategy is more towards self improvement and empowering himself with extra skills or talents to overshadow his opponent. This individual is shrewd and to some extent can be considered honorable for he takes the fight to his opponent face to face.

The next question is which of these rivalries considered good or constructive? Before we answer this let’s put the whole situation into perspective. Imagine what if either one of them fail to get the coveted post. The first individual will have nothing to boast about other than his conniving ways while the second individual would have enhanced his competitiveness with added skills and experience to fight for future opportunities. Guess the answer is plain to see now.

righteous vs diplomatic

Throughout the history of the world, the course was always charted by charismatic visionaries and leaders. These leaders exude different characteristics and had their own individual styles of leadership. However these leaders actually shared a common trait that is not widely acknowledged. They are either a righteous or diplomatic leader. How do we see whether a leader is righteous or diplomatic and what is the difference between these two traits one may ask.

A righteous leader always stands at a higher moral ground. In his eyes there is only right or wrong and grey areas do not exist in his dictionary. He will never hesitate for a second to crush any actions that are deemed evil or of unmoral standards. No matter who committed these acts, even by someone close, he will always uphold his principle and will not falter. A diplomatic leader on the other hand stands by the principle that everyone has the same rights of argument and always takes the middle ground in resolving any disagreements and conflicts. By such analysis alone we actually can come to a conclusion that righteous leaders advocate rule of law while diplomatic leaders advocate human rights. Let’s do some further analysis to justify that concept.

As said, a righteous leader will definitely crush any injustice and no matter who committed such injustice should be crucified in their eyes. This clearly follows the doctrine rule of law since most injustice contravenes some law, either legally or morally. For a diplomatic leader, he follows the principle that every person involve in a conflict must be given equal chance to present their case and a solution should appease all parties without putting any emphasis on a morally-inclined solution. This clearly follows the doctrine of human rights whereby every human should be accorded with freedom to act according to their wishes. An aspiring leader should therefore choose which type of leader he would like to be. No doubt it would be ideal if he can be of both pedigrees but it is actually quite impossible to pull that off. Let’s do a simple experiment to justify that fact.

Scenario, a corrupted businessman amassing humongous wealth using unscrupulous methods but in the meantime donating huge sums to charity to help the needy. As a leader how should one act towards this businessman? To put things into perspective, let’s complicate the matter by saying one of the needy person helped by the corrupted businessman is the leader’s own mother, life and death situation. Now how the leader’s next action will clearly define the type of leader he is. If he is a righteous leader, he will proceed to crucify the businessman without hesitating to consider that his actions might put his mother’s life in danger. To him, injustice must be corrected and the life of his mother is a price to pay for it, so be it. Whereas, for a diplomatic leader, he will gauge the seriousness of the situation to come out with an acceptable solution. To him, a life of a person is important and this is his own mother’s life in fact. So his mother’s rights to live must be respected. The businessman’s rights to accumulate wealth no matter how unscrupulous his methods are must also be respected since it is his freedom to do so. Besides he is helping the needy and their rights for aids to survive must be respected. However, he must also respect the rights of the prosecutor and police to indict the businessman if the chance arises. A diplomatic leader might be less effective than a righteous one in this sense but there are always two sides of a coin. What if the good done by the corrupted businessman outweighs the bad? He is actually a true advocate of human rights since he strives to protect every individuals rights, good or bad.

Both types of leaders have their own strengths and weaknesses and definitely there is not one better than the other. However, the worse kinds of leaders are those that try to be both at the same time. These leaders are hypocrites since based on the scenario given above, it is quite impossible to be two types at the same time. These two-faced so called “leaders” lack the principles and clout to preach. They will never be given due respect ever. It is also much easier to preach with a “holier than thou” mentality when one is not in power but when in power and involves someone close, it is a whole different ball game altogether. For those aspiring leaders from the younger generation, make up your mind, either be a righteous leader that crushes injustice or a diplomatic leader that protects human rights, but never a hypocrite two-headed one.

Happy Independence Day. God bless Malaysia.

me speek goot inglish

N

The debate on using English as a medium to teach Science and Mathematics has been on-going for quite a while. In fact it seems this issue has been dragging on with no concrete solution in sight. It is quite frustrating for us common rakyat seeing the power-brokers playing the “fickle-minded” game regarding this issue. The rakyat in majority can’t understand why this issue is so difficult to be settled once and for all. Let’s us dissect the issue in hand piece by piece.

