Muslims await the holy month of Ramadan with great anticipation. But for me, no matter how many years of practice, Ramadan always brings great anxiety.
The mere thought of having to go through a working day without my daily intake of coffee and trusted nicorette chewing gum is, at the very least, daunting. Admittedly, it was worse when I averaged two packets of cigarettes a day. Those days, my friends would only call me on social matters after 6 pm.
From my observation, in the first two weeks, most of us crave for home cooked food and breaking fast with close family members. Maybe for the very same reason, most working people in the Klang Valley find it increasingly impossible to beat the treacherous traffic jams to achieve this. If I recall correctly, when I lived in Putrajaya, I managed to break fast at home twice in the first two weeks. The other times were spent in my car on the Seremban-Malacca highway.
One thing for sure, Ramadan is not like any other month. Somehow, we manage to ignore deadlines and outstanding tasks to find time to buka or sahur with friends. Alumni and old friends networks thrive during this month. Maybe its because everyone has dinner at the same time; regardless the reason, the bottom line is that it brings people together.
But it means more than this to so many people. Usually, it is when I go to the mosque to pay the obligatory zakat that the initial anxiety transforms. There are no words that can express the feeling I get at witnessing believers wholeheartedly increasing their efforts to obtain mercy, forgiveness and protection from God. It is a time when Muslims collectively commit to purify themselves.
This is evidenced by the abundance of Malaysians making the trip to Mecca to perform their umrah during this month. I was fortunate to have gone there a few Ramadans ago and the sights that awaited me were nothing short of amazing. The mosques were filled to the rafters. There was a common purpose, a sense that there is a force greater than any on this planet. This commitment can also seen here, where roads next to mosques are filled with cars of Muslims performing the Tarawikh prayers.
To me, the real beauty of Ramadan extends beyond personal sacrifices such as hunger and the commitment to do more to bring us closer to God. It reminds us that there are those who are less fortunate.
In a political scenario where populism is bandied about as a tool to win votes and to show that the government is not doing enough for the unfortunate, Ramadan illustrates there is another avenue that is still under-utilised for alleviating the problems faced by this segment. During Ramadan, welfare institutions like orphanages receive a spike in attention and assistance from Muslim individuals and companies because Ramadan provides clarity and definition to their every day suffering. Empathising and actually living it gives rise to different reactions. If only we can emulate this awareness on a more sustainable basis.
Ramadan is also beautiful because in a small way, it reveals the character of unity that embraces the differences of each individual. Personally, there have been many instances when non-Muslim superiors forced me to go back home in time for buka puasa. I still find it amusing (at the same time uplifting) that some friends refuse to eat or drink in front of me. This shows an understanding of the culture of Ramadan.
Hari Raya, which marks the end of Ramadan, is also a day celebrated by all Malaysians. It is a period where we can ask for forgiveness and strengthen the bond through the many open houses.
For me, at least on this day, it is an escape from the turbulent world of politics, and allows me to seek forgiveness from family and friends, leaving political differences safely at the gate.
The true spirit of Ramadan might still elude me, but for now the magic beauty is already there for anyone who chooses to see.
25.9.08
Tunda Lagi..
Anwar Ibrahim kini makin tersepit. Sudah dua kali dia menangguh "peralihan Kerajaan" dan ramai yang pada mulanya taksub dengan kepimpinan Anwar Ibrahim mula hilang kepercayaan.
Kesilapan Anwar Ibrahim ialah dia terlalu yakin dengan kebolehannya untuk memujuk 30 Ahli Parlimen BN untuk melompat. Kerana terdesak, Anwar Ibrahim mula menukar rentak permainan politiknya apabila melanggar dua tarikh yang ditetapkan sendiri. Kini Anwar ingin mengambil pendekatan "berhati-hati" pula.
Saya percaya taktiknya untuk memporak perandakan Barisan Nasional dengan memastikan SAPP keluar dari Barisan Nasional tidak menjadi kerana tidak mendapat persetujuan dari beberapa orang penting di dalam SAPP. Dia mengharapkan keputusan SAPP untuk keluar BN akan mencemaskan Ahli Parlimen BN. Namun jelas, ia tidak menjadi.
Perasaan cemas yang melanda Anwar mula menonjol apabila dia menidakkan Ketua Penerangannya sendiri, Tian Chua. Persoalan yang terzahir ramai ialah bagaimana Ketua Penerangan parti yang sama memberi maklumat yang salah?. Lebih-lebih lagi maklumat itu amat mudah sekali, adakah wakil dari PKR berjumpa dengan YAB PM?. Ya atau tidak?. Itu sahaja.
Anwar Ibrahim perlu akur bahawa sebagai pemimpin pembangkang tindak tanduknya ini akan membawa kesengsaraan kepada rakyat Malaysia akhirnya.Khusunya di dalam senario ekonomi global yang tidak menentu ini, kerakusan Anwar untuk meraih kuasa akan mengancam ekonomi negara. Malah terdapat NGO yang membuat laporan polis terhadap Anwar Ibrahim kerana menjejaskan kestabilan negara. Rakyat memerlukan kepimpinan bersama dan bukannya perebutan kuasa yang tidak demokratik.
Masalah Anwar semakin meruncing kerana PAS sudah mula terbahagi kepada dua. Harapannya untuk membentuk Kerajaan banyak bergantung kepada kesetiaan PAS untuk berada di dalam Pakatan Rakyat. Kini banyak pihak di dalam PAS yang mula menyoal hubungan PAS dengan PKR.
Namun yang demikian, ketika Pakatan Rakyat di bawah Anwar Ibrahim dibelenggu masalah, UMNO pula perlu kukuh. Desas desus perihal mesyuarat Majlis Tertinggi yang kini terpapar di dalam blog-blog perlu segera ditangani. Kami berdoa, di dalam sinar bulan yang mulia ini, pucuk pimpinan akan dapat membuat keputusan peralihan kuasa yang terbaik, keputusan yang telah dibuat bersama sebelum ini agar UMNO tidak berpecah belah.
19.9.08
In The Ring > Finding our Obama
No matter the outcome of the US presidential election, Barack Obamas name has made it into the annals of history. Walking up to the podium at the Democratic convention in Denver as the presidential candidate, he must have shared the popular sentiment that the accompanying thunderous applause signified a faith in the promise of new political norms.
Obamas oratory skills have defined much of the way people view him. On my last count, his acceptance in Denver had been viewed over 600,000 times on YouTube alone.
Obamas promises of change and departure from the "old politics" resonate with young American voters who see him as a public figure who understands their concerns and aspirations. But at 47, he would be considered very young in Malaysia's political context one imagines that men and women his age would be, at best, a Cabinet member. It would appear that age is not so much a criteria as a necessity in Malaysian politics; it is further unfortunate that political conventions in Malaysia uncontestingly equate experience with age.
The irony is that the Malaysian citizenry is young, with the last general election seeing voters under the age of 40 accounting for approximately 40 per cent of the electorate.
Latest figures indicate that the percentage of young voters in the next general election would increase substantially. Yet, this segment remains very much under-represented at the national level; it would be difficult, I suspect, for a casual political observer to name just 10 under-40 Members of Parliament off the cuff.
A qualification is called for here. Just as old is not always gold, the presence of young politicians on the national scene does not guarantee the representation of voices and sentiments of Malaysias Generations X and Y. It would be insulting to our youth for us to assume that we could have a young politician with old ideals and have him or her appeal broadly to that section of the electorate. In fact, I was quietly taken aback when a young friend described a minister whom I thought was looked upon as youthful and vibrant as part of the old guard.
The answer could be as simple as one of a supply problem. In my line of work, I encounter many aspiring potentials with strong interest in politics. They have a very good grasp of political theory and are well versed in the art of policy making bringing a fresh outlook that could significantly contribute to nation building. Armed with large dosages of desire and the willingness to work hard, they should, in an ideal world, be able to climb the political hierarchy of any party with great ease.
But the reality is very different. These aspiring young men and women generally fall into two groups.
The first places idealism among the top motivating elements for participation in the cut-throat world of politics. After spending some time in the system, they often turn their back on active participation and end up either disillusioned or seek solace in becoming a member of the silent majority.
Members of the second group usually succumb to the demands of politics and gradually morph into beings that are a shadow of their once-selves.
Thus if we accept the reality of Malaysian politics as it is today that the demands for a successful career in politics include the ability to "bend" ones ideals we certainly need to construct a new brand of politics to make sure these young potential leaders remain engaged with their ideals intact. In charting this new reality, there must be the courage and the will to appoint more members of civil society young leaders with a different set of skills and beliefs in the decision-making level of our political parties.
In the presence of obvious talent and potential, erstwhile taboos must be set aside. Now, more than ever, the older generation must learn to accept that our youth simply do not conform to traditional political stereotypes.
Obama will feature on the Democratic ticket this November because somehow, somewhere, taboos were broken at different stages of his relatively brief political career.
Malaysias Obama is somewhere out there, yearning for his or her space. The onus is on us to create it.
Obamas oratory skills have defined much of the way people view him. On my last count, his acceptance in Denver had been viewed over 600,000 times on YouTube alone.
Obamas promises of change and departure from the "old politics" resonate with young American voters who see him as a public figure who understands their concerns and aspirations. But at 47, he would be considered very young in Malaysia's political context one imagines that men and women his age would be, at best, a Cabinet member. It would appear that age is not so much a criteria as a necessity in Malaysian politics; it is further unfortunate that political conventions in Malaysia uncontestingly equate experience with age.
The irony is that the Malaysian citizenry is young, with the last general election seeing voters under the age of 40 accounting for approximately 40 per cent of the electorate.
Latest figures indicate that the percentage of young voters in the next general election would increase substantially. Yet, this segment remains very much under-represented at the national level; it would be difficult, I suspect, for a casual political observer to name just 10 under-40 Members of Parliament off the cuff.
A qualification is called for here. Just as old is not always gold, the presence of young politicians on the national scene does not guarantee the representation of voices and sentiments of Malaysias Generations X and Y. It would be insulting to our youth for us to assume that we could have a young politician with old ideals and have him or her appeal broadly to that section of the electorate. In fact, I was quietly taken aback when a young friend described a minister whom I thought was looked upon as youthful and vibrant as part of the old guard.
The answer could be as simple as one of a supply problem. In my line of work, I encounter many aspiring potentials with strong interest in politics. They have a very good grasp of political theory and are well versed in the art of policy making bringing a fresh outlook that could significantly contribute to nation building. Armed with large dosages of desire and the willingness to work hard, they should, in an ideal world, be able to climb the political hierarchy of any party with great ease.
But the reality is very different. These aspiring young men and women generally fall into two groups.
The first places idealism among the top motivating elements for participation in the cut-throat world of politics. After spending some time in the system, they often turn their back on active participation and end up either disillusioned or seek solace in becoming a member of the silent majority.
Members of the second group usually succumb to the demands of politics and gradually morph into beings that are a shadow of their once-selves.
Thus if we accept the reality of Malaysian politics as it is today that the demands for a successful career in politics include the ability to "bend" ones ideals we certainly need to construct a new brand of politics to make sure these young potential leaders remain engaged with their ideals intact. In charting this new reality, there must be the courage and the will to appoint more members of civil society young leaders with a different set of skills and beliefs in the decision-making level of our political parties.
In the presence of obvious talent and potential, erstwhile taboos must be set aside. Now, more than ever, the older generation must learn to accept that our youth simply do not conform to traditional political stereotypes.
Obama will feature on the Democratic ticket this November because somehow, somewhere, taboos were broken at different stages of his relatively brief political career.
Malaysias Obama is somewhere out there, yearning for his or her space. The onus is on us to create it.
15.9.08
In The Ring > Our country – through their eyes...
In a few weeks, my grandfather will cross the 90 year mark. I marvel at the potential magnitude of nostalgia that could run through Atoks mind as he blows the many candles on his cake. Atoks birthday is a yearly reminder of the fact that he, my father and I are born exactly 30 years apart.
Of different generations and of different times, I often reflect on how each of us views this birth country of ours. Simply put, what holds true for Atok might not be the case with my father, and be completely alien to me. In the context of our 51-year-old nation, the fragmented manner in which we fathom our Malaya-Malaysia results in different concepts of national identity.
Atok was born in 1918, the year the First World War ended and post-Pangkor Treaty making him familiar with the realities of colonialism. At the beginning of World War II, he had just become an adult and was beginning to learn more about the Japanese invasion. By the time the foreign soldiers landed in Kota Baru, Atok was a husband with obligations, which makes me wonder how he found the courage and strength to brave a Malaya defined by a grave sense of uncertainty.
He must have asked himself in his quiet moment if his country would ever escape from the clutches of foreign control and exist as a sovereign nation. Questions like this, I am sure, plagued him.
On the other hand, my father was born in the pre-Independence era shadowed by instability owing to guerrilla operations that defined the Malayan Emergency. My father was 10 years old when the Merdeka Mission returned with success. Naturally, he wouldn't be able to relate to the struggle for Independence as much as Atok.
I hasten to speculate that through my fathers adult eyes, his real Malaysian experience was the tragedy of May 13 and the ensuing hope in the shape of the New Economic Policy. Overcoming the rubble and the hurt, he saw real opportunities opened up with the governments efforts to eradicate poverty, and more avenues for Bumiputeras to move up the economic value chain. The seeds of the Bumiputra middle class were sown, where solutions were laid out to correct the failures of colonialism.
For me, adulthood was seen in the context of the Asian Financial Crisis. I recall vividly the uncertainty of a final year law student about the prospect of Malaysias future. When the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchanges composite index plummeted, I questioned Malaysia's ability to overcome this shock. Would we ever be the same again? Could we regain our competitiveness in this increasingly globalised world?
A year later, I witnessed the height of the Reformasi movement where people, for the first time in the country's history since I was born, voiced out their collective grievances against the administration of the day. Coupled with the financial crisis, it was a period mired with confusion, uncertainty and a general feeling of discontent.
However, these worrying undertones offered a different exterior. Recovering from the crippling crisis, we saw a period of vast infrastructure development. The spanking new KLIA, majestic skyscrapers and highways signified the coming of the information age we are proud to be beneficiaries of today.
The conclusion though, remains the same: every single time we are faced with a challenge, the country survives, coming out stronger. But are we stronger as a nation? Divorcing ourselves from the cosmetics that define citizenship, are we truly one? Why is race still a divisive issue? These are the hard questions that even the greatest Malaysian minds today cant address.
The greatest fear I have is that when my son welcomes adulthood, looking out on the horizon of the country from the tinted window of his auto-pilot flying car, he finds we are nowhere closer to finding the answers to living together as Malaysians of various races and culture.
I know that Atok secretly wonders in amazement at the technological advances that now defines Kuala Lumpur but through the same eyes, he must wonder why certain things cannot change or have, in fact, become worse with time.
Of different generations and of different times, I often reflect on how each of us views this birth country of ours. Simply put, what holds true for Atok might not be the case with my father, and be completely alien to me. In the context of our 51-year-old nation, the fragmented manner in which we fathom our Malaya-Malaysia results in different concepts of national identity.
Atok was born in 1918, the year the First World War ended and post-Pangkor Treaty making him familiar with the realities of colonialism. At the beginning of World War II, he had just become an adult and was beginning to learn more about the Japanese invasion. By the time the foreign soldiers landed in Kota Baru, Atok was a husband with obligations, which makes me wonder how he found the courage and strength to brave a Malaya defined by a grave sense of uncertainty.
He must have asked himself in his quiet moment if his country would ever escape from the clutches of foreign control and exist as a sovereign nation. Questions like this, I am sure, plagued him.
