Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Strengthening English By Improving The Teaching Of English
- BN pushing the panic button
- MACC, police are a disgrace
- Do you love Malaysia?
- Get rid of garbage politicians
- 11-11-11
- Malaysians in the U.S. gather to discuss the movement for political reform
- Thank you, Pete - re: Tan Kay Hock
| Strengthening English By Improving The Teaching Of English Posted: 23 Aug 2011 12:56 PM PDT By Dato' Dr. Toh Kin Woon (via Malaysian Mirror) LLG Cultural Development Centre views with grave concern the recent statement made by Deputy Prime Minister, who concurrently is also the Minister of Education that the government is mulling the possibility of allowing schools to decide on their own whether to continue using English as the medium of instruction for the teaching of science and mathematics. The aim of this move, if adopted widely, is possibly to raise the standard of English in primary schools. We are, however, of the view that such a move, besides representing yet another flip-flop in the government's education policy, is also unprofessional in its approach towards strengthening the level of English. This will in turn lead to erosion in the effectiveness of the teaching and learning of the English language, thereby bringing immense difficulties to both teachers and students alike. Once again, our children's future will be sacrificed. To us, the proper approach towards improving the standard of any language should be through improving its teaching, rather than using it as a medium of instruction for other academic subjects. This is a simple and straight forward fundamental principle of education. Hence to strengthen the level of English, the government should focus on improving the teaching of English in Malaysian schools. This encompasses reforming its syllabus and methodology of teaching English as a second language, as well as recruiting more professionally qualified teachers. From the perspective of the Minister of Education, using English to teach science and mathematics may ostensibly improve a student's grasp of English through greater exposure to, and more contact with, the use of the language. This implies that teaching science and mathematics in English brings dual benefits to students, that is learning science and mathematics, while at the same time raising the standard of English. Except for the academically competent, this may be difficult to realize in practice, however. This is because for a great majority, whose first language is not English, they will first have to attain a certain level of competence in the English language, and this in a very short while, before they can even follow, let alone be able to comprehend and absorb the concepts in science and mathematics. LLG Cultural Development Centre is thus of the view that allowing schools to choose English as a medium of instruction to teach science and mathematics will ultimately benefit only the urban, largely English-educated elites. On the other hand, those who grow up in a non-English speaking and poor socio-economic environment will be greatly disadvantaged, learning neither science and mathematics nor English. The use of English as a medium of instruction in science and mathematics is, in our view, an elitist approach that benefits the elites, while sacrificing the poor. In such a context, education will become a tool for the inter-generational transfer of elite status, rather than as a democratic tool for effecting upward social mobility for the bottom strata of society. The already grave and yawning social disparity between the rich and poor in Malaysian society will be further widened. Given these likely developments, we are strongly opposed to the proposal by the Minister of Education to allow schools a choice in the use of English to teach science and mathematics. Our opposition is premised on the belief that such an approach fails to address the root causes in the decline of both the standard of English and education in our country. We thus urge the government to re-think this proposal, look thoroughly and professionally into the factors that have caused a decline the standard of both English and education and to come forth with proposals to address these causes. We regard these as imperative steps in order to develop the necessary human capital that is proficient in several languages deemed so important for the socio-economic advancement of our country. TOH KIN WOON is President of LLG Cultural Development Centre |
| Posted: 23 Aug 2011 12:46 PM PDT
When austerity is the name of the game, it does not look particularly good when billions are handed out at the drop of a hat. Furthermore, the announcement that the first Volkswagen cars to be produced in Malaysia would be out of Pekan, the Prime Minister's constituency, it certainly looks like an attempt to protect his interests. By Douglas Tan
