Screenshots

You need the intelligentsia to draw the intelligentsia. Comparing our politicos with their counterparts in SG - you can see why we have a very lo...ong way to go.

I am non-Malay and a non-Muslim, otherwise beter known as a pendatang.

JEFF OOI says: You are fighting your own shadow because you can't pull yourself up to exert change. Hence, you are navel gazing by harping on narrow racialistic diatribe. Malaysia, if ever it's stagnated in socio-antropological evolution it's partly because of navel-gazers like you. Blame blame blame, whine whine whine and rant, rant rant.

I am only recognised as a Malaysian and treated as when when I am abroad. In the presence of other Indians or Chinese I am recognised for the fact taht I am from Malaysia though my skin colour might show that I am Indian or Chinese. I have my food preferences that are imbued by having born and grown up in Malaysia that fellow Chinese or Indians from elsewhere find peculiar. Only Singaporeans understand and have more or less preferences as I. Except for the fact that I am Malaysian, whether in education or in employment or business I am no different from the next.

Yet in my home country I am a pendatang. I am prejudiced whether in education or employment. I am prejudiced in business and I am prejudiced in the practise of my religion. Indeed I am penalised for it. (Just in case you guys don't know, Muslims pay their tithes (sorry can't remember what its called) and they get the full amount deductible against their tax liability. I too pay towards my church or temple or what ever as a free will offering, I get no relief.

My children are told when in their primaries even that they are infidels and kafirs and therefore not fit to play or make friends with those believers. And they see bias and all these prejudices affecting them fromt hat young age although we try to raise them to see all as equals and to be friendly with everyone. We teach them trust from the begining. Yet they are treated with distrust by even their teachers fromt he time they are young.

What, therefore, is my duty as a parent. Ofcourse I want them protected from all this inhumane practices. I migrate!. But I still come back to Malaysia for work, income and wealth as it is too difficult to start all over in the Western world. And why not? I pay my taxes on top of contributing to my church or temple, unlike some people.

After all this do I want my kids to come back to contribute towards Malaysia? Does Malaysia deserve me or my kids for that matter?

And these bloody Ministers and politicians got the fxxxing cheek to accuse me? Hello!!! I did not cream the country of its wealth ....you guys did!

Folks

What's the big picture?

1. blatant discrimination in getting jobs and promotions...intimidated by UMNO and UMNO Youth.

2. The Malaysian Civil Service is NOT MALAYSIAN civil service

3. Too much of UMNO politiking and harassmant in affairs of ordinary citizens

5. Meritocracy is manipulated by Govt Ministers to suit their political ends.

6. University students in the country are made into half-baked intellectual robots by University regulations as far as their critical thinking processes are concerned.

4. Work culture and environment in Malaysia is NOT conducive to personal growth. It stymies your professional instincts. Why? Politicisation by race in the lives of Malaysians, instigated not by Opposition parties but by the dominant ruling party in Government.

Judging by the way some students on government sponsorship were indoctrinated with racist messages passed off as nationalism by a certain Bureau something Negara, the design by government fiat is clear - systematic social engineering by attrition. Can't blame those who cannot stand such evil.

Money is the number 1 reason for me to work overseas.

Secondly, which is also a very strong reason is that this country takes care of its people VERY WELL.

Folks

Lets be serious on this:

The country can only attract its young and bright minds home if our national leaders seriously believe it is building an enabling political, economic and social environment for these young minds to achieve their individual personal growth.

As it stands, the current environment in the country only attracts mediocres. Even the local universities, the subtle manipulation of university exams and the education system encourage mediocrity to succeed over the talented and the gifted.

Somehow, I sense that the UMNO Ministers and Tok Pa himself are more concerned, and I won't be too far wrong to categorically say that these UMNO Ministers felt a sense of embarrassment, about an increasing number of Malays becoming expatriate Malaysians working overseas for foreign government and in foreign countries. Put this against a backdrop of an UMNO-run Govt which had been pouring money, tilted laws and regulations illegitimately, changing the goal-posts in national policies , bent backward politically at the expense of others, to send smart Malay students overseas to study and having made them into newly qualified and genuinely smart Malay minds. The deepest cut on UMNO was that with all these political manipulations, only to find our bright young Malay minds have decided not to come home after graduating, and some taking permanent residence in other countries.

Take the above situation in another context. These UMNO-Govt Ministers had known for donkey-years that NON Malay students had not bothered to come home after studying overseas, took permanent residence and citizenship and they had become economic assets for foreign countries for years. These Umno-Ministers made no effort before, and if ever, it is a token effort, to encourage them to return home to serve the nation.

Pak Lah's recent call for successful (mainly non Malay) expatriate Malaysians to return home to work was a half-hearted call which the UMNO-run Govt bureaucracy is not interested at all... there was half-hearted follow up to that call.

Since 1980s onward, the brain-drain of non Malay tertiary-trained workforce was never in the Govt's radar, and treated almost like "good riddance to you ,and we will replace all of you with our selective Govt scholarships".

Now they realised that the increasing number of Malay students, many of them on JPA or Govt-owned company scholarships, are becoming expatriate Malaysians, and worse still, voicing their criticism of Govt's economic and social policies.

The Higher Education Minister Mustapa Mohamed' comments to these expatriate Malaysian Malay students are couched words on patriotism etc for: "You are all a bunch of ungrateful parasites. We gave you a life, and you did not return the favour to make us proud back home. Instead you have become a political embarrassment to UMNO's bumiputra policy".

The resistance of MALAY expatriate Malaysians to return home provides a tangible proof of what many NON Malay expatriate Malaysians had been saying: "Things are not as good back home to start a career or build a life", but with different reasons for them.

Higher Education Minister Mustapa Mohamed should learn this, since he is from Kelantan. "The situation back home in Malaysia attracts more flies than bees. And garbage attracts flies ." And that is the subtle message of the smarter and more hardworking expatriate Malaysians (Malays and non Malays) now serving dutifully in foreign countries, to the UMNO-run Govt.

Sadly, UMNO Ministers and politicians will never get it and they prefer not to, anyway.

I was at yesterday's Thomas Cup semifinal. Sitting among the multiracial Malaysian supporters together with a Japanese friend, I felt proud being a Malaysian. At the same time, it make me wonder how wonderful our country Malaysia would become, if the same kind of spirits and co-operations, shown here by both the Malaysian contingent and supporters, exist in other fields.

But of course all Malaysians will have no problem supporting our Thomas Cup team. After all, we have nothing to lose, except perhaps having to pay for the tickets which is a small matter :). Here, we share a common interest in the form of upholding our national pride.

What about in other fields? I am sure that we have many common interests in all other fields, be it in politics or economy. But the question is, have we tried hard enough to explore the possibilities of more constructive co-operations, or is it simply because most of us are short-sighted blokes not ready to give up the short-term benefits.

Historically, Malay Malaysians dominated politics while Chinese Malaysians were dominant in economy. That was the political and economic landscape in the 60s and 70s. Although the NEP had improved, albeit very little, the economic share of the Malay Malaysians, the situation is still more or less the same. All right-minded Malaysians know that for the sake of the country, this kind of monopolies have to be stopped. The non-Malay Malaysians cannot be seen as having a stake in the running of country unless there are more people given important portfolios or appointed to the top positions in the civil service; the Malay Malaysians cannot be seen as enjoying a fair share of economic pie unless they have more and more middle class people. All these are possible, if there are more wills to share, to co-operate, and more efforts are put in to solve the existing problems together.

