Thaksin Shinawatra and Abhisit Vejjajiva are the two most talked about politicians in Thailand at the moment.
As I took a cab from the new Suvarnabhumi Airport to the downtown Bangkok for my week long holiday last week, the taxi driver who is in his late 30’s is no doubt a Thaksin diehard supporter as he showed his thumb up when I asked who does he support.
Despite news of street protests in Bangkok, I just nonchalantly went for my holiday as I had not been to this sprawling city that never sleeps with people still thronging the night markets till the wee hours in the morning.
Life goes on for the Thais despite the political chaos which has since very much cooled down recently with street protests changing hands between anti and pro- Thaksin groups.
I could not really gauge who the Thais really support- the ousted Thaksin or the new good looking Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva.
In this trying time of economic uncertainty, I guess Thais do not really bother who rules the country as what matters to them is bread and butter issue.
Maybe like most of us do in Malaysia, Thais just love to talk politics as a pastime interest.
Over in our own homeland, coffee shop talks are all set on the on-going Umno general assembly as the party, being the backbone of Barisan Nasional will set the political direction for the next few years before the 13th general election.
Incoming Umno President, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to be sworn in as the sixth Prime Minister, taking over from Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi sometime in April by virtue of him being the Number One in the party.
Najib will certainly have no honeymoon period, as he readily admitted once taking over the premiership as he assumes the highest office in the country when BN’s morale is at its lowest, losing its two third majority in Parliament and five states last year before making a coup in Perak recently.
Furthermore, the current economic uncertainty will definitely make Najib’s job not the most sought after as Malaysians are bracing for the worst with many economists predicting bleak outlook in months to come.
The foremost thing that Najib should do once he is officially sworn in is to restore the confidence of the people from both inside and outside the country.
So why confidence?
The recent few cases which happened have cast many doubts on many of us, what more to say foreigners on the way things are handled, thus making many of us to be skeptical.
The Perak constitutional and political crisis which has yet to be resolved has left a big question mark on the independence and impartiality of our judiciary system.
One needs not to be a lawyer to understand the great negative implication this crisis has set on the Malaysian legal system and thus instilling fear among the people that the separation of powers in this country is dead
The rule of law and separation of powers must be restored as I believe none of us would like the politicians to wield too much power, thus destroying the sanctity of a responsible good governance.
Then come the most talked about subject- corruption.
While we cannot get rid of this evil which is the root of all problems, Najib must prove himself that there will be no tolerance in fighting corruption when he takes over.
The just set-up Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) must not remain just a name changing effort by the government but it must wield sufficient uncompromising power to nab the culprits without fear or favour.
Malaysians have long loathed the rhetoric of the politicians as what we want to see now, and I repeat NOW is just a simple word- ACTION as the old saying says, action speaks louder than words.
With new batch of leaders taking over the Umno leadership, all eyes will definitely turn on to Najib and his team on how he can best turn what he said into reality or it may just turn out to be just another usual rhetoric.
Are we Malaysians who have grown extremely tired of such rhetoric anticipating another tsunami, bigger or perhaps fatal I guess, if no real action is taken to remedy the already chronic situation?
I would still give these politicians ample time to do what they have to do until the next general election.
Like the Thais say, mai penrai (never mind) as life still goes on.
After all, I am a registered voter!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
No other language but English
I have always restrained from making any comments when it concerns the religion or education matters.
The only time when I do so is perhaps during my leisure hang-outs with friends, from both the political and social circles, that I daringly do so because of the immense wrath that I may earn if I go public for the fact that these two subjects are ultra sensitive which could touch one’s nerves.
So this week I finally decided to pen my point of views concerning the issue of teaching of Science and Mathematics in English language which has caused endless debates since its inception six years ago.
Now that the final decision is yet to be made by the Cabinet which is still awaiting report from the Ministry of Education, with facts and figures I supposed, on whether to continue the teaching of the two subjects in English, it is just fair for every concern Malaysian like me to voice out on the issue.