English is the commonly used language in the world today. This is a fact that cannot be denied, period. Whether in business or academic, English still reigns supreme as an intermediary tool for communication. One must master the English language to move up in the world today. Just by this fact alone, the use of English to teach the related subjects is clearly justified. In fact, to go further, other subjects should also be considered to be taught in English if applicable. From here on, comes the argument that puts English as a medium in the bad light. For some patriotic reasons, the Bahasa Malaysia should be used instead since it is the national language. Besides, by using English will put the rural folks at a disadvantaged position since they are not proficient enough to master the language and compete with their fellow counterparts living in the cities. Are these arguments justifiable?

Firstly, the Bahasa Malaysia is our national language and this is written in the constitution. Its position will always be intact and never challenged. But on hindsight, not to sound too unpatriotic, how many people in the world today actually use Bahasa Malaysia? Frankly apart from Malaysians, no other nationalities use it. Bear in mind that the world is moving into globalization and how are we Malaysians suppose to compete if we do not master the most commonly used language, English? Continuing from this point, regarding the rural folks will be at a disadvantage to compete with the city folks, is it only important for them to compete against fellow Malaysians living in the cities? If this is the case, then we Malaysians will be competing against Malaysians only. This world is a bigger place with thousands of other nationalities. If the benchmark is lowered just because of satisfying a certain segment of people while putting the entire population at risk of not being able to compete globally in future, will that be acceptable? This might sound cruel to the disadvantaged but for the sake of the nation’s future, there should be some sort of priorities to be straightened out here. Besides, there is always the first time. If the usage of English continues to be delayed, until when would be the best time to start then?

The problem anticipated is actually not for the future but it is clearly happening now at this very moment! Graduates being chided by multinational companies of not being able to communicate efficiently in English, while some to the extent of not being able to construct a proper sentence even. The latest finding by the Ministry of Education proven this fact since English grammar is not being taught and it is not compulsory to pass the English paper anymore in major exams. Is this what the government plans to project Malaysia in future? A nation with substandard English-speaking citizens?

Most of us rakyat clearly feels that this issue is more political in essence. Other than that we could not see how using English will be an issue. In addition, most politicians send their children overseas to boarding schools and universities. If they are really sincere in promoting education in Bahasa Malaysia, they should refrain from sending their children overseas. Hang on, is this an elaborate scheme to keep the ruling elites forever in power while the rest wither in ignorance and conformity? Hopefully not. God bless our intellect.

the memoir of a politician

I am fighting for justice and transparency. I will go to the streets to bring my message across. A government should be transparent in its dealings and all forms of corruption should be eliminated. Politicians must be honorable and act in the best interest of the rakyat. I will fight for this manifesto till the last breath in my body. I think I should run for election to become a MP. The rakyat for sure will support my manifesto.

I run for election and guess what, I won! I am now an elected MP and I swear will uphold justice and fight for the rakyat. I will not be a corrupted office bearer like the rest of the politicians. This is the solemn promise I make to myself. I am meeting a lot of businessmen lately. Most are the prominent ones I have read about only in the newspapers previously. Now I can see them face to face. How cool is that! This is definitely a world that I am not accustomed to. It feels kind of awkward at first but I am slowly getting warmer in their presence. Wait, I cannot waste too much time on all these meetings only. I have a mandate to carry out. I need to go to my constituency to address the rakyat’s issue. Ok, let’s see what problems they are facing now. Drainage issues, unlicensed hawkers blocking the pathway, no land titles, no garbage collectors…..blah blah blah blah! My head is spinning now. So many issues and what is this about a particular race getting the end of the stick in terms of federal funding? How the heck am I going to solve that?

