Election Budget 2012, government plans to play the role of Father Christmas to just dish out presents. The difference is, well, they don't look like him, though they do have big tummies (must be filling themselves up with loads of Malaysian delicacies while the middle class, and definitely the poor class people struggle to make a living in this country). Great life right?, to be a one of the cronies for UMNO and Barisan, (Well, it's actually just UMNO, Barisan is just the 'also-rans'). Let's get down to business.
From an education perspective, one of the things they have done, (referring to the GOV) is that they have abolished school fees, yes, which interestingly vary from one school to another mainly because the Education Ministry just DOES NOT have control over the school, (not really my opinion, but the Deputy Prime Minister, also the Edu Minister said this in an interview recently, though obviously not directly). As far as I know, school fees comes up to about RM 70, or 67.50 to be exact (inclusive of exams fees, school magazines and a bunch of other stuff that are forced onto students, so much for DEMOCRACY right?).
Well, that now means students will no longer have to pay the fees, though it will not affect parents who have a couple, or three children, though those who have upwards of five will have benefited more. Moreover, they have now given out RM 100 to each student, from Standard 1 right up to Form 4. That's what I meant by Santa Claus, but the difference with the guy who bears the beard is that he's nice, and not for the short term so to speak. He comes back every year, unlike the UMNO buffoons who wear the red suit when Elections are approaching. Let me break it down to 'bite-sized' pieces.
In case people did not notice, the RM 100 'gift' to students all around the country is a one-off, will not be repeated next year, well unless of course miraculously Elections are held every year. This 'gift' is meant to ease the burden of parents to buy school uniforms for their children as well as other basic necessities. That's what they say on paper la.
The question is, if you are really intent on helping the parents, then why does the GOV label these gifts as one-off's? Why not make it annual if they really have the people's well-being at heart? Or maybe they don't, and this is just a scam, or rather a payment to maybe........ get votes? Sorry if I burst the imaginary balloon that many people have about the government being very nice, wonderful and kind-hearted.
In schools, parents were required to be present with their children to receive the RM 100, and the only reason I could think of that such a move be required is so that these parents will see that the government is indeed being nice, and 'helping' the people. I got no qualms about people taking the money, it does in fact belong to them. The sad part is that I witnessed numerous people who were so happy and actually saying that the Government is very good, very caring and so on. Look at the details which make up the bigger picture, RM 100 for a duration of about 4 to 5 years? (I say 4 to 5 because that's how often a GE is held) Now if you look at it, is it much of a help?
I hope that people are able to look beyond, and not what is in front of them. That is the biggest problem in this country. We experience short-lived joys but suffer in the long run. It's better to want something you don't have than to have something you don't want. With all these moves on the chess board, it is indeed evident that the GE is around the corner. This move has not even been approved by Parliament, but the GOV has gone ahead with their plan, so it is actually illegal. But what the heck, the GOV is above the law right?, though they'll never admit it in a million years. The only option is the ballot box, and even that is not a certainty with all the dirty money politics and so on. It's time to Lock & Load, before we're locked up and can't do anything about it.
Jay Jay Denis
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Tolerance? What Nonsense, slaugtering in schools..
Eid al-Adha or "Festival of Sacrifice", commonly known as Hari Raya Haji in Malaysia, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The tradition during this festival is to sacrifice their best domestic animals, commonly a cow, (but can be substituted with a goat or sheep, depending on the region) as a sign of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son. In Malaysia, the cow is usually sacrificed and it has become a norm.
Now, there's no complaint on my part about any of this, but I'll get to the point, and quick. The practice of slaughtering this animals is alright, and I will not get into the 'animal cruelty' part because hey, everyone does it, otherwise we'd all be vegetarians right? BUT, the point is when the presence of other parties are not taken into account, and everything goes on as normal.
In Klang High School, the slaughtering of a cow took place, 'live' as we like to call it. The school is located right next to PPD, Pejabat Pelajaran Daerah Klang, or District Education Department. The school and the PPD is separated by only a fence, accessible via a small gate near the fence which is located close to one of the school canteens. Well, the slaughtering took place on the other side of the fence, so to speak, but that would put it in the jurisdiction of the PPD. About 10 metres away from the fence, the school's Form 6 Block is located, and the whole scene was witnessed by students of all races, religions, beliefs and so on. Again, do not get me wrong, I am not against anyone's religious beliefs, nothing of that sort, but why has this sort of this happen, or allowed to happen?