I am deeply enraged by a group of protesters whom had taken to the street in Kuala Lumpur recently to protest the use of English in Science and Mathematics as this group of protesters does not represent the majority Malaysians whom have remained silent.
The only thing that this group of protesters could earn my little respect is when they knew how to exercise their universal right of freedom of expression albeit for the wrong reason as far as I am concerned.
Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was a visionary and far looking statesman who earns every Malaysian’s respect for building a nation to what it is today and for his final moment decision as a Prime Minister in implementing the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English despite the many criticisms leveled against him.
I agree with many out there who keep silent and whom I have spoken with on this issue that the government ought to continue the use of the international lingua franca as a medium of instruction in these two subjects.
Many friends of mine have acknowledged that the English language standard among the younger generation is deteriorating if compared to the yesteryears when the medium of instruction was in English before it was eventually switched to Malay language.
Just ask any employers on the standard of the English among jobseekers and you may hear the common laments on the deplorable standard which does not need my further berating.
I must count myself lucky that my parents decided to send me to the La Sallian mission school throughout my primary and secondary level that I enjoyed the privilege of having a conducive environment which allowed me to use English language extensively.
While the arguments on the right approach will continue, I kind of agree with a friend who is an Australian graduate in his 40’s that the government should go back to the previous education system where mother tongues were used to teach Science and Mathematics at primary school level.
As these students go to the secondary level, all the subjects will be taught in English language and I must say this is the best way to address the stalemate which has kept the government being indecisive for too long for fear of political backlash.
Of course efforts must also be taken to encourage the use of other languages such as Chinese due to the fact that China is an economic super powerhouse now which requires one to master the language.
But the government and politicians must understand that whatever decision made would have repercussions in the long run and should any decision made is based solely on political consideration, then these politicians are just being selfish and not fit to occupy the higher up for they cannot see what the future lies if such wrong decision in made.
I must stress that the use of English in the education system does not make us less Malaysian nor disloyal to the country.
I am amassed but not surprised when I was having long conversation and discussion with two diplomatic officers from Singapore who were in the city last year who speak impeccable standard English with confidence.
But the same cannot be said of some of our civil servants who struggle to construct even a simple grammatical correct English conversation.
But who are we to blame for this sorry state of English standard if we, for any selfish reasons, object to the use of English in our education system?
The fingers of course cannot be solely pointed at politicians as we too should bear the responsibility for we all know that politicians are only concerned about getting their most treasured votes to stay in power.
I rest my case that English is the way to go.
The only time when I do so is perhaps during my leisure hang-outs with friends, from both the political and social circles, that I daringly do so because of the immense wrath that I may earn if I go public for the fact that these two subjects are ultra sensitive which could touch one’s nerves.
So this week I finally decided to pen my point of views concerning the issue of teaching of Science and Mathematics in English language which has caused endless debates since its inception six years ago.
Now that the final decision is yet to be made by the Cabinet which is still awaiting report from the Ministry of Education, with facts and figures I supposed, on whether to continue the teaching of the two subjects in English, it is just fair for every concern Malaysian like me to voice out on the issue.
I am deeply enraged by a group of protesters whom had taken to the street in Kuala Lumpur recently to protest the use of English in Science and Mathematics as this group of protesters does not represent the majority Malaysians whom have remained silent.
The only thing that this group of protesters could earn my little respect is when they knew how to exercise their universal right of freedom of expression albeit for the wrong reason as far as I am concerned.
Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was a visionary and far looking statesman who earns every Malaysian’s respect for building a nation to what it is today and for his final moment decision as a Prime Minister in implementing the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English despite the many criticisms leveled against him.
I agree with many out there who keep silent and whom I have spoken with on this issue that the government ought to continue the use of the international lingua franca as a medium of instruction in these two subjects.