What a flurry in government giving we are seeing these days! Bonuses, dividends, loans, grants and scholarships are now doled out like candy by UMNO, MCA and the like to the masses and their constituents. Acting more like NGOs or charities, the Barisan Nasional component parties have engaged on a charm offensive by handing out our money back to us, and trying to discredit the Opposition. It really got going when our Prime Minister announced that the government half month Hari Raya bonuses for all civil servants, which would cost in excess of RM1 billion to taxpayers, despite reduced subsidies and mounting budget deficits. When austerity is the name of the game, it does not look particularly good when billions are handed out at the drop of a hat. Furthermore, the announcement that the first Volkswagen cars to be produced in Malaysia would be out of Pekan, the Prime Minister's constituency, it certainly looks like an attempt to protect his interests. The second big announcement was from the Finance Ministry, with their intention to provide assistance to urban poor earning below RM3,000 a month while keeping mum on how exactly this fund is going to be distributed and how they are going to afford the assistance, when subsidies are going to be reduced left, right and centre for the fact that they say they cannot afford it! Is this rational or is it just to pander to a certain section of society to buy them over? On the political scene, Barisan Nasional is pulling out the stops through the Main Stream Media to give the impression that they are making substantive gains throughout the country. A report appearing on The Malaysian Insider mentioned that BN is confident of taking back Penang; a Malaysiakini report had UMNO Kedah saying that the people were tired of the PAS government, and an independent report from The Mederka Centre saying that rural folk would be more likely to vote for BN than otherwise. The issues do not stop there. The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to review Electoral law is now seen as mere lip service to the Rakyat as our Prime Minister saw it fit to declare that the timing of Elections was the UMNO/BN government's prerogative. This is irrespective of whether reforms can be made on time. Obviously, when Najib Razak tells us not to question his sincerity to pursue, we can do nothing but. Nazri is probably the best known Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in the history of the office, who is not helping his own public perception by completely dismissing the views of Opposition parties in the PSC as only the minority view, which therefore means that they are in the wrong. Hardly a fair and equitable statement from the de facto Law Minister. The continuing trial on Anwar Ibrahim once again places the opposition leader in the spotlight, and obviously BN is taking every opportunity to discredit him as a potential future Prime Minister. However, by now they should realise that the further they try to prolong this charade and mockery of both the justice system as well as intelligence, Anwar's popularity is now on the rise as once again he has become the victim of the system, rather than his own merits. With BN machinery in overdrive across the country, the signs are actually ominous for UMNO/BN. They know that they are likely going to lose Terengganu, Perak and Negri Sembilan to Pakatan Raykat. They know that their chances of winning back Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Kelatan are slim to impossible. They know that there is now a considerable body of opinion which would swing several seats in Sabah and Sarawak. There has also been no let up in the grassroots work from Pakatan Rakyat component parties. This is no reason at all for Pakatan Rakyat to celebrate though. In fact, PR component parties must work harder for the greater good of the Rakyat, so that they are able to genuinely earn their votes, rather than throw goodies at them. The "Lu Tolong Gua, Gua Tolong Lu" campaigns no longer works as proven in Sibu. 308 was a significant milestone in the history of our nation. The major difference going into GE-13 is that the youth have woken up, we have the highest number of registered voters in history, there is more information available than ever, and our daily conversations are awash with politics. The fact that people are now actually being outspoken about political issues is a big step forward from the days when we just kept quiet. Despite fears of foreigners allegedly being given citizenships and swearing to vote for BN, gerrymandering, phantom voters, if the Rakyat indeed rises up in the polls to oust UMNO/BN from office, this would herald a time of change and healing when our nation finally throws off the shackles, and the power to decide our own fate is indeed returned to the people. |
| Posted: 22 Aug 2011 04:50 PM PDT "Have you not noticed how deputy president Liow Tiong Lai and youth chief Wee Ka Siong are scrambling to be seen in the company of Muhyiddin as frequently as possible? By Lee KeeTHE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police are most certainly a national and international disgrace. The MACC's sole agenda is to serve the powers that be and sing to their tune. If this is not so, why is it not taking action against the immoral MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek with regards to the RM29 million Klinik Kesihatan Taman Ungku Aminah scandal? The scandal is not only about corruption but also about gross abuse of power. And why are the police not taking any action against the adulterer Chua for committing unnatural sex. Chua is just the MCA president and does not hold any Cabinet post. What's so special about Chua? Is the MCA president above the law? According to MCA little birds, the party warlords see the "no action against Chua" as an endorsement that he is still politically relevant to certain rising Umno warlords. They say it is clear the MACC and police are singing to the tune of Johor Umno politics. The political base of Chua, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein is Johor. Many in MCA now believe in the rise of the Johoreans