On the other hand, my father was born in the pre-Independence era shadowed by instability owing to guerrilla operations that defined the Malayan Emergency. My father was 10 years old when the Merdeka Mission returned with success. Naturally, he wouldn't be able to relate to the struggle for Independence as much as Atok.
I hasten to speculate that through my fathers adult eyes, his real Malaysian experience was the tragedy of May 13 and the ensuing hope in the shape of the New Economic Policy. Overcoming the rubble and the hurt, he saw real opportunities opened up with the governments efforts to eradicate poverty, and more avenues for Bumiputeras to move up the economic value chain. The seeds of the Bumiputra middle class were sown, where solutions were laid out to correct the failures of colonialism.
For me, adulthood was seen in the context of the Asian Financial Crisis. I recall vividly the uncertainty of a final year law student about the prospect of Malaysias future. When the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchanges composite index plummeted, I questioned Malaysia's ability to overcome this shock. Would we ever be the same again? Could we regain our competitiveness in this increasingly globalised world?
A year later, I witnessed the height of the Reformasi movement where people, for the first time in the country's history since I was born, voiced out their collective grievances against the administration of the day. Coupled with the financial crisis, it was a period mired with confusion, uncertainty and a general feeling of discontent.
However, these worrying undertones offered a different exterior. Recovering from the crippling crisis, we saw a period of vast infrastructure development. The spanking new KLIA, majestic skyscrapers and highways signified the coming of the information age we are proud to be beneficiaries of today.
The conclusion though, remains the same: every single time we are faced with a challenge, the country survives, coming out stronger. But are we stronger as a nation? Divorcing ourselves from the cosmetics that define citizenship, are we truly one? Why is race still a divisive issue? These are the hard questions that even the greatest Malaysian minds today cant address.
The greatest fear I have is that when my son welcomes adulthood, looking out on the horizon of the country from the tinted window of his auto-pilot flying car, he finds we are nowhere closer to finding the answers to living together as Malaysians of various races and culture.
I know that Atok secretly wonders in amazement at the technological advances that now defines Kuala Lumpur but through the same eyes, he must wonder why certain things cannot change or have, in fact, become worse with time.
5.9.08
In The Ring > Opposing roles and goals
Not veering far away from general expectations, it was another eventful week in Malaysian politics. A few days after the Pakatan Rakyat win in Permatang Pauh, the government responded with a Budget, in it, policy actions that appeared to address the plight of the lower and middle class segment of society head on.
Permatang Pauh, apart from returning Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Parliament after almost a decade of absence, has revealed a new chapter in Malaysian politics. It was not so much the outcome as the emergence of the more sophisticated election machinery and communications technology involved that is an eye opener.
From what transpired in Permatang Pauh, we can say goodbye to the sentimental images of families making banners together, painting on a white piece of cloth individual messages that come from the heart.
Today, the well-oiled propaganda machines churn out concerted messages on banners printed in mere seconds, multitude sized T-shirts, masks, and you-name-it paraphernalia all just as speedily,
In ushering in this new era of politics, however, I feel that opposition leaders have yet to show maturity and the competency to rise above political rallies, ceramah, innuendos, conspiracies and staged walkouts. The response to the recently tabled Budget is an illustration of this failure.
To a large extent, in terms of policy initiative and the ability to think out of the box to challenge the government on substantive issues, the opposition has failed to meet expectations.
Criticism without intelligence will not fill the vacuum of the peoples aspirations to see quality debates that would transform into policies beneficial for all. The cornerstone of an effective opposition is to propose alternative policies. Parti Keadilan Rakyat did come out with a last minute response to the Budget but can this be taken as the collective voice of Pakatan Rakyat?
It is a steep learning curve. Household names like Jeff Ooi and Nurul Izzah have yet to capture the publics imagination and expectations. For a coalition that is hell bent on forming the government in a matter of days, the Pakatans collective policy lacks clarity and is absent of any strong champions.
With its newfound vigour, the oppositions functions should not be limited to the definition given by Tierney centuries ago that: The duty of an opposition is to propose nothing, to oppose everything and to turn out the government.
A few months after the March 8 results, prominent bloggers wrote about the need for the opposition to form a shadow Cabinet. Maybe due to political reasons within the Pakatan Rakyat framework, this has not materialised.
Many feel that the opposition should set aside their differences and form a shadow Cabinet that is able to give well thought-out feedback on all proposed legislation and not succumb to the desire to play politics at every turn.
Malaysians have proven again that they are a matured and rationale electorate. The message for change naturally transcends to Umno and Barisan Nasional. They, like the opposition, have to up the ante and make room for fundamental changes.
As with the 12th General Election, it is apparent that the electorate rejects negative politics and at the same time, positively responds to substantive measures that will benefit them directly.
The Budget highlighted awareness of this shift in thinking on the part of the government, but it is only a start. The opposition, with a new head at the helm, must realise that they too have an important role in Malaysia.
It is unfortunate that the spirit of Ramadan will not deter the continued drama in the sphere of politics. The sad truth is that the tug of war for the peoples support has not ceased since March 8. The estimate as to how long the politicking will continue and have to be endured in the event Sept 16 being postponed, does not augur well for apolitical Malaysians.
It is hard to explain to the electorate that their choice, made through the ballot boxes across Malaysia for a government with a strong opposition to provide check and balance, may not be acceptable to the politicians of the day.
Permatang Pauh, apart from returning Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Parliament after almost a decade of absence, has revealed a new chapter in Malaysian politics. It was not so much the outcome as the emergence of the more sophisticated election machinery and communications technology involved that is an eye opener.
From what transpired in Permatang Pauh, we can say goodbye to the sentimental images of families making banners together, painting on a white piece of cloth individual messages that come from the heart.
Today, the well-oiled propaganda machines churn out concerted messages on banners printed in mere seconds, multitude sized T-shirts, masks, and you-name-it paraphernalia all just as speedily,
In ushering in this new era of politics, however, I feel that opposition leaders have yet to show maturity and the competency to rise above political rallies, ceramah, innuendos, conspiracies and staged walkouts. The response to the recently tabled Budget is an illustration of this failure.
To a large extent, in terms of policy initiative and the ability to think out of the box to challenge the government on substantive issues, the opposition has failed to meet expectations.
Criticism without intelligence will not fill the vacuum of the peoples aspirations to see quality debates that would transform into policies beneficial for all. The cornerstone of an effective opposition is to propose alternative policies. Parti Keadilan Rakyat did come out with a last minute response to the Budget but can this be taken as the collective voice of Pakatan Rakyat?
It is a steep learning curve. Household names like Jeff Ooi and Nurul Izzah have yet to capture the publics imagination and expectations. For a coalition that is hell bent on forming the government in a matter of days, the Pakatans collective policy lacks clarity and is absent of any strong champions.
With its newfound vigour, the oppositions functions should not be limited to the definition given by Tierney centuries ago that: The duty of an opposition is to propose nothing, to oppose everything and to turn out the government.
A few months after the March 8 results, prominent bloggers wrote about the need for the opposition to form a shadow Cabinet. Maybe due to political reasons within the Pakatan Rakyat framework, this has not materialised.
Many feel that the opposition should set aside their differences and form a shadow Cabinet that is able to give well thought-out feedback on all proposed legislation and not succumb to the desire to play politics at every turn.
Malaysians have proven again that they are a matured and rationale electorate. The message for change naturally transcends to Umno and Barisan Nasional. They, like the opposition, have to up the ante and make room for fundamental changes.
As with the 12th General Election, it is apparent that the electorate rejects negative politics and at the same time, positively responds to substantive measures that will benefit them directly.
The Budget highlighted awareness of this shift in thinking on the part of the government, but it is only a start. The opposition, with a new head at the helm, must realise that they too have an important role in Malaysia.
It is unfortunate that the spirit of Ramadan will not deter the continued drama in the sphere of politics. The sad truth is that the tug of war for the peoples support has not ceased since March 8. The estimate as to how long the politicking will continue and have to be endured in the event Sept 16 being postponed, does not augur well for apolitical Malaysians.
It is hard to explain to the electorate that their choice, made through the ballot boxes across Malaysia for a government with a strong opposition to provide check and balance, may not be acceptable to the politicians of the day.
28.8.08
In The Ring > Standing up for our flag
On Sunday, we celebrate our 51st year of nationhood. As always, there are the parades and activities throughout the country to mark the significance of that date.
And rehearsals too, of marching bands and representative groups, so much so that the roads leading to the city stood still on Wednesday morning as fighter jets zoomed across the sky.
Merdeka is also the time for tear-jerker commercials and, for some, a walk down on memory lane of the fight for independence led by the multiracial partnership of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock, Tun V.T. Sambanthan and many other great individuals.
The nation's challenges did not end with the securing of Independence. The proclamation of the formation of Malaysia had to be postponed because of the opposing views of neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines to the entity. Because our independence was achieved through diplomatic means, Indonesia considered Malaysia as a new form of colonialism. This led to the period of Konfrontasi, a time of great uncertainty.
It might be pure paranoia but I feel that this year, there are not as many flags flying from cars and houses as before. Discounting last years special 50th Merdeka celebration's, the anticipation of August 31 seems to have lost some of its vigour compared with the mood of previous years.
My concerns, however, became anger upon learning there was an active campaign on local blogs to fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down as a sign that we are a nation in distress. Distress?
I can't see an iota of logic in this. Are the proponents of this preposterous move aware of what their actions mean?
Every single country in this world has a flag. If you watched the just ended Olympics, you would have gained an insight as to what a country's or even organisation's flag means.
Simple, it means we exist. Flags announce our presence. Most importantly, it defines a country and its people and flags inspire and proclaim victory.
When our Lee Chong Wei lost the gold but won the silver, did you not see the Jalur Gemilang flying regardless?
Flags are certainly not mere colourful decorations. The belief in ones flag makes one even willing to die while fighting to uphold its meaning.
The Jalur Gemilang symbolises Malaysia as a country and each and every one of us, as its people. Each of us owns a piece of that cloth and what it symbolises. As such, our national flag must be held above and beyond the realm of partisanship, political and otherwise.
Why do you think the term desecration is used when one misuses or disrespects any national flag? Discretion has a religious connotation.
The Jalur Gemilang is one of the few remaining unifying themes that keep the dream of Malaysia alive. The spirit and hope of Malaysia is embodied in every aspect of the flag. The 14 red and white stripes represent each of the States and the 14-point Federal Star of equal width signifies equality of all of them.
Those who have been in support of this upside down idea must take a good hard look at themselves. If we accept the parameter that we are a nation under distress, how does flying the flag in such a manner solve our problems? At a time when the rakyats voice matter's most, we really don't need a silly stunt like this to aggravate and misrepresent our nation’s status.
Most of us may not be able to relate to the struggle and the anguish of achieving independence but logic tells us this respect the flag as you would respect yourself. No matter how angry or disillusioned you are.
When our flag was hoisted in Dataran Merdeka replacing the Union Jack in 1957, it wasn't a victory confined to those who had directly struggled for and achieved independence. It was a victory for each and every person in this country, dating back to when our sovereignty was first taken centuries ago.
The history of this bravery in fighting for our freedom is manifested in our flag that first came into being 51 years ago. And through out our history since then, even in difficult times from the Emergency through to the Confrontation and more, never has our flag been flown upside down.
It is a citizen's right to or not to fly the Jalur Gemilang in celebration of Merdeka or on any other occasion. But treating our flag in such a manner? What’s next, flag burning?
And rehearsals too, of marching bands and representative groups, so much so that the roads leading to the city stood still on Wednesday morning as fighter jets zoomed across the sky.
Merdeka is also the time for tear-jerker commercials and, for some, a walk down on memory lane of the fight for independence led by the multiracial partnership of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock, Tun V.T. Sambanthan and many other great individuals.
The nation's challenges did not end with the securing of Independence. The proclamation of the formation of Malaysia had to be postponed because of the opposing views of neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines to the entity. Because our independence was achieved through diplomatic means, Indonesia considered Malaysia as a new form of colonialism. This led to the period of Konfrontasi, a time of great uncertainty.
It might be pure paranoia but I feel that this year, there are not as many flags flying from cars and houses as before. Discounting last years special 50th Merdeka celebration's, the anticipation of August 31 seems to have lost some of its vigour compared with the mood of previous years.
My concerns, however, became anger upon learning there was an active campaign on local blogs to fly the Jalur Gemilang upside down as a sign that we are a nation in distress. Distress?
I can't see an iota of logic in this. Are the proponents of this preposterous move aware of what their actions mean?
Every single country in this world has a flag. If you watched the just ended Olympics, you would have gained an insight as to what a country's or even organisation's flag means.
Simple, it means we exist. Flags announce our presence. Most importantly, it defines a country and its people and flags inspire and proclaim victory.
When our Lee Chong Wei lost the gold but won the silver, did you not see the Jalur Gemilang flying regardless?
Flags are certainly not mere colourful decorations. The belief in ones flag makes one even willing to die while fighting to uphold its meaning.
The Jalur Gemilang symbolises Malaysia as a country and each and every one of us, as its people. Each of us owns a piece of that cloth and what it symbolises. As such, our national flag must be held above and beyond the realm of partisanship, political and otherwise.
Why do you think the term desecration is used when one misuses or disrespects any national flag? Discretion has a religious connotation.
The Jalur Gemilang is one of the few remaining unifying themes that keep the dream of Malaysia alive. The spirit and hope of Malaysia is embodied in every aspect of the flag. The 14 red and white stripes represent each of the States and the 14-point Federal Star of equal width signifies equality of all of them.
Those who have been in support of this upside down idea must take a good hard look at themselves. If we accept the parameter that we are a nation under distress, how does flying the flag in such a manner solve our problems? At a time when the rakyats voice matter's most, we really don't need a silly stunt like this to aggravate and misrepresent our nation’s status.
Most of us may not be able to relate to the struggle and the anguish of achieving independence but logic tells us this respect the flag as you would respect yourself. No matter how angry or disillusioned you are.
When our flag was hoisted in Dataran Merdeka replacing the Union Jack in 1957, it wasn't a victory confined to those who had directly struggled for and achieved independence. It was a victory for each and every person in this country, dating back to when our sovereignty was first taken centuries ago.
The history of this bravery in fighting for our freedom is manifested in our flag that first came into being 51 years ago. And through out our history since then, even in difficult times from the Emergency through to the Confrontation and more, never has our flag been flown upside down.
It is a citizen's right to or not to fly the Jalur Gemilang in celebration of Merdeka or on any other occasion. But treating our flag in such a manner? What’s next, flag burning?
27.8.08
Kita Perlu Belajar Dari Permatang Pauh
Hujan yang membasahi bumi Permatang Pauh semalam tidak menghalang ribuan penghuninya untuk menunaikan tanggungjawab mereka sebagai warganegara Malaysia. Memendekkan cerita, esok Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim akan mengangkat sumpah di Parlimen dan akan terbukalah satu Bab baru di dalam kisah politik Malaysia.
Saya berkesempatan untuk menyaksikan sendiri aksi di Permatang Pauh semalam dan apa yang jelas dan nyata ialah UMNO dan Barisan Nasional perlu melakukan perubahan jika ia mahu terus memegang tampuk pemerintahan negara. Apa yang memeritkan ialah keaddan dimana kebenaran juga mungkin ditolak. Kita hidup dalam suasana dimana martabat persepsi lebih tinggi daripada kebenaran. Media alternatif seperti Malaysiakini dan Malaysia Today akan menjana persepsi, tidak kira benar atau tidak bagi meyakinkan rakyat.
