Friday, September 28, 2007

 

Tolerating Corruption

I think for all Malaysians who are abroad, the recent news that have been coming out of the country are certainly making us feel very helpless and glum indeed. For those of us who are staying in countries that do not tolerate corruption, I’m sure we have all asked ourselves at one point or another why Malaysia can’t be the same.

And I’m afraid part of the reason why lies with us Malaysians as a whole. I have always believed that Malaysians are a very tolerant lot. We tolerate high level corruption because it does not affect us directly. We tolerate medium level corruption because we like to mind our own business. We tolerate low level corruption because we just want to quietly earn our living and stay away from too much trouble. And I’m sure we will also tolerate Lingamgate because we have been tolerating so many other scandals before it anyway.

In fact, Malaysians from all walks of life know that we have a corrupted government and the only disagreement over this issue is probably the extent of it. Yet, we have learned to tolerate corruption as a way of life and resigned to the fact that there is nothing much we can do about it. Furthermore, if the majority of Malaysians do not find it a problem to be BN supporters, that just shows that voters do not have the issue of corruption at the top of their list of priorities in any election.

Therefore, I for one am pessimistic that BN can be dislodged from the seat of power through the ballot box no matter how corrupted it may be. Malaysians are too divided and would rather tolerate corruption than vote for opposition parties that supposedly represent a different community than their own. It is unfortunate, really, because the war on corruption can be such a great rallying cry for all Malaysians to want a change for the better. After all, corruption cuts across racial lines and religious boundaries. But for BN to fall, it means the Chinese and Indians need to vote for PAS and PKR while the Malays need to swing behind DAP. It means we need to upset the cart of stability. It means being prepared to want PAS, PKR and DAP to rule. And that means getting out of our comfort zones and I’m not sure how many Malaysians are prepared to do that.

So, if it is strictly through the ballot box, BN will continue to rule for quite some time yet because at the moment, Malaysians in general would rather tolerate corruption at the expense of change. Moreover, Lingamgate will be stale news a month or two from now although there are bound to be other “gates” down the line to haunt Malaysians. But it’s ok, Malaysians are highly tolerant creatures after all.

Labels:


Wednesday, September 26, 2007

 

Assuming Responsibility

I recall that back in 2001, Hong Kong had a Financial Secretary by the name of Antony Leung. He was a very successful commercial banker and had held senior management positions in international banks such as Citicorp and Chase Manhattan. He was reportedly earning over HKD20 million a year in the banking industry when he left to take up the post of Financial Secretary of Hong Kong for a salary of about HKD2.5 million a year.

In 2003, Leung was accused of buying a luxury car just weeks ahead of a government announcement of an increase in taxes for new cars in the budget. The tax that Leung saved for the car purchase was a mere HKD50,000 which is basically spare change for a man of his financial standing. But the result? He resigned due to this controversy and other matters happening under his ministry. Moreover, the public was also looking for an accountable government and Leung’s integrity came into question with the car purchase.

Personally, I couldn't understand what was the big fuss all about over a mere HKD50,000 probably because in the land where I come from, scandals are measured in terms of millions of dollars. Obviously, Hongkies have very different standards than me and from this episode, I learned just how high they set the bar when it comes to having a clean and accountable government.

Contrast this with our government ministers and other senior civil servants. How often do you see our civil servants resigning to take responsibility for their decisions, mistakes or miscalculations?

Take for example our Works Ministry. We have had fungus-ridden hospitals, cracked highways, mudslides and a host of other infrastructure scandals but Malaysians can dream on that their Works Minister is going to assume responsibility for such problems. Even worse are incidents that cost lives. Not too long ago we have a bus accident that resulted in 20 deaths and the driver was found out to be a serial traffic offender. Obviously, there were loopholes in some critical areas but no way can you expect our minister(s) to resign for their failure to ensure a safe public transportation system. It would certainly seem as though our ministers can move from one scandal to another without the need to pay the price for their follies.