With more and more Malaysians getting tertiary education, and getting exposed to the outside world, I am of the view that we are in a transition period. Those who choose to return or stay back in the country (including most of the contributors on this blog) are those who think of themselves as Malaysians. And those are the people that can be hoped to carry on the challenge to fulfil the dreams of our nation-building fathers. Some time in the near future, a shift in the public opinion concerning the establishment of a true Malaysian Malaysia will be able to take place.

Unlike Singapore, ours is a very complex society, which requires more than mere implementations of "fairer" policies. More than ever, Malaysia needs more and more sincere and right-thinking leaders with a strong will to contribute, and a sharp mind to make important decisions that will bring benefits to all people.

Well said, Frank & Honest,

“The situation back home in Malaysia attracts more flies than bees. And garbage attracts flies “

Good people generally do not wish to associate with rotten people.

It is very unlikely expatriate Malaysians would want to come back for the following reasons:-

1. The word “patriotism “/ “nationalism “is very vague to this new breed of generation. Patriotic to who? Umnoputras, parasites, corrupted bureaucrats or what. The pop up of the scandals of the country, mismanagement, and the childish behavior of our parliamentarians, politicians don’t make people feel proud to associate with. This makes sense as even the government scholarship holders are reluctant to come back.

2. The monetary award for the overseas job is lucrative. People work one year there and the equivalent in Malaysia has to work many years. With good saving and investment, this new breed of generation is quite well off by the age of thirty. This is outstanding as compared with our employable graduates who could only seek for handout.

3. With such an environment, lucrative income and short working hours, many could advance themselves in terms of further education, specialization, and career advancement. There is more opportunity for their career advancement and meritocracy is the key. The world is their oyster, the good and energetic ones move from countries to countries; Australia to Singapore, UK, China, Middle East and US.

4. They are used to the lifestyle of the host country which is usually cleaner and safer to live and enjoy better freedom and human right. They have their friends and connectivity there.

A more realistic approach for the Malaysian government is not to hope too much about getting the people back but rather focus on the future generation, emphasize on the real meritocracy and fairness to every young Malaysian who should receive equal opportunity. Good and productive people must be taken care well, such that the green dragons are reluctant to swim away from you to the deep sea. A race based approach does not work as F&H pointed out even Malays are seeking refugee outside.

To make Malaysia a country of honey place so as to attract more bees perhaps is a challenge of every statesmen of the country.

We must admit the mistake and correct from it and we will be a great nation in the next cycle of perhaps fifteen years or so hopefully.

Jeff

So what do you expect me to do eh? I am sorry but I am not so politically correct despite the fact that I come with warts and all. My politically incorrect ways is most certainly a sure way to Kamunting and I am not prepared for that because firstly my fellow Malaysians do not deserve that kind of sacrifice from me and I am not prepared for that too. Just because you are does not mean I am. My values about my country are certainly very different from yours. But as Dr Mahathir has suggested I am still not as bad as those turn coats who want to sell our country out to Singapore. You should know better than most, when the shit hits the fan, you are all alone. Just like Shahrir has found out to his horror, he was left standing all alone although they cheered him on while he was speaking that fateful day! I am quite comfortable, as you put it, "Blame blame blame, whine whine whine and rant, rant rant." I must be an ass trying out anything more! But I know one thing....what ever shit I write, some day some something is going to make a difference to someone's life for the better....that alone is enough reward for me.

Frank and Honest, you said it right. And as I was reading your piece I was thinking, than which Malay who is paid to go study outside comes back to Malaysia to work? Than Kingkong answers that question festtering in my mind with his flies and garbage. So what it means is that the good ones amongst them who can stand their ground against any would rather stay there...and the unwanted flies, and they know it too that they are unwanted, they come back to be kings of the garbage dump here! And that the government has apparently noticed I suppose! ...Ahh..does that include one infamous son-in-law too?

Jeff, why are you so condescending towards Observer?

JEFF OOI says: I have a strong dislike for people who hijack my blog topic to pursue narrow-minded, navel-gazing racialistic propaganda. PERIOD.

He is making a personal observation, one which many of us do not completely disagree, and in fact, is periodically reinforced by some Parliamentarians.

JEFF OOI says: Commenter OBSERVER is one fellow whose comments I had to labour to moderate or else I would have landed on the wrong side of the law -- and I am speaking from personal experience dealing with the Malaysian authority. I pleasd you help me use this blog to promote Malaysianism. Not otherwise, as your young children will also be reading my blog, now or in the near future. The logic, and the faith, is simple. You can't correct past mistakes by creating new ones.

It is a real fear, and one of the reasons some will not return.

JEFF OOI says: There are many fear features. But racial disparity, of all kinds, shouldn't stand in our way to nurture a better Malaysia.

F & H, well written, and I think quite accurately pin-point the core of the problem. Yes, half of my school classmates did not return, that would have been considered Tungku's "problem drain".

It only now becomes a problem when the exact Phenomena also affect the Malays themselves.

JEFF OOI says: It's a Malaysian problem. Don't look at it from the navel-gazing racialistc point of view. The world has changed as Malaysians shifted their paradigms.

I personally believe that one can be patriotic regardless of where he/she is currently based.

Patriotic here equates to being a Malaysian,period! It's neither about being a Chinese, Indian, Malay nor any other indigenous group, for that matter.

Living and working in a developed nation has it ups and downs..but nothing beats the precious multiracial friendship that I, for one, cherished from all those years of schooling back home in Malaysia. It was because of that unpretentious spirit instilled upon us that these Malaysians still keep in touch with one another (thanks to technology)from diffrent parts of the world, be it on a personal or business/career level.

In short, my country does have its fair share of instilling pride in us for being Malaysians but this can be further enhanced once the corridors of 'power that be' decides to act beyond the rainbow of racial issues and move towards meritocracy for every one to enjoy the fruits of success.

increasigly, being a malaysian means tri-lingual. That is the product that is coming out from this garbage. That is why you get employment oppotunities from all over the world.We must be the world's biggest garbage exporter.

I am a doctor working in a public hospital. Personally, I think most of the doctor staying in UK is solely for financial reason. Nothing about patriotism to talk about. You may hear these doctors said that they are learning new skill, pursing sub speciality training etc etc but I can tell you that the number is actually very small. I do not against those doctors who stay in UK especially those who are self sponsored by 'FAMA' sclarship but I am very much against those who took the JPA scholarship hense tax payer money to become doctor and then dishonour ther contrat by not coming back to serve and on top of that giving all sorts of lame excuses. For me specialist training for them is a PRIVILEDGE not a right. EVen they are being paid peanut (or RINGGIT), they are obliged to honour their contract to serve their fellow citizen. The recent change of labour condition for non UK non EU doctors who need to apply work permit to work in UK (very difficult to get) is probably a very good move. The JPA sponsored students now have to come back to Malaysia and Malaysia government will no longer need to beg these 'traitors'.