Cattle are considered sacred in various religions in the country, namely Hinduism and Buddhism. The last time I checked, there were indeed a fair amount of Hindus and Buddhist in the country, especially where the incident took place, Klang High School.
In reference to http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/180717, in which Muslim NGO's say that Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taosim (MCCBCHST), should be tolerant towards Muslims. NOW, WHY IS THERE A REASON for TOLERANCE to be brought into the issue? Tolerance or toleration, is the practice of permitting a thing of which one disapproves, such as social, ethnic, sexual, or religious practices. In this case, it is religious, and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) and Malaysian Muslim Malaysian Ulama Association (PUM) are requesting tolerance from the other religions in the country. They go on blabbering, "MCCBCHST should appreciate the tolerance of Muslims, who do not interfere in the internal affairs of other religions," Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman said.
Okay wait, if I were to respond to this, it would definitely open a can, or maybe a barrel of worms. Absolute nonsense, what the guy is trying to say. On the surface, the 'Allah' case, plus the issue of Bahasa Malaysia bibles not being allowed in the country. Then the 'Cow Head' issue. Now, isn't this called 'interference of internal affairs of other religions?'As I said, I will not waste time in bringing up other issues, otherwise it could go on forever.
Back to tolerance, if my memory serves me right, there was in issue in East Malaysia where one student who brought food to school, containing pork, and was reprimanded by the teacher. If tolerance is the case, then I guess that if/when someone brings a pig to school and starts slaughtering it, everyone should be tolerant, because that what it means right? Or is it a case of others having to tolerate? Double standard? To me, it looks like one side is always giving, while the other one, due to taking so much, is now becoming extremely greedy. There's a saying, 'If one crosses 'that' line too often, after a while, 'that' line will cease to exist and 'the crossing of the line can't be stopped'. That is exactly what is happening in this country and very soon, it will definitely be too late to do anything.
Again, TOLERANCE? Give me a break please. It's starting to get old, all this tactics.
Till next time,
Jay Jay Denis
Now, there's no complaint on my part about any of this, but I'll get to the point, and quick. The practice of slaughtering this animals is alright, and I will not get into the 'animal cruelty' part because hey, everyone does it, otherwise we'd all be vegetarians right? BUT, the point is when the presence of other parties are not taken into account, and everything goes on as normal.
In Klang High School, the slaughtering of a cow took place, 'live' as we like to call it. The school is located right next to PPD, Pejabat Pelajaran Daerah Klang, or District Education Department. The school and the PPD is separated by only a fence, accessible via a small gate near the fence which is located close to one of the school canteens. Well, the slaughtering took place on the other side of the fence, so to speak, but that would put it in the jurisdiction of the PPD. About 10 metres away from the fence, the school's Form 6 Block is located, and the whole scene was witnessed by students of all races, religions, beliefs and so on. Again, do not get me wrong, I am not against anyone's religious beliefs, nothing of that sort, but why has this sort of this happen, or allowed to happen?
 |
| About 10-12 adults gathering around the cow, its neck tied to a stick via a rope, the place I was standing is where the Form 6 block is located, about 150 students witnessed it. |
Cattle are considered sacred in various religions in the country, namely Hinduism and Buddhism. The last time I checked, there were indeed a fair amount of Hindus and Buddhist in the country, especially where the incident took place, Klang High School.
In reference to http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/180717, in which Muslim NGO's say that Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taosim (MCCBCHST), should be tolerant towards Muslims. NOW, WHY IS THERE A REASON for TOLERANCE to be brought into the issue? Tolerance or toleration, is the practice of permitting a thing of which one disapproves, such as social, ethnic, sexual, or religious practices. In this case, it is religious, and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) and Malaysian Muslim Malaysian Ulama Association (PUM) are requesting tolerance from the other religions in the country. They go on blabbering, "MCCBCHST should appreciate the tolerance of Muslims, who do not interfere in the internal affairs of other religions," Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman said.