Jentera Pakatan Rakyat kini sudah mula menunjukkan taringnya. Walaupun pada hakikatnya jentera BN masih lebih berpengalaman, namun saya khuatir jentera pembangkang tidak pernah sekuat ini. Ini dapat dilihat dari segi kain rentang, poster, kemeja, topi, perlaksanaan tugas tugas dan lain-lain.
Sukarelawan PR tampak segar dan bertenaga. Ini mungkin kerana mereka memegang harapan yang menggunung.Wujud satu pengisian dalaman yang perlu disuntik kembali kedalam sanubari setiap ahli UMNO. Kita tidak boleh lalai. leka atau alpa. Kita tidak mampu untuk taksub dengan kekuasaan di cawangan dan Bahagian sehingga kita lupa akan asas sebenar sesebuah perjuangan.
Dalam beberapa hari ini kita akan menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan yang ke 51, dan jika UMNO ditubuhkan untuk menentang Malayan Union, dan kesinambungan agenda itu Kemerdekaan, kita perlu berhenti sejenak dan fikirkan, apa agenda UMNO pada alaf baru ini? setelah lebih 50 tahun, kita perlu kenal agenda hari ini. Jika ia bukan untuk membantu bangsa Melayu secara keseluruhannya, ia bermakna titik peluh keringat pejuang UMNO sebelum ini tidak memberi banyak makna.
Ramai di kalangan ahli dan pemimpin UMNO yang masih berpegang kepada agenda pengisian membela bangsa ini, namun hakikatnya terdapat juga segelintir yang tidak meletakkan agenda perjuangan ini sebagai perkara utama dalam perjuangan mereka. Agenda sendiri dan kerakusan kuasa lebih penting dalam wadah perjuangan mereka. Rakyat yang bergelumang didalam kesusahan tidak dapat menerima pemimpin yang tidak mendahului keperluan mereka. Apa fungsi pemimpin jika tidak untuk membela nasib rakyat?
Bagi golongan muda pula, UMNO perlu meluangkan masa untuk menerangkan mengapa agenda perjuangan bangsa ini peri penting pada masa dan ketika ini. Survival bangsa memerlukan sokongan anak muda, dan tanpa mereka, maka sudah pastilah perjuangan UMNO tidak akan mencapai objektifnya.
Baru-baru ini saya ada terbaca cerpen yang ditulis oleh penulis Agung Usman Awang. Ia berkisar tentang seorang Ketua Pemuda Pusat yang melawat kampung dan akhirnya terjatuh kedalam bendang kerana tidak biasa turun kampung. Cerpen ini ditulis sekitar awal tahun 1950-an untuk mencerminkan hakikat bahawa pemimpin pusat tidak faham akan masalah orang di akar umbi. Jika UMNO berhentu mendengar suara rakyat di akar umbi, maka agenda UMNO sudah tidak tercapai.
Justeru, UMNO perlu bangun dari lenanya kerana ternyata, masalah ini bukan baru. Jika kita tidak bersatu membangunkan UMNO di dalam suasana bingit yang membakar ini, siapa lagi yang mampu membela nasib anak bangsa?
Saya berkesempatan untuk menyaksikan sendiri aksi di Permatang Pauh semalam dan apa yang jelas dan nyata ialah UMNO dan Barisan Nasional perlu melakukan perubahan jika ia mahu terus memegang tampuk pemerintahan negara. Apa yang memeritkan ialah keaddan dimana kebenaran juga mungkin ditolak. Kita hidup dalam suasana dimana martabat persepsi lebih tinggi daripada kebenaran. Media alternatif seperti Malaysiakini dan Malaysia Today akan menjana persepsi, tidak kira benar atau tidak bagi meyakinkan rakyat.
Jentera Pakatan Rakyat kini sudah mula menunjukkan taringnya. Walaupun pada hakikatnya jentera BN masih lebih berpengalaman, namun saya khuatir jentera pembangkang tidak pernah sekuat ini. Ini dapat dilihat dari segi kain rentang, poster, kemeja, topi, perlaksanaan tugas tugas dan lain-lain.
Sukarelawan PR tampak segar dan bertenaga. Ini mungkin kerana mereka memegang harapan yang menggunung.Wujud satu pengisian dalaman yang perlu disuntik kembali kedalam sanubari setiap ahli UMNO. Kita tidak boleh lalai. leka atau alpa. Kita tidak mampu untuk taksub dengan kekuasaan di cawangan dan Bahagian sehingga kita lupa akan asas sebenar sesebuah perjuangan.
Dalam beberapa hari ini kita akan menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan yang ke 51, dan jika UMNO ditubuhkan untuk menentang Malayan Union, dan kesinambungan agenda itu Kemerdekaan, kita perlu berhenti sejenak dan fikirkan, apa agenda UMNO pada alaf baru ini? setelah lebih 50 tahun, kita perlu kenal agenda hari ini. Jika ia bukan untuk membantu bangsa Melayu secara keseluruhannya, ia bermakna titik peluh keringat pejuang UMNO sebelum ini tidak memberi banyak makna.
Ramai di kalangan ahli dan pemimpin UMNO yang masih berpegang kepada agenda pengisian membela bangsa ini, namun hakikatnya terdapat juga segelintir yang tidak meletakkan agenda perjuangan ini sebagai perkara utama dalam perjuangan mereka. Agenda sendiri dan kerakusan kuasa lebih penting dalam wadah perjuangan mereka. Rakyat yang bergelumang didalam kesusahan tidak dapat menerima pemimpin yang tidak mendahului keperluan mereka. Apa fungsi pemimpin jika tidak untuk membela nasib rakyat?
Bagi golongan muda pula, UMNO perlu meluangkan masa untuk menerangkan mengapa agenda perjuangan bangsa ini peri penting pada masa dan ketika ini. Survival bangsa memerlukan sokongan anak muda, dan tanpa mereka, maka sudah pastilah perjuangan UMNO tidak akan mencapai objektifnya.
Baru-baru ini saya ada terbaca cerpen yang ditulis oleh penulis Agung Usman Awang. Ia berkisar tentang seorang Ketua Pemuda Pusat yang melawat kampung dan akhirnya terjatuh kedalam bendang kerana tidak biasa turun kampung. Cerpen ini ditulis sekitar awal tahun 1950-an untuk mencerminkan hakikat bahawa pemimpin pusat tidak faham akan masalah orang di akar umbi. Jika UMNO berhentu mendengar suara rakyat di akar umbi, maka agenda UMNO sudah tidak tercapai.
Justeru, UMNO perlu bangun dari lenanya kerana ternyata, masalah ini bukan baru. Jika kita tidak bersatu membangunkan UMNO di dalam suasana bingit yang membakar ini, siapa lagi yang mampu membela nasib anak bangsa?
22.8.08
In The Ring > Life, or something like it
Last Saturday, I spent a quarter of the day driving to Mak Toks house (my wifes grandmother) in Kangar, Perlis. Being politically correct, I always look forward to going back to Perlis but have to admit we don't make the trip nearly often enough.
We usually head down the long and winding highway during the Hari Raya festivities. With a fairly tight schedule, I never really have had the opportunity to absorb the majestic sights and scenes of our most northern State, the last Malaysian bastion before the Kingdom of Thailand. This time I was determined it would be different.
The picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and tranquility so real you can almost grasp it, greeted my arrival. At approximately 11pm on a Saturday night, the main roads were almost pitch dark, the town centre devoid of any life except for a sole warung serving but a handful of patrons. This is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Saturday night KL where life swings into action around the same time.
Waking up in the morning to a hearty breakfast of nasi ganja (thats what its called!), I sat at the front bench of Mak Tok's house. Amidst the lush greenery, the question that came to my mind was: what is the definition of the quality of life?
In the past, rural poor was a key problem in Malaysia. In view of this, policies were drawn up to eradicate rural poverty and to narrow the gap between the urban and the rural. Further, with industralisation, migration to the cities was looked upon as a measure to free oneself from poverty.
The rate of urbanisation increased exponentially. The current administration's refocusing on agriculture as a key economic thrust is geared towards alleviating the plight of the rural poor. With high commodity prices, their livelihood, largely dependent on produce such as rubber, has increased considerably. Rubber tappers driving Kancils are no longer peculiar sights. The corridor initiative has also brought back the lustre to the smaller town areas, prompting reverse migration.
On the other hand, urban poverty is fast becoming a real problem for the country like eight people living in two-bedroomed flats, the shabby standard of living in most squatter areas to the crime rate in densely populated areas and increasing reports of social and moral decay. These are common themes in our cities, and with so-called progressive development, urban poverty has truly arrived.
So, what is the measure of quality of life? Is it going back home to a low-cost rented apartment, after spending an average of 12 to 15 hours in front of a computer screen only to earn a meagre salary that barely makes ends meet? I am not writing in the context of the quality of life index that is used to determine how much water is available, but of that internal happiness that makes you say, convincingly, Yes, this is home.
Another aspect of quality of life that is proving to be a real concern is the spirit of living in a community. Maybe for some (me especially), losing ourselves in the never-ending rat race has made us forget about the shared responsibilities of living in a society. When was the last time you dropped by your neighbours house? When was the last time you sat in a coffee shop and knew almost everyone there by name?
In conversation with a friend, he let in that after retirement he would relocate up north, to a nice quiet place. Try his hand at agriculture, he said. His plans ring of a wanting, a home truth that is exemplified by more and more of our urban elite who are building weekend bungalows either in their hometowns or in areas like Janda Baik. Having a kebun is fashionable again. Ah, the greener pastures.
I confess I epitomise the city slicker, but the opportunity to savour kampung life is something I am mighty thankful for. Without exposure to this important perspective, Im sure I would have stuck to this notion of backwardness and idleness painted of rural Malaysia.
The divide is definitely narrowing, but sitting on Mak Toks bench on a breezy Sunday morning, I wonder who is actually ahead.
We usually head down the long and winding highway during the Hari Raya festivities. With a fairly tight schedule, I never really have had the opportunity to absorb the majestic sights and scenes of our most northern State, the last Malaysian bastion before the Kingdom of Thailand. This time I was determined it would be different.
The picturesque setting, surrounded by mountains and tranquility so real you can almost grasp it, greeted my arrival. At approximately 11pm on a Saturday night, the main roads were almost pitch dark, the town centre devoid of any life except for a sole warung serving but a handful of patrons. This is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Saturday night KL where life swings into action around the same time.
Waking up in the morning to a hearty breakfast of nasi ganja (thats what its called!), I sat at the front bench of Mak Tok's house. Amidst the lush greenery, the question that came to my mind was: what is the definition of the quality of life?
In the past, rural poor was a key problem in Malaysia. In view of this, policies were drawn up to eradicate rural poverty and to narrow the gap between the urban and the rural. Further, with industralisation, migration to the cities was looked upon as a measure to free oneself from poverty.
The rate of urbanisation increased exponentially. The current administration's refocusing on agriculture as a key economic thrust is geared towards alleviating the plight of the rural poor. With high commodity prices, their livelihood, largely dependent on produce such as rubber, has increased considerably. Rubber tappers driving Kancils are no longer peculiar sights. The corridor initiative has also brought back the lustre to the smaller town areas, prompting reverse migration.
On the other hand, urban poverty is fast becoming a real problem for the country like eight people living in two-bedroomed flats, the shabby standard of living in most squatter areas to the crime rate in densely populated areas and increasing reports of social and moral decay. These are common themes in our cities, and with so-called progressive development, urban poverty has truly arrived.
So, what is the measure of quality of life? Is it going back home to a low-cost rented apartment, after spending an average of 12 to 15 hours in front of a computer screen only to earn a meagre salary that barely makes ends meet? I am not writing in the context of the quality of life index that is used to determine how much water is available, but of that internal happiness that makes you say, convincingly, Yes, this is home.
Another aspect of quality of life that is proving to be a real concern is the spirit of living in a community. Maybe for some (me especially), losing ourselves in the never-ending rat race has made us forget about the shared responsibilities of living in a society. When was the last time you dropped by your neighbours house? When was the last time you sat in a coffee shop and knew almost everyone there by name?
In conversation with a friend, he let in that after retirement he would relocate up north, to a nice quiet place. Try his hand at agriculture, he said. His plans ring of a wanting, a home truth that is exemplified by more and more of our urban elite who are building weekend bungalows either in their hometowns or in areas like Janda Baik. Having a kebun is fashionable again. Ah, the greener pastures.
I confess I epitomise the city slicker, but the opportunity to savour kampung life is something I am mighty thankful for. Without exposure to this important perspective, Im sure I would have stuck to this notion of backwardness and idleness painted of rural Malaysia.
The divide is definitely narrowing, but sitting on Mak Toks bench on a breezy Sunday morning, I wonder who is actually ahead.
21.8.08
Malaysiakini - Duit, Seks dan Pakatan Rakyat - MB Perak dakwa konspirasi politik?
Di tengah-tengah kesibukan Pilihanraya Kecil Permatang Pauh, dan tidak lama setelah isu muzakarah mencorak agenda Muktamar PAS di Ipoh tempoh hari, timbul isu baru dalam Pakatan Rakyat berkenaan dengan kes rasuah yang melibatkan dua EXCO Negeri Perak.
Laman web Malaysiakini melaporkan bahawa BPR, telah menahan dua ahli exco selepas mereka disyaki menerima suapan lebih RM100,000 sebagai balasan untuk mempercepatkan proses permohonan projek perumahan. Apa yang lebih menggegarkan ialah menurut kenyataan BPR, mereka juga disyaki terlibat dengan rasuah seks.
Menteri Besar dari parti PAS, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin mempertahankan dua ahli exconya dan mendakwa ia berpunca daripada konspirasi politik. Kedua-duanya adalah Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (PKR-Changkat Jering) (kanan) - exco pelancongan, modal insan dan NGO - dan Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (PKR-Behrang) - exco pembangunan usahawan, pertanian dan perdagangan.
Konspirasi politik? wajarkah bila berlaku sahaja kes yang melibatkan ahli parti politik Pakatan Rakyat, konspirasi dilaungkan sewenang-wenangnya. Kenapa Pakatan Rakyat berdiam diri sahaja apabila pegawai Kerajaan berpangkat tinggi seperti Kementerian Pelancongan, Kementerian Dalam Negeri dan lain lain dibawa kemuka keadilan?
Terimalah kenyataan bahawa BPR sudah berubah dan sesiapa sahaja yang melanggar undang-undang akan menerima nusibatnya.
Kesimpulannya ialah melihat kepada skandal yang melibatkan Pakatan Rakyat, terutamanya ahli politik dibawah PKR (TS Khalid di Selangor, insiden menumbuk oleh Loh Gwo Burne, samseng PKR yang kerap membelasah pemberita) benarkah Parti Keadilan Rakyat ini benar-benar boleh membawa negara ke arah kemajuan?
Apa yang nyata....Janji senang ditabur, nak kotakan bukannya mudah.
17.8.08
Mesyuarat UMNO Bukit Travers
Semalam, UMNO Cawangan saya, Bukit Travers, Bahagian Lembah Pantai telah selamat mengadakan mesyuarat cawangannya. Mesyuarat telah diadakan di Hotel Singgahsana, serentak dengan cawangan Bukit Bakong dan Bukit Persekutuan.
Bukan seperti banyak kisah-kisah di cawangan yang lain, tiada pertandingan di peringkat cawangan Bukit Travers tetapi Naib saya, Sulaiman Tajuddin telah meninggalkan Pemuda dan masuk kedalam UMNO induk kerana sudah melepasi garisan umur 40 tahun. Naib yang baru merupakan darah muda, Sdr Asmawi Ilham yang berumur 25 tahun. Terima kasih diucapkan atas segala sumbangan dan jasa yang telah ditabur oleh Sdr Sulaiman.
