USA HOLIDAY

My family and I visited USA during the Xmas holidays. It’s my fourth visit and each time I came back, I acknowledge America’s position as the No. 1 Country in the world. Why do I say this? Firstly, they have a system and the system works for them. In most places, we work for the system.Secondly, they encourage diversity (backgrounds, beliefs and views).

This is clearly demonstrated in their education system. During my visit, I spoke to some 7-10 year old Malay children who only moved to a US school some 6 months ago.( Parents from Kg background) . They spoke good English and have so much knowledge. They can even talk about US politics with me, wow! In Malaysia, only kids from well to do families would have that kind of exposure. And the schooling is free!

In terms of beliefs, everything is on the table for all to see. The only downside to me as far as the “everything is cool attitude” is when it comes to religious and sexual orientation. As a Muslim, this is where I draw the line. Otherwise, I can’t fault them.

There is still a lot that we can learn from America.

All is not well in Malaysia-old news indeed!

At long last , after a decade of denial, the BN govt says the obvious( see press excerpts from Finance Minister 2 ,Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, at an Economic Conference recently):

• Malaysia's economy has been stagnating for the past decade and is now trailing badly behind its neighbours
• Malaysia economic growth over the last 3 years is the 2nd lowest in comparison to
  China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand .
• Singapore and Korea's nominal per capita GDP grew within the last three decades by 9 and 12 times respectively against 4 times for Malaysia.
• Malaysia is trapped in a low-value-added, low-wage and low-productivity structure
• Our private investment has been steadily in decline
  

What needs to be done to put the economy back on track?

According to the Minister , we must emphasise on meritocracy and ensuring all Malaysians are given equal opportunity to participate in the economy and we must gradually dismantle the protectionist policies of specific sectors and industries ,which have introduced a climate of complacency and artificial levels of supply.

Many Malaysians know that these measures are not good enough.There must be good governance,there must be serious effort to address corruption and increase transparency.There must be proper checks and balances and democractic institutions allowed to function freely.

The question is whether the current BN Federal Govt can do this? Its really a tall order especially since many are of the opinion that they are the root cause after 52 years of power.If they can't do it, Malaysia fate is sealed and life will become harder for Malaysians

Minimum Pay and employment

Pay and employment in on the agenda of many Malaysians, especially young adults and those with growing children.

As for pay, incomes have not risen in tandem with rising prices. 25 years ago, a University graduate was paid RM 1700.Today, 25 years later, after the economic bubble have deflated, many graduates are being offered RM 1,700 for entry positions.Worse, there are graduates working as Factory Operators, something unheard of 25 years ago.

After paying for lodging, transport and living expenses, there is nothing left for the employee.In a way,not much different from the master and servant(slave?) relationship - servant works and the master take care of everything else.

While there many ideas on the way forward,the govt. must ensure that Malaysians be given priority over foreign workers. The govt. must regulate the intake of foreigners into the job market.This will ensure that wages are not artifically held down by employing foreigners who are prepared to accept lower pay.

Secondly, it is important for the govt to introduce a minimum wage system. This was introduced in many countries including the newest superpower, China.It has succeeded in raising living standards whilst maintaining competitive edge.Minimum wage in part complements the tripartite relationship of unions , employers and workers by ensuring that workers can live decently.

During PRU 12, the Opposition’s manifesto included the introduction of a minimum wage system but they failed to wrest power at the Federal level.That was the last we heard of the minimum wage system.

Since there is a lack of will from the BN Federal Govt on this matter, it is only logical for voters to vote them out and install a new Federal Govt that have the political will to introduce such a system.

Workers and those joining the workforce should seriously consider this point before they put a cross on the ballot paper in next General Elections.

Anwar's warning to PKR

During his key note address at the PKR Perak Convention on 14th November 2009, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave party members a stern warning - support the party's vision and struggle OR Leave the party.

In his 1-hour hard hitting speech, he said that he orginally remained silent when there were vocal opposing views from party members as he felt that such debates were part of a healthly democratic process.

He however felt that such open discussion had become counter productive when some members started to question the very basic struggles of the party and the country.

Anwar said it clear- PKR members must support the party position for a just Malaysia.Divisive views based on racial and narrow religious politics have no place in PKR.Members must conform OR leave.

Multiracialism and moderates are in. Racial politics and hardliners are out.Value based members are welcomed,dollar based members are out!Reformists are in, politicians are out!UMNO style politics have no place under the PKR's sun.

Kudos to Anwar. This is what the people want to hear and its good to hear it direct from him. Better late than never.