Back to tolerance, if my memory serves me right, there was in issue in East Malaysia where one student who brought food to school, containing pork, and was reprimanded by the teacher. If tolerance is the case, then I guess that if/when someone brings a pig to school and starts slaughtering it, everyone should be tolerant, because that what it means right? Or is it a case of others having to tolerate? Double standard? To me, it looks like one side is always giving, while the other one, due to taking so much, is now becoming extremely greedy. There's a saying, 'If one crosses 'that' line too often, after a while, 'that' line will cease to exist and 'the crossing of the line can't be stopped'. That is exactly what is happening in this country and very soon, it will definitely be too late to do anything.
Again, TOLERANCE? Give me a break please. It's starting to get old, all this tactics.
Till next time,
Jay Jay Denis
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Yo-Yo of the PPSMI policy by the GOV & Edu Ministry
Citizens of this country would have now watched the yo-yo performance the Education Ministry along with the government have been involved in. The PPSMI has been somewhat of a scandal which has been encircling the country, and especially the people involved in the Education System i.e students and teachers.
All these years, that is up till 2003 of course, Science and Maths, well all subjects rather, were thought in the National Language, which is Bahasa Malaysia/Melayu (even the name has been gone through a 'ding-dong' period, the last time I checked, its called Bahasa Malaysia). Well, only the only subject taught in English was erh.... oh yeah, English. In 2003, our famed former PM who hailed from Alor Setar, MrYouKnowWho, implemented the Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik Dalam Bahasa Inggeris, or better know as PPSMI. The PPSMI was introduced as a Malaysian Government policy as a result of a Cabinet meeting in July 2002, obviously, under the iron fist management of the man now known as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "When proposing the policy, Tun Dr. Mahathir was in the opinion that Malaysia's progress is declining in the age of globalisation, and he had hoped that this policy gives a competitive edge to the nation, following the footsteps of Singapore and India which are moving forward because of their utilization of the English language."
Thus the Government took numerous steps to implement and try their best to improve the declining standards of language in the country, mainly English. It was a positive move as at that time, Malaysian graduates were extremely poor in English, and could not converse adequately, though on paper, most of them had fabulous results. Fast forward to 2009, and we have a DPM/Education Minister who is trying to be some kind of a peacock. Barely six years after its implementation, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the policy will be reversed in 2012.
This year, he said that there was no chance that a 're-reversal' would take place, going on further saying that the National Language needs to be strengthened. That meant that the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English would be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia again. No disrespect towards the National Language, I think it is great, but it is a case of taking one step forward and two steps back.
After all the yo-yo-ing that has taken place, Muhyiddin reversed his previously 'unreversible' stance and allowed students the option of continuing in English, but as with UMNO, there is always a catch. Students who will be in Year 2 next year, (all children born before and up until 2004) are the so-called lucky ones, ecaping the guillotine. Those after that, will have of course be taught Science and Mathematics, or rather 'akan diajar matapelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam Bahasa Malaysia'.
The question on many a mind would be 'Why has the Government changed their stanced?' HA HA. One of the reasons I can think of, or rather the main reason is none other than the upcoming GE. The targeted audience for this ploy is parents of children who are now in Year 1 up until Form 4 (as Form 5 students will not be under the Edu system next year bar students entering Form 6). That would amount to about 5 millions parents, and it could be a smart ploy to get votes. BUT, people have to realise that yes, your children may have been spared, but think of the coming generation.
The BIG PROBLEM with many people is the 'short-term' mindset that they possess. The country is not about the present, but of course the future. The young people who's children are still toddlers would all be caught in this, and it is no use of being somewhat selfish when it comes as a detriment to the country. Even in by-elections, the moment the GOV splashes the cash, be it a couple of hundred in Ringgit, or the infamous 'Election Budget' where civil servants are given bonuses of about RM 500 (I stand to be corrected), but if you look at the details as well as the bigger picture, RM 500 for 5 years? In the PPSMI case, your child is saved yes, but what about the others? We HAVE TO THINK LONG TERM.
