Political Transformation Is Not A Far Fetch Idea...

I was just finished watching 'Conversation with the PM' with great relieved and assured that Malaysia did have a visionary leader. A leader with brains that could lead Malaysia to a greater height in the future. A future which was tarnished by irresponsible people especially oppositions looking for a cheap political gains. In any democratic country, it is always an advantage for incumbents to share their track record with voters when it comes to elections. Oppositions, left out with a good track record will use other means to garner support either by using 'blame game' or 'telling lies'. Hoping with more demoralising strategy, they will have a better edge in comparison to the ruling party. Having seen the PM in person, what he need most is a team of politicians who could deliver his wish to the mass.

 

In the 2008 election, one of the reason for losing the support from the voters is the bad perception painted by oppositions to the ruling party. BN candidates were accused of living lavishly, practice corruption, cronyism, poor engagement with voters in their constituency and above all fails to champion their course. Personally BN leaders lack of charm and communicate poorly with their voters. Unfortunately there is some truth in the allegations.

 

BN, through the transformation approach did acknowledge their shortcomings. PM openly apologize for the weaknesses and promise for a change and ready to transform. A winnable candidate becomes a talk of the town, it cross the heart of all sectors from people in the street, small villagers, townships cities all over the country. People from all walks of life, farmers, teachers, managers, professionals buy the intentions. In politics, ordinary members, branch committees, youth leaders, division leaders believe that changes do and will happen.

 

It is only when the UMNO HQ start to ask for candidates nomination list, that changes not only impossible but unlikely because certain quarters try to stir up issues of 'untested candidates' in BN and equate it with 'untested government' for oppositions. The truth is, the argument doesn't apply at all because UMNO really needs younger leaders i.e. within their 40s to sustain for another two terms at least to implement the wish and plan of their national leaders. Which means at the age of 50s they will be energetic enough to engage with voters in their constituencies. If veteran leaders were elected again, what will their performance in 10 years down the road. Can they fulfill the wish of younger voters. Even if veterans were elected, can they change the perception of voters? Or is it wise to have new candidates instead. is it not by having young candidates, young voters will come back to BN?

 

As of opposition, they were really untested lot. Not only untested, they don't have a common goal and destiny. A common goal of denying a two third majority or crushing BN is insufficient. Malaysia is too diverse to be handled. The best party to handle is still BN. Sorry mr oppositions! Prime Minister sir, lets transform the political scenery. Another 'Janji Di Tepati' perhaps?

 

A Divine or Divided Divisional Annual Assembly ?

1. It seems that the divisional annual assembly of UMNO has lost it's importance and abused by some irresponsible members themselves.

2. In the General Election of 2008,one of the reason for the BN lost of its 2/3 majority is due to its inability to be responsive and engaged with the mass. BN leaders was not seen as a champion but merely a yes man and were unable to fight issues that touched the public such as corruption....transparency.....waste of public fund....luxury life that becomes an envy to others plus other nitty gritty issues spinned by opposing parties.

3.It is obvious that UMNO needs to go back to basics and revised the framework available in the party. Among others there is a new provision whereby a bigger number of party members were eligible and participate in the voting exercise to choose a leader. When it comes to nominations to be a candidate in any post within the party, the nomination and quota for nominations were abolished to give a fair chance for new comers.

4. Therefore the divisional annual assembly role should be optimise in giving proper avenues for members to voice out their grievances, ideas or merely a platform for them to polish their talents in speeches and debates. Policies, programs, expenses or activities by the committee members will be scrutinize. Leaders need to be answerable and responsible to any program being organize for that particular year.

5. Unfortunately there are divisions who wish to shorten the proceedings with all excuses best known to them. Over the years it becomes a norm and any effort to rectify the non productive plan to shorten the assembly proceedings become harder.

6. In addition to the short duration of the assembly proper, other itinaries such as speeches, giving out presents and gimmicks of opening ceremony took most of the time. The purpose to gather and discuss about the strenght of the party, strategies, motions and resolutions becomes merely ceremonial and  of no quality.

7. Sadly certain quarters try to minimize the role and importance of selection of G7 representatives. It seems that it is wrong for a member to go every year and the best options is for a rotation basis. For older generations, this could be the best solutions. However to the younger generations that will be facing a more aggrassive oppositions, they need a platform to train and polish themselves. The best avenue is to participate in the selection of G7 members. The strength of a division should be judge by its ability to conduct a fair and proper election process to choose their G7 members. Proper voting and counting exercise should be laid out to increase transparency and dignity in choosing these leaders. Committe members of the division should be encouraged and not discouraged to go to the UMNO General Assembly and not being forced to retract nominations, Rotation basis or quota system in sending representatives for G7 is not the best solutions because it is very difficult to be fair to all considering the big numbers of divisioanal and branch leaders. Therefore the best and fair practice is to elect members as being provided in the constitution.