Lets see if the hard talk is backed by hard action.

Perak "Rampasan Kuasa" : A long wait for justice to be served

Perakians have to be patient for justice to be served.For those who are more skeptical,the wait is futile. In any case,below are the events of the day:


2009-Nov-5:
The Federal Court heard all submissions but reserved judgement to a later date.Earlier the 5 person panel dismissed Nizar's application for an 11 person Bench to hear his appeal

2009-Jun/Jul:
The 3 Appeal Court judges delayed submitting their written judgements. Written judgements only received in late June/early July.

2009-May-22:
Court of Appeal overturned the High Court decision and acknowledged Zamry as the legitimate MB

2009-May-12:
Zamry granted a stay of execution within 24hours on appeal at the Court of Appeal

2009-May-11 :
High Court declared that Nizar was the righful MB

Blast from the past: Open letter to the Pakatan MBs in 2008-Mar

Message to the YAB Menteri Besars & Chief Minister of Pakatan Rakyat


The 2008 political tsunami was a clear demonstration of the rakyat’s hunger for change and a resounding rejection of the status quo.

The Rakyat that voted you in does not expect you to give them contracts, crony status or other preferential treatment. For the most part, what they want is a better quality of life, and what better way than to start with the 6 states (incl. KL) that Pakatan Rakyat now controls.

Although some matters are under the Federal govt., there are other matters within the purview of the State govt., which can help to improve the quality of life and environment.

In my opinion, the YABs should focus their energies in the following areas within the control of the State Govt:

1.Make the neighborhood clean and livable. Ensure that the garbage are collected, reinforce the anti litter campaign and fine litter bugs. How about regulating painting of buildings? Some buildings are eyesores.

2.Ensure that eating outlets are clean and strictly supervised. Prices of food at govt. built eating outlets should be controlled and in return, rental should be nominal.

3.Rather than build new Parks, spend money to ensure that current parks are in tip top condition. Do park maintenance work on weekdays and during non peak period.

4.Provide at least one playing field in each neighborhood and maintain it properly.

5.Organize functions such as gotong royong, mass aerobics and family day etc to foster better relationship within the neighborhood.

6.Provide sufficient parking areas and slap heavy fines on inconsiderate drivers. Lower parking fees or no parking fees on off days, would help to reduce the burden of the rakyat.

7.Abolish the toilet fee. Make building owners responsible for maintenance of clean toilets. Public toilets should be adopted by private sector sponsors.

8.Do road works only on Weekends or at night. We don’t want road jams and accidents caused by improperly planned road works.

9.Make State Agencies more efficient and user friendly. 1st on my list would be the Local Councils. 2nd on my list would be the Land Office.Notoriously slow agencies only responds to “coffee money” or “cable pulling” to speed up the process.This should stop.

10.Make our neighborhood safer. Although, the Police Dept. comes under Federal responsibility, I believe that there are some things we can do at the State level to improve safety .We can incorporate security & safety features into the building design, adding Guard post, security cameras & fencing. Building owners should be made responsible for security and safety of their buildings.

These little things don't cost much but the rakyat will love you more for making Malaysia a better place to live in. And this love will translate into even more votes at the next general elections.

ISA oh ISA

Najib says that even a criminal gets a second chance and that Isa is only contesting for the position of State assembly person and not for a Minister or MB's post. Does this means that Isa is too tainted to be an MB or a Minister but clean enough to be a state assembly person?

The Rakyat is fully aware that Isa was found guilty and suspended by UMNO for money politics. For the record, Isa faced 9 charges of money politics and was found guilty of 5 charges. He was suspended for 6 years and this was later reduced to 3 years upon appeal.

Money politics is a lame term for corruption. In plain English, he paid money to win his party elections. UMNO will not suspend a duly elected Vice–President over a technicality. Neither would Isa keep quiet over a technicality.

Let’s not forget that Dr. M & Ku Li both agree that Isa should not be given a second chance ,precisely because of his tainted past. There can be no compromise on trust and honesty.

This decision by Najib to select Isa confirms beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is not serious about combating corruption and reinforces what many of the Rakyat already feels – that the PM himself is tainted and therefore unfit to lead the nation.

That Isa himself decided to stand for elections is another surprise. For a person who was the MB for 22 years and now vying for a State assembly job, this does not reflect well on protocol and his self esteem. He would be better off playing the role of a party elder or simply playing golf.

The fact that UMNO had to recycle a tainted politician speak volumes of what most people already know –that UMNO is sorely lacking in leaders of high integrity and credibility.

63 years old and going down the same path as Japan’s LPD party?