In short, I feel that our ministers have no sense of responsibility, honor and even shame compared to their many foreign counterparts. This is partly due to our tame local press which probably makes it their policy not to step on certain people’s toes. When negligence, corruption, abuses or scandals go unreported or played down, it becomes incredibly easy for our senior civil servants to pretend nothing has ever happened and therefore, to remain in their posts. For this reason, what the nation needs is a freer press that can report without fear or favor and not a muzzled press which would only harm the nation in the long run.

From what I see here, Hong Kong have a very unforgiving press and any mistake by the authorities will have them crying for blood. Government policies are criticized and debated in the public arena. As a result, civil servants are on their toes all the time and they are mindful of their integrity and job performance. If our local newspapers could just emulate this positive aspect of a free press back home, we would certainly have more accountable and responsible senior civil servants than the present crop who are currently dominating our political landscape.

Labels:


Tuesday, September 25, 2007

 

Tun M, Get Well Soon!

When I was overseas during the time when Tun M was still the Prime Minister of Malaysia, it was not uncommon for foreigners to ask me of my opinion of this man (the other common question being the NEP) when they found out that I am a Malaysian. For those foreigners who were aware of international affairs, my conversations with them showed that most tend to view Tun M as anti-Western, dictatorial with a poor human rights record and at times, corrupted.

Therefore, I always have mixed feelings when conversations with foreigners steered towards the topic of Tun M. Happy that foreigners took the time to read about Malaysia while at the same time, should I say, uneasy that they tend to view the then Prime Minister and hence, the country in such a negative light.

For instance, most foreigners were aware of the Anwar Ibrahim episode and this was where I found myself defending the indefensible. Whatever Anwar had done, the fact remains that his reputation was dragged through the mud through the use of various government machineries and until today, people are still questioning the court proceedings. And because of the western media’s pro-Anwar and anti-Tun M stance, it was hardly surprising that foreigners did not have many positive things to say about Tun M. Throw in the corruption and the bias judiciary that were often reported in the foreign publications then and you would have a hard time convincing widely-read foreigners about Tun M’s positive side. After all, even Malaysians would tend to agree that corruption and erosion of the judiciary’s independence did happen under Tun M’s watch. These two issues certainly did not suddenly spring to life under Pak Lah’s regime and at most, we can only say that they have worsened in the last few years.

Nevertheless, I always tried to tell foreigners that we can only speculate about what really happened behind the scene regarding the Anwar incident and at the end of the day, it was a power struggle between two politicians and one miscalculated. And I also made it a point to remind foreigners to not only concentrate on Tun M’s bad points while forgetting about his positive contributions to the nation. This included charting our economic development through his vision and determination to pull Malaysia into a globalize and technologically driven world.

I am not pro or anti-Tun M and I think it is obvious that he had done both good and bad for the country for he is only human. But I do not bear any ill-will upon this man who shaped the nation during his 2 decades in power. I also like to believe that he did the best he could under the circumstances and probably with his hands tied behind his back given the maneuverings behind the scene in the complicated world of politics. Now that he is lying on a hospital bed, I can only find it in my heart to wish him well and may he have a speedy recovery.

Tun M, get well soon.

Labels:


Sunday, September 23, 2007

 

Where are we 50 Years After?

Whenever I read MT there is always one story after another
Of excesses and corruption of those who are in power
I even chanced upon a letter written by a father
Who complained that his children are being taught to cheat by the school teacher.

Then, when I hop to Rocky Bru as a net surfer
I read that his name has been illegally used to register as a voter
No wonder the opposition is always complaining about the phantom vote matter
And that names still appear of people already in their graves six feet under.

Rapes, thefts, robberies and recently, the Nurin murder
We have the IGP talking about charging the parents when their grief is hardly over
Mr. IGP, we all know you are one good, capable, honest and trustworthy officer
Can you please spare the parents and go and hunt for the cruel killer?

Malaysia achieved its independence in ’57 but where are we 50 years after
When foreign workers can be left at the airport without proper shelter
And things are bought by civil servants at inflated prices and so many times dearer
While the public can only vent their frustrations by turning on a computer.