Well, think I could ask my fellow MPs that are more senior to help. They should have encountered such issues previously. Guess what, they are really helpful. In fact all those problems are solved in an instance! Talk about efficiency. They give me a wink and said, “You owe us one.” Well, so long the problems are solved and the rakyat is happy, I am fine with owing them a favor. Time to go back home and rest. The wife comes to me and says, “I got a job offer in this big corporation.” Wow, that’s awesome and when I check out the corporation, it belongs to one of the prominent businessmen I met recently. Ok, guess I should thank him for his kindness later. Now back to the rakyat’s problems. Wait, now my eldest son comes to me and say, “My company is not doing well. Sales are down.” Man, what can I do? Wait, there is this government project procuring the exact materials my son’s company is selling. Maybe I could pull some strings and after all, he is my son and I am obliged to help him. Since I’m on my family’s affairs, I got this younger son just finished his SPM. Might as well get a government loan and send him to UK to further his studies. Better than using my own money and keep them for a rainy day later.

Time to get back helping the rakyat. At that moment, the prominent businessman that hired my wife rings me up. Lots of chit chats and finally he asks for a favor. He is having difficulties to secure a land for development. They are some people living there that refuse to move. Well, guess I’ll have to do this favor for him since he gave a plush job for my wife. With my contacts and some persuasion from my senior MPs, the land is his. The next morning my secretary calls me and says there is a donation of RM50K to my campaign fund, from the benevolent and appreciative prominent businessman. Cool, more money to help the rakyat. What I should build for the rakyat, a community hall perhaps? Before I could make up my mind, a senior MP calls. He says there is some issue regarding an audit or something on his constituency’s local council and required RM50K immediately, no question ask. Well, he did a lot of favors for me so why not. There will be other opportunity to build the community hall anyway.

Hey, why the rakyat is swarming my operation center demanding to meet me? What’s going on? They look angry. I wonder why they are accusing me of not doing enough for them. Me, fighting for justice and helping them, they are still not content. These crazy people. The drains got clogged also they come to me. Don’t they know I got much more pressing problems to attend. I need to help my party to win the by-election announced recently. This win will consolidate my party’s position in the Parliament. Must win by all cost. Wonder what I can do to help? Oh yeah, my uncle is the president of an association in that area. He is very influential there and with his help, the people will definitely vote for my party. I notify the party leaders about this and they have a heart to heart talk with my uncle. Election day came and my party won hands down! My uncle is jumping up and down in joy. Wonder which makes him happier, my party’s win or the Datukship he gets the following day.

Guess I wasted enough time to please my family members and friends. Time to get back to more pressing issues like rakyat’s welfare. Wait, these people are just ingrates and can’t really satisfy their voracious demands. To hell with them! Getting sick and tired of being a politician. My wife and sons are earning well and my MP friends are asking me to join their venture that has secured massive contracts from the government. Judging by the package, I will be able to support my family for three generations. I’m game!

Wait, what am I suppose to do as a politician again in the first place?

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and does not relate to any event or person both living and dead.

a nation under siege

H

The latest fiasco in Perak is another dark Malaysian history in the making. A state government fell caused by defections of state assemblymen voted by the rakyat. Most Malaysians are stunned by this turn of event. The world economy is on the brink of recession and now this has to happen. Causing further instability to the country’s administration certainly is not a way forward to weather the economic crisis. Typical political mentality, someone should be blamed for this fiasco, but who? Believe it or not, there are actually 3 groups to be blamed here; Pakatan Rakyat (PR), Barisan Nasional (BN) and yes, the rakyat themselves.

BN will be the easiest target since it lacks any moral authority to convince even the simplest mind of rakyat that it is serving the rakyat’s interest. The defections certainly slanted to some certain of buying-over with perks and benefits since none of the assemblymen stated that they are defecting because they believe BN is the best party to serve the rakyat. Moreover, two of the assemblymen are facing corruption charges. If they are acquitted, the whole Malaysia will just assume that is the “perks” promised by BN. Worse if they are found guilty because that will change the state government all over again. Certainly a lose-lose situation here and BN will be the laughing stock of the entire nation then. It will reflect badly on the BN leaders and their credibility has already taken the plunge as we speak. It is actually not hard to imagine the fall of the once mammoth BN in the next general election.

PR should be blamed because it opens the floodgates for defections in its plan to take over the federal government on Sept 16. Just because it doesn’t work in its favor doesn’t mean PR has the right to claim injustice this time around. As the saying goes, if you live by the sword, you will die by the sword too. A prominent blogger and a senior leader of the coalition even called for the resignation of the leaders of PR for creating this mayhem. The next question will be is this call justifiable? A captain by right should assume full responsibility when the ship he is commandeering hits an iceberg and sink. If this does not happen, it will mean that a leader that is weak and committed grave mistakes is protected merely because he is popular and powerful. This certainly reflects certain aspect of what BN is all about. PR will be dicing with hypocrisy if this happens. Do we want another BN-like entity within our midst in 10-40 years time?