A news related to this popped up yesterday when constitutional expert Abdul Aziz Bari said that the PPSMI is unconstitutional.
“(It is) for the simple reason that under Article 152 (of the federal constitution), PPSMI is unconstitutional as official business must be conducted in Malay as the national language.”
This is what people mean by clowns appearing after the ashes have vanished. In that case, I would advise Mr Aziz Bari to take a suit against the former PM, because he is trying to imply that he went against the Constitution by implementing the PPSMI.
People, please, wake up, and take a stand, before it is too late.
Jay Jay Denis.
All these years, that is up till 2003 of course, Science and Maths, well all subjects rather, were thought in the National Language, which is Bahasa Malaysia/Melayu (even the name has been gone through a 'ding-dong' period, the last time I checked, its called Bahasa Malaysia). Well, only the only subject taught in English was erh.... oh yeah, English. In 2003, our famed former PM who hailed from Alor Setar, MrYouKnowWho, implemented the Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik Dalam Bahasa Inggeris, or better know as PPSMI. The PPSMI was introduced as a Malaysian Government policy as a result of a Cabinet meeting in July 2002, obviously, under the iron fist management of the man now known as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. "When proposing the policy, Tun Dr. Mahathir was in the opinion that Malaysia's progress is declining in the age of globalisation, and he had hoped that this policy gives a competitive edge to the nation, following the footsteps of Singapore and India which are moving forward because of their utilization of the English language."
Thus the Government took numerous steps to implement and try their best to improve the declining standards of language in the country, mainly English. It was a positive move as at that time, Malaysian graduates were extremely poor in English, and could not converse adequately, though on paper, most of them had fabulous results. Fast forward to 2009, and we have a DPM/Education Minister who is trying to be some kind of a peacock. Barely six years after its implementation, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the policy will be reversed in 2012.
This year, he said that there was no chance that a 're-reversal' would take place, going on further saying that the National Language needs to be strengthened. That meant that the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English would be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia again. No disrespect towards the National Language, I think it is great, but it is a case of taking one step forward and two steps back.
After all the yo-yo-ing that has taken place, Muhyiddin reversed his previously 'unreversible' stance and allowed students the option of continuing in English, but as with UMNO, there is always a catch. Students who will be in Year 2 next year, (all children born before and up until 2004) are the so-called lucky ones, ecaping the guillotine. Those after that, will have of course be taught Science and Mathematics, or rather 'akan diajar matapelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam Bahasa Malaysia'.
The question on many a mind would be 'Why has the Government changed their stanced?' HA HA. One of the reasons I can think of, or rather the main reason is none other than the upcoming GE. The targeted audience for this ploy is parents of children who are now in Year 1 up until Form 4 (as Form 5 students will not be under the Edu system next year bar students entering Form 6). That would amount to about 5 millions parents, and it could be a smart ploy to get votes. BUT, people have to realise that yes, your children may have been spared, but think of the coming generation.
The BIG PROBLEM with many people is the 'short-term' mindset that they possess. The country is not about the present, but of course the future. The young people who's children are still toddlers would all be caught in this, and it is no use of being somewhat selfish when it comes as a detriment to the country. Even in by-elections, the moment the GOV splashes the cash, be it a couple of hundred in Ringgit, or the infamous 'Election Budget' where civil servants are given bonuses of about RM 500 (I stand to be corrected), but if you look at the details as well as the bigger picture, RM 500 for 5 years? In the PPSMI case, your child is saved yes, but what about the others? We HAVE TO THINK LONG TERM.
A news related to this popped up yesterday when constitutional expert Abdul Aziz Bari said that the PPSMI is unconstitutional.
“(It is) for the simple reason that under Article 152 (of the federal constitution), PPSMI is unconstitutional as official business must be conducted in Malay as the national language.”
This is what people mean by clowns appearing after the ashes have vanished. In that case, I would advise Mr Aziz Bari to take a suit against the former PM, because he is trying to imply that he went against the Constitution by implementing the PPSMI.
People, please, wake up, and take a stand, before it is too late.
Jay Jay Denis.
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