Ketua Cawangan, Raja Dato' Nong Chik Raja Dato' Zainal Abidin kekal sebagai Ketua Cawangan.
Dalam mencalonkan peneraju Bahagian pula, sudah tentu cawangan Bukit Travers mencalonkan Raja Dato Nong Chik sebagai Ketua Bahagian. Pada saat dan ketika ini, beliau mendahalui pencalonan berbanding dengan muka baru Haji Zahran dan Pemangku Ketua Bahagian En Yusri Ahmad.
Bagi saf kepimpinan Pemuda pula, cawangan Bukit Travers telah mencalonkan Tn Hj Sazali Kamilan, Setiausaha Bahagian sebagai calon Ketua Pemuda. Beliau telah mendapat 35 pencalonan (Lembah Pantai mempunyai 47 cawangan) dan nampak gayanya, beliau kemungkinan besar menang tanpa bertanding. Pada pemilihan sebelum ini, cawangan kami mencalonkan beliau sebagai Ketua Pemuda tetapi beliau kalah tipis dengan Ketua Pemuda sekarang Tuan Haji Norazmi.
Insya-Allah kita sambut era baru Pemuda Lembah Pantai.
Bukan seperti banyak kisah-kisah di cawangan yang lain, tiada pertandingan di peringkat cawangan Bukit Travers tetapi Naib saya, Sulaiman Tajuddin telah meninggalkan Pemuda dan masuk kedalam UMNO induk kerana sudah melepasi garisan umur 40 tahun. Naib yang baru merupakan darah muda, Sdr Asmawi Ilham yang berumur 25 tahun. Terima kasih diucapkan atas segala sumbangan dan jasa yang telah ditabur oleh Sdr Sulaiman.
Ketua Cawangan, Raja Dato' Nong Chik Raja Dato' Zainal Abidin kekal sebagai Ketua Cawangan.
Dalam mencalonkan peneraju Bahagian pula, sudah tentu cawangan Bukit Travers mencalonkan Raja Dato Nong Chik sebagai Ketua Bahagian. Pada saat dan ketika ini, beliau mendahalui pencalonan berbanding dengan muka baru Haji Zahran dan Pemangku Ketua Bahagian En Yusri Ahmad.
Bagi saf kepimpinan Pemuda pula, cawangan Bukit Travers telah mencalonkan Tn Hj Sazali Kamilan, Setiausaha Bahagian sebagai calon Ketua Pemuda. Beliau telah mendapat 35 pencalonan (Lembah Pantai mempunyai 47 cawangan) dan nampak gayanya, beliau kemungkinan besar menang tanpa bertanding. Pada pemilihan sebelum ini, cawangan kami mencalonkan beliau sebagai Ketua Pemuda tetapi beliau kalah tipis dengan Ketua Pemuda sekarang Tuan Haji Norazmi.
Insya-Allah kita sambut era baru Pemuda Lembah Pantai.
In The Ring > Awakening the Olympian in us
LIKE so many others, I was glued to the television watching the opening of Beijing Olympic Games 2008. The over three-hour spectacle comfortably made its way into Olympic folklore with an astounding fusion of technology and cultural showmanship.
It was reported that more than one billion people approximately 15 per cent of the worlds population watched the opening ceremony. After seven years of preparation, it was clear that the Chinese not only managed to uphold but also set the bar higher for the continued legacy of the worlds ultimate sporting event. The total cost of the Beijing 2008 is estimated at over US$40 billion (RM128 billion).
A friend who was in Beijing made sense of this astronomical sum when he related, confessing his amazement, at the standard of the opening ceremony. The sentiment was not limited to the unbelievable infrastructural feats such as the bubble inspired swimming complex and ceilings made up of LCD screens, but more so in terms of the superlative level of services and hospitality of the host country.
What makes the Olympics such a top draw in our eyes? When sportsmen and women of the 204 participating countries stepped onto the track of the Birds Nest stadium, there were many proud countrymen and citizens of the world applauding them. Like many Malaysians, when cyclist Azizul Pocket Rocket Hasni Awang appeared on the television screen, I felt a great sense of pride. Naturally, we hope for medals to commemorate their performances, but mere representation at sports highest platform as an Olympian is reason enough to celebrate.
For us, the sight of our Malaysian contingent striding out together, waving the Jalur Gemilang may have evoked a different set of emotions compared with citizens of other countries. As we approach our 51st anniversary of nationhood, the Olympics is a much-needed platform and reminder of that crucial element of unity between the different ethnic compositions of Malaysia.
In a week where the Bar Council debacle dominated the domestic news cycle, the Malaysian Olympics contingent gave us a glimpse of our potential strength in diversity. I would argue that it remains the single most effective rallying point for unity for Malaysians. The purity of support, even if temporary and just on special occasions, transcends the boundaries that have somewhat dictated the national conversation.
Imagine the collective voices of jubilation if one of our own athletes can emulate the success of Australian gold medal winner Cathy Freeman in Sydney 2000. Can we forget the emotional scenes that accompanied the participation of the first aboriginal athlete in the Olympics? For that brief moment in time, politics froze, differences vanished and a nation stood united under one flag, singing one anthem.
The Olympics can also inspire us on an individual level. The abstract but often quoted Olympian spirit is a key highlight of all the summer games.
Britains Derek Redmond perhaps best captures this Olympian spirit. In the Barcelona 1992 Games, Redmond tore his right hamstring and fell. He refused medical attention but managed to complete the race assisted by his father. The entire stadium greeted his courage and commitment with a standing ovation.
This spirit is embodied in all Olympians. The courage to engage and overcome the mental struggle required for moving up to the next level. It is the self-discipline, the determination and the will to overcome challenges and perceived impossibilities.
I believe the Olympian spirit is inherent in all of us. In a related but separate occasion, I went to Port Dickson to see my brother participate in a triathlon. The turnout was incredible. They came in all ages and shapes to compete. The first question that came to my mind was what prompted these people to wake up at 6am on Sunday and make their way to PD to swim, run and cycle.
I believe it is the strength and courage to challenge our limitations and further our horizons traits that must be replicated. A significant percentage of the participants in the PD triathlon will never hold a medal aloft on a podium, but their willingness to participate, to overcome whatever mental hurdles, is an act of pure courage that illustrates that there is an Olympian waiting to be brought out in each and every one of us.
There is more to life than winning.
It was reported that more than one billion people approximately 15 per cent of the worlds population watched the opening ceremony. After seven years of preparation, it was clear that the Chinese not only managed to uphold but also set the bar higher for the continued legacy of the worlds ultimate sporting event. The total cost of the Beijing 2008 is estimated at over US$40 billion (RM128 billion).
A friend who was in Beijing made sense of this astronomical sum when he related, confessing his amazement, at the standard of the opening ceremony. The sentiment was not limited to the unbelievable infrastructural feats such as the bubble inspired swimming complex and ceilings made up of LCD screens, but more so in terms of the superlative level of services and hospitality of the host country.
What makes the Olympics such a top draw in our eyes? When sportsmen and women of the 204 participating countries stepped onto the track of the Birds Nest stadium, there were many proud countrymen and citizens of the world applauding them. Like many Malaysians, when cyclist Azizul Pocket Rocket Hasni Awang appeared on the television screen, I felt a great sense of pride. Naturally, we hope for medals to commemorate their performances, but mere representation at sports highest platform as an Olympian is reason enough to celebrate.
For us, the sight of our Malaysian contingent striding out together, waving the Jalur Gemilang may have evoked a different set of emotions compared with citizens of other countries. As we approach our 51st anniversary of nationhood, the Olympics is a much-needed platform and reminder of that crucial element of unity between the different ethnic compositions of Malaysia.
In a week where the Bar Council debacle dominated the domestic news cycle, the Malaysian Olympics contingent gave us a glimpse of our potential strength in diversity. I would argue that it remains the single most effective rallying point for unity for Malaysians. The purity of support, even if temporary and just on special occasions, transcends the boundaries that have somewhat dictated the national conversation.
Imagine the collective voices of jubilation if one of our own athletes can emulate the success of Australian gold medal winner Cathy Freeman in Sydney 2000. Can we forget the emotional scenes that accompanied the participation of the first aboriginal athlete in the Olympics? For that brief moment in time, politics froze, differences vanished and a nation stood united under one flag, singing one anthem.
The Olympics can also inspire us on an individual level. The abstract but often quoted Olympian spirit is a key highlight of all the summer games.
Britains Derek Redmond perhaps best captures this Olympian spirit. In the Barcelona 1992 Games, Redmond tore his right hamstring and fell. He refused medical attention but managed to complete the race assisted by his father. The entire stadium greeted his courage and commitment with a standing ovation.
This spirit is embodied in all Olympians. The courage to engage and overcome the mental struggle required for moving up to the next level. It is the self-discipline, the determination and the will to overcome challenges and perceived impossibilities.
I believe the Olympian spirit is inherent in all of us. In a related but separate occasion, I went to Port Dickson to see my brother participate in a triathlon. The turnout was incredible. They came in all ages and shapes to compete. The first question that came to my mind was what prompted these people to wake up at 6am on Sunday and make their way to PD to swim, run and cycle.
I believe it is the strength and courage to challenge our limitations and further our horizons traits that must be replicated. A significant percentage of the participants in the PD triathlon will never hold a medal aloft on a podium, but their willingness to participate, to overcome whatever mental hurdles, is an act of pure courage that illustrates that there is an Olympian waiting to be brought out in each and every one of us.
There is more to life than winning.
8.8.08
In The Ring > Now, what do you have to say?
I REMEMBER watching the coverage of the Bush vs Kerry presidential election in 2004. The close race was eventually decided by voters in the State of Ohio.
That very same year saw the Barisan Nasional swept to its largest ever victory in the country’s elections history.
Watching the US presidential coverage, analyses of the election campaigns and polls included extrapolating demographic patterns and voting trends, deployment of cutting edge interactive technology, and the all-important element of debate.
From the US presidential race, even this coming one between Barrack Obama and John McCain, it is apparent that political debate provides key and first-hand information that the electorate uses to weigh its choice.
Malaysian voters, on the other hand, rely mostly on the mainstream media, the morsels over the Internet and on the ground campaign speeches to fathom and form views on various issues.
The March 8 election results provided a strong and fluid platform for political discourse. Soon after that came the restructuring of subsidies.
This restructuring has been highly significant because it affected Malaysia as a whole. It impacted all walks of life, just as in other countries similarly facing the effects of the global food and fuel shortage. In countries elsewhere, there were riots, collapse of political parties and even toppling of governments.
Our country’s subsidy restructuring, however, provided a new form of political dimension that could very well turn out to be a permanent fixture in Malaysian politics – that of political debate.
First, setting the mood for open discourse was the RTM-televised ‘debat khas’ in early June, featuring the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad and Pas Youth head Salahuddin Ayub. Although more a moderated panel-like discussion, it stirred some excitement and was talked about for weeks.
More recently, online news website Agenda Daily organised the ‘American’ style debate (podium and all) on the fuel price hike between Minister of Information Shaberry Cheek and opposition coalition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
An estimated 4.4 million viewers watched the debate which was telecast live. It was also covered real time by some blogs and extensively reported in political news websites within hours. The outcome of the debate was, in turn, debated in most kedai kopi. Malaysians from both sides of the divide opined that democracy was the real winner.
Last Sunday, I was lucky to get a seat at the over subscribed Malaysian Students Leaders Summit (MSLS) 2008, an event organised by the United Kingdom and Eire Council (UKEC) for Malaysian Students. I witnessed the forum (debate, really) between young MPs comprising Khairy Jamaluddin, Tony Pua and Nik Nazmi. It was an amazing experience, listening to young political leaders articulating their thoughts and debating the opinions put forth in front of students.
I was pleasantly surprised by the good natured and highly informative session. The students narrowed in on the substantive at element of the debate. Not only was this reflected in the quality of the questions from the floor, but personal attacks were met by loud jeers as were any attempts at diverting the direction of the discussion.
With expectation in place, what followed was a clear elaboration of each party’s stand in the subsidy restructuring issue. Although all speakers agreed that the subsidy should be reduced, they had differing opinions on how and what to implement. I dare say everyone left the room enlightened.
If expectations continue to be this stringent, parties from both sides of the divide must be prepared to choose leaders who understand the issues, possess the ability to effectively communicate their points and to competently answer any ‘difficult’ questions the public might have. Leaders without these abilities could bring dire consequences in the next elections.
The European Court of Human Rights noted in 1978 that “freedom of political debate is at the very core of the concept of a democratic society”. The reality is that Malaysians expect quality debates, in depth analyses and interactive communication technology as part and parcel of the political scenario. It’s always better late than never.
That very same year saw the Barisan Nasional swept to its largest ever victory in the country’s elections history.
Watching the US presidential coverage, analyses of the election campaigns and polls included extrapolating demographic patterns and voting trends, deployment of cutting edge interactive technology, and the all-important element of debate.
From the US presidential race, even this coming one between Barrack Obama and John McCain, it is apparent that political debate provides key and first-hand information that the electorate uses to weigh its choice.
Malaysian voters, on the other hand, rely mostly on the mainstream media, the morsels over the Internet and on the ground campaign speeches to fathom and form views on various issues.
The March 8 election results provided a strong and fluid platform for political discourse. Soon after that came the restructuring of subsidies.
This restructuring has been highly significant because it affected Malaysia as a whole. It impacted all walks of life, just as in other countries similarly facing the effects of the global food and fuel shortage. In countries elsewhere, there were riots, collapse of political parties and even toppling of governments.
Our country’s subsidy restructuring, however, provided a new form of political dimension that could very well turn out to be a permanent fixture in Malaysian politics – that of political debate.
First, setting the mood for open discourse was the RTM-televised ‘debat khas’ in early June, featuring the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad and Pas Youth head Salahuddin Ayub. Although more a moderated panel-like discussion, it stirred some excitement and was talked about for weeks.
More recently, online news website Agenda Daily organised the ‘American’ style debate (podium and all) on the fuel price hike between Minister of Information Shaberry Cheek and opposition coalition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
An estimated 4.4 million viewers watched the debate which was telecast live. It was also covered real time by some blogs and extensively reported in political news websites within hours. The outcome of the debate was, in turn, debated in most kedai kopi. Malaysians from both sides of the divide opined that democracy was the real winner.
Last Sunday, I was lucky to get a seat at the over subscribed Malaysian Students Leaders Summit (MSLS) 2008, an event organised by the United Kingdom and Eire Council (UKEC) for Malaysian Students. I witnessed the forum (debate, really) between young MPs comprising Khairy Jamaluddin, Tony Pua and Nik Nazmi. It was an amazing experience, listening to young political leaders articulating their thoughts and debating the opinions put forth in front of students.
I was pleasantly surprised by the good natured and highly informative session. The students narrowed in on the substantive at element of the debate. Not only was this reflected in the quality of the questions from the floor, but personal attacks were met by loud jeers as were any attempts at diverting the direction of the discussion.
With expectation in place, what followed was a clear elaboration of each party’s stand in the subsidy restructuring issue. Although all speakers agreed that the subsidy should be reduced, they had differing opinions on how and what to implement. I dare say everyone left the room enlightened.
If expectations continue to be this stringent, parties from both sides of the divide must be prepared to choose leaders who understand the issues, possess the ability to effectively communicate their points and to competently answer any ‘difficult’ questions the public might have. Leaders without these abilities could bring dire consequences in the next elections.
