tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30602297661710030542024-02-07T12:23:04.641+08:00A Malaysian AbroadA Blog About My Personal Opinion & ExperienceMalaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-11242977766239783752008-09-17T19:07:00.002+08:002008-09-17T20:03:59.074+08:00916, 917, ...The much hyped about 916 ended as an anti-climax. However, today, 917 has seen interesting development on the political front again. These past few days we have had a minister resigning, a minor party pulling out of BN, another blogger detained, a reshuffle at the cabinet level, Tun M to rejoin UMNO, etc.<br /><br />With so many things happening all at once, it is certainly hard to predict the outcome. While many Malaysians believe that DSAI will have what it takes to throw out BN, it is naive to think that he will simply gets what he wants. The path to Putrajaya will not be easy and I'm sure BN will try to halt his journey every inch of the way.<br /><br />And this is where my worry is. DSAI couldn't have picked a worst time to stake his claim to the PMship. With the current turmoil in the financial markets, the economy can only gets worse from here on. Rather than our leaders concentrating on managing the economy and lessen the impact on any global slowdown, they are spending their time trying to stay in power because of a credible threat to their rule.<br /><br />While all these political news are very exciting and some of us are waiting with bated breath for a new era in Malaysian politics, I do wish once and for all, this power struggle can have an early conclusion so that the leaders can go back to governing.<br /><br />It is quite tiring to keep hearing DSAI repeating that he has the numbers on one hand and the BN calling his bluff on the other. If DSAI does have the numbers, BN should be graceful in defeat and let him have a go at ruling this country. If he doesn't, he should just admit it and move on.<br /><br />Well, I may sound a little idealistic but if there is a financial meltdown globally and we still have two sides battling it out on who should rule, the people who would suffer the most would be the ordinary man in the street.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-25177900857124687382008-09-11T12:05:00.007+08:002008-09-11T19:14:47.206+08:00Don't Question Malay RightsLately, there have been hot issues raised over the social contract and Malay rights. As usual, the non-Malays are told not to question those rights which the Malays will supposedly defend at all cost.<br /><br />Actually, I think the government has brainwashed me quite successfully in this aspect. I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when the people who benefit the most from it are a select and corrupt few. I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when it has become a tool that is conveniently used to divide and rule. I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when politicians use it to further their own personal agenda and line their own pockets.<br /><br />I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when my Malay ex-boss who earned a few thousand more than me can get a 7% discount when he bought a double-storey house. I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when Malay students much smarter and in a better class than me still had an easier entry into local universities. I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when those Malay students chauffered-driven to school still qualify for government study loans.<br /><br />I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when there are still many, many poor Malays who cannot afford to buy their children a pair of school shoes. I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when I still get to see two poor Malay kids hugging their father tightly on a motorbike ride to school. I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when I see such misallocation of resources. I'm not supposed to question Malay rights even when the Malays that need it the most are not the ones that are getting the most out of those rights.<br /><br />The list can be longer but you get my point. Yes, I know I cannot question Malay rights. I should not. It has been ingrained in me not to. Whether it has been misused, abused or whatever, it is not supposed to be my problem. Even if there are still so many poor Malays after so many years of these rights, is also not my problem.<br /><br />If we don't question, don't debate, we can't improve. But then again, it is not my problem because I'm not supposed to say anything about Malay rights. Let it be that the rich-poor divide among the Malays are getting increasingly obvious, all in the name of Malay rights. Let it be that our university rankings are sliding, all in the name of Malay rights. Let it be that the country is losing its competitiveness, all in the name of Malay rights. It is my "duty" to remain silent.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-12881744109217272852008-09-06T16:29:00.004+08:002008-09-06T17:21:48.296+08:00Descendent Of An ImmigrantAfter reading about the "squatter" story and many comments on this topic, I'm reminded of the following:<br /><ol><li>I'm a descendent of a pendatang and this is a historical fact. That other people's forefathers are also pendatang is a non-issue and irrelevant because they happened to come much earlier. </li><li>Because I'm a descendent of a pendatang, I should honor a social contract agreed to by my forefathers and thankful that they were granted citizenships. </li><li>Because I'm a descendent of a pendatang, I should also never question Malay rights nor ask for equality.