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.

SECOND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

My birthday cake

Just like the match. Pang Pua Liap. hehe...

This celebration is 1 day earlier. I should say it is a birthday cum World Cup watching gathering. This time is in Blogger’s Café. Thanks to all who attend. It is so nice to watch Asian team, South Korea together. Never expect girls are so enthusiastic to watch football as well. All also support South Korea. All (including others in the cafe) shouted “GOAL” together when South Korea scored. For me, the feeling is superb nice to watch in a large group. Thanks to, Jon, Ng, Ah Le, Stooi, her sister, Lynda, Yi Ping, May Kee, Soon Chai for celebrating my birthday. Sadly, South Korea gets knocked out in that round. Same goes to Japan today. No more Asian team. Sad… Unexpectedly, I met with Qian Yi in the McD there today too. With Andrew some more. They were not there for football. Just for a yamcha gathering I think. The world is so small. Thanks to Qian Yi for the birthday present…

with guys

with girls

with all

FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR

WAO… It is my 100th post. Not bad to have 3 digits of writings. Anyway, thanks to my junior and her friend for celebrating my birthday. They get number one this year. Hehe… First destination: surely is for FOOD. Hungry already!!! As usual, I don’t really like to choose. So let the two ladies choose it themselves. Hehe… After walking past a few shops, AT LAST, we chose FOOD & TEA HONG KONG RESTAURANT (欢喜地茶餐厅). The food there is quite nice and the price is reasonable as well. Unluckily, I forgot to take pictures of those foods. My lousy phone can’t take picture as well anyway. Sob… We ordered 3 different sets. Each set comprises of main meal, soup, drink and a dessert that I don’t know what to call in English. In Mandarin we call it Gui Lian Gao (龟莲膏). Can say it is a complete set. Like the package. After having our dinner, we proceed for some shopping. I used to accompany girls like my mom and sis in doing their shopping. Wouldn’t really feel that bored for such a short shopping trip. Hehe… Then we turned to our kiddie character. We went into games spot and playing the games there while 2 kids stare at us until the end of our games. Not sure whether they wanted to play the machine as well or they feel it is interesting to smack (just softly press actually. hehe) the buttons on the machine. I think should be the latter. It is an enjoyable and nice outing. Thanks YY aka SY…

REWARDS FOR CHILDREN

Giving your children rewards is your own prerogative. Let say if a kid score well in his examination, parents can reward them by buying them a computer for example. However, this computer doesn’t means that it belongs to the kids forever. If out of a sudden, the kid’s result drops, the parents can take it back at anytime. Even if the kid’s result maintains, they still can take it back without needing to give a reason because that is their money anyway. Whether the action is rational or not, it is another story. To make the parents more respected by the children or others, they should let their kids know the reason for the forfeit. It is their right to know the reason behind it anyway.

10TH MALAYSIA PLAN

Long time didn’t blog about government policy already. Frankly, I don’t really dully understand what the plan is all about. I just get to slightly understand about it from newspapers, forums, internet etc. I am not really sure whether it is the same as 9th Malaysia Plan or not. The opposition keeps on harping that it is another version of 9th Malaysia Plan. The Government bench keeps on praising the plan. For me, I am alright with the plan theoretically. The main question that often arises in Malaysia’s politics is that; can this plan really be executed? Even in a forum named Editor’s Time (it is a very interesting forum provided you understand Mandarin), Tony Pua, a Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya Utara did concede that the plan looks prefect. However, the implementation might have problems in terms of transparency and fairness. The issue of 30% equity for Bumi is another issue that often being questioned by non-Bumis. Frankly, I am alright with those special privileges. I never intended to question their special privileges. I feel they should have that due to our historical and geographical issues. For example in Perak, no matter how many non-Bumi ADUNs are in the government bench, the post of Menteri Besar must go to Malay. The post of Prime Minister must be held by Malay even though it is not written in our Constitution. I feel this is a kind of mutual understanding. We should not take things that belonged to others even though we have chance to do so. The same goes vice-versa. I am alright with the policy of enrolling 90% of Bumi students into MRSM. However, after this affirmative action has been taken, there should not be a second level of affirmative action anymore especially among MRSM students themselves. Other than the principle of fairness, the ideology behind open market should be learned and practised too since Malaysia is going into a global market competition.

HUMANS ARE GREEDY

Are humans greedy? I do think so. When we get something, we tend to request for something better. It is exactly the same as a Malay proverb “bagi betis, minta paha”. I don’t know whether I have satisfied with what I get. Getting it is not easy. Lots of people will be happy with it. But I still feel it is not enough for me. Feel a bit dilemma when get to know about that. Happy because I get it. Sad because it is not good enough for me. Aren’t humans greedy?

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

YEAH…… At least, my final semester result has come out. I manage to graduate with first class. Finally, my nervous has gone after anxiously waiting for a few weeks. Thank God that I get A- for my thesis. Feel happy for that. Until now, still haven’t really got a job that I am really interested in. Either the job that I want hasn’t called me for interview or the job that I get doesn’t suit me perfectly. I am quite confident of getting a few jobs but those jobs either is not in the field that I want or the salary is below my expectation. Until this moment, I still haven’t totally confirmed whether I should continue with master degree or get a job.