Wow. Thats my reaction to some of the comments here. I studied in the UK on a government loan, which I am still struggling to repay despite the agency's GENEROUS repayment terms. While I was there I too, dreamt of working in London's City district and pulling in enough quids so I can go home and retire at age 40. But then I was woken up by cries of reformasi (which is not necessarily political to me, as it also serves as a call for Malaysians to rise up to FIRST WORLD mentality, some 10 years before Pak Lah made the same call). So after graduation I packed my bags and went home, committed to serving my people and making this country (or garbage dump, as some would refer it to) a better place. Sure, there's still much work to do. But the world is changing so fast and Malaysia has since improved in some ways. If screenshots was up ten years ago I bet Jeff would be surrounded by cold, damp concrete walls 24/7. I have little respect to those who run away and whine about the conditions of the 'battlefield' that they deserted. That's why I have great respect and admiration for people like Uncle LKS, Jeff, Aminuddin, Aisehmen (for his eye-opening pieces) etc etc. I am a Malay Muslim who does not wince when my buddies sits down next to me with a ham sandwich and a beer. I exchange religious knowledge with my Sikh colleague, learning about each others' religion. Same with my Christian counterparts. I went to a church sponsored school, and I can still recite morning prayers that the headmaster used to say every monday morning. And yet, my friends consider me a pious muslim.To me, this is what it means to be Malaysian. And I can say that all my non Muslim Malaysian friends knows about Zakat & fitrah, at least by name, and they know that its not a donation, but a Tax in its own right. And by the way, come here to Sarawak and you'll see many non-Malays and non-Muslims who are not considered Pendatang.

I must commend you Jeff, for being very mature about Observer's comments. I do not buy for a second his claims that you are merely being politically correct. It is one thing to claim that Malaysia;s bumiputra policy is unfair, and being a Malay and Muslim student in the UK myself I COMPLETELY oppose to the policy.

But to instigate racial disharmony by including religious issues regarding tax deductions and whatnot is a step too far and a step in a wrong direction.

Dont get me wrong, I am in no way defending what Tok Pa as Jeff puts it, said. Lets just leave it at that and not open a hugely irrelevant can of worms whose nature of existence is far from straightforward.

Well said Nutkraker about being a Malaysian.
I'm a malay muslim who doesn't drink,prays 5 times a day too and neither do I flinched sitting/eating with collegues while they have their happy hour.If they have their Bloody Marys, I'll have mine virgin mary.

My best friend is an agnostic Chindian with binary-like logical thinking, with whom discussion about faith can be challenging.

My conclusion is that we still distrust the other..
Generally lots of Malays believe if you give non-malays an inch, we'll be 'Singaporised' in no time, where being Malay would be a liability.

Sometimes seeing job adverts in local supermarkets kind of enhance that feeling. i.e
Job 1 Salesgirl
Job 2 Porter etc
Job 3 Security guard
Job 5&6- god knows since it's in Chinese characters!!!!

Humm Sarawak...
While it's true that non malay/non muslim can be seen/treated as NOT a Pendatang (if you are a Sarawakian),being from Peninsular or (Malaya), makes you feel like one.Regardless whether one is malay,muslim or otherwise.Was there, felt it.
Nice place otherwise.

Malaysia is not perfect, it might never be perfect, but if we don't try to improve it in every little way possible then there's no chance of improvement. Maybe that's just youthful exuberance talking, as I don't mean to patronize. So what if your MP is a dickhead, or you get pissed off with every white elephant project developed using your tax money. We weren't well off but my parents paid for my education abroad, and I stayed on and worked and earned a little that helped me when I came back. I didn't get any favors from anyone, and I am what I am out of my own merit. I'm not bitter about the NEP nor it's intentions, though I question how it's implemented. In a way I'm glad because of the hurdles that were placed in my way due to our govt. policies. I know I can't take things for granted and that for me to succeed I will have to look out for myself and be prepared to compete. And I've seen many others prosper with similar motivations instead of sitting back and lamanting the conditions we are in, not that there's anything wrong with complaining as we do so often here.. Sometimes I think to myself that if my grandfather hadn't got on that boat I might be on a farm somewhere in India today, slogging it out, the hard way. But I'm glad he made the trip and I'll do my best to make myself a worthy citizen, if I'm not one yet.

Hey Jeff,

you worked overseas until you made your pile didn't you?

In fact, that's what our ex-PM Dr. M advised us students to do when he gave a lecture in UK. As I remembered it, made your pile and come home. I supposed there is nothing wrong with that.

The problem is if all these people actually come back to Malaysia and refuse to leave, Malaysia will be changed forever!

Just ask Prof. Gomez and Prof. Jomo why they left?

Things work in a extremely strange fashion back in Malaysia. Good people have to resign and good companies are not given contracts.

There is a very big PUSH factor as in Malaysia actually pushes the best people out. Not only in government but also in business as well. The whole country works in a strange fashion, the mediocre become mighty while the good gets beaten to pulp. Even good Malays get sidelined. It happens everywhere, even in your favourite SRJK (C).

Check out the expert return scheme and you can find out how petty the government is and how "serious" they are about attracting people back.

Maybe when the oil runs dry things will change a little bit?

KB

"JEFF OOI says: I have a strong dislike for people who hijack my blog topic to pursue narrow-minded, navel-gazing racialistic propaganda. PERIOD."

_________________________

Fair enough. But to me, Observer is only bringing up the proverbial 'pink suede elephant in the middle of the room that nobody wants to talk about'. Non-Malays will likely be strongly influenced by the factors that were mentioned by Observer.

JEFF OOI says: Like the broken record, you are singingthe obvious. Debate the issue by all means, but avoid kicking up racialist polemic. Take away that racialist stance and for all you know, you will allow fresh approach to permeate to tackle a decades-old issue. Right now, by regurgitating from racilaist stance, as proffered by OBSERVER, you are digging on the same round hole, sinking deeper,and things get worse. Find us a way out, not dig us a way in.

*IF* the government or anyone is interested to know why many non-Malays don't want to come back, then Observer's comments will reveal a lot. A BRILLIANT analogy in Gubra was mentioned in by an article in The Sun in the Youth section: "Being a non-Malay in Malaysia is like loving someone who doesn't love you back". A loving relationship takes two. If your love is not returned but you find someone else who loves you back, then well.....

Neurolept, Nutkraker and Vedderian

I like the attitude of three of you.

Any chance all three of you are members of UMNO Youth or UMNO. If you are, I will be surprised.

You folks are a rarity in Peninsular Malaysia.One of you is Sarawak and another is still in UK.

But if you live and interact too often with the likes of those parochial UMNO Youth apparatchiks and coathangers, you will be drilled to think like them or else you will be socially outcast as a sell-out.

Rarer still you can find in Malaysia are the likes of Din Merican, Farish Noor and Bakri Musa, Raja Kamarudin etc .They dare to speak up. And their patriotism and love for Malaysia is NO less than those drum-beating keris yielding UMNO Youth apparatchiks who in recent years are more of a problem than a solution the nation's problems.

But then again, why should anyone go against the grain of personal gain when they stand to benefit from the goodies handed out by UMNO' through Govt handouts.