</li><li>I should be eternally grateful for being given the right of abode and the opportunity to make a living.</li><li>I should never ever ask for more because I have been given a lot such as freedom to practice my culture and religion. </li></ol><p>My question: </p><p>If my grandfather owed this land and her people a debt for being granted citizenship more than half a century ago, how many generations of his descendents would it take before this debt would be fully repaid and we are no longer known as kaum pendatang but share equal rights? </p>Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-45477367955089200072008-07-29T18:53:00.005+08:002008-07-30T19:10:02.017+08:00The Sodomy SagaI'm actually confused and perplexed at the continuing sodomy saga starring our de-facto opposition leader and a uni drop-out. So many accusations and counter-accusations that I'm left wondering who is telling the truth and who is lying.<br /><br />Take the latest news concerning a leaked medical report. Can someone tell me if this sodomy story is a conspiracy, why did this young man just simply walk into a hospital and asked to be examined? Don't tell me he is so silly to think that the doctor would just believe everything he says? Of course, a doctor would perform the necessary examinations and come to his own conclusion, right?<br /><br />Therefore, if he is not sodomised but he is part of the plot to fix DSAI up, surely he would be made to go to a doctor who would be "co-operative" to ensure the medical report would be usable and not has a "no sodomy" finding. Why the risk to have to convince a skeptical doctor? Unless what they wanted is a referral by the doctor to go to KLH to make the whole thing more believable and they know that such reports are usually inconclusive? <div></div><br />But if the report is inconclusive from a medical point of view whether a sodomy or assault has indeed taken place, then we can't be saying that a sodomy has not occurred either, I suppose, and it would be left to the KLH doctors to have the final say.<br /><br />But herein lies the problem. Malaysians no longer trust the various government institutions, including the health department. I feel pretty pissed off to write this because I think Malaysians will be left to speculate, theorize and rely on gossips and blogs no matter the outcome of the investigation and trial, if it comes to that. In short, we may never know the truth.<br /><br />You see, if this happens in some other countries, the people can rely on professional police investigations and a fair trial to get to the bottom of the case. But in Malaysia, we simply cannot. If DSAI is indeed guilty and is convicted, many, many Malaysians will still think he is innocent because few trust the system. Me included, and if that happens, we might end up as fools blindly throwing support behind a guilty man.<br /><br />However, as things stand now, the whole case is certainly very fishy with many unseen hands pulling the strings. If DSAI is really innocent and attempts are being made to fix him up, that only confirms that the nation's various institutions have sunk to its lowest level in terms of professionalism and integrity. We will degenerate into a nation with no rule of law (or we are already there).<br /><br />I really don't know which is worse - whether DSAI is found innocent or guilty when this saga comes to its final conclusion. Do you?Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-75599895475997876872008-03-14T18:25:00.002+08:002008-03-15T14:56:09.578+08:00Election ResultMalaysian election results are out already<br />A severe shock it is to everybody<br />BN lost its two-third majority<br />Plus 5 states which created history.<br /><br />Kepala Batas still have PM Abdullah Badawi<br />But in Sungai Siput, it's bye-bye Samy<br />Koh Tsu Koon is no longer Ketua Menteri<br />While Ong Ka Ting sure finds himself lucky.<br /><br />In Pekan, our DPM won comfortably<br />He must be the only one smiling, albeit secretly<br />For he could be the next Perdana Menteri<br />Oh dear, guess we’ll never solve the Alantuya mystery.<br /><br />The PM is now obviously a liability<br />Since even UMNO members are grumbling loudly<br />Didn't this man once enjoyed a 90% popularity<br />My, my, how did he bungled things that badly?<br /><br />Why does MIC still need Samy<br />When he has made all the Indians really, really angry<br />And what a birthday present from his own constituency<br />Oh, how cruel can voters be.<br /><br />Next on the firing line is MCA's OKT<br />Voted in but the party did rather poorly<br />Aiya, why waste your saliva unnecessarily<br />You think he'll quit to assume responsibility?<br /><br />Penang is now DAP territory<br />Gerakan was wiped out practically<br />What a slap in the face from the Penang community<br />Because without the state, what is Gerakan really?<br /><br />Many top guns were dumped unceremoniously<br />Losing to unknowns from the opposition party<br />Leaving BN in shambles with much uncertainty<br />As fighting now begins for positions unashamedly.<br /><br />Now everything is topsy-turvy<br />Everybody wants to become MB<br />Cabinet posts also can’t be filled quickly<br />New faces needed but hopefully, no Khairy?<br /><br />If Malaysians no longer vote based on ethnicity<br />How relevant is UMNO, MCA and MIC<br />For so many years, we entertained their cock and bull story<br />Don’t know whether they were smart or we silly.