The European Court of Human Rights noted in 1978 that “freedom of political debate is at the very core of the concept of a democratic society”. The reality is that Malaysians expect quality debates, in depth analyses and interactive communication technology as part and parcel of the political scenario. It’s always better late than never.
25.7.08
In The Ring > The misunderstood heroes
In Primary Two, when the teacher asked the class to write our career choice, I remember vividly approximately 95 per cent of the male respondents had written down the police as one of the top three choices. It is a natural response given that my generation grew up with visions of police officers such as Erik Estrada of Chips and Don Johnson of Miami Vice as heroes that often saved the day.
The choice is further justified when we examine the historical contribution of the Royal Police force in nation building. As one of the oldest institutions in Malaysia (it has been around since days of Malacca under the purview of the Temenggong), heroic acts during the era of the communist insurgence as immortalised in the Bukit Kepong Incident is a clear indication of the extent of sacrifices and servitude of the personnel of the force to the country. The force also provided stability in times of great uncertainty when the air of Malaysia was laced with racial tension.
Within a few decades, I am burdened with the feeling that this has changed. Of late, the Malaysian police force has been tainted and labelled with extremely negative connotations. The swiftness of the change is nothing short of remarkable. Numerous incidents such as the video lock up incident, revelations of drama behind the bars, lack of independence, stories of rampant bribery and allegations of abuse of power in public demonstrations has eroded public confidence considerably.
Many perceive it to be an isolated institution that no longer possesses proximity with the public’s expectations or relevancy with its everyday lives.
Is it rational to describe an entire institution based on a few anecdotes and events? How about the good police officers? Like many other public service organisations, their greatest contribution remains unseen. The nights your house didn’t get broken into because they made their rounds, the driver that chose to follow the speed limit because of police presence, the safety of our borders. Who sings their praises?
It is not just a job. A son of a police officer I know related how he and his family had to frequently move because of his father’s postings. He particularly remembers his father being posted to a remote area in Pahang, way off Seremban where he is from. The station had no electricity, powered only by a generator. Family took a backseat because his father had to make rounds at nights. Asked what he remembers the most, his answer was experiencing Hari Raya festivities away from his extended family. That is the price of the sacrifice that had to be paid by the officer and his family.
Like most Malaysians, I am for a better police force, a more just and independent institution as recommended in the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). Other ideas include strengthening the force with a Police Complaints Bureau and an Accountability Committee with lay members must also be debated.
In fact, I believe that there should be a School for Royal Military Police, a boarding school to train the best and brightest at an early age. The syllabus should not only focus on academics and discipline but also highlight the importance of the ethical responsibilities to the citizens of Malaysia. These structural problems are not going to be solved overnight, but the onus is on us to make a start.
To meet all our expectations, we must also study the remuneration structure and increase the credibility of the force. Police recruitment in UK features the tag line; Could you? I believe it encapsulates the commitment, and sacrifice; and puts the work of a police officer in perspective. Like the tiger head in the insignia that represents the courage, strength and spirit of the police force.
I admit I use the police to instil discipline in my son. “If you misbehave, Papa will call the policeman”. I am afraid, like many Malaysians, I am sending the wrong message of what the force really stands for. When he reaches Primary Two, I want him to be able to slot in policeman as one of his career choices.
The choice is further justified when we examine the historical contribution of the Royal Police force in nation building. As one of the oldest institutions in Malaysia (it has been around since days of Malacca under the purview of the Temenggong), heroic acts during the era of the communist insurgence as immortalised in the Bukit Kepong Incident is a clear indication of the extent of sacrifices and servitude of the personnel of the force to the country. The force also provided stability in times of great uncertainty when the air of Malaysia was laced with racial tension.
Within a few decades, I am burdened with the feeling that this has changed. Of late, the Malaysian police force has been tainted and labelled with extremely negative connotations. The swiftness of the change is nothing short of remarkable. Numerous incidents such as the video lock up incident, revelations of drama behind the bars, lack of independence, stories of rampant bribery and allegations of abuse of power in public demonstrations has eroded public confidence considerably.
Many perceive it to be an isolated institution that no longer possesses proximity with the public’s expectations or relevancy with its everyday lives.
Is it rational to describe an entire institution based on a few anecdotes and events? How about the good police officers? Like many other public service organisations, their greatest contribution remains unseen. The nights your house didn’t get broken into because they made their rounds, the driver that chose to follow the speed limit because of police presence, the safety of our borders. Who sings their praises?
It is not just a job. A son of a police officer I know related how he and his family had to frequently move because of his father’s postings. He particularly remembers his father being posted to a remote area in Pahang, way off Seremban where he is from. The station had no electricity, powered only by a generator. Family took a backseat because his father had to make rounds at nights. Asked what he remembers the most, his answer was experiencing Hari Raya festivities away from his extended family. That is the price of the sacrifice that had to be paid by the officer and his family.
Like most Malaysians, I am for a better police force, a more just and independent institution as recommended in the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). Other ideas include strengthening the force with a Police Complaints Bureau and an Accountability Committee with lay members must also be debated.
In fact, I believe that there should be a School for Royal Military Police, a boarding school to train the best and brightest at an early age. The syllabus should not only focus on academics and discipline but also highlight the importance of the ethical responsibilities to the citizens of Malaysia. These structural problems are not going to be solved overnight, but the onus is on us to make a start.
To meet all our expectations, we must also study the remuneration structure and increase the credibility of the force. Police recruitment in UK features the tag line; Could you? I believe it encapsulates the commitment, and sacrifice; and puts the work of a police officer in perspective. Like the tiger head in the insignia that represents the courage, strength and spirit of the police force.
I admit I use the police to instil discipline in my son. “If you misbehave, Papa will call the policeman”. I am afraid, like many Malaysians, I am sending the wrong message of what the force really stands for. When he reaches Primary Two, I want him to be able to slot in policeman as one of his career choices.
18.7.08
In the Ring > Crossing the Invisible Line
I AM usually on auto-pilot in the morning. Thus, when I left the house on Monday morning, I had expected it to be a routine ritual. But when I took the turn off to the Federal Highway, I found myself smack in a jam that lasted for more than an hour.
Part of a compromise package to share the household duties with my wife is that I send our son to school every morning.
What wasn’t reckoned for was the hardship clause – like this one-hour jam for a trip that usually takes 20 minutes. I should have remembered – but could I even have foreseen – the probable effects of police roadblocks leading to the city.
My increasingly irritated two-year-old kept asking the question that I could not answer, “Why so long, Papa?” It wasn’t too long ago that such a situation was unimaginable. I feel the Malaysian political landscape has taken such a turn for the worse that it is unrecognisable from only a few months ago. The never-ending drama and the unpredictable nature of contemporary politics is covered minute-by-minute in all the media, be it mainstream or alternative.
However, an individual can choose to swamp himself or to ignore the latest political hullabaloo. Not everyone is politically inclined.
How involved or interested one is in this arena is a personal choice.
It does not make you less of a Malaysian if you read the business or sports sections first (or only those sections for that matter).
It is only an indication of preference and interest.
But on Monday, the unnecessary traffic jam was clear indication that politics had crossed the invisible line, trespassing into our everyday lives. People missed presentations, clients were kept waiting and, of course, restless children were sent late to school.
On a broader scale, many analysts have commented that the current political scenario has left adverse impacts on investments and the performance of the stock market. Granted, it is a global problem and other regional stock markets are also affected by rising inflation and lacklustre growth.
However, our country is now burdened with an additional risk element never seen before – political risk.
Numerous sectors are directly lumped with the negative impact of this new political uncertainty.
An obvious example is the tourism industry. What makes it worse is that this sector provides a lifeline to many other sub sectors such as transport, food and beverage, and retailing, among others. It does not help that tourism is a key contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and a major source of employment.
Personally, my primary concern is the security fears. I live in Kelana Jaya and the sound of a helicopter circling the vicinity is not what you would expect on a Sunday afternoon.
But that was the reality two weeks ago. It was as if we were in a war zone.
I had run down to the neighbourhood 7-11 nearby, a day before the scheduled anti-fuel hike rally and was stumped by the presence of truckloads of personnel at the nearby police station. Tales of ‘army sightings’ became the conversation piece among us neighbours. For the first time in my life in Malaysia, safety was a real concern.
What was going to happen? Should we all lock ourselves safely at home? In this manner, containing the anti-fuel hike rally in a stadium minimised any related inconvenience to others.
Of course, sometimes the flaws of democracy require you to use your voice and presence. But I believe the golden rule is that you must exhaust all available options. Public protests should be the last course of action. There is a place to discuss these issues in a manner expected of by the public. It is called Parliament.
All parties have a voice in Parliament. Hopefully the concept of televised debate will catch on in Malaysia, and politicians from both sides of the floor can use that platform as a sustainable replacement for street protests.
Maybe then, the majority can continue to live on auto pilot mode, knowing that our basic rights are being protected – and that this fragile invisible line will never be crossed again.
Part of a compromise package to share the household duties with my wife is that I send our son to school every morning.
What wasn’t reckoned for was the hardship clause – like this one-hour jam for a trip that usually takes 20 minutes. I should have remembered – but could I even have foreseen – the probable effects of police roadblocks leading to the city.
My increasingly irritated two-year-old kept asking the question that I could not answer, “Why so long, Papa?” It wasn’t too long ago that such a situation was unimaginable. I feel the Malaysian political landscape has taken such a turn for the worse that it is unrecognisable from only a few months ago. The never-ending drama and the unpredictable nature of contemporary politics is covered minute-by-minute in all the media, be it mainstream or alternative.
However, an individual can choose to swamp himself or to ignore the latest political hullabaloo. Not everyone is politically inclined.
How involved or interested one is in this arena is a personal choice.
It does not make you less of a Malaysian if you read the business or sports sections first (or only those sections for that matter).
It is only an indication of preference and interest.
But on Monday, the unnecessary traffic jam was clear indication that politics had crossed the invisible line, trespassing into our everyday lives. People missed presentations, clients were kept waiting and, of course, restless children were sent late to school.
On a broader scale, many analysts have commented that the current political scenario has left adverse impacts on investments and the performance of the stock market. Granted, it is a global problem and other regional stock markets are also affected by rising inflation and lacklustre growth.
However, our country is now burdened with an additional risk element never seen before – political risk.
Numerous sectors are directly lumped with the negative impact of this new political uncertainty.
An obvious example is the tourism industry. What makes it worse is that this sector provides a lifeline to many other sub sectors such as transport, food and beverage, and retailing, among others. It does not help that tourism is a key contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and a major source of employment.
Personally, my primary concern is the security fears. I live in Kelana Jaya and the sound of a helicopter circling the vicinity is not what you would expect on a Sunday afternoon.
But that was the reality two weeks ago. It was as if we were in a war zone.
I had run down to the neighbourhood 7-11 nearby, a day before the scheduled anti-fuel hike rally and was stumped by the presence of truckloads of personnel at the nearby police station. Tales of ‘army sightings’ became the conversation piece among us neighbours. For the first time in my life in Malaysia, safety was a real concern.
What was going to happen? Should we all lock ourselves safely at home? In this manner, containing the anti-fuel hike rally in a stadium minimised any related inconvenience to others.
Of course, sometimes the flaws of democracy require you to use your voice and presence. But I believe the golden rule is that you must exhaust all available options. Public protests should be the last course of action. There is a place to discuss these issues in a manner expected of by the public. It is called Parliament.
All parties have a voice in Parliament. Hopefully the concept of televised debate will catch on in Malaysia, and politicians from both sides of the floor can use that platform as a sustainable replacement for street protests.
Maybe then, the majority can continue to live on auto pilot mode, knowing that our basic rights are being protected – and that this fragile invisible line will never be crossed again.
13.7.08
In the Ring > Words that bind the nation
IF I had to choose the finest achievement of Malaysians, the strength to overcome the hurt of 1969 and the courage to lay the building blocks for collective, continued existence would be first on my list. IF I had to choose the finest achievement of Malaysians, the strength to overcome the hurt of 1969 and the courage to lay the building blocks for collective, continued existence would be first on my list.
In 1970, like a phoenix from the ashes, the Rukunegara eased the uncertainty, and helped shape the minds of people at a time of real crisis. In those trying months, the five mutually dependent pillars successfully bridged the divide of distrust amongst races, providing a hope for a better future that every Malaysian affected by the turmoil could relate to. The New Economic Policy provided the blueprint for the economic way forward but at that juncture, the nation needed a set of values and guidelines required for a multiracial society. The words ‘Belief in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and Courtesy and Morality’ filled the deepening vacuum.
According to stories that have been related to me, when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong proclaimed the Rukunegara in 1970, the positive vision immortalised in the document provided a real sense of hope for the people. It lifted spirits and painted a vibrant picture for the future of the nation.
Students in primary school, still too young to understand the relevancy and magnitude, remember being excited at seeing and memorising the sentences that described a promised nation.
Malaysia’s “pledge of allegiance” is once again featured in national conversation with the argument that many Malaysians through their actions via SMS and Internet have blatantly disregarded the meaning of the Rukunegara. So the natural question is, what does the Rukunegara mean to the post-1969 generation, which incidentally forms the majority of Malaysians today.
A vision is meaningless without the buy-in from the stakeholders.
I broached the subject with a fresh graduate student activist who said there was no proximity between the spirit and intent of the statement to his everyday life. It was nothing more than just words that furnished the back of his exercise books in school.
But can we fault his generation? Their eyes did not see the smoke-filled skies of Kuala Lumpur, their ears did not hear the screams that haunted so many of those affected. It is like being given a manual on how to use a vinyl record in this iPod era. The Rukunegara is not explained in detail in our classrooms. Memorising the words is not the same as understanding the significant meaning behind it. Like the fresh graduate, I too find it difficult to relate to the Rukunegara to my everyday life.
However, via my conversations, it remains in high regard. It represents the guiding principle of our nation, the essence of our constitution simplified to provide easy reference for the rakyat. It is a positive value statement that leads you to a way of life that is required for living in a multiracial society like ours. It is a statement that guarantees that every Malaysian has equal opportunities to succeed.
I see this through the success of my friend Shane, a 31-year-old Sabahan, who came to Kuala Lumpur to further his studies with nothing other than the prayers and aspirations of his family for a better future. I saw him graduate, secure his first job at a multinational company and commence his own business with limited capital and no experience.
Armed only with the belief that there are equal opportunities for all Malaysians, he is now well on his way to becoming a successful entrepreneur. It is unfortunate that we live in a time where negative and dangerous politics seem to gain supremacy, while we struggle to find a vision we can relate to. A vision borne of hope and not of fear.
A friend of mine said we must learn from history. But, we shouldn’t live in it. We have the benefit of the spirit, strength and wide framework of the Rukunegara as the starting point for our own new vision while honouring the legacy of our forefathers.
In 1970, like a phoenix from the ashes, the Rukunegara eased the uncertainty, and helped shape the minds of people at a time of real crisis. In those trying months, the five mutually dependent pillars successfully bridged the divide of distrust amongst races, providing a hope for a better future that every Malaysian affected by the turmoil could relate to. The New Economic Policy provided the blueprint for the economic way forward but at that juncture, the nation needed a set of values and guidelines required for a multiracial society. The words ‘Belief in God, Loyalty to King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and Courtesy and Morality’ filled the deepening vacuum.
According to stories that have been related to me, when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong proclaimed the Rukunegara in 1970, the positive vision immortalised in the document provided a real sense of hope for the people. It lifted spirits and painted a vibrant picture for the future of the nation.