Now, we have a video clip circulating in the world of cyber
Which is about the judiciary and not some budding rapper
This is serious allegation coming from an ex-Deputy Prime Minister
Does this mean people can bargain over a court verdict like a pasar malam trader?

I’m afraid in time to come the common people may all suffer
Because Malaysia seemed to be losing her moral compass altogether
And if we have no integrity left to speak of whatsoever
That is the day Malaysia would have lost her soul forever.

Labels:


Saturday, September 22, 2007

 

Sharing Thru' Comments

Actually, my last article about ungrateful children was not written with MT readers in mind unlike the NEP write-up which was specifically targeted at MT’s audience. That is why you can find the last article on my blog but not the NEP one.

The more recent article was written based on readers’ comments and I appreciate comments because they make me think. And I tend to write what I think and feel. Writing the last article was sort of a personal journey for myself as well as giving me an opportunity to try to correct the misconception of people with regard to overseas Malaysians generally, and not just about me.

Anyway, I have to thank RPK for posting it on his website although the article was more personal in nature, for it now has a wider audience base and hence, allows more readers to share their stories. This is indeed a departure from the usual comments that we often see because it does help to put a human face behind the lines of texts. And that is nice for a change.

I also came across an interesting comment under the article about talented Malays leaving as well. In fact, I do know of a Malay woman who was once posted to Singapore by a local company and she is certainly one talented professional. When she was back home, a Singaporean organization was even willing to pay her top dollar to work in the republic and she was indeed torn between leaving and staying at one time just like the commenter. In another case that I know, a Malay chap was also posted abroad by a Malaysian company and upon expiration of the contract moved on to a Singaporean organization and is now again working away from home. I suppose people will always be tempted to move to wherever that have better challenges and prospects, irrespective of skin color and nationality.

Labels:


Friday, September 21, 2007

 

Are Overseas Malaysians Ungrateful Children?

I came across interesting comments about ungrateful children with regard to my NEP article and I think it certainly makes valid discussion for people like me. As I have mentioned before, this is a heart-wrenching matter and I’m certainly not sitting here and smiling in glee that I have two old folks off my back.

I’m sure you would know that mine is not an uncommon case and there are many Malaysians abroad who are where they are today as a result of the same decision that their parents have taken as mine. Therefore, are all Malaysians abroad who left their parents at home ungrateful children?

Let us consider a hypothetical story. Lets say there is a poor couple in the kampong who toiled through night and day to support the education of their son in KL. Upon graduation, the son stayed back in the city to work and build a career. Because he is a salaried man and with his own family commitments, he is only able to go back to his kampong to visit his parents a few times a year or only during festive occasions. Does this story seem similar to mine, except for the location and distance? Now, if this man needs to drive 4 hours to go back to his hometown while I can get back to KL on a 3.5 hour flight to see my parents, is there a big difference? I think, in fact, many Malaysians are in this situation whereby they seek their fortunes and settle in the big cities while their parents remain in the small towns and villages. Are these Malaysians ungrateful children? If you were in their shoes, would you consider yourself an ungrateful child?

Back to my story. About my eldest brother this time. When my brother graduated with an engineering degree back in the 80’s, Malaysia was mired in recession. He came back to KL to look for work but jobs were scarce. At that time, my second brother was just in his second year at university while I was still schooling. Because the family was in need of money, my brother was motivated to look for a job abroad to help my father with the family finances, rather than waiting for a job to come to him at home. This predicament brought him out of the country to Singapore and subsequently, Australia, which is only natural given his Australian qualifications. It was partly through his overseas salary that he was able to help my father to finance my second brother and my university education. So, to me, my brother will never be an ungrateful son, wherever he may be today.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because I just wish people back home to understand that for many Malaysians who are abroad, there is usually a human story behind it and the circumstances that led them to wherever they are today. And not all Malaysians abroad chose to happily run away from home without a care for those who are left at home.

