My say......
firstly, i must say the thrust of my arguments will take the three biggest racial components in Malaysia, namely the Malays (bumiputera "sons of the earth"), Chinese and Indians. This is for easy discourse.
Not too long ago, the major Barisan component party Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) proposed that a 3% stake to be given to the Indian community as part of the Malaysian socio-economy contract. This is in light of their recent grouses and also rallies basically led by their community.
i think this is only a short-term solution. It really does not resolve anything but really playing politics. It is also dangerous as what is permissible now, may later claimed to be legal rights without question. What if the Chinese community demands a 10% slice of the socio-economic equilibrium tomorrow? Already the 18% controversy with the bumiputeras' pie recently, and now this will add further to the argument. it no longer a simple partisan exercise where the Malays are with the government, the Chinese to their business and the Indians to professional offices or labourers.
Some are already advocating to push meritocracy immediately, but i believe this is a long time coming. i propose that meritocracy be introduced in stages. but then also, it must be given a workable timeframe. by workable timeframe, it need not pass one generation. Lets start with opening up the biggest hurdle of Foreign Direct Investment, that is the bumiputera stake required. I would suggest that 30% stake for bumiputera to a foreign-owned company is not realistic. why don't the government limit the intake of foreigners to about 30% instead and the rest to be opened up for skilled Malaysians. It should just be by capability and experience alone when hiring. This will really give an impetus for not only the bumiputeras, but all races, to push themselves harder to succeed. that is the best skill transfer in my opinion. This also may lead to many of our best and wisest abroad to come back. In the local workforce, such as the police and other government agencies, the argument is there are no place for non-bumiputera at the top. why bother then to strive hard when the place is never reachable in the first place, argued the non-bumiputeras. it is even more heart wrenching when they gave their best years of their life for the government, only to be unseated by a young upstart later through race-influenced promotion exercise. Granted that previously the top guy has to be of the bumiputera race to keep the peace after the 1969 racial riots, or in nonsensical Khairy Jamaluddin's term not to be "colonized" again, it should be open for all now. Many non-bumiputeras are no longer linked to China or India as their homeland anymore. it is a united Malaysia everyone is striving for. I never thought i see it in my lifetime, but Singapore now even has an Indian Singaporean minister in the treasury office, long thought to be a post only for the chinese Singaporean. that is commendable and brave and a right step towards real meritocracy.
by drawing some observations, this is in no means my intention to incite racial tension. This is reality! nobody wants to work for something they don't agree to. hence the recent difficulties to persuade non-bumiputeras to join the army or the police even by the respective political parties. Meritocracy only has the thought of "the best man for the best job". After 50 years of independence, i should think Malaysians are mature to know things could no longer work along racial line. I believe all Malaysians have come of age and willing to work harder to be a part of an overall success story. for Malaysia to succeed, it needs effort and it needs all Malaysians alike. Give meritocracy a chance!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Visit Malaysia misnomer? A case with the Filipinoes!
My say.....
I recently had a bad experience. I was with a group of friends from Philippines that came down to visit me pre-Chinese New Year. as they liked Malaysia so much, to the facts that some of them visited Visit Malaysia year 2007 no less than 5 times, they decided to stay at my request. when their one month social visit pass came to an end, they went to Singapore on the so-called "visa-run". when they tried to re-enter Malaysia, they were refused permission. I tried to talk to the officer and was told separately that their country is among a few that is considered "undesirable". Why undesirable? because they are seen seeking refuge or employment illegally. Briefly, they are seen as inferior, from the tone of the officer in charge.
When i told the officer about their position, then she finally relented after 40 minutes. her question was why they have to stay so long and reading from between the line, she is inferring that they are here to hold jobs illegally or moonlighting. Mind you, some of them are related to the Arroyo administration, some with Philippines large tv station, and even one of them was a son of a mayor of the city in Philippines. to say that they are affluent is an understatement, as their income is in the high 5-figure bracket exchanged to RM. some of them even have multiple entry visas to USA and other first world countries. I don't even understand that the immigration side refuse to acknowledge they have multiple entry visa to other countries. the grouses of my friends says it all. they are questioning whether they are fugitive and being treated like criminal as such. It really ended in such bad taste.