The rakyat should also be blamed for this fiasco. In their haste to bring BN to its knees, they are blinded by their hatred and gave PR substantial power in Parliament without knowing what PR is all about in the first place. It is similar to the case of removing a tyrant by replacing him with another “nicely-packaged” tyrant. During the March 8 election, you could even put a deadwood under PR’s banner and it will be voted into power. The rakyat learnt the hard way when these so-called deadwoods turned traitors recently. The rakyat should open their eyes and see that most of the politicians, no matter they are PR, BN or independents, are merely self serving individuals with vested self interests. What the rakyat failed to see is these “righteous” politicians are merely tools that lost position of power in one coalition and joined the competitor hoping to get power there. In the end, the biggest loser will always be the rakyat.

The nation is indeed under siege at the moment. The stability we are craving for is certainly not in sight soon since a majority of our politicians in the Parliament and State Assembly can be a “frog” when the opportunity arises. God bless our nation.

see no evil hear no evil

Censorship; the act of controlling what people read, write, see or hear. There is much contention on this issue here in Malaysia. It is quite common to hear the rakyat complaining that excessive censorship constitutes as infringement of human rights. However, to the higher authorities, censorship is sometimes necessary to preserve a peaceful society and to promote a healthier mind and soul. There are two different thoughts on this matter and the next question on one’s mind will be, who is correct? Let’s do an analysis on this matter based on the condition in Malaysia.

No doubt, our television and radio programs, movies and reading materials are subjected to certain degree of censorship to weed out offensive languages and scenes deemed improper and corruptible. Topics on religion sometimes come under the knife too. To the naked eye there is certainly nothing wrong here for we would not want our future generation to learn offensive languages and improper conducts. But is the initiative working? Young kids cursing and acting like hooligans are a norm when we are out there at the streets. Teenagers committing offences such as snatch thefts, rapes and fights are also common. The perfect example will be the Mat Rempit menace. There is even a news report published lately stating that teenagers are indulging in pre-marital sex and they are not ashamed to admit it even. It is all just for fun (guess most of us wish we should have born at a later time). On a serious note, the core objective of censorship clearly flounders based on all these events. So what went wrong?

We can perform censorship for all we want of the media but the one we forgotten to take into account is our own behavior and attitude. Parents and even politicians acting like cavemen and hooligans; ring a bell? How in the world do we expect the younger generation to act decent when our own esteemed elders curse and to some extent degrade women in public for instance, Parliament. This so called holier-than-thou attitude certainly does not make sense to many. At least in the movies, people are merely acting but in a Parliament? The only term that makes sense here is “lead by example”. Furthermore, the younger generation is a curious lot. You can restrict them but you can never stop them from finding out anything about anything especially in this cyber age era. The higher authorities misplaced their judgments and clearly failed in this aspect. To make further mockery of this failure, nowadays movies are being rated for general viewing and extreme violence or explicit sex. After the censorship board has gone through the movies, all movies are basically rated as “U” (for general viewing) no matter what their origins are. This contributes to another problem; the mushrooming of pirated VCDs and DVDs. The rationale is, would you pay more for something that is not complete or pay less for something that is complete? It is certainly a no-brainer here.

The worse kind of censorship is to silence oppositions and views that do not conform to establishments. It cannot be denied that some views are too extreme and seditious to be allowed for public consumption but shouldn’t the rakyat themselves make that call? Are we that pampered and immature to think rationally to the extent our leaders should decide for us? By suppressing an extremist will only prevent the rakyat from seeing the true nature of that person. Those that follow his extreme thinking only reveal the true self in them. Isn’t that a good thing? By that time we will know who our real friends or enemies are and who are true Malaysians that respect one another and cherish peace.

Hopefully to those that control and sit on the censorship board, the next time you censor something, do so with an open mind and determine what can be seen and heard by a mature, peace-loving and respectable Malaysian. God bless our intellect.