As Banjaran put it, there is a "pink suede elephant in the room". Jeff thinks any reference to it is racism. Or worse still a hijacking of his blog!...No hijacking mate. You introduce the topic...and it all comes together nicely!

JEFF OOI says: When Firdaus rebutted Tok Pa, he talked from the perspective of a new generation of Malaysians, who are fast shifting paradigms as the world globalises to compete on competence and competencies. NOT A SINGLE WORD was Firdaus, and the Australian expat student talked about racial segregation. Their advocacy is for meritocracy to triumph -- when you get to the outside world, you excel in your educational and skill pursuit, and you want to compete on the world stage. Let this First World mentality flourish. You compete in the outside world, your being a Malay, Chinese or Indian-Malaysians becomes irrelevant! That's the context of this blog.

Let me tell you Observer, you keep harping on Malaysians being racially divisive, wat benefitdoes it serve to anyone of us who want to makes things better and to move forward? I read from your past commentaries, in which you mentioned you are of Indian-Malaysian origin. That's the crux of the matter. You are a mere tiny footnote in Malaysian history. Harp on your ethinicity and your minority voice won't get heard. Look at it thisway, in this country, its MALAYSIANS who are the absolute majority -- not Malays, not Chinese, and definitely not Indians. YOu are not going to do your children any good if you keep harping or racial divides. Think Malaysian. Think Malaysianism. Why not now? Why you want to leave it to the politicianns?

Vedderian said "But to instigate racial disharmony by including religious issues....." I too have been observing Observer's comments for some time now, and I can understand if others may find his comments a bit over the top. However, to accuse him/her of "instigating racial disharmony" because of what he wrote above is itself over the top. He/she may be factually wrong, he/she may be emotional, he/she may be a whiner, but I am not unconvinced that his views are not shared by a large section of Malaysians.

As some one said, the pink elephant is in the room. What to do about it? I can understand Jeff's concern vis-a-vis being on the right side of the law. But what of the rest of you patriotic Malaysians? When in private, do you good "non-racialistic" citizens also not talk about the pink elephant?

It is true that many are just whiners and ranters (I would venture to say that these people constitutes a majority). But lets go the next step then, regardless of whether one chooses to talk about the pink elephant or not, what can the average whiner and ranter do? Yes, yes, we should all be better citizens, be more sensitive towards each other and look at each other without noticing ones race (pretty tough when everywhere one turns, one is prompted to state one's race). That's all very nice, and about as valid as saying that farmers need sunshine and rain for a bountiful harvest. What to do?

1. Start a blog (and possibly get in trouble with the law when some comments are deemed intemperate by opportunists)

2. Join an opposition party (and get nowhere after 40 years?)

3. Join the ruling party and try to change them for the better from within? (pretty good joke this)

4. Just continue to rant and whinge to get somestuff off your chest (and achieve nothing else?)

I would venture that one reason many do not do anything meaningful is because they do not believe that the positive change that they seek will come about (or at least not in their lifetime.)

JEFF OOI says: One of the things I do most these days is spending more quality time with my 9-year old daughter. See her grow. See her experience success and failures in school during her grooming years. See to all her needs. One day, she will the nestling nest when theoarents are around, and fly her own blue sky. That's where the gloom lies. If today's Malaysia is tough for us, our generation, how are we going it better for our kids? Continue to whine and rant in the blogs? Get your frustrations off your chest and expect your fortune to change? Bullshit.

You need to burn off some of your ego and bias, join politics, start your own blog, but if your bosom is overwhelmed with racialist intent, nothing is gonna change.

On the other hand, globalisation -- where only the fittest would survive -- will push us towards a level playing field like water finding its own level. You can't sell a piece of computer chip by stating you are racially-discriminated against in Malaysia.. The market out there just ask: What can you offer better than your competitor?

The faster Malaysian oil wells dry up, the sooner we wake up. Harping on racial divide will only make you more deprived, socio-economically and politically speaking. More so when you unfortunately fall under a minority group that are a mere footnote in Malaysian history.

Think Malaysian and think Malaysianism. That's the absolute majority in this country.

I say if you have the opportunity to leave Malaysia, grab it with both hands. Much as I dislike "racial polemics" or "navel gazing" as Jeff eloquently put it, that is sadly the fact of the matter. I've always maintained that I'm Malaysian first, Chinese second, but sadly that's not what the government, the public sector, the local universities or JPA thinks. So yeah, we whine, but it's well justified. It's well and good to talk about being Malaysian, but if people's mindsets aren't going to change, well you gotta take care of number one, ie yourself. The days of Gandhi and standing up for what you believe in, well, you'll get slammed in the nick for ten years for your troubles. Chicken hearted I know, but the Mahatma had nothing to lose. Most Malaysians have too much to lose to try and change it "from the inside" or outside. So, go where you're wanted and appreciated.

It's not the money. Trust me, life in the UK isn't easy, no way. You earn relatively low when you're first starting out, and cost of living is incredibly high. Definitely no pirated DVDS from Petaling Street. You get quality of life in Malaysia. But you don't get equality. Or professionalism in the work place. They forgot to mention all these factors when reporting the results of the survey. To put it down as simply a question of money is really insulting.

By the way, here is the survey questionnaire that was sent out by UKEC, and my response verbatim:

1. What are the main pulling factors for you to remain as professionals in UK or Ireland after you graduate? (eg salary, experience)

- System here is based on meritocracy
- Professionalism in the work place
- More protection for workers (legislation, working hours etc)
- More opportunities for self-improvement (language courses, foreign postings)

2. What are the main pushing factors which are deterring you from going back to Malaysia? (eg job insecurity, work conditions)

- For non-Malays there is very little chance of advancing one's
career/self-improvement

3. Do you think the government has done enough to make us feel patriotic to serve the country? (eg BTN, national education policy)

- National education policy is a joke. Quotas in universities, scholarship
opportunities etc. Recent example: see Albert Wong case. 12A1 student forced to beg for JPA scholarship. This is an annual scenario and there are no signs of
the situation changing.
- BTN is nothing more than an excuse to highlight the racism and ketuanan-melayu
mentality of its instructors. Not a couple of isolated incidents, but it seems to be the overall policy and message of the BTN programme.
- True patriotism comes not from singing Negaraku everyday or being told how
great our country is, our multi-racial make-up, our muhibah-ness etc etc. It
comes from treating all citizens equally, giving them equal opportunities, and letting the best be the best. It comes from a thorough eradication of our
identities as Malays, Chinese, etc and from the inculcation of our IDENTITY
(singular) as MALAYSIANS. Only then can we be called truly patriotic. The current sentiment among most students overseas now is "the country has done
nothing for me, so there is no reason for me to remain loyal to the country".

4. If you wish to work here in the UK and Ireland, how long do you intend to do
so? (eg 5 years, 10 years, forever, untill you get a Phd?)

- If I get a good job here, I intend to apply for citizenship. If not here,
anywhere but Malaysia. Malaysia is the last resort for me.