Now my question is, why are the immigration, or more likely the Home Ministry, judging these people in one blanket ruling? I think if the immigration is the frontline to meet with the tourists, it is better to portray a friendlier side. let's also be familiar that no one is guilty until proven so. I was recently in Melbourne, and the warm reception from the Melbourne airport immigration really impresses me. they are both warm and friendly, to the fault of being sincere. what happened to the the legendary fame of courteous Malaysians? i know the immigration has a job to do but why the stereotype? if they suspect that one is here for illegal, namely vice purposes, then it is ideal do checks at random. See if their travel itineraries tallies. check the hotels where they are staying. check with tour operators. check even with hosts like me. thats the least immigration could do. afterall, it is stipulated already they are to get endorsement from Philippines consulate if they are staying more than a week for Filipinoes. weakness overlooked by the authorities? Warrant of arrest could be issued upon they passing their stipulated period of visit, not before it. if they have found to be liable, then blacklist them from entry again to Malaysia, ever.
Don't punish the "undesirable" tourists for doing the right thing or in this case doing no wrong! they contribute very much to our tourism dollars too!
I recently had a bad experience. I was with a group of friends from Philippines that came down to visit me pre-Chinese New Year. as they liked Malaysia so much, to the facts that some of them visited Visit Malaysia year 2007 no less than 5 times, they decided to stay at my request. when their one month social visit pass came to an end, they went to Singapore on the so-called "visa-run". when they tried to re-enter Malaysia, they were refused permission. I tried to talk to the officer and was told separately that their country is among a few that is considered "undesirable". Why undesirable? because they are seen seeking refuge or employment illegally. Briefly, they are seen as inferior, from the tone of the officer in charge.
When i told the officer about their position, then she finally relented after 40 minutes. her question was why they have to stay so long and reading from between the line, she is inferring that they are here to hold jobs illegally or moonlighting. Mind you, some of them are related to the Arroyo administration, some with Philippines large tv station, and even one of them was a son of a mayor of the city in Philippines. to say that they are affluent is an understatement, as their income is in the high 5-figure bracket exchanged to RM. some of them even have multiple entry visas to USA and other first world countries. I don't even understand that the immigration side refuse to acknowledge they have multiple entry visa to other countries. the grouses of my friends says it all. they are questioning whether they are fugitive and being treated like criminal as such. It really ended in such bad taste.
Now my question is, why are the immigration, or more likely the Home Ministry, judging these people in one blanket ruling? I think if the immigration is the frontline to meet with the tourists, it is better to portray a friendlier side. let's also be familiar that no one is guilty until proven so. I was recently in Melbourne, and the warm reception from the Melbourne airport immigration really impresses me. they are both warm and friendly, to the fault of being sincere. what happened to the the legendary fame of courteous Malaysians? i know the immigration has a job to do but why the stereotype? if they suspect that one is here for illegal, namely vice purposes, then it is ideal do checks at random. See if their travel itineraries tallies. check the hotels where they are staying. check with tour operators. check even with hosts like me. thats the least immigration could do. afterall, it is stipulated already they are to get endorsement from Philippines consulate if they are staying more than a week for Filipinoes. weakness overlooked by the authorities? Warrant of arrest could be issued upon they passing their stipulated period of visit, not before it. if they have found to be liable, then blacklist them from entry again to Malaysia, ever.
Don't punish the "undesirable" tourists for doing the right thing or in this case doing no wrong! they contribute very much to our tourism dollars too!
Friday, February 8, 2008
On aversion of Nepotism charges
My say....
Pak Lah must really be a frustrated guy. This has been repeated time and again by Pak Lah, stating that Khairy Jamaluddin has the right to voice his own opinion but Pak Lah himself will make the ultimate decision in cabinet, political party and governmental matters. Given that his son-in-law is an Oxford graduant, many in the opposition political parties have poisoned the simple folks' mind that Khairy is actually running the show behind the PM's name because of his academic credentials. The seriousness of this matter is all the more compounded with the election around the corner. it will cost votes. Khairy is only 32 years old, for goodness sake!
Despite shooting down such crazy notions by Pak Lah of Khairy running the show, it seems no let up by the opposition. with multimedia afforded to the mass now, its even more damaging when such poison remarks are broadcasted unchecked. to be PM, one has to really hold many cabinet portfolios for many years and also one's political party to understand the intricate nature of running the government as well as holding up well in competence during the course of his work. Indeed, the people are no fool, one case being Khairy's mishandling of the "colonizing" issue. In short, his tenureship holding all these portfolios will determine his leadership as acceptable or not! it is simple to see that Khairy is not qualified on both counts just yet. This does not mean Khairy is not good, but just not ready.
