TEACHERS IN POLITICS

Teachers in grades DG41 to DG48 can engage in politics
(Quoted from The Star 27 July 2010)

KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning Aug 1, graduate education service officers (teachers) on grades DG41 to DG48 will be permitted to engage in politics, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan announced Tuesday.
He said the move was based on the fact that teachers, at one time, played an important role as community leaders in the country's political scenario.
"The time has come for them to be allowed to be active again in politics," he said in a statement.
For this purpose, he said, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin had consented to an amendment to Regulation 21 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. Action was being taken to gazette the amendment to the regulation, he added.
Regulation 21(2) now states that only officers in the Support Group can contest or hold any position or be appointed to any post in any political party, on the condition that they obtain prior written approval from the director-general of the Public Service Department or the secretary-general of the relevant ministry.
Under the amended regulation, education officers, other than principals or headmasters and officers holding any administrative post in any government agency, have to obtain a prior written approval from the secretary-general of the Education Ministry.
"The secretary-general of the Education Ministry cannot delegate his authority to give the written approval to anyone, and any decision of the secretary-general of the Education Ministry is final," said Mohd Sidek.
He said tight conditions would be imposed to ensure that the primary duties and focus of the group, which was to educate children, were not affected by their involvement in politics.
He said those allowed to be involved in politics must adhere fully to the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. - Bernama


Comment:
It is a good thing that teachers are allowed to actively participate in politics. However, a few clauses raise my pessimism. Firstly, they have to apply for permission from Secretary-General. Will the SG b neutral in approving for the applications? Secondly, SG decision will be final. So, what will happen if misuse of power really takes place? Anyhow, these are all realist views. These do not necessary will happen. Hope that I can be more optimistic and freedom of participation in politics can be upheld.

ANOTHER INCREASE IN PETROL

The petrol price now is RM1.85. Another increase of 5 cents. The reason is that the government is unable to absorb the subsidy anymore. If these kinds of subsidies are going to go on, then Malaysia is going to face bankruptcy by 2019. Is it true? That is what the current government said. Assuming that a normal car, Proton Saga where the full tank is around 30 litter (RM54 from the previous price), a 5 cents increase only means another RM1.50 extra payment only. However, will the increase only means a RM1.50 increase? The biggest worry for the people is that the traders might increase the prices of the products as well. Will a bowl of noodles be increase or will inflation happen? I personally hope that the government is able to control inflation and make sure that people will only have to bear the burden of petrol increase, not more than that. That is why I dare to say that general election will not be as soon as this year, disagree with lots of people who think the next general election will be within this year.

CONFIRM MASTER

At last, I have made the decision, continue with my master degree. Am not sure whether it is the best decision. But as in interview, they ask, “will you committed to this job’? My answer is, “I am still looking around for a few options. However, after I have confirmed to take in a particular job, I will commit myself fully to it and try to do as good as possible”. The same principle holds. Since I have enrolled in master degree, nothing much should I think about anymore. Focus fully in my study and hope that I can graduate within one year. If can’t, I also hope that at least I can graduate with first class again. But it is nice to know that at least I am able to secure a few jobs if I want to. Feel a bit not nice for rejecting all the jobs. But I am forced to as either those jobs are not in my interest or the salary doesn’t really satisfy me. Anyway, I still hope that I still have chance to cooperate with them in the future. Hope that they wouldn’t blacklist me. Hehe… Special thanks to The Star, Chief Minister’s office and SEDAR Institute for giving me a chance. All of them are very nice. It is a very valuable experience to have interview in CM’s office. Miss Yap is so nice. First time people ask “how are you” in an interview phoning. Feel very comfortable to deal with her (communications head for CM), Mr Wong (if I am not mistaken his name. He is a Press Secretary for CM) and also Miss Yin Fan. Very interested to work in UTAR as well but not as an administrator or temporary basis with only RM35 per day. Everything is over now. Focus on MASTER and that is it.

HERITAGE

What is heritage? How to define heritage? I think everybody might have different definition about that. If not, 100 years later, all structural buildings in Malaysia will be considered as heritage. For me, heritage refers to building that is more than 100 years and has significant values. KLCC and Penang Bridge may be considered as heritage 100 years later since both has been the tallest and longest architecture before. The heritage that I would like to discuss is Pudu Jail which has been built by British since 1985. Can it be considered as a heritage structures? For me, it can. Firstly, it has been built for more than 100 years. Secondly, it was built by British during colonial time. These two factors might cover a lot of structural buildings in Malaysia especially in Penang and Malacca. Let us look at the third factor. The wall of the jail is painted by the longest mural in the world. Furthermore, it is painted by convicts themselves. How many structures in this world have such values? But back to reality, in terms of economic, the land’s value is very high since it is located in the middle of a city. So economically, it should be demolished and pave way for development. This should be the debate and not the question of whether the area is or is not a heritage area. Generally, lots of people do agree that the area should be classified as a heritage area. Read a quote in The Star before; “just say you want to get revenue and don’t accuse Chinese of liking to gamble” (not exact quotation but the meaning is almost the same). The same case applied here. Debate whether this prison is worth to be demolished for development and not simply say that it is not a heritage area. Personally for me, it is a waste to let the high value area to be abandoned like that. At the same time, it is also a waste to demolish such a rare building. So wouldn’t it be a good idea if a large portion of the prison to be demolished for development purposes but at the same time, a reasonable area be preserved for education, heritage, and tourism etc usage.