5. What should the government do to prevent brain drain, or do you think brain drain is good for the country?

I notice the email says the "so called brain drain". It is not "so called", it is a fact, and one the government should be doing its utmost to stop. Instead
the government, through its education policy, is driving away Malaysia's finest students. Instead of welcoming our students into local universities (which are nowhere near world-class anyway), the govt is imposing quotas, limiting scholarships for certain races, giving "special classes" in universities, and
allowing the non-deserving to take the best and elite courses (medicine, law etc). Down south, our neighbour Singapore is doing its best to attract foreign talent. It is simple maths: Stay in Malaysia, work and slave, see other less qualified people rise above me. Go to Singapore/Britain/Australia/America/NZ,
work and slave, earn promotions (if one is deserving).

Malaysia is a wonderful country. Unfortunately, hypocrisy, corruption, racism (government sanctioned racism), and above all, a total blindness to our faults
as a nation and as a people, means that only those who don't have a choice will return there. If the government really wants to stop brain drain, be fair. Just be fair to everyone. Simple as that.

>

To Hann,

You have said it all in the survey questionnaire simply and honestly. Well said.

It is true a naïve statement of patriotism and nationalism is too simplistic to try to lure the brains back. In today’s situation, we simply can’t afford to get them back. This is a reality.

Good people do not want handouts; they want to excel themselves in whatever field they endeavor. Only the world stage today can be a level playing ground for them. Money is not the only thing, but of course money will follow automatically after success.

hann said: 2. What are the main pushing factors which are deterring you from going back to Malaysia? (eg job insecurity, work conditions)

- For non-Malays there is very little chance of advancing one's
career/self-improvement

---

You cant seriously believe this to be true? Yes, in the public sector this is often the case and I find it very sad myself that this is happening. Hence, the reason for the dominant number of Malays in the public sector. OK, thats one issue on its own. But to say there is little chance to advance one's career in Malaysia is a stretch.

--
4. If you wish to work here in the UK and Ireland, how long do you intend to do
so? (eg 5 years, 10 years, forever, untill you get a Phd?)

--------
- If I get a good job here, I intend to apply for citizenship. If not here,
anywhere but Malaysia. Malaysia is the last resort for me.
--------
I am sorry you actually feel so much disgust for your own country that you would actually say Malaysia is your last resort. (No cynicism intended, I respect your feelings on this and while I would've hoped you'd come back along with people like me and try and change things, I suppose I can comprehend why you might feel this way.)
---------

As Jeff rightly put it, there is no use harping on racial divide. We ALL know it exists. We ALL know the government policies are biased. But to put EVERYTHING that goes wrong on this is a tad 'easy' in my opinion. With regards to the Tok Pa issue I take a similar stance. The Bumi quotas justifiably explains only part of the story. Many non-Malays blame the government easily, unfortunately perhaps due to their parents' influence, for all that they MAY not achieve.

I think this is what Jeff is pointing out. We (erm you, since im only 20, pardon my youth) as parents aren't really helping in promoting patriotism when you consciously/unconsciously instill a mentality of highlighting the Bumiputra policies in everything that happens. Yes the elephant is there, but it's not responsible for everything and many times it's largely irrelevant to the issues at hand.

Speaking as a member of the younger generation, I can say that on the 'human' everyday level, things are changing. Slowly..very slowly, but things are changing. There are more Malays like me who are opposed to the Bumiputra policies than there were say 10 years ago. There are more Malays mixing around with the other races and pursuing relationships as MALAYSIANS, regardless of race and religion.

So, have more optimism guys. Don't give up on your tanahair. The government doesnt wholly represent the nature of our country, does it? There's more to Malaysia and Malaysianism than what the government decides to do. Once we get more optimism and pro-active-ness instilled in us, and education taking its course, we'll get there.
WE'LL GET THERE, but only if we stay and fight the noble fight.

"....I am a Malay Muslim who does not wince when my buddies sits down next to me with a ham sandwich and a beer. I exchange religious knowledge with my Sikh colleague, learning about each others' religion. Same with my Christian counterparts. I went to a church sponsored school, and I can still recite morning prayers that the headmaster used to say every monday morning. And yet, my friends consider me a pious muslim.To me, this is what it means to be Malaysian......"

well said nckeat!

And for those JPA scholars who fail to return home:
1. The government should take action against their guarantors (penjamin, usually the parents)
2. I am a locally trained Dr, quietly serving my ten-year bond because I'm very grateful that the govt gave me a chance to study at a time when I was just a poor kid. I FAIL TO SEE WHY MY FOREIGN-TRAINED COUNTERPARTS CANT DO THE SAME.
3. No matter what one may argue, you sign the bond, you honour it. If you don't, AT LEAST PAY THE PENALTY AND LET OTHER POOR KIDS HAVE THEIR CHANCE
4. The renumeration and working conditions in the public sector here is getting better by the day. I can vouch to that because I'm nearing my tenth year of service
5. The only problem at the moment is the delivery sytem: it takes more than a year from the time you hear something (like pay hike, promotion) and actually see it happen. I hope the govt can seriously do something about cutting red tape whithin its own administration
5. To the foreign grads: dont forget that YOU ARE THE GOVERNMENT and therefore COME BACK AND IMPROVE YOUR GOVERNMENT! Dont just sit there and talk c**k!

sorry, it is nutkraker, not nckeat

I was in a dialog session with Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis the other day, and he said something like "the brain drain is a big problem for us, even more than the money drain problem." He also said that the gov't now actually wants them to STAY there, even the illegal Malaysians (there are a lot more overseas than you think). The main reason is because these people send home MILLIONS of ringgit every single week to our bank, to their families.

And as for incentives, when you already have a life abroad, families and friends, what else can tarik you to go back home? Virtually nothing. So he said the govt's new plan is to sponsor them back, with accomodations and everything. The reasonning is, if you sponsor a malaysian nuclear scientist twice or 4 times per year to come back and help the govt, they will. one week balik kampung, the next week help or teach the malaysians here. Pretty ingenious plan IMO, win-win situation.

So one menteri cakap lain, another cakap the old stuff. So what's the deal here?

Vedderian

You said....Many non-Malays blame the government easily, unfortunately perhaps due to their parents' influence, for all that they MAY not achieve.

I don't. I blame UMNO and UMNO Youth, the corrupted power by our Government.

I always believe that an elected Govt is benign, but the danger is in the absolute power given to the dominant ruling party ie UMNO supported by the rednecks in UMNO Youth to rule the country since 1957 continuously has made this Government answerable to NO ONE expect to its own party members.

That is why we have all the crap and bullshit in Parliament debates where racists sentiments are the order of the day and divisive politics underpin the policies of education and the economic fabric of the country.

The danger about about thinking being Malaysian first, ideal and praiseworthy, in total exclusion or in deliberate plea of ignorance of the realpolitik and realities, is that a rational person will become so disappointed and frustrated when change for the good deemed impossible. He or she becomes worse off in attitude and behaviour than someone who faced and dealt the realities in his strides.

We need to bear in mind the realpolitik of the country. The BLUE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM is that UMNO dictates the policies of this GOVERNMENT because Malays and Non Malays allowed that for the last 49 years with NO checks and balances against extremism policies. We and our descendants are paying that price.

To say simplistically it is the Govt, is to blame representatives of the Chinese, the Indians and other minorities of East Malaysia who ARE in Govt.

If you make a more incisive analysis of the attitude and behaviour of the Govt Ministers and Govt back benchers, your target of anger and frustration is NOT the Govt, it is UMNO and UMNO Youth.