To now be seen as completely his own man, i believe it is better for Pak Lah to refrain Khairy from contesting the Rembau parliamentary seat for the moment. What better time to show the rakyat once and for all who is really in charge of the matter. afterall, perception is as powerful as fact, especially in the political circles. and charges then against Pak Lah of nepotism will then be non-existent. It would really be unfair for Pak Lah to carry the nepotism burden to his next term as PM, given his own fighting spirit in UMNO history. Khairy on his part, should really understand and help his father-in-law against such cause. Afterall, he is still relatively young and has the whole political horizon in front of him. Given time to hone his political skills, he is indeed a full minister's calibre at the very least, or even Menteri Besar. for now, if he contests and win a parliamentary seat, he will be looked upon as a liability and the accusations against dynastic stewardship will seem endless to Pak Lah. all is not lost for Khairy. his immediate step is to go for the Youth presidency's post. it would show that this young man really has the patience to wait his turn by climbing the political ladder slowly but surely. it would also show to the rakyat that he can take orders too from the top. that would win admiration from this author no doubt!
Pak Lah must really be a frustrated guy. This has been repeated time and again by Pak Lah, stating that Khairy Jamaluddin has the right to voice his own opinion but Pak Lah himself will make the ultimate decision in cabinet, political party and governmental matters. Given that his son-in-law is an Oxford graduant, many in the opposition political parties have poisoned the simple folks' mind that Khairy is actually running the show behind the PM's name because of his academic credentials. The seriousness of this matter is all the more compounded with the election around the corner. it will cost votes. Khairy is only 32 years old, for goodness sake!
Despite shooting down such crazy notions by Pak Lah of Khairy running the show, it seems no let up by the opposition. with multimedia afforded to the mass now, its even more damaging when such poison remarks are broadcasted unchecked. to be PM, one has to really hold many cabinet portfolios for many years and also one's political party to understand the intricate nature of running the government as well as holding up well in competence during the course of his work. Indeed, the people are no fool, one case being Khairy's mishandling of the "colonizing" issue. In short, his tenureship holding all these portfolios will determine his leadership as acceptable or not! it is simple to see that Khairy is not qualified on both counts just yet. This does not mean Khairy is not good, but just not ready.
To now be seen as completely his own man, i believe it is better for Pak Lah to refrain Khairy from contesting the Rembau parliamentary seat for the moment. What better time to show the rakyat once and for all who is really in charge of the matter. afterall, perception is as powerful as fact, especially in the political circles. and charges then against Pak Lah of nepotism will then be non-existent. It would really be unfair for Pak Lah to carry the nepotism burden to his next term as PM, given his own fighting spirit in UMNO history. Khairy on his part, should really understand and help his father-in-law against such cause. Afterall, he is still relatively young and has the whole political horizon in front of him. Given time to hone his political skills, he is indeed a full minister's calibre at the very least, or even Menteri Besar. for now, if he contests and win a parliamentary seat, he will be looked upon as a liability and the accusations against dynastic stewardship will seem endless to Pak Lah. all is not lost for Khairy. his immediate step is to go for the Youth presidency's post. it would show that this young man really has the patience to wait his turn by climbing the political ladder slowly but surely. it would also show to the rakyat that he can take orders too from the top. that would win admiration from this author no doubt!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
University education for all?
My say....
the recent move by the education minister to allocate lands for chinese and tamil school and also to relocate schools in closer promixity to city beckons goodwill and good news to the rakyat. it shows that the education minister has been heeding the calls of the political parties, NGOs and rakyat alike. Some may say its political gimmick or trying to score political points in this upcoming election. i dont believe so. why i say so to the detractors is, many education ministers had come and go, yet not many had put in the same effort as Hishamuddin Hussien. Kudos to him!
however, i urge the education minister not stop at that. I believe Malaysia is still sorely lacking of universities and institution of higher learning places for the rakyat. in grassroot level, the grouses currently among the applicants are they are offered courses that they did not apply for. the other grouse is the universities' stance to either take it or leave it as the "plum" places (architect, business, accountancy, medicine to name a few) are taken.
with Malaysia growing, i think it is not the right signal to send out to the aspirants for university places,more so when we want to see Malaysia transformed into an admired industrialized nation. Many a times politicians came out and called for more architects, accountants etc. in their projection for white-collar jobs, yet they fail to realise that without allocation of places for the same applicants, then an impasse occurs.
i think many private sectors should come in at this particular time. if we look at the US, some of the corporate giants like Kelloggs, would come out with their own university to cater for their own need in terms of workforce. This is one example only. i can name many more justifications why more universities are needed currently.