8. However there are divisions who gave the head of a division the mandate and to decide the G7 representatives. Looks democratic but actually not constitutional and could leads to illegal proceedings and a no confidence motion by members in the general assembly. It is only the General assembly that can pass motions to by pass the constitution and not the divisional annual general assembly. A strong G7 members shouldn't be seen as a threat to existing office bearers but rather a good preparation for second liners of leaders and provide a good check and balance for the party. Therefore the HQ of UMNO should come up with circulars to make it a compulsory for divisions to conduct their election of G7 members annually without fail.

9. Therefore, umno leaders and members need to clear their minds, try to become good listeners, put the party as a top priority instead of personal gain. Be humble. Do remember that it is the members at the grass root level that give you the supports all this while. Again and again, please changed or take the risk of being changed.

move on..line by line

A just concluded historical event of another General Assembly of UMNO. It seems that DS Najib is serious about the current debates on Malay and the right of other races which were spelt out clearly in the constitution. Indeed, Malay rights was spell out clearly but not at the expense of other races. It is important to note that the Chinese and Indian shouldn't feel being left out or percieved as second class citizen. However, they should be proud to be part of the country and repositioned themself as second and third big brother. Malay,  being the eldest, even if he did get previleges, the burden to shoulder on is tremendous, if not gigantic. The question of security, maintenance of harmony, a good system to distribute wealth ...need to be address carefully..as they say...GREAT POWERS COME WITH GREAT RESPONSIBILITY... It's now up to the leadership of UMNO to go down and start doing the talking...not only members but more importantly,  the voters at large...it is the G7 members who should do the donkey job..unfortunately they were not chosen properly..rotation is not good enough as it WON'T DEVELOP A GOOD SECOND LINER for the top leadership in a division level...members shouldn't be gag..LET THEM SPEAK THEIR IDEAS AND MINDS ALOUD..the party won't loose asthis will make them to be better speakers...AS IN THE LINE OF PRAYERS...MOVE ON UMNO...LINE BY LINE...

The Strength of BN is in it's plurality..

It's quite surprising when BN decided to proceed with an open and direct membership for all of it's component parties. It seems as simple as ABC, but the decision could be disastrous if not damaging if BN didn't do a thorough study and looked back to history when Perikatan is formed and the day we got independence from British. That is when a country called Persekutuan Tanah Melayu is formed. It is later known as Malaysia on 16th September, 1963.

Perikatan is formed base on the needs of three major races in the country. The Malay is fighting for independence, getting back their dignity as the ruler and administrator and trying to catch up with their brother in term of economics and academics achievement. The Chinese is fighting for a citizenship because British still refer them as immigrants. The same status goes to the Indians. However in terms of economy, the Chinese are better well off with the help of British. One thing for sure, they could see how a country rich with natural resources could achieve greater heights in future if it is properly managed and administered. It is also interesting to note that they look very much different in term of skin colours. The Chinese bestowed with a fair skin just like the British, Indians with a darker complexion and Malays with a mix between the fair and dark skin. They also differ in term of culture but it is interesting to note that the culture of Malays were influenced by the Indians and the Chinese. It is impossible and quite misleading if the malays failed to understand the needs and requirement of their brothers be it Chinese or Indians. In other words, Malays will always be Malays, Chinese will always be Chinese and Indian will always be indians. Therefore what is the most important aspect of all is how to achieve greater understanding and how to inculcate respect, sincerity and the willingness to work together. Even if it is a direct membership BN, these races will find it difficult to discuss it direct with their colleagues in BN. All races need to discuss their needs among them first before it is being discuss at a higher level in the setting of barisan Nasional. It is interesting to note how IMP leads by Dato' Onn fails, Gerakan which is being dominated by the Chinese even with a multiracial tag line, PPP by the Indians and the latest in the block is PKR, waiting for their dooms day. Therefore the most important part in this kind of relationship is how the respect, sharing and working together can be achieved and getting stronger day by day. Therefore, if a replica of PKR is a strategy..it will be a disaster because the feeling of unhappiness among races will blossomed and could be out of control one day. BN must maintained it's current form. Just a few unwarranted incidence and the current shameful political scenario such as staying in power for a very long period should be put to stop. BN indeed gain it's strength from it's plurality and diversity....