Perhaps we are ungrateful children in the eyes of some but that’s understandable because different people have different standards for a variety of issues in life after all. As long as we can take a little bit of time to understand each other a little bit better and hear out each other’s stories, that will be good enough for me. So, what is your story, wherever you may be?

Labels:


Wednesday, September 19, 2007

 

Follow-Up

Firstly, let me thank readers who have taken the trouble to pen their thoughts in the comment section with regard to my article My Personal Experience with the NEP on RPK’s website. If some readers have been offended or felt that I have looked down on others by the tone of my article, please accept my sincere apologies. It is never my intention to look down on fellow Malaysians, what more when I still have a sister and young nephew living at home.

The NEP is certainly a contentious issue and it is indeed refreshing if we could debate it as matured Malaysians. When I said that I find some comments amusing at times, it is because of all the insults and name-callings that I often see but of which I believe serve little purpose. Furthermore, the article that I wrote is based on my own personal experience and therefore, readers certainly have to be aware that it is clouded by my own personal judgment and opinions. I guess it is forever hard to be objective when we will always be influenced by our own life experiences.

Yes, I’m fortunate because of my father’s sacrifices and I do feel for those Malaysians who did not have the same opportunity that I had. For that reason, I have always applauded those Malaysians who worked hard and then uprooted themselves in their 40’s to move abroad for the sake of their children. I have come across many Malaysians in Australia who struggled in a new environment all for the sake of the next generation. You may say those abroad are lucky but it does take a lot of courage to make such a decision. I'll have to admit that to move abroad when you have been given a head start like me is easy but to move with your whole family when you are in your 40’s is one big struggle. That’s why those parents certainly have my utmost admiration.

Back to my father. I guess this will always be a heart-wrenching issue for people like me who have to live away from our parents. Fortunately, my sister is still residing at home and she is there to watch over them. I do fret over their health and well-being all the time but I take consolation in the fact that my parents are now free to spend Christmas through Chinese New Year with me in Hong Kong if they so wish or choose to spend the spring or autumn months with my brothers in Australia. Rest assured that they are now enjoying their twilight years with little worry although I believe they will never leave Malaysia permanently for their own sentimental reasons.

Labels:


Tuesday, September 18, 2007

 

Am I a Disloyal Malaysian?

I came across the comment below pertaining to my “Our Honorable Perdana Menteri” write-up on the Malaysia Today’s website recently.

kingmaker65 wrote:
staying in Hong Kong and got the "Cheek" to call people hypocrite? a (deleted) like you shoudn't talk or give ideas. be a hongkey is better then talking abour Sabah la, sarawak la or even IPOH in that matter. Pay your taxes in Hong Kong & got the cheek to talk about Malaysia.. banyak cantik lu punya muka Malaysia Abroad. i thing you are the MOST HYPOCRITE person I ever know writing such rubbish.

I’m pasting it not because I’m all riled up over the comment but because I sincerely think that it makes interesting debate. I guess for us Malaysians abroad the issues about our loyalty and hence, our right to speak about Malaysian matters will always be subjected to question by some people back home. It is indeed a price that we have to pay. In fact, I have come across similar comments addressed at M. Bakri Musa. And this is a man who has written books and offered his critical inputs about the country. To me, he is more loyal than many other Malaysians simply because he cares enough to write. After all, how many Malaysians are willing to sacrifice their spare time to do the required research and then, writing a book, which is no easy task? I’m sure not many.

Anyway, perhaps I can share the reasons of why I am in Hong Kong in my later postings if readers are interested to know but for now, let us debate in a civilized manner about the two issues mentioned. I will throw some questions which hopefully, readers may be able to answer.