We know having universities is an expensive proposition. it also may require some tedious changes in the university act i believe. but if we are to keep a long-term view, it justifies having them. firstly, it keeps the economy going. money channel for the creation of universities will stimulate the construction sector. it also helps the surrounding places where a university is built to increase value in terms of location and businesses alike. take Kampar for example. from a sleepy town, property there became valuable overnight. Secondly, with the increase of university, we do not then need to send more students out on scholarships or study loans. These will also cut down the rising loan defaults. Thirdly, with Malaysia's aim to make this an academic hub in Asia, it speeds things up to reaching that goal. Fourth, with Malaysia as an education hub, we attract more talents as well as revenue indirectly. the positive opportunity cost and economic impact returned cannot really be counted here. Fifthly, this helps to reduce our brain drain. Sixth, many will get a chance to have undergraduate education as i note university places are not rising in tandem together with our increased population. Mind you, lack of finance and not lack of places should be seen as the bigger of the two evils why people cannot get university education and not vice-versa currently. and seventh, education sparks creativity and well of ideas. in the same vein of old greek thinking, education is the cradle of civilization!
When it was announced two separate ministries were created, the Ministry of Higher Education and the existing Education ministry, it had given me hope. i really thought Pak Lah had thought this through in his quest to reform the public delivery system and also increase knowledge capital. Looks like it still fell short of overall expectation.
the recent move by the education minister to allocate lands for chinese and tamil school and also to relocate schools in closer promixity to city beckons goodwill and good news to the rakyat. it shows that the education minister has been heeding the calls of the political parties, NGOs and rakyat alike. Some may say its political gimmick or trying to score political points in this upcoming election. i dont believe so. why i say so to the detractors is, many education ministers had come and go, yet not many had put in the same effort as Hishamuddin Hussien. Kudos to him!
however, i urge the education minister not stop at that. I believe Malaysia is still sorely lacking of universities and institution of higher learning places for the rakyat. in grassroot level, the grouses currently among the applicants are they are offered courses that they did not apply for. the other grouse is the universities' stance to either take it or leave it as the "plum" places (architect, business, accountancy, medicine to name a few) are taken.
with Malaysia growing, i think it is not the right signal to send out to the aspirants for university places,more so when we want to see Malaysia transformed into an admired industrialized nation. Many a times politicians came out and called for more architects, accountants etc. in their projection for white-collar jobs, yet they fail to realise that without allocation of places for the same applicants, then an impasse occurs.
i think many private sectors should come in at this particular time. if we look at the US, some of the corporate giants like Kelloggs, would come out with their own university to cater for their own need in terms of workforce. This is one example only. i can name many more justifications why more universities are needed currently.
We know having universities is an expensive proposition. it also may require some tedious changes in the university act i believe. but if we are to keep a long-term view, it justifies having them. firstly, it keeps the economy going. money channel for the creation of universities will stimulate the construction sector. it also helps the surrounding places where a university is built to increase value in terms of location and businesses alike. take Kampar for example. from a sleepy town, property there became valuable overnight. Secondly, with the increase of university, we do not then need to send more students out on scholarships or study loans. These will also cut down the rising loan defaults. Thirdly, with Malaysia's aim to make this an academic hub in Asia, it speeds things up to reaching that goal. Fourth, with Malaysia as an education hub, we attract more talents as well as revenue indirectly. the positive opportunity cost and economic impact returned cannot really be counted here. Fifthly, this helps to reduce our brain drain. Sixth, many will get a chance to have undergraduate education as i note university places are not rising in tandem together with our increased population. Mind you, lack of finance and not lack of places should be seen as the bigger of the two evils why people cannot get university education and not vice-versa currently. and seventh, education sparks creativity and well of ideas. in the same vein of old greek thinking, education is the cradle of civilization!
When it was announced two separate ministries were created, the Ministry of Higher Education and the existing Education ministry, it had given me hope. i really thought Pak Lah had thought this through in his quest to reform the public delivery system and also increase knowledge capital. Looks like it still fell short of overall expectation.
Friday, February 1, 2008
is Malaysia prepared for world's overpopulation effects? - Emphasis on food production
My say.....
was reading an article published by International Herald Tribune dated 19th January 2008, and i think the world has to own up that overpopulation is starting to show undue pressure for world food supplies. Many countries named there are facing basic and essential food shortages. it is no surprise then that the pressure due to hedging in commodity markets sends demand and cost to an ever-rising spiral. with the examples of prices of wheat and flour, we can see for ourselves how businesses becomes affected, all due to commodities and/or futures speculation. in globalized world, everything is interconnected, and hence what happens millions of miles away, will certainly affect our country. for example, the price of wheat has shot up to about 300% simply due to Australia facing drought at this moment. Malaysia will not be spared eventually. We must not be caught. simple forecast states that food supply will not be able to meet the demands in near future, as near as within 20 years. Malaysia needs to learn from this and overcome it.