I have consistently tried to point this out. Elected Govt, by nature is benign.

To debate that it is the Govt or to make this whole issue as Malay vs Non Malay is to play into the hands of UMNO and UMNO Youth. It detracts the core problem of the divisive politics of this country.

NON Malays overseas should understand this critically. Malaysian PARTISAN politics is NOT issue-based, it is race-based because the ruling parties in Govt are RACE-BASED, ie UMNO for Malays, MCA for Chinese and MIC for Indians.

Malaysian Partisan politics is not like in US (Republican vs Democrats) or in UK (Labour vs Conservatives) or Australia (Liberal vs Labour) etc.

The colonial British divided us along racial lines and ruled, sadly this is being perpetuated by our current ruling goverment. I see some commentors here are actually buy into it, racial segregation. I totally agree with Jeff here, rather than having a bleak outlook of our future and feeling helpless,why not do something improve the current situation. Vent your hatred, dissapointment against the goverment, not to your fellow countrymen. The fault dont lie in the people, its the unscrupluous politicians!

I've spoken to this chap before in England , Firdaus, and being the representative I believe he is speaking the truth.

Much has been said about the defacto reality in Malaysia, and think it will be delusional man who fails to see the pink suede elephant in the room.

The question is then, how do we react to it.

We can pretend it is not there, which is what many attempts to do, with self sensorship, and "not rock the boat".

We cen attempt to correct it, and Jeff's contention that we as Malaysians rather than Malays or Ibans, or Indians, should move forward with the "Malaysian Agenda". But hang on, that sounds like the "Malaysia for Malaysians" clarion call of a certain opposition party, and sure invoke the name calling of "racist" from a certain ruling party.

That brings us back to the third option, and that is to whinge, pine, ventilate etc, and then "do nothing". Well, actually not nothing. I must confess to being in this group, but I am NOT doing nothing.

We are pragmatists, and accept that the defacto situation is NOT going to change anytime soon, and maybe not in my lifetime. The institutionalised discrimination is bestored on the majority group by that very same group, and it will and can only be removed if that group is willing to let go of the gravy train themselves. I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Therefore I will have to work around it. I am making sure I can afford a first class education for my children, and they be given the opportunity to be a world citizen. If they so choose to eventually return, good, but otherwise, at least I have done my part to enable them to break free from Malaysia. This I do at considerable cost, living much below my means, as many non-bumi citizens have to.

That is the reality, so it is up to you which group you want to belong to.

Finally, my children influenced by we parent? We don't have to, it is all in the open, when their classmates with the correct ethnicity gets the scholarships, and choice courses in local Universities. In the 10 or 15% more thay have to pay for their houses. Etc.

It is a BIG elephant you know.

IMHO, if this blog is used as a medium to promote Malaysianism, it has failed. Many a times, I have read with digust on the many scandals of the Malaysian government and I say to myself that maybe migration is the answer. (for me) Sometimes it is easier and simpler to just back down. You can't be expected to win all battles.

Type as many feedback as you like, argue it to the fullest but at the end of the day when the cow has come home. What have you really achieved?

I guess some of us are still too deep into the woods to see the trees for what they are. We have actually come a long way since 3 years(?) back when Jeff first started this blog and the crusade to bring about an awakening, a small step at a time to get more people to be aware that we need to make the necessary mindset changes to build a stronger following. To keep hitting at established trends relentlessly, until the people at top levels see this as a conscience that keeps nagging at them. Otherwise we'll never break the vicious cycle of the integrity crisis, the corruption that slowly eats at the very core of our existence. The reforms that are required to change the system from honoring mediocrity and the superficial to honor what is real merit and heroism and patriotism. That is the major goal that we should be aiming for. And that is the only way forward. Recalling and replaying the old baggage of racialism and bigotry will never get us anywhere but back to our old shackles. We can only get drowned in the end. Just don't forget the tidal wave of globalisation is already in motion and gathering in strength. Will we survive together or will we be taken back to square one? Our survival I believe depends on how well we consolidate our defenses. As for those who believe in running, are you sure your next generation (or the next)has a guarantee? Globalisation may just level all the playing fields. How safe are the 1st world nations? The recent appointment policies of British doctors are just the beginning...

No, the 1st world is not safe. That is why we should be world citizens, able to survive whereever the opportunities brings you. Not just the 1st world. The hottest place for jobs now is actually China.

Employment of foreign doctors is a bad example. The British Government has just corrected an anomaly. No other country in the world allows foreign doctors automatic right to work. It was a vestige of the Empire and the Commonwealth, and now the labour laws in Britain is now in line with other countries in the world. In any case, it does not affect citizens and permanant residents.

LC Teh

You said....Recalling and replaying the old baggage of racialism and bigotry will never get us anywhere but back to our old shackles.

True.

And you know what. Its people like you, who UMNO Youth apparatchiks love most.

You see, while UMNO Youth and UMNO are happy and will encourage you to the hilt to discuss and view the issues in Malaysia as non-racial, allow you burn your brains out on the great ideals of equality of citizenship, they will, meanwhile, continue to do and say what they have been doing best in all these years... see Malaysia on racial lines. Take a trip back over 20 years and see the performce of UMNO Youth in the media and in public display. Say I am wrong in my assessment.

you and I have no power base except that we have our mouths and skills at computer keyboard,and that's about all, while these UMNO and UMNO Youth chaps walk and talk on the corridors of power pushing their racial barrels.

Even poor LIm Kit Siang ha to resort to having his own blog to speak his mind, given his words are sanitised by the mainstream media.

I am not saying UMNO Youth is doing anything illegal... their raison d'etre is just that, to be the fierce vanguard of Malay rights, even at the expense of others.

So what gives?

The realpolitik is on UMNO Youth side. And to make it worse for you and me, they can say and do things which if had been said or done by you and me, it is a sure ISA ticket to Lamunting or be branded as racist or threatened, just like the MCA MP who was given a note at his home by the UMNO Youth apparatchiks.

Again, tell me, what gives?

Intellectual debate here does not change one inch of UMNO Youth's race-oriented politics for which they have mastered into a fine art, now helped by the Oxford-trained deputy UMNO Youth leader-cum-son in law-cum-high flying businessman.

What is required by the smart cookies on this blog is to work around and address the realpolitik of UMNO Youth and UMNO - that to me is the crucial piece in the jigsaw puzzle to solve our nation' ailing race-related problems.

No amount of the verbal diarrhoea on this blog or elsewhere about the great ideas of equality and fairness and concern about the future of this countr9 ( and to think they are not aware of any damage done is to insult the UMNO and UMNO Youth's leadership's intelligence) will change the attitude,and behaviour of UMNO YOuth and UMNO regard to the race-based politics in this country. And the issues have been talked since the days of Tan Sri Tan Chee Khoon, the Seenivasagam brothers, by Dr Lim Chong Eu and others. It wasn't yesterday that these problems came into existence.

So, what gives?