Let us first look at the question of loyalty. What does loyalty mean in today’s world? Lets say I’m paying foreign taxes and contributing to a foreign economy but have never ever robbed or stolen from fellow Malaysians or involved myself in corruption unlike so many of our present politicians. Does that make them more loyal Malaysians than me just because they reside at home and I do not? Similarly, if a Malaysian company employs an American expert to work in KL, does that make him a disloyal American once he stepped onto our shores? Also, there are thousands of Indonesians earning a living as a maid in Hong Kong. Can I say that they are all disloyal Indonesians? I don’t know, because as the world shrinks, the adventure to seek a better or different life away from home is a norm, not an exception. There are now millions of people of all nationalities working far away from their own countries for a variety of reasons and I can’t say that they are all disloyal citizens, can I?

I’m also of the opinion that as the world becomes borderless, the importance of loyalty has also diminished greatly. Today, if you have the qualification, talent or experience, any country will welcome you with open arms. They are certainly not looking for your loyalty but your worth as a human capital and the positive contributions that you can make to their countries. Similarly, one of Malaysia’s big tasks today is to woo and retain talent, not loyalty for talent will naturally go to wherever that have better prospects regardless of whether loyalty exists or not.

Now, we turn to the issue of our right to speak. If I see wrong-doings and injustices happening in my own country and I remain silent because I’m abroad, would that make me a better Malaysian? Does it mean that I need to keep my eyes, ears and mouth shut about issues in Malaysia just because I pay taxes to the Hong Kong government? If that is indeed the case, does it also mean that the American mentioned above has forfeited his right to comment about George W. Bush and the war in Iraq when he made KL his place of residence? And lastly, does it really matter whether I’m posting from KL or Hong Kong when the issues are the same at wherever I may be?

Anyway, I can perfectly understand the sentiments of some people back home regarding overseas Malaysians like me because we do not seemed to be doing our part for Malaysia’s development and economy. So, I may be a disloyal citizen or a hypocrite to some. That is something that I can accept in good faith. But I certainly do not agree that I do not have the right to speak for I still believe in the notion of freedom of expression. The freedom to speak at wherever we may be at whatever issues confronting us as citizens of the world. After all, it is through speech and writings that we are able to learn, share, understand and exchange our views and ideas and without them, we might as well be mute, deaf and dumb.

Labels:


Monday, September 17, 2007

 

What Motivates You as a Malaysian?

I received an e-mail recently asking me what motivates me as a Malaysian. Frankly, I was momentarily stumped because this question has just never occurred to me before. But after mulling over it for half a day, here are my thoughts.

When I am home among other Malaysians, I don't feel anything special because I am just one among many. It is when I am abroad that I feel more Malaysian because the differences become obvious. For instance, try opening your mouth and speak in English when you are abroad and that’s when your “Malaysianness” creeps in on you as you consciously remind yourself not to end every other sentence with a ‘lah’.

Thus, the differences automatically motivate me to maintain my roots and identity as a Malaysian. I can most certainly pass off as a Hongkie but don't call me a Hongkie because I am not. Unlike Hongkies, I can’t read and write Chinese, don’t speak perfect Cantonese and hate the crowded malls. So, a Malaysian I’ll remain.

Anyway, wherever I am, I guess maintaining my background and identity will always motivate me as a Malaysian because being one is all I know.

I hope that answers the question. So, what motivates you as a Malaysian?

Labels:


Sunday, September 16, 2007

 

Where is Malaysia?

Now that I have been away from home for a number of years, I have come across quite a number of foreigners asking me where I am from. And most of the time when I tell them that I am from Malaysia, I can sense that they are struggling in their heads to picture Malaysia on their mental world map. I guess it’s understandable since not everyone is an A+ student at geography back in school.

But if I offer them further information and say that my country is actually somewhere near Singapore, aha… I’ll get the look of instant recognition on their faces. Now, Singapore is practically invisible on the world map, right? So, why am I using it with such high rate of success at explaining where Malaysia is to foreigners?

I am actually curious to know whether am I the only Malaysian who rely on this tiny red dot to pinpoint Malaysia’s location to foreigners or are there more Malaysians out there who do the same as I do?

Labels:


Wednesday, September 12, 2007

 

Migration - Is it for the Better?