When Pak Lah took office, he placed great emphasis on producing our own produce to lessen the food import budget. So much so that a heavyweight minister in Muhyiddin Yassin is tasked to manage this portfolio. I believe this is an astute judgment on his part. so far, the recent announcement that the government is looking towards stockpiling essential goods like rice is the right step forward. Kudos to the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry. Again, the emphasis needed to highlight here is not to lessen the budget, but to produce enough or more for the future. the burgeoning expense budget bill will take care of itself. In short, manage the food stockpile properly, and our budget will definitely reduce!
also, the government must also enable and enpower a change of mindset to ALL rakyat. for example, the need to start getting individual at home to participate is crucial. every house definitely have this capacity to do it. Composts generated within household could be used as fertilizer to produce fresh greens and this really help lessen groceries expenses. it lessens pollutions too! I would like to urge private enterprise to participate together. more company with expertise could help in imparting knowledge on technical assistance. housing developers too are to allocate just a little more land for production purposes. an average family of four would probably require a plot of at most 3x3 sq m for such purpose. small token in comparison with the revenue made by the housing developers. give the mandate to the Local Housing, Environmental and Agriculture Ministries to push this forward. coerce or fine the rakyat, be it VIP or not, on non-compliance. Let's forcefully go green again!
to summarize, whilst the government is busy getting economic motions in place, lets not miss the basic focus of good welfare for all citizen. we need to watch for balanced internal production and growth too. the food production must grow in tandem with the population. we need to work on lessening the effects of food shortages now. it is not outrageous to say that everyone waits for governmental initiatives. Malaysia needs to set our own priorities for local consumption before we are faced with shortages again. worse will be if the shortages are sparked off by mismanaging microeconomics issues; simple things such as local demand and supply. mindsets need to change. food shortages will be serious setback for Malaysia in future, if not already so. and no, its not impossible to envisage Malaysia as a net food exporter someday!
was reading an article published by International Herald Tribune dated 19th January 2008, and i think the world has to own up that overpopulation is starting to show undue pressure for world food supplies. Many countries named there are facing basic and essential food shortages. it is no surprise then that the pressure due to hedging in commodity markets sends demand and cost to an ever-rising spiral. with the examples of prices of wheat and flour, we can see for ourselves how businesses becomes affected, all due to commodities and/or futures speculation. in globalized world, everything is interconnected, and hence what happens millions of miles away, will certainly affect our country. for example, the price of wheat has shot up to about 300% simply due to Australia facing drought at this moment. Malaysia will not be spared eventually. We must not be caught. simple forecast states that food supply will not be able to meet the demands in near future, as near as within 20 years. Malaysia needs to learn from this and overcome it.
When Pak Lah took office, he placed great emphasis on producing our own produce to lessen the food import budget. So much so that a heavyweight minister in Muhyiddin Yassin is tasked to manage this portfolio. I believe this is an astute judgment on his part. so far, the recent announcement that the government is looking towards stockpiling essential goods like rice is the right step forward. Kudos to the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry. Again, the emphasis needed to highlight here is not to lessen the budget, but to produce enough or more for the future. the burgeoning expense budget bill will take care of itself. In short, manage the food stockpile properly, and our budget will definitely reduce!
also, the government must also enable and enpower a change of mindset to ALL rakyat. for example, the need to start getting individual at home to participate is crucial. every house definitely have this capacity to do it. Composts generated within household could be used as fertilizer to produce fresh greens and this really help lessen groceries expenses. it lessens pollutions too! I would like to urge private enterprise to participate together. more company with expertise could help in imparting knowledge on technical assistance. housing developers too are to allocate just a little more land for production purposes. an average family of four would probably require a plot of at most 3x3 sq m for such purpose. small token in comparison with the revenue made by the housing developers. give the mandate to the Local Housing, Environmental and Agriculture Ministries to push this forward. coerce or fine the rakyat, be it VIP or not, on non-compliance. Let's forcefully go green again!
to summarize, whilst the government is busy getting economic motions in place, lets not miss the basic focus of good welfare for all citizen. we need to watch for balanced internal production and growth too. the food production must grow in tandem with the population. we need to work on lessening the effects of food shortages now. it is not outrageous to say that everyone waits for governmental initiatives. Malaysia needs to set our own priorities for local consumption before we are faced with shortages again. worse will be if the shortages are sparked off by mismanaging microeconomics issues; simple things such as local demand and supply. mindsets need to change. food shortages will be serious setback for Malaysia in future, if not already so. and no, its not impossible to envisage Malaysia as a net food exporter someday!
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