<br /><br />But now we are living in the cyber world, you see<br />People no longer rely on The Star and NST<br />When everyone is reading MT and M’siakini<br />What is the use spinning stories through Kali?<br /><br />This election Malaysians behave admirably<br />Showing that we can act in unity<br />Especially when we have a common enemy<br />Who keeps sucking the rakyat’s hard-earned money!!Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-71333284739227075192007-11-28T08:44:00.000+08:002008-12-09T16:20:35.458+08:00Arguing over the Hindraf RallyI read some interesting posts these few days following the Hindraf rally last weekend. There were arguments for and against joining this march and quite a lot of people are against this protest due to its racist overtones. Many bloggers take the view that a protest to highlight the plight of all downtrodden Malaysians are acceptable but to bring only Indian issues to the street is racist and does nothing to enhance the vision for a Bangsa Malaysia.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137709981039749666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpLycYIJqZ2HtSb5mO6Qy2Yxn0UKwFNgdxuWcAPHzpnTNlZHoOgvsHnb_HIHyI5x9xAyAUq1IAmrMt-4FeYIsHpSkRrxQj3F7qi90OctHMa7tLFu9AMIVC9u0m_dY97gCti1zGAtZoG8/s320/a074.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Picture from </em></span><a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/fotos/hindraf/hindraf/album/slides/a074.html"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Malaysia Today</em></span></a><br /></p><p align="left">My view is that perhaps, this Bangsa Malaysia concept is still too far ahead of our time . Poor Malaysians of different ethnic backgrounds exist all over the country but over the last 50 years, it is also hard to deny that the Indians are the worst lot compared to their fellow Malay and Chinese Malaysians. You can say that they should be protesting in front of Samy Vellu's house instead but I think that is beside the point here. </p><div align="left">If we truly want a Bangsa Malaysia to emerge, we cannot have one ethnic group being marginalised and largely poor. And if they bring their plight to the forefront as they are doing now but get accused of being racist instead, then we in effect are already snuffing out the chance to emphatise and forge greater unity. If the community as a whole has valid grievances, then I thought the Bangsa Malaysia concept means all Malaysians should stand by their Indian friends to get their problems heard. Or am I misunderstanding the concept here?</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Malaysia is a country with different races and religions and I think it is a bit naive to say that Bangsa Malaysia means only fighting for matters that benefit all Malaysians with no room for the support of specific grievances from individual communities to emerge. We are all Malaysians but each race also has its own type of problems and I don't see why those cannot be highlighted in some way.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">However, I do not support the Hindraf march because firstly, I don't particularly like rallies of any kind. Secondly, I do not know Hindraf and its leaders and what is their true agenda. And thirdly, rallies will not solve any problem and in fact, could be making it worse.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">But I don't think I want to say that for the Indians to highlight their plight is racist and that it would run contrary to the vision of Bangsa Malaysia. Whatever content of the now infamous letter that is now circulating on the net may be, though it contains very strong remarks, the fact that this community is in dire need of help starkly remains. And that letter is written by one or two people with perhaps, their own secret agenda while the poor and the needy is the general Indian population at large. I guess what I want to say is condemn the rally if we must but we should refrain from labeling those who participated and highlighted their problem as racist.</div>Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-79165803583107475572007-11-24T07:57:00.000+08:002007-11-28T11:57:30.838+08:00Another Rally?This time it seems that Hindus are planning to take to the streets this weekend in protest of their marginalisation. As I have mentioned before, I have never like street rallies. You can disagree and say it is a form of freedom of expression but I still hold my ground that Malaysians should minimise such protests.<br /><br />I think people are now emboldened by the success of the BERSIH rally. And if we say that the BERSIH rally is right and should be given the greenlight, it would seem double standards now to tell our Indian friends that they should not be walking.<br /><br />The reality is Malaysia is a difficult place to govern with a combination of Malays, Chinese, Indians and other minorities. This weekend we will see Malay police personnel watching over a mainly Indian rally. Every skirmish, every single clash and beating can be turned into a racial argument and when things turn racial, emotions always tend to run high. And if the rally is broken up with force, the me vs them mentality will become even more entrenched.<br /><br />Yes, Malaysia have many ills at the moment but if we continue to hold more and more rallies, are we actually making it better or worse?Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-24955280362568793092007-11-16T08:03:00.000+08:002008-12-09T16:20:35.615+08:00Endorsing Corruption<strong>Malaysia lives under state of emergency - EU envoy</strong><br /><strong></strong><strong></strong><br />"The extension of Bumiputra-based discrimination and preference in public procurement -- which is massive in the Malaysian economy -- has worked to the disadvantage of foreign players in particular and has become a vehicle for officially acknowledged corruption...," Rommel said.<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Extract of news article by Mark Bendeich from </span></em><a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/nuc2006/news2007.php?itemid=270"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Malaysia Today</span></em></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133252638210157074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_b_0T-hDvfuYFNugEuboH7XJ_4lLU-y4Akgck5TKQMVfCIHFVrGytGg1MdnfBRaGkuGHQHTDeqeb3PdrfLPU78m8uETgg9QSSC6b6-5zX2tpsl350Ma1dV9pagj_4gBlAXSPYGk1yWU/s200/303271m8smxbwzov.jpg" border="0" />My take:<br /><br />Every Malaysian knows corruption is rife in the country, not only the outgoing EU envoy. The question is why are we tolerating it and still vote BN into office in every election?<br /><br />Yes, we can argue that there are no fair elections under BN. But if corruption is really an issue to the public, then it is only natural that there be a massive shift to the opposition during elections that even all the dirty tricks wouldn't be able to stop the tide. Obviously, this hasn't been happening at all in every past election.<br /><br />If the majority of Malaysians still continue to vote for a party that is corrupted, it can only mean that corruption is not a major issue to them but stability, economy and their livelihoods are. That is democracy for you in a way. So, whether it is me, you or the EU envoy who is complaining, the fact is, a vote for BN is the choice of many, many Malaysians.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-23605963243353998342007-11-14T16:05:00.000+08:002007-11-14T16:14:21.749+08:00The Malaysian DilemmaI just got this e-mail from a friend and can't help but put it here. I suppose many other Malaysians may have come across this piece already but all the same, the creativity and humor certainly deserve a praise. Does anyone know who came up with this?<br /><br /><div align="left">THE MALAYSIAN DILEMMA</div><div align="left"><br />The tale goes like that: </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Get Vietnamese workers, dogs missing. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff9900;">Get Bangladeshi workers, Malay girls missing.</span> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#999900;">Get Indonesian workers, money missing. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#3366ff;">Get Indian workers, jewellery missing. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000066;">Get Chinese workers, husbands missing.</span> </span></div>Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-20273443426241166812007-11-14T15:52:00.000+08:002008-12-09T16:20:35.909+08:00Street Rally<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLCGBUAXctQrxgg6y8h0F6ZWflwgRcCpedCbGD935ihjtc4c2AmvYiWk99swrcfvICpoRtJT9ql-N18dO1AUCWIdRshS9oBBAx_DIvHX0MPO0csCwJYS0dgYFljCzgj2zy3Vm3r1Nuts/s1600-h/25616.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132602141708874706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLCGBUAXctQrxgg6y8h0F6ZWflwgRcCpedCbGD935ihjtc4c2AmvYiWk99swrcfvICpoRtJT9ql-N18dO1AUCWIdRshS9oBBAx_DIvHX0MPO0csCwJYS0dgYFljCzgj2zy3Vm3r1Nuts/s200/25616.gif" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Photo from <a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/">Malaysiakini<br /></a></span><br /><div align="left">To those who participated in the BERSIH rally on 10 November, my salute and respect for your commitment for a better electoral process. However, I for one is never comfortable with street demonstrations as a way for a better government and nation.</div><br /><div align="left">Why? Because at the height of the Reformasi movement about 10 years ago, I got to watch the ugly sights of such protests from my office window 20 storeys above. Rubbish bins were burned or overturned, water cannons were fired and protesters ran in all directions as the police closed in. And the more recent Batu Buruk incident is as good an indication as any that even a peaceful protest can go seriously wrong.</div><div align="left"><br />The bottomline is it is hard to expect fair play and cool heads to prevail at a huge rally. And it is equally doubtful whether any positive outcome can eventuate with street demonstrations and thus, are they really worth it in relation to the risks involved.</div><div align="left"><br />Whatever it is, I’m thankful that the BERSIH rally was generally peaceful and a message has been put across. It is indeed rare for Malaysians to come out in numbers for a cause but my opinion is such marches should be kept to a bare minimum for the safety of our fellow citizens.</div></div>Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-87917798667758153072007-11-14T15:42:00.000+08:002008-12-09T16:20:36.049+08:00Busy, Busy, Busy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCUb8drysWg7iANUIYe53hfo1NH2mt2k-zuP3lJDgYY5PDOo3w6g08fY1FX14yQSchQ482uwtwrSxb_y4CLPRIIr_EfkcCJbcfdIrdHKwhzH0sKrPaVzd5b6Pb2TgXUtCAKx4jvL4cjA/s1600-h/58635rxu1fheq41.