Many friends of mine have acknowledged that the English language standard among the younger generation is deteriorating if compared to the yesteryears when the medium of instruction was in English before it was eventually switched to Malay language.
Just ask any employers on the standard of the English among jobseekers and you may hear the common laments on the deplorable standard which does not need my further berating.
I must count myself lucky that my parents decided to send me to the La Sallian mission school throughout my primary and secondary level that I enjoyed the privilege of having a conducive environment which allowed me to use English language extensively.
While the arguments on the right approach will continue, I kind of agree with a friend who is an Australian graduate in his 40’s that the government should go back to the previous education system where mother tongues were used to teach Science and Mathematics at primary school level.
As these students go to the secondary level, all the subjects will be taught in English language and I must say this is the best way to address the stalemate which has kept the government being indecisive for too long for fear of political backlash.
Of course efforts must also be taken to encourage the use of other languages such as Chinese due to the fact that China is an economic super powerhouse now which requires one to master the language.
But the government and politicians must understand that whatever decision made would have repercussions in the long run and should any decision made is based solely on political consideration, then these politicians are just being selfish and not fit to occupy the higher up for they cannot see what the future lies if such wrong decision in made.
I must stress that the use of English in the education system does not make us less Malaysian nor disloyal to the country.
I am amassed but not surprised when I was having long conversation and discussion with two diplomatic officers from Singapore who were in the city last year who speak impeccable standard English with confidence.
But the same cannot be said of some of our civil servants who struggle to construct even a simple grammatical correct English conversation.
But who are we to blame for this sorry state of English standard if we, for any selfish reasons, object to the use of English in our education system?
The fingers of course cannot be solely pointed at politicians as we too should bear the responsibility for we all know that politicians are only concerned about getting their most treasured votes to stay in power.
I rest my case that English is the way to go.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Stop it please, YBs!
The immense politicking among our politicians has taken on the nerves of almost all Malaysians.
A business consultant in Kuala Lumpur for instance had forked up more than RM30,000 from his own pocket recently for a full page advertisement in a widely circulated national English newspaper, calling for our politicians to focus on the economy as life is getting harder with the economy expecting to turn from bad to worse this year.
Like many columnists, one of my previous articles had also called on the politicians to focus more on pertinent issues like economy instead of bickering and jostling for powers even when there is no election taking place.
But alas, our lament seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
But for us in Sarawak, we should thank our lucky stars that the situation here is not that bad though, with only few leaders in a state BN component party still bickering over the protracted issue of setting up of one of its new branch which has yet to be resolved.
Then there are some of our local politicians who seem to be so engrossed with barb trading over petty issues once in a while when the time should be well spent to find ways to effect the so-called change that the people have been yearning for.
The intolerable politicking was started with the euphoria of the general election last year where the Opposition was swept into power in five states and denied BN its first ever two third majorities since 1969.
No one could believe, including seasoned political analysts on the political tsunami which swept the country in the March 8 general election last year.
With the BN now being denied its two third majorities and the PR gained its footing in five states, Malaysians have finally woken up breathing a fresh new hope for the better for this country of multi races.
With the world economy taking a sharp dive with the worst yet to come, Malaysians to date are still very much entertained with nonsense politicking by our politicians from both divides despite the general election is well over a year now.
It all started with the federal government takeover threat by PKR de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who claimed to have 31 MPs from the BN in his bag who were ready to jump ship for a regime change in this country after more than 50 years under BN.
September 16 came and gone with Malaysians still waking up as usual trying to make the ends meet despite political sandiwara by our politicians.
Then while Malaysians were fighting hard to survive in this volatile economy, we were again treated to by-elections fever almost every now and then.
With the Permatang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu by elections now over, we will see another four more by elections in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selamba, Bukit Lanjan and Batang Ai where BN will be trying hard to fight for its political survival and relevance while the PR to prove that Malaysians want change.