Students in primary school, still too young to understand the relevancy and magnitude, remember being excited at seeing and memorising the sentences that described a promised nation.
Malaysia’s “pledge of allegiance” is once again featured in national conversation with the argument that many Malaysians through their actions via SMS and Internet have blatantly disregarded the meaning of the Rukunegara. So the natural question is, what does the Rukunegara mean to the post-1969 generation, which incidentally forms the majority of Malaysians today.
A vision is meaningless without the buy-in from the stakeholders.
I broached the subject with a fresh graduate student activist who said there was no proximity between the spirit and intent of the statement to his everyday life. It was nothing more than just words that furnished the back of his exercise books in school.
But can we fault his generation? Their eyes did not see the smoke-filled skies of Kuala Lumpur, their ears did not hear the screams that haunted so many of those affected. It is like being given a manual on how to use a vinyl record in this iPod era. The Rukunegara is not explained in detail in our classrooms. Memorising the words is not the same as understanding the significant meaning behind it. Like the fresh graduate, I too find it difficult to relate to the Rukunegara to my everyday life.
However, via my conversations, it remains in high regard. It represents the guiding principle of our nation, the essence of our constitution simplified to provide easy reference for the rakyat. It is a positive value statement that leads you to a way of life that is required for living in a multiracial society like ours. It is a statement that guarantees that every Malaysian has equal opportunities to succeed.
I see this through the success of my friend Shane, a 31-year-old Sabahan, who came to Kuala Lumpur to further his studies with nothing other than the prayers and aspirations of his family for a better future. I saw him graduate, secure his first job at a multinational company and commence his own business with limited capital and no experience.
Armed only with the belief that there are equal opportunities for all Malaysians, he is now well on his way to becoming a successful entrepreneur. It is unfortunate that we live in a time where negative and dangerous politics seem to gain supremacy, while we struggle to find a vision we can relate to. A vision borne of hope and not of fear.
A friend of mine said we must learn from history. But, we shouldn’t live in it. We have the benefit of the spirit, strength and wide framework of the Rukunegara as the starting point for our own new vision while honouring the legacy of our forefathers.
3.7.08
In The Ring > The Beautiful Game
UNTIL last weekend, many must have asked what drives a grown man with a job that starts at 8.30am and kids that need to be sent to school by 7.30am to stay glued to the television until 4.30am, watching 22 European men kick a ball.
And why, even after all this, they still spend their lunch arguing and exchanging notes about the same game? The answer can be epitomised in three words, The Beautiful Game. Or, if you want to add Latin flavour to the description, Joga Bonito. Unless you eat, drink and sleep football, the mystery surrounding the passion for the game may never be unravelled.
Football is not so much a sport as it is a way of life.
As an illustration of the reach and magnitude of the sport, the 2006 FIFA World Cup had a total cumulative television audience of 26.29 billion. The final match between Italy and France alone drew 715.1 million viewers!
Football is big business and does not recognise sovereign borders. Manchester United, the richest club in the world, was valued at approximately £786 million (more than RM5 billion) by Forbes in 2007.
The club has approximately 75 million fans worldwide, more than half from the Asian continent.
Former powerhouses like Liverpool and Everton also command strong support from loyal nostalgic fans.
Football is also personal.
It has the ability to empower and involve. In the space of 90 minutes, everyone is a pundit and everyone is a brilliant football technician.
We see ourselves in football in many different lights, sometimes as coach, other times as the owner and many times as the player.
I doubt if any one fan can paint all the attributes football possesses. The subjective allure of football is never exhaustive. To me, it is meritocracy in its purest form. It does not recognise creed or race, it only recognises ability.
This was best illustrated by the multi-racial French national team of 1998 that overcame the trials and tribulations to succeed in winning the World Cup when every other French team had failed.
The racial barriers that have long been the black hole of the sport are also slowly being taken apart.
For example, the “Football Unites, Racism Divides'project which was started more than a decade ago by a group of Sheffield United fans who were concerned about a number of incidents of racist abuse both in and around the stadium, is gaining momentum.
More than any other political ideology, football unites countrymen.
Can anyone forget the Korean chant “Dae Han Min Guk'(loosely translated to mean 'great republic of Korea ') now immortalised as the theme for World Cup 2002? Brazil might have taken the trophy to Rio, but we know the real winners of that competition were the Korean fans.
In the context of Malaysian football, we are consistently reminded that we hit our peak in qualifying for the 1972 Munich Olympics.
We qualified again in 1980, but due to politics, Malaysia did not participate.
For this generation, the legend that represented the golden era, Mokhtar Dahari, exists only in stories.
But a few months back, my brother-in-law alerted me to a Youtube video that showed a wonder goal that Mokhtar Dahari scored.
That the goal was stupendous is a given, but what converted me to a diehard fan was the look on his face as he celebrated his goal.
The sheer joy etched on his face showed what the goal for his country meant to the legend.
Our prayers are that the transformed FAM administration will bring us back to such lofty heights, to give this generation its own Malaysian chant.
Yes, Malaysian football has its fair share of hurt.
Many still remember the bribery, the bookies, the indiscipline that have eclipsed the success stories and plagued the local game. Thus, the natural question is what hope is there for Malaysian football? Ultimately, football is a universal language about shared ideals, values, hope and passion. More than this, it is about believing in dreams.
I am going to continue dreaming because at the end of the day, dreaming is easy when it's a beautiful game.
And why, even after all this, they still spend their lunch arguing and exchanging notes about the same game? The answer can be epitomised in three words, The Beautiful Game. Or, if you want to add Latin flavour to the description, Joga Bonito. Unless you eat, drink and sleep football, the mystery surrounding the passion for the game may never be unravelled.
Football is not so much a sport as it is a way of life.
As an illustration of the reach and magnitude of the sport, the 2006 FIFA World Cup had a total cumulative television audience of 26.29 billion. The final match between Italy and France alone drew 715.1 million viewers!
Football is big business and does not recognise sovereign borders. Manchester United, the richest club in the world, was valued at approximately £786 million (more than RM5 billion) by Forbes in 2007.
The club has approximately 75 million fans worldwide, more than half from the Asian continent.
Former powerhouses like Liverpool and Everton also command strong support from loyal nostalgic fans.
Football is also personal.
It has the ability to empower and involve. In the space of 90 minutes, everyone is a pundit and everyone is a brilliant football technician.
We see ourselves in football in many different lights, sometimes as coach, other times as the owner and many times as the player.
I doubt if any one fan can paint all the attributes football possesses. The subjective allure of football is never exhaustive. To me, it is meritocracy in its purest form. It does not recognise creed or race, it only recognises ability.
This was best illustrated by the multi-racial French national team of 1998 that overcame the trials and tribulations to succeed in winning the World Cup when every other French team had failed.
The racial barriers that have long been the black hole of the sport are also slowly being taken apart.
For example, the “Football Unites, Racism Divides'project which was started more than a decade ago by a group of Sheffield United fans who were concerned about a number of incidents of racist abuse both in and around the stadium, is gaining momentum.
More than any other political ideology, football unites countrymen.
Can anyone forget the Korean chant “Dae Han Min Guk'(loosely translated to mean 'great republic of Korea ') now immortalised as the theme for World Cup 2002? Brazil might have taken the trophy to Rio, but we know the real winners of that competition were the Korean fans.
In the context of Malaysian football, we are consistently reminded that we hit our peak in qualifying for the 1972 Munich Olympics.
We qualified again in 1980, but due to politics, Malaysia did not participate.
For this generation, the legend that represented the golden era, Mokhtar Dahari, exists only in stories.
But a few months back, my brother-in-law alerted me to a Youtube video that showed a wonder goal that Mokhtar Dahari scored.
That the goal was stupendous is a given, but what converted me to a diehard fan was the look on his face as he celebrated his goal.
The sheer joy etched on his face showed what the goal for his country meant to the legend.
Our prayers are that the transformed FAM administration will bring us back to such lofty heights, to give this generation its own Malaysian chant.
Yes, Malaysian football has its fair share of hurt.
Many still remember the bribery, the bookies, the indiscipline that have eclipsed the success stories and plagued the local game. Thus, the natural question is what hope is there for Malaysian football? Ultimately, football is a universal language about shared ideals, values, hope and passion. More than this, it is about believing in dreams.
I am going to continue dreaming because at the end of the day, dreaming is easy when it's a beautiful game.
27.6.08
In The Ring > The siege on democracy
MARCH 8, 2008 will be etched in the pages of Malaysian political annals as the date democracy bared its vigour.
The voices of ‘the right to choose’ were heard from the southern tip of Johor to the remote islands off Kedah, and from the furthest village to the most urbanised city. Almost eight million Malaysians exercised their right to vote.
Yes, the outcome will eternally be etched in Malaysian political folklore.
Or will it? In Malaysia, what has transpired is unique but is it a bona fide phenomenon or early signs of maturing constituents? From the global perspective, are the results an anomaly? Truth be told, a result like this wouldn’t even have warranted a raise of an eyelid in some countries.
But then again, granted, we are not ‘some countries’.
Barisan Nasional obtained 140 seats compared with 82 for the Opposition coalition. Only a year ago, the State of Kelantan was governed with a majority of one seat. Monday’s motion on the restructuring of the subsidy system is a testament that you can govern effectively with a “simple” majority.
But let us not lull ourselves into thinking that we don’t live in exciting times. The Malaysian political scene is gathering pace at such an unprecedented momentum that anyone with even the vaguest of interest in politics is faced with encyclopedic reporting of each day’s action and counteraction. If you are an active observer of or participant in the Malaysian political scene, it is an endurance race without rest.
The spirit of democracy is truly alive. Currently in Parliament, all questions are scrutinised; every Minister’s answers are debated and then, debated again by all the stakeholders in the mass media and the cyberspace platform.
In an ideal world, the natural reaction of competitiveness is an improvement in quality. But the realities of today tell a different story.
Granted, there are some footnotes of positive change, but the Malaysian Parliament is slowly becoming a centre for political showboating – what with hard boiled eggs, bicycles and many more circus-like attractions.
In its defence, although embarrassing, it does not have substantive implications.
However, democracy is facing a far bigger ‘maturing’ challenge – one with substantive implications in the form of party hopping.
The attractiveness of the innuendos, guessing the characters involved, the stakes on the bargaining table… it all makes great kedai kopi or Starbucks material, depending on what’s your cuppa.
Perhaps, the collective function of this blinds us from the evil of this political play. Professor of Law at UiTM Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi has written that, in some countries, anyone who defects loses his seat but is allowed to return to the electorate at a by-election to regain his mandate. In other countries, a defector is barred from holding any remunerative political post for the remaining tenure of the legislature unless he is re-elected.
There have been innumerous views on the legality of party hopping from both sides of the divide.
However, my opinion is that even in the unfortunate and unthinkable event that legal authority allows it, our moral conscience should not.
More than this, it is a form of leadership contract between the candidate and the voters. Voters choose a candidate based on the candidate’s platform, his party’s manifesto. How many of us remember the name of the State assemblyman we voted for? My main grouse is that it is disheartening to see politicians who stand to benefit from the shift champion the cause; it is beyond belief to see people dressed under the veil of representatives of civil society defend the merits of this evil.
Given the current circumstances, how can civil society win? Call a spade, a spade. Don’t paint it as the voice of democracy in Malaysia.
Political strategies to destablise the government, such as party hopping, can serve no other purpose but personal agenda. The rakyat already lost precious amount of time with MPs showboating in Parliament and now we have to endure this unwarranted instability.
The only way I can describe the current situation is a siege on the sanctity and spirit of democracy. New York Times quoted a senior opposition leader as saying the results of the election is a result of an outcry for democratic reform. Let’s hope this is not the reform he means.
The voices of ‘the right to choose’ were heard from the southern tip of Johor to the remote islands off Kedah, and from the furthest village to the most urbanised city. Almost eight million Malaysians exercised their right to vote.
Yes, the outcome will eternally be etched in Malaysian political folklore.
Or will it? In Malaysia, what has transpired is unique but is it a bona fide phenomenon or early signs of maturing constituents? From the global perspective, are the results an anomaly? Truth be told, a result like this wouldn’t even have warranted a raise of an eyelid in some countries.
But then again, granted, we are not ‘some countries’.
Barisan Nasional obtained 140 seats compared with 82 for the Opposition coalition. Only a year ago, the State of Kelantan was governed with a majority of one seat. Monday’s motion on the restructuring of the subsidy system is a testament that you can govern effectively with a “simple” majority.
But let us not lull ourselves into thinking that we don’t live in exciting times. The Malaysian political scene is gathering pace at such an unprecedented momentum that anyone with even the vaguest of interest in politics is faced with encyclopedic reporting of each day’s action and counteraction. If you are an active observer of or participant in the Malaysian political scene, it is an endurance race without rest.
The spirit of democracy is truly alive. Currently in Parliament, all questions are scrutinised; every Minister’s answers are debated and then, debated again by all the stakeholders in the mass media and the cyberspace platform.
In an ideal world, the natural reaction of competitiveness is an improvement in quality. But the realities of today tell a different story.
Granted, there are some footnotes of positive change, but the Malaysian Parliament is slowly becoming a centre for political showboating – what with hard boiled eggs, bicycles and many more circus-like attractions.
In its defence, although embarrassing, it does not have substantive implications.
However, democracy is facing a far bigger ‘maturing’ challenge – one with substantive implications in the form of party hopping.
The attractiveness of the innuendos, guessing the characters involved, the stakes on the bargaining table… it all makes great kedai kopi or Starbucks material, depending on what’s your cuppa.
Perhaps, the collective function of this blinds us from the evil of this political play. Professor of Law at UiTM Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi has written that, in some countries, anyone who defects loses his seat but is allowed to return to the electorate at a by-election to regain his mandate. In other countries, a defector is barred from holding any remunerative political post for the remaining tenure of the legislature unless he is re-elected.
There have been innumerous views on the legality of party hopping from both sides of the divide.
However, my opinion is that even in the unfortunate and unthinkable event that legal authority allows it, our moral conscience should not.
More than this, it is a form of leadership contract between the candidate and the voters. Voters choose a candidate based on the candidate’s platform, his party’s manifesto. How many of us remember the name of the State assemblyman we voted for? My main grouse is that it is disheartening to see politicians who stand to benefit from the shift champion the cause; it is beyond belief to see people dressed under the veil of representatives of civil society defend the merits of this evil.
Given the current circumstances, how can civil society win? Call a spade, a spade. Don’t paint it as the voice of democracy in Malaysia.
Political strategies to destablise the government, such as party hopping, can serve no other purpose but personal agenda. The rakyat already lost precious amount of time with MPs showboating in Parliament and now we have to endure this unwarranted instability.
The only way I can describe the current situation is a siege on the sanctity and spirit of democracy. New York Times quoted a senior opposition leader as saying the results of the election is a result of an outcry for democratic reform. Let’s hope this is not the reform he means.
22.6.08
Perhimpunan "Raksasa"di Selangor?
Walaupun laman-laman web pro - Pakatan menggariskan kejayaan Sambutan 100 hari Pakatan Rakyat di negeri Selangor, namun laman agenda daily melaporkan perkara yang berbeza.
Beberapa persoalan yang perlu diberi jawapan:
1. Kenapa terdapat hanya 10,000 hadirin (mengikut data Malaysiakini) sedangkan sudah digembar gemburkan 100,000 orang akan membanjiri Staidum Shah Alam?