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132600256218231746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCUb8drysWg7iANUIYe53hfo1NH2mt2k-zuP3lJDgYY5PDOo3w6g08fY1FX14yQSchQ482uwtwrSxb_y4CLPRIIr_EfkcCJbcfdIrdHKwhzH0sKrPaVzd5b6Pb2TgXUtCAKx4jvL4cjA/s200/58635rxu1fheq41.gif" border="0" /></a>See the picture on your right? Yup, exposure to too much PC damages the brain and I have been refraining myself from blogging about Malaysia to minimise my exposure for the past month.<br /><br />I have been considering whether to continue with my writing and given with my high level of daily PC exposure, I should really get out of the world of blogging. However, matters of home is always close to my heart and I’m finding it difficult to discontinue what I started, no matter how infrequent my postings are or whatever time constraints I may have at certain points of time.<br /><br />Hopefully, with this overhaul of template, it will give me more motivation to post more often and on a more diverse range of topics than what I have been writing before… regardless of the damages to my brain.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-17435686418465160132007-10-15T15:43:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:32:05.553+08:00UpdateI apologized to those who have been faithfully visiting my site as I have not been posting quite as often these days. One reason is my lack of time and the other, well, there's nothing new really since what we have back home have always revolve around the same issues, i.e. corruption, race, NEP and religion.<br /><br />I'm also thinking of shifting over to wordpress to give my blog a different look and feel. And perhaps through that I can also write on a more diverse range of topics rather than concentrating on just the usual Malaysian fare as mentioned above.<br /><br />Anyway, I will let you know once I have made my decision.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-22317289843018959812007-10-03T08:00:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:32:28.216+08:00Welcome to MalaysiaI once saw an ad promoting Malaysia on a TV station<br />Depicting beautiful sceneries that are found across the nation<br />People were dancing and smiling in combination<br />Dressed in costumes of different cultural orientation.<br /><br />This is done in an effort to make the country a tourist destination<br />To get them to see, feel and taste everything Malaysian<br />On arrival, the first thing they experience is our humid weather condition<br />Queuing for a taxi, you can just see their trickling beads of perspiration.<br /><br />Then, tourists would surely be aghast at our public transportation<br />As taxis refuse to ferry them to a tourist attraction<br />But to wait for a bus under our hot sun could mean heat exhaustion<br />Since when the bus would actually turn up is one big question.<br /><br />Our public toilets are next to cause tourists to exhibit a horrified reaction<br />As wet, slippery and shoe prints all over toilet seats is the usual condition<br />Because no toilet paper in sight is also a common situation<br />Tourists certainly need to be reminded to carry some along for their own utilization.<br /><br />Tourists must certainly be encouraged to try our famous food selection<br />Not at a high-class restaurant but a coffee shop or back lane operation<br />If they see a rat or two hurriedly scurrying away in one direction<br />Just tell them it’s probably nothing but a figment of their imagination.<br /><br />Tourists must also be impressed by our excellent race relation<br />As they witness people of different skin colors working in collaboration<br />They certainly need not be made aware of our problems or actual situation<br />So, please stop quarreling and spoil our image as a Truly Asia nation.<br /><br />Malaysia is of course, a very attractive destination<br />But if possible, we do need positive changes in every section<br />Seoul and Taiwan are but two which are very active in their promotion<br />We need the improvements to keep up with the competition.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-79687234203972797092007-09-28T14:39:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:32:45.235+08:00Tolerating CorruptionI 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.<br /><br />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.<br /> <br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-21392198307161215272007-09-26T17:57:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:35:24.307+08:00Assuming ResponsibilityI 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-49902417881493319582007-09-25T10:31:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:35:51.805+08:00Tun 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Tun M, get well soon.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-41020256116322861612007-09-23T09:57:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:36:16.891+08:00Where are we 50 Years After?Whenever I read <a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/">MT</a> there is always one story after another<br />Of excesses and corruption of those who are in power<br />I even chanced upon a letter written by a father<br />Who complained that his children are being taught to cheat by the school teacher.<br /><br />Then, when I hop to <a href="http://rockybru.blogspot.com/">Rocky Bru</a> as a net surfer<br />I read that his name has been illegally used to register as a voter<br />No wonder the opposition is always complaining about the phantom vote matter<br />And that names still appear of people already in their graves six feet under.