Mathematics and Science in English....Don't Confuse The Students

I failed to understand as why there is a disagreement in the implementation of English in Science and Mathematics. As though, those who were against the implementation don't have kids studying in primary or secondary school. As a father, it should be obvious that we want the best out of our children. Students should be best in both worlds i.e. a good command in English and a good mastering in Mathematics and Science. Again, it is obvious that if we want the best achievement, it should start as as early as possible. The current trend of learning is to introduce reading, writing and arithmetic in the early period of learning stage. A visionary parents will start teaching their children with English words. Professionals and educated parents prefer to converse in English with their children.

2. These are the trend in the society. Educational planners need to study the whole issue in total. There are issues of politics, economics, social and cultures that need to be considered. Parents who teach their children English at home sometimes are more committed to national building issues compare to others because they do care. Those who go for English are not traitors because English is no more the language of the colonials but it is a medium of communication and a medium for trade. The Chinese and Indians community will go for English even if it is a compulsory to pass Bahasa Malaysia in the exam. Again, it is obvious to them if you want to excel, the key ingredient is English. Is it fair to label them as not abiding citizen for failing to use Malay or competent in their usage of Malay? If educated parents go for English, shouldn't we think that those parents in rural areas must do the same to be at par. Is it wise to change the policy and let them rest on their laurels? If we want to change for the better, shouldn't we set for a higher target rather then to set a lower target an dream to get a better achievement? It doesn't compute so to say.

3. Malaysia is moving very fast towards a developed country. The analogy to reach early to any destination is to have a good and fast transport. No matter what it will cost, it is obvious and clear that a good transport is the answer to our dream to be the winner in the competition to reach a destination. Should you question whether you have the budget to buy the transport, skills to handle the vehicle, enough manpower for mobilization or sentimental issues such as love, dignity, pride to stop you from winning? The answer is no. By hook or by crook, no matter how difficult, a good transport is the answer. In this case, when it comes to national building and achievement the answer is the usage of English in critical subjects such as Mathematics and Science.

4. Therefore, if a decision needed to be made..the most important group to respond are the actual stakeholders i.e. the end users that will benefit most form the policy. In the Malaysian context, the business community should be given the due recognition and respect of their opinions. Business community knows what is best and should be done to our future generations. Business community determines the comfort, conducive environment and security living in our own country without interference of foreign elements.

5. If there is a resistance from Malay linguistic professors, it is obvious that their position are now being challenged because of the new policy. They will be seen as losers for not fighting their cause. If they were really sincere in their disagreement, the objections should have come earlier and not at this moment whereby the momentum of implementation is big. It is not wrong to go for Bahasa Malaysia. More importantly is whether it will bring benefits for Malaysians as a whole or not. Researchers in field of science is important and beneficial to the world scientific community. The question is whether it is beneficial to the community, whether there is a market value for the research and whether the investment incurred will give profitable returns. At the end of the day, it is a dollar and sense issues. A strong and wealthy Malay will be able to take care their language better rather than a weak and poor Malay. A good command in English doesn't mean that it will make them less Malay. What if he can speak good Malay during the United Nation's meeting or sing a Malay song in the Royal Albert hall of London ? Isn't that the achievements that we want out of the usage of Malay language?

6. Mathematics and Science in English is actually about implementations and not because of inabilities of rural students. It is about teachers that need to double their effort and given a proper re numerations for their effort. It is about ample time frame. More importantly, it is about a 'no turning back' in the policy. If there is one, I'm not surprise if there are teachers who prey that the government goes back to the old policy that will lessen their burden. Never in the history of national education policy whereby teachers are supplied with computers that changed their way of teaching. If it is about a competition mode, teachers should understand their role. Name to us your price, as long as you can produce students who excel in Mathematics and Science in English.

7. National policy should be discussed by committees and those concern parties in the issues. Once it goes to the street, there must be something wrong about it. You don't mix important decisions with emotions. Even if it is under the purview of the Minister of Education, the Prime Minister should be given the prerogative to decide what is best for the nation. As the leader of the country, every planning must fall into the right place. The decision is not with the cabinet, but the decision is best being left to the prime minister alone and for him to decide.

8. Students are just like white clothes. We should decide what is best for them. It is a learning process. They will learn what is being given to them. White cloth is the basics and you can turn them into red, black or any other colour. As in a batik printing, it can turn to any design and forms. The most importance is consistency, the right mix and the direction you are going. In this 'mathematics and science in English issue' we need a clear conscience. As a father..don't confuse your kids......