2. Dimanakah Menteri-Menteri Besar dan Ketua Menteri yang lain sedangkan sudah digembar-gemburkan kesemua pimpinan negeri akan turut hadir dalam sambutan ini?
Jika menurut kata Anwar, Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat merupakan pilihan rakyat, kenapa tidak ada sambutan sedangkan Anwar Ibrahim, "Perdana Menteri Pilihan Rakyat" sendiri hadir pada malam itu?.
Rakyat perlu tahu perkara sebenar.
Beberapa persoalan yang perlu diberi jawapan:
1. Kenapa terdapat hanya 10,000 hadirin (mengikut data Malaysiakini) sedangkan sudah digembar gemburkan 100,000 orang akan membanjiri Staidum Shah Alam?
2. Dimanakah Menteri-Menteri Besar dan Ketua Menteri yang lain sedangkan sudah digembar-gemburkan kesemua pimpinan negeri akan turut hadir dalam sambutan ini?
Jika menurut kata Anwar, Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat merupakan pilihan rakyat, kenapa tidak ada sambutan sedangkan Anwar Ibrahim, "Perdana Menteri Pilihan Rakyat" sendiri hadir pada malam itu?.
Rakyat perlu tahu perkara sebenar.
21.6.08
Really, How Strong is Keadilan Youth?
Malaysiakini carried the report of the planned protest organised by Keadilan Youth yesterday.
Well, the question is = 100 people?. To protest an issue that is entrenched in all Malaysians, especially the youth?.
Can this be a reflection of the popular support of youth claimed by Keadlian leaders?. The first thing that comes to mind, how would Keadilan fare if it loses the support of DAP and PAS?. Keadilan, appearing more and more like the junior-est partner of Pakatan Rakyat.
Well, the question is = 100 people?. To protest an issue that is entrenched in all Malaysians, especially the youth?.
Can this be a reflection of the popular support of youth claimed by Keadlian leaders?. The first thing that comes to mind, how would Keadilan fare if it loses the support of DAP and PAS?. Keadilan, appearing more and more like the junior-est partner of Pakatan Rakyat.
Pakatan Sementara?
Baru sahaja melepasi garisan 100 hari mentadbir, gabungan Pakatan Rakyat kelihatan semakin rapuh. Pada awal minggu ini, pucuk pimpinan DAP telah membidas cadangan Pemuda PAS untuk melaksanakan pentadbiran Negara Islam ("Islamic State") di negeri negeri dibawah tampuk pemerintahan Pakatan Rakyat.
Terkini, Pemuda PAS Selangor telah "ditinggalkan" oleh Menteri Besar Selangor dari Parti Keadilan dan akhirnya terpaksa menarik balik bantahan mereka.. untuk menghalang persembahan dua artis terkemuka.
Sementara itu, pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri Pakatan Rakyat yang ramai terdiri dari parti PAS telah ditegur oleh Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, Lim Guang Eng.
Strategi Anwar Ibrahim di dalam menggabus kerapuhan ini? - mengalihkan pandangan rakyat melalui percaturan politik yang bakal mengancam sistem demokrasi di Malaysia. Baca pandangan bekas orang yang paling kanan beliau disini. Malaysiakini membuat laporan perjumpaan Pakatan Rakyat di Selangor dimana Anwar Ibrahim terus menggegarkan istitusi demokrasi dengan panggilan lompat parti.
Pakatan Rakyat yang menjanjikan pelbagai perubahan kepada Rakyat masih belum mengotakan janji Pilihanraya yang ditabur kepada pengundi-pengundi. Soalannya ialah samaada Pakatan Rakyat akan terus wujud sebagai satu entiti dalam jangkamasa panjang untuk memenuhi janji-janji ini?.
19.6.08
In The Ring - Changing a life (that has no) style
My thoughts in Malay Mail this week -
AND so with a stroke of a pen the headlines were cast. A 41 per cent increase in fuel price.
The torrential rain that accompanied the queues at petrol stations across the country on the night of the announcement reflected the sombre mood collectively felt as a nation.
Contemplating how to cope with the petrol hike shocker and its after effects remains entrenched in the hearts – and befuddles the minds of many Malaysians across all segments. Rational Malaysians understand very well that this is a global phenomenon. Vivid pictures of demonstrations in Indonesia and even in Britain; the toppling of the government in Haiti … all illustrate the global impact of the issue. We are not alone in facing this difficulty.
Malaysians have been asked to ubah gaya hidup (make lifestyle changes).
I decided to probe the impact of the message on the urban youth (as I am a member of this segment, thus making the task easier).
The almost unanimous feedback on this message astounds me.
Over nasi kandar, a friend related his concerns.
When his father started working at a salary of RM1,800 in a government linked company (GLC) about 30 years ago, the money was enough for his mother to be a fulltime homemaker and the family had some room for ‘luxury’ spending. From his observations, the current crop of fresh graduates commence working life at approximately the same salary, but the cost of living has risen sharply since dad’s days.
It is now uncommon to see urban working couples enjoying the same kind of ‘luxurious’ lifestyle of yesteryear.
With two young kids of his own, my friend’s biggest fear is that in future his children would have to work two shifts or jobs just to make ends meet.
Herein is the theme of the feedback I received. “What else can we change?” Last night, I met a friend from my secondary school days. He had just returned from studying medicine in Britain. Surprisingly, his concerns mirror that of the urban youth.
He confides that every waking moment, he feels the money fl ow from his pockets. As a surgeon, I had assumed that, at the very least, he was comfortable.
I am sure he is among the 3.8 per cent of Malaysian taxpayers categorised under the highest paying 28 per cent taxable income bracket. But if he has concerns, what more the rest of us? Perhaps the conversation that had the greatest impact on me is of the banker whose hometown is in Paroi Jaya, Seremban.
A father of one, he is truly feeling the heat. His wife works to help pay the mortgage on their house and car.
As both of them work at unconventional hours, their son is sent to a nursery for most part of the day.
Dinner usually depends on what the coffee shops or stalls down the street or near the office offer.
Surely they have ‘items of luxury spending’ that can be sacrifi ced? The answer was a fl at ‘No’.
A signifi cant percentage of their savings are obligatory allowances to their families in Seremban. Their biggest concern? That the monthly money given to mak and ayah back home is no longer suffi cient. What else can he change? Curiosity drove me to push further. What is the single main grouse common amongst the urban youth that I met? Stagnant wages. Camoufl aged by the unrealistic Consumer Price Index, the barometer employed by the private sector for wages increase, many argue at 2.7 per cent, is not refl ective of the current situation.
What’s worse is that we have not even begun our battle against knock-on infl ation because of the hike.
Pictures of school canteen operators increasing their price adorn the covers of newspapers. This is something that must be changed.
Post June 4, the government had laid out ways and means to alleviate the burden of the rakyat. Numerous ideas were bandied, including some tangible suggestions such as removing the toll roads within the Klang Valley, improvement of public transport and usage of hybrid technology to reduce dependency on fossil fuel. These might ease the burden and hopefully create some space to accommodate changes in our lifestyles.
But for many, lifestyle changes have never been an option in the first place.
AND so with a stroke of a pen the headlines were cast. A 41 per cent increase in fuel price.
The torrential rain that accompanied the queues at petrol stations across the country on the night of the announcement reflected the sombre mood collectively felt as a nation.
Contemplating how to cope with the petrol hike shocker and its after effects remains entrenched in the hearts – and befuddles the minds of many Malaysians across all segments. Rational Malaysians understand very well that this is a global phenomenon. Vivid pictures of demonstrations in Indonesia and even in Britain; the toppling of the government in Haiti … all illustrate the global impact of the issue. We are not alone in facing this difficulty.
Malaysians have been asked to ubah gaya hidup (make lifestyle changes).
I decided to probe the impact of the message on the urban youth (as I am a member of this segment, thus making the task easier).
The almost unanimous feedback on this message astounds me.
Over nasi kandar, a friend related his concerns.
When his father started working at a salary of RM1,800 in a government linked company (GLC) about 30 years ago, the money was enough for his mother to be a fulltime homemaker and the family had some room for ‘luxury’ spending. From his observations, the current crop of fresh graduates commence working life at approximately the same salary, but the cost of living has risen sharply since dad’s days.
It is now uncommon to see urban working couples enjoying the same kind of ‘luxurious’ lifestyle of yesteryear.
With two young kids of his own, my friend’s biggest fear is that in future his children would have to work two shifts or jobs just to make ends meet.
Herein is the theme of the feedback I received. “What else can we change?” Last night, I met a friend from my secondary school days. He had just returned from studying medicine in Britain. Surprisingly, his concerns mirror that of the urban youth.
He confides that every waking moment, he feels the money fl ow from his pockets. As a surgeon, I had assumed that, at the very least, he was comfortable.
I am sure he is among the 3.8 per cent of Malaysian taxpayers categorised under the highest paying 28 per cent taxable income bracket. But if he has concerns, what more the rest of us? Perhaps the conversation that had the greatest impact on me is of the banker whose hometown is in Paroi Jaya, Seremban.
A father of one, he is truly feeling the heat. His wife works to help pay the mortgage on their house and car.
As both of them work at unconventional hours, their son is sent to a nursery for most part of the day.
Dinner usually depends on what the coffee shops or stalls down the street or near the office offer.
Surely they have ‘items of luxury spending’ that can be sacrifi ced? The answer was a fl at ‘No’.
A signifi cant percentage of their savings are obligatory allowances to their families in Seremban. Their biggest concern? That the monthly money given to mak and ayah back home is no longer suffi cient. What else can he change? Curiosity drove me to push further. What is the single main grouse common amongst the urban youth that I met? Stagnant wages. Camoufl aged by the unrealistic Consumer Price Index, the barometer employed by the private sector for wages increase, many argue at 2.7 per cent, is not refl ective of the current situation.
What’s worse is that we have not even begun our battle against knock-on infl ation because of the hike.
Pictures of school canteen operators increasing their price adorn the covers of newspapers. This is something that must be changed.
Post June 4, the government had laid out ways and means to alleviate the burden of the rakyat. Numerous ideas were bandied, including some tangible suggestions such as removing the toll roads within the Klang Valley, improvement of public transport and usage of hybrid technology to reduce dependency on fossil fuel. These might ease the burden and hopefully create some space to accommodate changes in our lifestyles.
But for many, lifestyle changes have never been an option in the first place.
12.6.08
In The Ring > You have been poked!
HAVE you seen that latest TV advertisement of a local mobile operator which shouts: Subscribe to our service and you will able to use a killer application to connect with your family, friends and new acquaintances with just a push of a button! Wow.
Well, for once, I feel – despite my Blackberry – that technology hasn’t beaten me to the tape. I have all the connectivity I presently need with my Facebook.
Dax, a self-confessed Facebook activist, had egged me to join the cult earlier this year. Naturally, I was apprehensive – not because I didn’t believe in its mythical powers of connectivity but because I feared its addictive qualities.
What is the alluring factor of Facebook as an Internet social networking website? What has prompted more than 80 million people to register since it was launched in February 2004? How on Earth did it get to be the fifth most trafficked site in the US and achieve an indicative valuation of US$2 billion (RM6.4 billion)? (According to Alexa traffic rankings on Malaysia, Facebook is currently rated 11 after Friendster in the third spot and Myspace on the ninth).
My money is on the fact that most of us have voyeuristic tendencies and the application appeals to a kind of vanity. Facebook provides the opportunity to reveal to friends who you really are and what you are currently up to. In an instant.
But over and above this New-Age voyeurism as it’s dubbed – I personally like the Facebook facilities that transcend into the realm of convenient and tangible networking (I can’t possibly spread myself too thin but I’m sure the other social networking sites have similar facilities too).
Take for example, the Young Corporate Malaysians, a group that organises successful CEO talks for the benefit of young graduates. Its founder and former UKEC (United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students) chairman Wan Firdaus Fuaad relies significantly on the Facebook ‘events’ feature to communicate with potential participants.
They are on to their 10th CEO now.
But the Facebook theme that strikes me the most where Malaysians are concerned is the dynamic role it is taking on vis-àvis the political scenario.
Malaysian politicians, old and mostly young such as MPs Khairy Jamaluddin, Nurul Izzah and Mukhriz Mahathir, are increasingly using Facebook for disseminating their agenda – uploading videos of their latest speeches or programmes, newspaper interviews – and even seemingly answering the ‘hard questions’ and sharing their many experiences.
Facebook is basically an automatic and interactive one stop site. Chances are, Facebook-ers log on to their sites before doing any other surfing, so any updates on, say for example, a politician’s profile will also be added on to the users’ own personal ‘book’. It also allows any Facebook-er to contribute comments and materials so content is not dependent on the politician alone.
Last month alone, I witnessed three major arguments between close friends because of political affiliations derived from Facebook.
Then, there are groups with specific messages accompanied with sometime very wordy topic heading like “Against Pakatan Rakyat – or anybody forming government through crossover MPs?” or “One Million Malaysians Against Petrol & Electricity Hike” which have members from across the political divide.
For the next General Election, almost 56 per cent of the voters will be under the age of 40. Essentially, the Friendster, Myspace and Facebook generation. One can only imagine how dependant these voters will be on communication via their personal networking sites – and its popular partner in crime, Youtube (that’s another story).
But surely Facebook is a social network meant for the youth segment? After all, it was created by Mark Zuckerberg for the tertiary and high school student market. But, try telling that to my uncles and aunties.
They will probably reply, how else can they see albums of grandchildren and grandnephews thousands of miles away at a click of a button? There is no question in my mind that such interface technological communication are a boon to political communication, organisation and fundraising.
Now, who needs a superpoke?
11.6.08
Malaysiakini - UMNO Youth's Political Survival
Read the report on Malaysiakini. It is also available on Pemuda UMNO website. A PC and a launching ceremony of Pemuda UMNO's official blog - Saka Bangsa was held on Monday by the EXCO in charge of the newly formed Pemuda UMNO media relations secretariat, Datuk Sazmi Miah.
The blog falls short of reasonable expectation. By a far mile. A blog needs to be driven by content, utilisation of multimedia applications and at least, looks good. It is a highly competitive market out there. Worse, the links on the website implies internal political agenda. Where are the strong UMNO Youth leaders?. Do you see Rahman Dahlan's link?. Pemuda UMNO official website link?. Why is Kadir Jasin there? Who is Akramsyah Sanusi within the context of Pemuda UMNO?.
Our focus shouldn't be December 2008 but the 5 years horizon. By PRU 13, 56% of registered votes will be under the age of 40. This is UMNO Youth's market. If we are fighting for political survival, I am not going to sit around and count on Sang Saka blog to deliver the goods.
The blog falls short of reasonable expectation. By a far mile. A blog needs to be driven by content, utilisation of multimedia applications and at least, looks good. It is a highly competitive market out there. Worse, the links on the website implies internal political agenda. Where are the strong UMNO Youth leaders?. Do you see Rahman Dahlan's link?. Pemuda UMNO official website link?. Why is Kadir Jasin there? Who is Akramsyah Sanusi within the context of Pemuda UMNO?.
Our focus shouldn't be December 2008 but the 5 years horizon. By PRU 13, 56% of registered votes will be under the age of 40. This is UMNO Youth's market. If we are fighting for political survival, I am not going to sit around and count on Sang Saka blog to deliver the goods.
5.6.08
In The Ring > Fuel prices – Dad, what would you do?
THE petrol subsidy has long been taboo for people in public office.
But in view of the escalating prices of the world oil, Malaysia has reached a juncture where it can no longer afford to be the second cheapest pump price Asian country.
The situation is worsened by the fact that analysts believe that it may reach US$150 to US$200 per barrel any time in the duration between six months to two years.