<br /><br />Rapes, thefts, robberies and recently, the Nurin murder<br />We have the IGP talking about charging the parents when their grief is hardly over<br />Mr. IGP, we all know you are one <em>good, capable, honest and trustworthy</em> officer<br />Can you please spare the parents and go and hunt for the cruel killer?<br /><br />Malaysia achieved its independence in ’57 but where are we 50 years after<br />When foreign workers can be left at the airport without proper shelter<br />And things are bought by civil servants at inflated prices and so many times dearer<br />While the public can only vent their frustrations by turning on a computer.<br /><br />Now, we have a video clip circulating in the world of cyber<br />Which is about the judiciary and not some budding rapper<br />This is serious allegation coming from an ex-Deputy Prime Minister<br />Does this mean people can bargain over a court verdict like a pasar malam trader?<br /><br />I’m afraid in time to come the common people may all suffer<br />Because Malaysia seemed to be losing her moral compass altogether<br />And if we have no integrity left to speak of whatsoever<br />That is the day Malaysia would have lost her soul forever.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-55510153356558233812007-09-22T09:51:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:36:29.549+08:00Sharing Thru' CommentsActually, my last <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/index.php?itemid=8417">article</a> about ungrateful children was not written with <a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/">MT</a> readers in mind unlike the <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/index.php?itemid=8332">NEP write-up</a> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com90tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-7747343082281786502007-09-21T08:58:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:37:12.299+08:00Are Overseas Malaysians Ungrateful Children?I came across interesting comments about ungrateful children with regard to my <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/index.php?itemid=8332">NEP article</a> 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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-83729191236691980872007-09-19T17:59:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:38:01.527+08:00Follow-UpFirstly, let me thank readers who have taken the trouble to pen their thoughts in the comment section with regard to my article <a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/index.php?itemid=8332">My Personal Experience with the NEP</a> on <a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/">RPK’s</a> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-29302825044494839752007-09-18T16:25:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:38:09.012+08:00Am I a Disloyal Malaysian?I came across the comment below pertaining to my “<a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/index.php?itemid=8235">Our Honorable Perdana Menteri</a>” write-up on the <a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/">Malaysia Today’s </a>website recently.<br /><br /><a href="http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/index.php?memberid=8676">kingmaker65</a> wrote:<br />staying in Hong Kong and got the "Cheek" to call people hypocrite? a (deleted) <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.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.bakrimusa.com/">M. Bakri Musa</a>. 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-12855146243578908682007-09-17T18:39:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:38:33.354+08:00What 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.<br /><br />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’.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I hope that answers the question. So, what motivates you as a Malaysian?Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-39823967727108371812007-09-16T08:44:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:40:54.401+08:00Where 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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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?Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-4149505691422606792007-09-12T15:39:00.001+08:002007-11-14T15:39:14.826+08:00Migration - Is it for the Better?During my free time, I always like to scan the letters section of <a href="http://www.malaysiakini.com/">Malaysiakini</a> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3060229766171003054.post-25237696047086375522007-09-12T15:32:00.000+08:002007-11-14T15:40:54.402+08:00What Being Malaysian Means1. It means voting in BN at every election since the age of 21.<br />2. It means having Malays, Chinese and Indian colleagues but not friends.<br />3. It means tolerating corruption and incompetence.<br />4. It means listening to rumours.<br />5. It means living with the NEP.<br />6. It means agreeing that some of us are lazy, some are greedy while others are violent thugs deep in our hearts.<br />7. It means being constantly afraid of getting robbed or raped.<br />8. It means grudgingly driving a Proton.<br />9. It means being jealous of Singapore.<br />10. It means hiding behind pseudonyms to bash others online.<br />11. It means ending our sentences with a ‘lah’.<br /><br />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.Malaysian Abroadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14274630231923975375noreply@blogger.com2