"If I get a good job here, I intend to apply for citizenship. If not here,
anywhere but Malaysia. Malaysia is the last resort for me."

hah again same old Mr Hann...a genuis...law graduate who his rechotical comments make his so famous here...
what ever issues..jeff surfaces..same old sxxt comments from him..
just like jeff said
Blame blame blame, whine whine whine and rant, rant rant.

we are almost welcome your move hann...go get UK citizenship...or somewher else...and afterthat..stop whining..
we hope your DREAM will become true

good ol supadepo,
bak wid ur mirc typos i c. altho i c ur vocab x improve much, wats rechotical btw?

For your information I'm not a law graduate yet. I'm just finishing my first year. Again you seem to have missed out the point of the discussion completely and if you have nothing new to say don't bother.

Vedderian,
I appreciate your point of view as much as the next (seriously), and I honestly respect people who will stay back and initiate change (or at least try to) in our tanahair. However like I said, my parents have invested far too much money for me to come back and risk a further downturn in the socio-political trends in Malaysia. I haven't seen ANY indication at all that would encourage people in my position to come back to Malaysia. I read a blog a couple of weeks back about "Ketuanan Cina", and how Malays should react to it. Very scary to say the least. This government has no sense of transparency or the rule of law, and I'll tell you another thing which scares me, UMNO Youth at last year's UMNO GM. I'm not staying back to risk another May 69.

Frank & Honest put it best when he said, our power mostly comes from our ability to use a keyboard. Other than that, all power is vested in too small hands. The mandate given to Pak Lah the last general election is an indication that people are somewhat content with the situation, and trust me, the shit will continue. There's no harm in looking out for yourself.

hann,

I read the Ketuanan Cina blog thingy as well, and I blasted it in my comment there. I guess where we differ is that I have much more confidence in the Melayu Baru, and how we intend to try and change Malaysia into a more socio-politically harmonious country. And not just Melayu, I have faith that the Chinese and Indians of the younger generation will do the same, in time. All in time.

Yes, there is no harm looking after one's self. And I will refrain from making judgments about Malaysians who choose to give up on Malaysia. In another life I might wish to do the same, who knows. But I just feel an overwhelming sense of duty to try. And I'd like to think there are many others who feel they owe it to noone else but themselves to do the same.

Call us 'darah muda', 'gung ho' or whatever, but I strongly believe across the races our numbers are growing. And even if I dont live to see it, I'd like to die knowing I tried. Isn't that what we were taught from young?

I think Frank&Honest sums up the points very well. Interestingly, many issues raised recently about our motherland has somewhat led to some uniformed views amongst races. I think quite a few have realised, the problem is far beyond NEP, racial justice/integration, share of economic pie between race. Its about all of us Malaysians doing our part to stay afloat in this global world. Looking at the deteriorating policies, quality of life etc, its no wonder that there is huge flight of talent. The observation of malays being reluctant to return to motherland is an accurate one, interesting trend but does say a lot.

Yes, so what gives, Mr Frank & Honest? We both know very well UMNO Youth is glaring right at us every way we turn. Challenging someone to make a wrong move or say something they can jump at. They've got the political advantage and got their ranks up like a stone wall. So, what do we do, other than rant and rave, run away elsewhere, lie low and keep quiet or do what we can do best at the moment; keep nagging at someone higher up... We know we can't fight their fire with more fire. They know that too. If you have a better strategy, we'd like to hear about it. I don't like the situation any more than you do.
And besides I don't see how a navel can change no matter how long I gaze at it...

Read what somebody else has to say about our situation: http://www.kakiseni.com/articles/columns/MDg2MQ.html

Vedderian,
Melayu Muda mate? Mr Khairy J and Mr Hishamuddein H would be the finest melayu muda Malaysia has to offer. Oxbridge educated, open minded (theoretically), able to lead Malaysia into the millenium. Instead we have annual keris waving and affirmations that the "princes of the land" will not only not be left behind, but that others will be handicapped so that they won't stray too far ahead. You're going to have to come up with a better example of a change of Malaysian mindset to convince people in my situation to come back home.

Again I have to say I respect you, and I'm genuinely happy that a modern Malay recognises the inequity of the situation. I have many friends like you too, well educated, open minded, non judgmental etc etc. However, if I may make so bold, I'm afraid you're in a bit of a minority. I might add, with all due respect and not casting any aspersions on your academic ability, I'm pretty sure you won't starve to death in Malaysia either.

So many complaints about UMNO, the govt, etc.
The whining, moaning, sobbing continues.
Guess who voted all these people in?

LJ

There is a piece of interesting news translated from Nanyang Siang Pau dated 8-5-2006.
( translation of the name may not be accurate due to pronunciation )

The government has attracted 200 talents in various fields, mostly in medicine and technology in the past 3 to 5 years to join the services in the government departments, however up till today, there is only one person who still remains in the service. The Federal Gerakan coordination president Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong urged the government to investigate the reasons why these people left the country again. Bla Bla Bla ---

This is a reality and they are Malaysians. Do we need to say some more?

LC Teh, with your comment ".....keep nagging at someone higher up...", am I to understand that you too fall into the whining majority? Hey, dont get me wrong, I am not making a judgment here, just trying to understand your point.

Many commenters like Vedderian suggest that Malaysians should "stay and fight". This sentiment has been echoed many times on this blog, on various threads. But really, what is that is meant by that? How does one fight? How does one bring about change? What actions can and do you take?

The issues of meritocracy (or lack thereof) and cronyism, know-who, corruption etc are all interlinked. What will you be prepared to do about it? Forget about raising hell and going to Kamunting. Lets focus on matters closer to hand. To those who are already working, how many of you work for companies runned or owned by rent-seekers or cronies? Would you be prepared to quit so as not to facilitate such nonsense? Or do you rationalise it away with the "somebody else will just take my place, I need a job, economy not so good to change job, etc etc." To the younger ones about to enter the workforce, fresh with their ideals from school, would you accept a job from such companies? To all and sundry, if tomorrow, someone comes to you with a "sure-win" (because someone like KJ or the Hindu god is a party to it) deal, would you walk away as a matter of principle? Every action has a price. The price to each is different only because we all have different values. Unfortunately, my suspicion is that many will find such prices too high and resort back to anonymous whining (which is almost free!!!!)

Too much racial comments la. Jeff is right, everybody in the coffee shop already knows about that problem. Nothing new, unless you are a teenager.

How to change and tackle it should be the focus.

How can we get the government to reduce its role in the economy, increase transparency and push for more competition?

How do we build capacity for higher-value added industries so we have work for the brainy people?

How do we get people to think rationally and act reasonably with a sense of responsibility, instead of going racial or religious everytime a difficult issue is raised?

What is THE thing? where do we start? A freer media? A stronger opposition? More active NGOs? Opening up our borders? More free trade? Removing the ISA, OSA? Institution building? Local elections? Meritocrcy? A change of the governing party?

Perhaps a little bit of everything? What do you guys think?

kampongbouy,
//What is THE thing? where do we start? A freer media? A stronger opposition? More active NGOs? Opening up our borders? More free trade? Removing the ISA, OSA? Institution building? Local elections? Meritocrcy? A change of the governing party?//

Don't you realise that all you are suggesting needs a change of mindset first? The steps you suggest will come naturally when we Malaysians start being less blind to our faults, less blind to our differences and being more open to change. How to change the mindset would be a more pertinent, and infinitely harder question to answer. How DO you change a mindset? How do you change a ketuanan-(melayu/india/cina) mindset to an equality-based, rule of law governed, free speech, free thinking, free religion, free political affiliation, incorruptible, transparent nation? Stop whining, as supadepo (incoherently) put it? Hope that people wake up and smell the shit? You tell me how, and I'll listen with an open mind. Seriously.

thats exactly what im saying hann, increased awareness to change the mindset. My mindset was 'changed' if you like, and I like to think I am extremely aware of what's going on.