Like most Malaysians coated under the veil of artifi cial pump prices, I don’t even know what the prevailing market price is, but I know RM1.92 per litre of petrol is already causing a dent in my thinning pockets.
I spoke to someone in the oil and gas industry, to allay my concerns and ask for an expert opinion on the issue of potential reduction of the petrol subsidy.
His answer caught me a little by surprise as he believes that instead of giving everyone the benefi t of the Automatic Pricing Mechanism, the subsidy should be targeted to families below a certain income threshold.
Over Starbucks, another friend opined that if we can’t invoke tax as a mechanism to reduce the burden of the deserving (because only a small percentage of Malaysians pay taxes), we should give direct cheques to people below a certain threshold or waive road tax for small cylinder cars.
But no matter how many people I speak to, how many analyses I read, on a personal level, the answer continues to evade me. I managed to do some soul searching whilst I was away in Singapore over the weekend.
It wasn’t difficult to keep it mind because the news of Malaysian subsidy made the front page on a major Singapore daily on Monday.
This is an issue of regional proportions.
At the Singapore Underwater World, my twoyear-old son and I went up to a tank to see up close one of his favourite Disney character, Nemo. Whilst his eyes were fi xed to the Nemo lookalike, another ‘uglier’ fi sh came up to him. He screamed in fear that the fi sh wanted to eat him. Of course, he didn’t understand he was separated by the glass, but as I consoled and explained the role of the glass, I began to fi nd the answer to my own burning question.
Every year, on the third week of June we celebrate Father’s Day. The main responsibility of a father is that of decision maker of the family. Like a Government to its people.
The subsidy question, if broken down is akin to being a responsible father.
Given the prospect of depleting oil reserves and the possibility of the entire Budget being used to pay for subsidies, would you agree with a policy that will adversely impact your current fi nances? Or would you fi ght tooth and nail for the subsidy to remain at current levels? The trade off for continuing the subsidy: leave the problem for the future generation to deal with? My father would not require a second to answer that question. It’s a trait of a responsible father.
However, in facing diffi cult decisions, I believe a responsible father needs to do everything within his reach to reduce the adverse impact on his family.
In the context of petrol subsidy, if we are left with no choice but to reduce the subsidy, the Government needs to increase education and awareness of the use of fossil fuels and the importance of its conservation for the sake of future generations.
In Singapore, the fl oating market price of a litre of petrol is approximately RM5.07. But the country also possesses an efficient public transport system that reduces the adverse impact on its people. We need to do more.
That is why on the balance of the arguments, my vote is for the Government that possesses the characteristics of my father. A responsible Government that makes hard choices while simultaneously reducing the burden on its people.
I bet if he could, my son would vote the same way too.
4.6.08
Small Steps, Big Impact
Found some good news regarding improvements in Internship programs in Bernama today. Let's hope for genuine private sector participation, not just on the surface. It is a requiem for this initiative to work.
The full text here:
Higher Education Ministry To Implement New Internship Programme
KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- The Higher Education Ministry will implement a more structured internship programme for university students beginning next month.
The programme aims to enhance the employability of graduates by equipping them with the skills and experience related to their field of study in view of concerns raised by employers with regards to the quality of graduates, such as lacking in soft skills.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the ministry was focusing on developing undergraduates into competent and innovative individuals with high moral values in order to meet national and international needs.
"This (the programme) will help provide more opportunities for students to gain early exposure to the workplace environment," he told reporters after presenting the Taylor's World Class Scholarship here Tuesday.
Asked whether the duration of the programme would be standardised throughout the country, Mohamed Khaled said it would depend on the agreement between the respective universities and the sponsoring companies, but it would normally be for a few months before graduation.
"It is hoped that more private companies and corporate organisations will participate in the programme as their cooperation is important to make it a success," he said.
On the Taylor's World Class Scholarship programme, he said it was in line with the government's aim of encouraging collaboration between industries and institutions of higher learning.
The 19 students who were awarded with RM2 million worth of scholarships at Tuesday's presentation will be assured of internship in world-class multinational organisations.
The full text here:
Higher Education Ministry To Implement New Internship Programme
KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- The Higher Education Ministry will implement a more structured internship programme for university students beginning next month.
The programme aims to enhance the employability of graduates by equipping them with the skills and experience related to their field of study in view of concerns raised by employers with regards to the quality of graduates, such as lacking in soft skills.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the ministry was focusing on developing undergraduates into competent and innovative individuals with high moral values in order to meet national and international needs.
"This (the programme) will help provide more opportunities for students to gain early exposure to the workplace environment," he told reporters after presenting the Taylor's World Class Scholarship here Tuesday.
Asked whether the duration of the programme would be standardised throughout the country, Mohamed Khaled said it would depend on the agreement between the respective universities and the sponsoring companies, but it would normally be for a few months before graduation.
"It is hoped that more private companies and corporate organisations will participate in the programme as their cooperation is important to make it a success," he said.
On the Taylor's World Class Scholarship programme, he said it was in line with the government's aim of encouraging collaboration between industries and institutions of higher learning.
The 19 students who were awarded with RM2 million worth of scholarships at Tuesday's presentation will be assured of internship in world-class multinational organisations.
29.5.08
In The Ring > A State of Mind for all
My entry on 29th May 2008
AMBIGUITY is a dangerous word.
When given a political face, ambiguity can be a tool of destruction.
A few weeks ago over dinner, as a conversation starter, someone posed the question: “Is Bangsa Malaysia by definition a Malaysian race or a Malaysian Nation?” He quoted the Malay translation for United Nations which is Pertubuhan Bangsa- Bangsa Bersatu as an example to highlight the obvious ambiguity.
The debate concerning Bangsa Malaysia gained prominence a few years back. The ambiguity of the term created a heated national debate with an array of conservative, traditionalist, liberal views that only enhanced the confusion.
Last Sunday, at the National Unity Day celebrations, the term was raised again in the public sphere.
In my opinion, as a concept, Bangsa Malaysia is a state of mind. It is a vision created to provide a clear direction of where we should be heading as a country.
It is a statement of hope, opportunity and, more importantly, a means to achieve unity.
A state of mind which, when obtained, would complete the dreams and aspirations of our forefathers.
In that spirit, I cannot comprehend a unified Malaysia if its stakeholders feel threatened with the definition.
The quest to assign meaning to the term should never be laced with an agenda to question rights and privileges that are enshrined in the Federal Constitution and as espoused in the Rukun Negara.
In essence, I believe Bangsa Malaysia is the collective spirit and desire to exist as Malaysians and, at the same time, preserve our original identity, culture, religion, language and traditional practices.
I won’t attempt to use the confines of this column to provide a comprehensive definition. It requires dialogues and buy-ins from all the relevant stakeholders. By this, I mean Malaysians of all walks of life.
Debating the meaning of Bangsa Malaysia is not going to bring us closer together.
However obscure the term, the desired effect is tangible. Unity, to a certain extent, is measurable.
Therefore, based on the premise that Bangsa Malaysia is a state of mind all Malaysians should strive for, achieving the desired tangible result is an enormous responsibility thrust on Malaysian youth.
How close are we to eliminating the identification of race with economic function? How close are we to having national schools? The difficulty in finding the answers to these pertinent questions is a reflection of the magnitude of the task ahead.
How do we begin to find the answers? Who is going to point us in the right direction? We can be comforted by the fact that an issue is interpreted by the realities of the day. It is reflective of prevailing sentiments.
How else would you explain the ushering of 2009 by witnessing a State of the Union address from a first ‘non-white’ or woman President? It is a difficult task, but not an impossible one.
The hope can be seen, especially outside of the country, where it is the norm to see Malaysians relate to each other on the basis of nationality rather than race or religion.
I lived in a house that comprised Malays, Indians, Chinese, Sabahan and Sarawakian (we rented a sizeable house). We respected each other’s customs and participated in each other’s festivities.
When asked who I lived with, I can’t remember giving any other answer than “a bunch of crazy Malaysians”.
Beyond these shores, I have never heard anyone introduce themselves as “Hi, my name is so and so, I am a Malay from Malaysia”. Have you? When I posed a question on the concept of Bangsa Malaysia, a learned man posed a question back at me: “A Malaysian Chinese emigrated to Australia.
When asked where his homeland is, what do you think his answer would be?” Voices that use the Bangsa Malaysia concept as a force to promote unity via endless debate, could end up politicising the issue even further.
As 21st century Malaysians, we must do better; we have no other choice.
First things first – let’s not allow polemics to distort our collective quest for a better Malaysia.
They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
23.5.08
Investment in Human Capital
Column on 22nd May 2008
I WAS treated to a rare telephone conversation with my brother over the Wesak weekend.
He had just finished his final exams and must have been quite bored.
During the conversation, my mind raced to a time when I was in the same position – it was the best and the worst of times.
The best because it dawned upon me that I didn’t have to study any more if I didn’t want to.
The worst because it signified the impending entrance into the realm of being a ‘useful’ member of society; the obligation to put food on the table.
In a few months, many final year students will join the rat race, competing for the best positions in the employment market.
With supply greater than demand, competition for places is expected to intensify further.
Herein lies my first grouse.
When potential employers vet a first time candidate’s résumé, inadvertently they look out for any previous employment information.
Although the weightage given is subjective, it still contributes to a candidate’s chances of securing employment.
This is unfortunate given that internship spaces in the best companies are very limited.
A few years ago, Akademi Pemuda designed the Pemuda Internship programme (PINTAR) to provide our future graduates with trainee-work opportunities that could strengthen their résumé.
The debut programme saw 100 penultimate year students working in the best of breed companies in Malaysia.
With high retention rates and good feedback from both participating companies and students, the programme was dubbed a success.
But it was difficult to ignore the elephant in the room – what about the thousands of other potential graduates? Obviously, there was a need to intensify such programmes to ensure the majority, if not more, are given equal opportunities.
My second grouse is that during the course of the programme, several structural problems in the employment market were brought to the fore.
While academic achievement is a criterion, there were others just as important.
Good grades may indicate that theoretically, one possesses the discipline to understand what and how to do certain things.
However, according to some human resource managers we spoke with, the majority of graduates entering the job market lack confidence, proficiency in English and communication skills – in essence, the soft skills.
Recent survey data confirms that the difficulty facing 90,000 of our fresh graduates is their lack of soft skills.
The Ministry of Higher Education, realising that this is a problem, has made soft skills as well as entrepreneurship module, compulsory subjects in public universities.
These are worth two credit hours each.
But what about the private universities – and there are many.
Shouldn’t the subjects be compulsory requirement too? I personally believe the structural transformation of Malaysia’s economy over the last 50 years has been spectacular.
Malaysia had capitalised on its abundance of mineral resources and fertile lands to launch an economy based on agriculture and primary commodities.
It further moved on to a manufacturing-based, export-driven economy spurred on by high technology, knowledge-based and capital-intensive industries.
The reality is globalisation.
There are new rules to attract the world’s most highly skilled workers.
Take for example, the sovereign gates of the European Union which are opening wider.
If jobseekers can show that they’re well educated and have secured an offer of a lucrative job in Europe, they can get a twoyear renewable permit to live there.
Although this provides an opportunity for our brightest to gain experience, globalisation dictates that we have to face the same challenges for the best jobs in Malaysia.
We don’t know what the future holds, but one thing is for sure: the rules of the game are changing.
We must address the issues that are facing our graduates as a matter of priority.
We must mobilise significant resources to ensure that our students are given a playing field that is level in every sense of the word.
In the innovation economy we are living in, the differentiating factor is neither natural resources nor financial capital.
The necessary advantage is human capital.
Let’s give it the attention it deserves.
17.5.08
The Parliament Lobby Week 12th to 15th May
Our MPs earned their money last week as the sessions went into overtime, finishing at 12am on Tuesday and 9.30 pm on Wednesday. The intention is to give all MPs a chance to give a motion of thanks to the King’s Speech.
Notable speeches included YB Rembau’s 30 minutes, "no intervention allowed" speech which made headlines in all printed and printable news reports. Although the substantive section which included suggestions to reduce corruption by employing cutting edge technology, press freedom, revitalizing the agriculture sector, the newsmakers and opinion makers narrowed down on the “Projek Khinzir Rakyat” branding that riled the opposition to no end. He has included the full speech in his website.
The students (quite a number of them) watched in amazement as the Opposition members went into a frenzy, raising at least 10 point of orders in their bid to stop the Deputy Youth Head from finishing his speech.
Another Pemuda UMNO stalwart, Dato Abdul Rahman Dahlan also made the headline for his elaboration on the “encouragement” given by certain parties for him to switch party. See his speech here.
On the other hand, Jelutong MP, Jeff Ooi decided not to speak because of the constraint of time given.
I was in the public gallery watching the proceedings on Monday when me and another friend were asked to leave as a Perak contingent that had requested for a place in the gallery in writing came to Parliament. As I walked out of the gallery I passed some DAP heavyweights including Lim Guan Eng (he is there almost everyday, with his chief of staff the MP for Jelutong)
Later in the lobby, I found out that the contingent were non other than the Perak assemblymen headed by the Menteri Besar. Reporters surrounded them at their press conference anticipating a comment given to the Karpal – Sultan Perak incident but the MB spoke on the purpose of the visit. (He mentioned they rode the bus in at least 5 different occasions, must have been rehearsed that in the 2 hour bus journey). Good to see them enjoying the lawatan sambil belajar trip to KL.
Overall, the buzz in the Parliament has not yet subsided with cameramen greeting you at the main lobby staircase. It will probably be less exciting come Tuesday with Minsiter’s answers, but I expect parking to remain next to impossible and the canteen breakfast consisting of crumbs by 10.45 am due to high demand. Not surprising with all the head of states out in full force.
Notable speeches included YB Rembau’s 30 minutes, "no intervention allowed" speech which made headlines in all printed and printable news reports. Although the substantive section which included suggestions to reduce corruption by employing cutting edge technology, press freedom, revitalizing the agriculture sector, the newsmakers and opinion makers narrowed down on the “Projek Khinzir Rakyat” branding that riled the opposition to no end. He has included the full speech in his website.
The students (quite a number of them) watched in amazement as the Opposition members went into a frenzy, raising at least 10 point of orders in their bid to stop the Deputy Youth Head from finishing his speech.
Another Pemuda UMNO stalwart, Dato Abdul Rahman Dahlan also made the headline for his elaboration on the “encouragement” given by certain parties for him to switch party. See his speech here.
On the other hand, Jelutong MP, Jeff Ooi decided not to speak because of the constraint of time given.
I was in the public gallery watching the proceedings on Monday when me and another friend were asked to leave as a Perak contingent that had requested for a place in the gallery in writing came to Parliament. As I walked out of the gallery I passed some DAP heavyweights including Lim Guan Eng (he is there almost everyday, with his chief of staff the MP for Jelutong)
Later in the lobby, I found out that the contingent were non other than the Perak assemblymen headed by the Menteri Besar. Reporters surrounded them at their press conference anticipating a comment given to the Karpal – Sultan Perak incident but the MB spoke on the purpose of the visit. (He mentioned they rode the bus in at least 5 different occasions, must have been rehearsed that in the 2 hour bus journey). Good to see them enjoying the lawatan sambil belajar trip to KL.
Overall, the buzz in the Parliament has not yet subsided with cameramen greeting you at the main lobby staircase. It will probably be less exciting come Tuesday with Minsiter’s answers, but I expect parking to remain next to impossible and the canteen breakfast consisting of crumbs by 10.45 am due to high demand. Not surprising with all the head of states out in full force.
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