Add in the Perak political fiasco where both the BN and PR leaders are jostling for the power, Malaysians should really pray hard that the country’s economy will remain steadfast in this trying time where almost all industries are facing hardship.
With job security being a major concern now that thousands of employees have been laid off, our politicians seem to be so engrossed with politicking that they have forgotten that their duty is to serve the people.
What Malaysians want to see is responsible politicians who can put behind politicking and reserve it for only during election time.
Making sure Malaysians, regardless of race have stable three meals on the dining table everyday while assuring better and brighter days ahead are the core duty of our politicians.
Providing better education and healthcare while ensuring a corrupt free nation with sustainable development are the aspiration of all Malaysians who yearn for a better tomorrow.
Not at once we want to see how the resources of this country are spent without any check and balance.
Malaysia belongs to everyone of us and it is therefore our responsibility to ensure a nation handed over to us in good faith by our forefathers does not fall but move forward.
This can only be achieved when time and energy are focused on improving the country, not for politicking.
A business consultant in Kuala Lumpur for instance had forked up more than RM30,000 from his own pocket recently for a full page advertisement in a widely circulated national English newspaper, calling for our politicians to focus on the economy as life is getting harder with the economy expecting to turn from bad to worse this year.
Like many columnists, one of my previous articles had also called on the politicians to focus more on pertinent issues like economy instead of bickering and jostling for powers even when there is no election taking place.
But alas, our lament seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
But for us in Sarawak, we should thank our lucky stars that the situation here is not that bad though, with only few leaders in a state BN component party still bickering over the protracted issue of setting up of one of its new branch which has yet to be resolved.
Then there are some of our local politicians who seem to be so engrossed with barb trading over petty issues once in a while when the time should be well spent to find ways to effect the so-called change that the people have been yearning for.
The intolerable politicking was started with the euphoria of the general election last year where the Opposition was swept into power in five states and denied BN its first ever two third majorities since 1969.
No one could believe, including seasoned political analysts on the political tsunami which swept the country in the March 8 general election last year.
With the BN now being denied its two third majorities and the PR gained its footing in five states, Malaysians have finally woken up breathing a fresh new hope for the better for this country of multi races.
With the world economy taking a sharp dive with the worst yet to come, Malaysians to date are still very much entertained with nonsense politicking by our politicians from both divides despite the general election is well over a year now.
It all started with the federal government takeover threat by PKR de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who claimed to have 31 MPs from the BN in his bag who were ready to jump ship for a regime change in this country after more than 50 years under BN.
September 16 came and gone with Malaysians still waking up as usual trying to make the ends meet despite political sandiwara by our politicians.
Then while Malaysians were fighting hard to survive in this volatile economy, we were again treated to by-elections fever almost every now and then.
With the Permatang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu by elections now over, we will see another four more by elections in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selamba, Bukit Lanjan and Batang Ai where BN will be trying hard to fight for its political survival and relevance while the PR to prove that Malaysians want change.
Add in the Perak political fiasco where both the BN and PR leaders are jostling for the power, Malaysians should really pray hard that the country’s economy will remain steadfast in this trying time where almost all industries are facing hardship.
With job security being a major concern now that thousands of employees have been laid off, our politicians seem to be so engrossed with politicking that they have forgotten that their duty is to serve the people.
What Malaysians want to see is responsible politicians who can put behind politicking and reserve it for only during election time.
Making sure Malaysians, regardless of race have stable three meals on the dining table everyday while assuring better and brighter days ahead are the core duty of our politicians.
Providing better education and healthcare while ensuring a corrupt free nation with sustainable development are the aspiration of all Malaysians who yearn for a better tomorrow.
Not at once we want to see how the resources of this country are spent without any check and balance.
Malaysia belongs to everyone of us and it is therefore our responsibility to ensure a nation handed over to us in good faith by our forefathers does not fall but move forward.
This can only be achieved when time and energy are focused on improving the country, not for politicking.
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