So there IS increased awareness already. There are outlets to express these awareness already, such as this blog.

Yes there is the issue of backlash from the ultra malays but even if people like me are, as u say a minority, we are a growing minority, and a strong one, with enough skills to perhaps influence change in the long run.

Hishamuddin H is not the Melayu Baru I talk about. Khairy J, Id still give him the benefit of the doubt.

I come back to my earlier point: hope. Hope and faith. The problem I believe is when there's lack of hope, nothing can get done. Let's instill that first, before we talk about WHAT exactly to do.

Common goals my friends. Common goals and common faith in those goals being achievable.

I once read about an experiment that a large motor corporation in the US did. They rigged up a huge bar of steel on a cable in such a way that when pushed it could swing freely. Then they tied a little cork on a string next to it. The cork was motor driven to swing at one end of the steel bar continuously until the heavy steel bar started slowly began to swing on its own. Then they removed the little cork. The heavy steel bar began swinging by itself and gained momentum. Imagine what will happen when the steel bar goes in full swing.

That is what I mean when I say we keep nagging. Little voices. But if we could gather together and build up that collective pressure, nurture and develop more opinion blogs, keep knocking them, keep shaming them.

Ahh I still remember when studying in UK you're required to 'register' at the HICOM/Malaysian Student House. For 7 years in London I didn't bothered to register. I guess that's why I didn't get any invitation to Nationalsm and Patriotism talks/seminars. Lucky me.

Most of the bloggers comments are a load of crap. The government sponsored students who did not come back should be assasinated/executed. and those FAMA who left for greener pastures, good luck to you. But to assume that the country will die because of brain drain due to this is ludicrous.
Singapore, the country most compared, to whenever meritocracy is mentioned, is also suffering from mass migration.Goh Chok Tong had to make the famous "quitters or stayers" message several years ago. Their reason for migrating is due to stress and a better way of life overseas.And despite all these, Malaysia is one of the top country they would like to retire to.
This time around, It is Malaysia on the downward spiral. But if Pak Lah's investment in human resource works, we may go up. And those guys who stayed in Europe and US, be prepared to suffer from corporate outsourcing of work contracted to third world entepreneurs, including those in reserch and development. And for those dissatisfied with the way the Malaysian government is managing things, please put up a creditable argument. I have not heard any from DAP or MCA or Gerakan or MIC on NEP implementation due to I think, the failure to argue in the Malay Language and lack of evidence and supporting research done to state otherwise.(if you do not use the malay language, the malays in the kampungs will not hear your arguments) Instead of getting angry on the Umno Youth Keris issue, why not make a joke out of it to embarass them, like, "so now we know what they use to circumcise their small little dicks." These ambitious dickheds will use any means to provoke, but a humorous response will embarras even the most fanatical of their lot.

sydput said "Most of the bloggers comments are a load of crap." I cant agree more.

Firstly most of the comments are from readers/commentators. I dont believe thay qualify as bloggers just because they post a comment here.

Secondly sydput wrote a "crappy" comment like: "I have not heard any from DAP or MCA or Gerakan or MIC on NEP implementation due to I think, the failure to argue in the Malay Language and lack of evidence and supporting research done to state otherwise." I dont know on what basis sydput argues that people like LKS "fail" to argue in Malay. Maybe you need to listen to more parliamentary debates before you shoot your fingers off. Improving "evidence and supporting research" cost $$$$. Perhaps sydput would put money where his/her mouth is and contribute towards a research grant for use by the DAP?

Using humour to embarrass the keris wielding nuts? That is so funny I feel better already!

sydput

To those who are on the receiving end of the discriminative policies of the UMNO-run govt, it is not one bit funny or humourous. It is not even funny when their parents have to slogged it out and when some of their siblings have to take a sacrifice to allow one of you to go overseas to get a decent education.

For people like kimmy, seeing a funny side of other people's dilemma makes her feel better already. And of course, in her well-endowed opportunities made available through her good fortune in the present comfort and thus feeling better to pontificate on how others should share the same world view.

Yes, for some, with good fortune on their side, the humour will make them feel better already. But not to others who are still on the short end of the stick.

Get a grip F&H. Better yet, get English lessons, maybe then you'll recognise sacarsm when you see it! Pontificating indeed!!!!

kimmy wrote:

"Firstly most of the comments are from readers/commentators. I dont believe thay qualify as bloggers just because they post a comment here."

kimmy, Your last few postings appear to be condeming postings made by others.

Just out of interest, im not being sarcastic, but could you pls post something in the context of the topic to indicate what a qualified blogger might say.

Maybe some of us have something to learn from you.

kimmy

You said....Better yet, get English lessons.

Ouch!!!

F&H and Kimmy,
Guys, let's not "hijack" the blog topic for fear of getting one of those dreaded "Jeff Ooi says:..." in bold. To be fair to Kimmy, I think she was being sarcastic.

Sadly sydput doesn't have the benefit of that defence. That is the biggest load of rubbish I've heard. Govt sponsored students who don't come back should be assassinated/executed? You're an idiot if you honestly believe that.

You also mentioned Singapore. The mass migration in Singapore is because the country can't support so many of them. And yes, quality of life and stress is a reason. I never denied you get quality of life in Msia, if you read my posts. However, we're not exactly debating the quality of life in the respective countries are we?

Your point about not being able to speak Malay therefore not being able to speak in Parliament is just plain wrong. LKS and Karpal Singh were one of the most vocal opposition members, not to mention the other opposition MPs having pretty good voice in Parliament. However, it's sort of useless when no one's listening.

Lastly, I'll take my chances in Europe or whatever. No bite of the cherry here, no bite of the cherry there. Nothing to lose, all to gain.

Vedderian,
I'm glad you're so optimistic, and I honestly hope you're the type to initiate change instead of selling out later in life. I mean, it's easy to get sidetracked in life, accepting the easy handouts and so on. To be a rebel in Msia ain't easy, especially if the mass population aren't behind you. It's easier to shut an eye, and just let things be. *thumbs up* :) That's what our BN politicians do anyway.

kimmy

After hann's explanation, in which he said you meant it as a sarcasm, and I believe so after second reading, I withdraw my comments on your posting.
Apologies extended.

Hi All,
I think betraying the country is treason. therefore death sentence to all those scholarship students who went AWOL. Instead we sent peace missions to coax them home. What bullocks!
On Karpal Singh and Lim Kit Siang, they have failed to convince the malays with their arguments. I have not seen any statistics or reasearch done on wrongful implemenation of NEP from these guys or anybody.(Hire prominent economist from US to do this). So how can you argue things that was not thoroughly reasearched in the first place. You are only letting the implementor get away scot free by having nothing to show for your argument. Only remarkable quotation from Karpal is I quote "over my dead body".
To make matters work, you have to study the MP's in parliament, the maj