Politicians or Civil Servants ?

When Tun Mahathir came into office, I was in a boarding school in Kelantan. Even it seems years had passed by..the word of Bersih, Cekap, Amanah...still lingers in my ears...The changing of time (Peninsular following Sabah and Sarawak) making it earlier..too early to send kids to school and good to go out early and managed to have a round of golf in the evening..punch card..name tag..and so on.. I realised that it is about the work culture that he is trying to tackle with..when it comes to Pak Lah..it is about Cemerlang, Gemilang and Terbilang..nothing much can be seen on the changing of work ethics..nothing much that can really touched and reached the mass..and now..with Najib..it is about 'Satu Malaysia, Rakyat Diutamakan, Pencapaian Di dahulukan'....still.. where's the details on work ethics ?.....Politicians going to the ground..ok..no red carpet..ok..But...What about those bosses in the government department ? Are they doing the same on their own? I've yet to see one..frankly..

Therefore, to achieve greatness in running the country, it is the government machinery that matters..if it is about efficiency and efficacy....it is the government servant that should deliver..politicians come with ideas and government servants come with ways and means to achieve the ideas.. Even if it is about corruption..is it not wise to really double check what actually transpire between the monitoring body (civil servants) and contractors..or if it is within the private sector, between the borrower and authorities approving the loan? Or should we accept giving out commissions as a legal and acceptable norm in the community..

What 'Satu Malaysia' should go further and focus more is on the working culture..the re branding of the working culture of civil servants must be there to ensure success. Politicians used to be the 'check and balance' group to ensure all is well with the implementation and quality of work..unfortunately politicians seem toothless now days..civil servants cannot be transferred out easily for their wrong doings..politicians are being seen as 'leaders come and goes' but civil servants stay.....The immunity of a civil servant is seem to be more powerful and untouchable now days..The major difference on perks...If politicians do get benefits from any projects..it will be passed back to the community in the form of programs or donations..However if civil servants do get benefits..it goes to their pockets and not the community.... Since politicians are considered the 'boss', they need to be answerable... but the officer in charge (of the wrong doing) usually free from any charges...the bad perception will go to the politicians..

If you were to asked me.I would rather choose a politician...because most of the time the public will be the judge for their wrong doings and can be punished easily...civil servants ? Anybody dare to touch them ? They'll go for a different political party if you dare..The question now..if there is a setback in a government project..who should we blame to? ....Politicians or Civil Servants?

Just do your job BN..

As expected..PKR won in Penanti..what's the big deal? The status quo..if PKR,DAP and PAS won in the 2008 election..there are chances that they won again..but definitely they cannot win in Batang Ai or other BN's strong hold..demoralised..no..but BN members are keeping their tempers down..and it is quiet damaging that even revelations of the 'so called' bribery doesn't carry weight at all. Some even accused that the incident is being planned? What about the 'Lingham case' ...another well planned recording? One thing for sure..political followers now days follow their leaders blindly..the were hooked by their believed that their leaders are somehow sacred. Remember about the Al-Arqam movement..and how they were given continuous counselling for them to repent? Don't tell me politicians and the public need to be counselled? Paranoia..that BN will loose..no!..worried that BN will not get support..no! but Malaysians must start thinking and look at a bigger prospective and a broader angle..the right formula is being held by BN all these years..opposition..whether they want it or not.will try to emulate what BN has been doing since independence!

What's the solution then? To understand what's going on is simple..Use an analogy. If there is a fight between an incumbent and incoming candidate..what will the incoming candidate does? The choices that he got is only two..one you must show that you are good or better than the incumbent..secondly you need to tell everybody that the incumbent is incapable and failed in his duty..even if you don't have the prove..you need to provoke the incumbent..by hook or crook.. similarly between BN and PR (not registered)..PR cannot use the first strategy because BN is here since Independence and a lot of good deeds has been shown by BN..development..achievement in economy..achievement in the international arena and issues...etcetra..so what were left for them is to show how bad BN is..bombardment of 'lies'..continuous preaching of BN weaknesses...'facts' are immaterial because it is 'perception' and 'branding' that matters..

My advice to BN..just do your job..the 'rakyat' is always with you..you control the parliament..you still have the majority..why should you worry? One might say that your support is from Sabah and Sarawak..so what ?..majority is majority..just do your job..the majority of the rakyat is still sensible , reasonable and they are not insane..therefore when PKR, PAS and DAP talked about 'rakyat' ...I wonder which rakyat were they referring to?