During my free time, I always like to scan the letters section of Malaysiakini to get readers' perspectives of current issues. One of the letters that I can still remember quite clearly touched on the issue of migration with the author encouraging Malaysians to emigrate for a supposedly better future.

While I admire the author for his courage to issue forth such a call, it has always been difficult for me to give the same advice, although I myself am currently residing abroad. Let me tell you why.

I have been away for about 7 years now but no matter how hard I try, my country of residence can never be called home. It is just not the same because the environment is different, the culture is different and the people is different. Yes, I can adapt but the longing that I feel for KL cannot be erased. In fact, I have met many Malaysians abroad and they share the same feelings as I do.

Sentiments aside, lets look at practicality. Malaysia today may seemed to be heading towards pariah nation status to many but no one can foretell the future. Why do I say so? Well, prior to 1997, Hong Kongers were also migrating in droves, especially after the Tianamen incident. The mood was pessimistic and few Hong Kongers were looking forward to the eventual return to China. 10 years on after 1997, Hong Kongers were happily celebrating the 10th anniversary of the reunion and the mood has taken a complete turn for the better. The lesson being we can never tell what the future would be at wherever we may be.

Anyway, at the end of the day, migration is a very personal choice and I am not going to encourage nor discourage you to do so. As with any major decisions, you will just have to weigh the pro and cons and consider the sacrifices that have to be made should you decide to pursue one over the other.

Labels:


 

What Being Malaysian Means

1. It means voting in BN at every election since the age of 21.
2. It means having Malays, Chinese and Indian colleagues but not friends.
3. It means tolerating corruption and incompetence.
4. It means listening to rumours.
5. It means living with the NEP.
6. It means agreeing that some of us are lazy, some are greedy while others are violent thugs deep in our hearts.
7. It means being constantly afraid of getting robbed or raped.
8. It means grudgingly driving a Proton.
9. It means being jealous of Singapore.
10. It means hiding behind pseudonyms to bash others online.
11. It means ending our sentences with a ‘lah’.

Being Malaysian is certainly a very unique feeling. So, my fellow citizens, please feel free to add to the list of what it means to be a Malaysian today.

Labels:


Monday, September 10, 2007

 

For A Diversified Malaysia

In a place where the people celebrate different festivals, I can look forward to the emergence of the anak bulan during Raya, smile at the offer of an ang pow during Chinese New Year and appreciate the universal concept of good triumphing over evil during Deepavali.

In a place where the people are of different faiths, I can hear the melodious call for the azan from the mosque, smell the aroma of burning incense when I pass by the Chinese temple and marvel at the intricate carvings of an Indian place of worship.

In a place where people celebrate different religious occasions, I can learn the spirit of sacrifice during Hari Raya Haji, jointly pray for peace during Wesak and be amazed by the kavadi carriers during Thaipusam.

In a place where the people speak different languages, I can smile at my mother’s effort at Bahasa with the rotiman, thank the taxi driver in Hokkien and learn how to count 1 to 10 in Tamil.

In a place where the people have different cultures, I can try to look good in a baju kurung, be envious of lovely ladies in cheong sams and admire the elegance of a sari.

In a place where the people practise different customs, I can feel just as strongly the traditional deep reverence for our Rulers, share in the sweetness of a mooncake and be amazed by the beauty of a kolam.

In a place where the people eat different types of food, I can happily tuck in a tosai for breakfast, go to my favorite hailam chicken rice stall for lunch and buy a packet of beef rending for dinner.

In a place where the people are of different races, I have learned that diversity can be celebrated, not merely tolerated; a source of strength, not weakness; and can put more meaning into our lives, not less. In a place where everyone is of the same skin color, let me tell you that these people just cannot begin to understand what muhibbah means, have little chance to experience what diversity is all about and no opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness differences can bring. In short, it is a place with little variety, few colors and no spice.

Dear Malaysians, be thankful for the diversity.

Labels:


This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?

Subscribe to Posts [Atom]