who are believed to be conspiring to force the multi-scandal-hit Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak out of office. Hishammuddin, as Home Minister, controls the police. No action will be taken against anyone unless the green light is given by the minister. Likewise, the MACC is also too weak to act because of the corridors of power in Johor. The MCA insiders say coalition party leaders, especially those from the MCA, had from July started aligning themselves with the deputy BN chairman in anticipation of Muhyiddin's expected rise. "This buying of 'political insurance' is necessary following growing scandals and bumbling handling of issues by the administration ," said a MCA little bird. "Have you not noticed how deputy president Liow Tiong Lai and youth chief Wee Ka Siong are scrambling to be seen in the company of Muhyiddin as frequently as possible? "Both of them actually have their own agenda but the pressing need is to prepare for Najib's possible exit. "As for president Dr Chua Soi Lek, it is a shoo-in. Chua's long-standing political base in Johor has given him the edge in relations with Muhyiddin. "Much speculation has been posted in blogs regarding Chua-Hishammuddin's ties linked to Ecovest top brass. Ecovest is diversified company with much business interest in Johor, especially in Iskandar," said the MCA insider. The party insider said the political development and efforts to be seen in the good books of Muhyiddin showed the trio were prepared dump Najib and declare their support for the rise of the deputy premier. At the moment, the little birds say MCA is politically committed to Johor Umno because Chua and Wee are also from Johor. |
| Posted: 22 Aug 2011 04:45 PM PDT What does one accomplish by fighting one's own brethren forever? By May Chee Chook Ying For someone who has been incarcerated for so long, the olive branch and recent overtures towards Aung San Suu Kyi must have surprised her pleasantly. More than that, she must be starting to feel hopeful. Whatever their underlying motives, these new rulers are smart. Why? What choice do they have? Are they to remain divided forever? Are they to be considered pariahs by the international community forever? Both sides of the divide, aren't they both true, blue-blooded Myanmarees? What does one accomplish by fighting one's own brethren forever? Reconciliation is the smart way to go. It I am Malaysian and my heart bleeds for my country. What the hell is going on? I maybe Chinese but I'm true, blue-blooded Malaysian. Wanting the best for my country, in my opinion, makes me more patriotic than those out there tearing our beloved nation apart! I am a Christian; I help people without scrutinizing if they have done an eye or nose job before, without checking to see if they use whitening cream or not, and most of all without the slightest intention of converting them! Really, what is going on? Is it a crime now to help? Believe me, I've spent more hours debating with strangers who ask to come into my humble abode and argue with me when God should rest than trying to convert others if they receive my help. Not once have I done that because I believe I worship a God of all humanity and He cares for all and not necessarily through me. I, too, have been at the receiving end of other people's This latest attempt at divide and rule really takes the cake! How low can one go? For that matter how stupid can one get? To treat God as a fool? Please, stop! Malaysia is my homeland. It's beautiful beyond description. When I go for holidays abroad, I can't wait to come home. I don't want to run away from home, please don't make me. This really is my home, I've nowhere else to go. Is that why some of you out there are giving me an ultimatum, now and then, because I love my country, Malaysia? Do you, those responsible for all these ugly episodes lately, love Malaysia? Do you, do you, do you? I wonder. I once saw the news on RTM, where the journalist covering a by-election said, "One more mention of the word 'liwat', I'm going to throw up!" Really, I feel the same way! Recession is round the corner, an acid-splasher is on the prowl, trees are disappearing, the electricity meters are being tampered with, someone's daughter or son died mercilessly, graduates that can't string an English sentence together and we are watching out for whose backside, again? Please-lah, enough! We do have better things to worry about! Let's learn from the Myanmarees, let's focus on nation building. It's time to move on. It's time we truly mean what we say when we say we love Malaysia. Malaysia needs us and we are of no use to our beloved country if we are so divided. We are useless Malaysians if we don't learn to be true to what we subscribe by. We say we are Malaysians. We say that though we are different, we celebrate our differences, there's no prejudice. We say we are not inferior to anyone, "Malaysia Boleh". I, honestly think we can, too. I honestly think we can go forward. Let's leave behind cronyism, corruption, stupid politics, instituitions or policies that continue to shackle us and prevent us from being the people we can be. Please, we must take stock of what's good for us and what's bad. Let's weed out the bad, embrace the good. Please, lets' try once more. I really want what's best for Malaysia, don't you? Let's be brave. Let's drop the charade. We do know what's the right thing to do. Why don't we? If there's someone out there whose a liability to this "progress" we seek, please step aside. Do the right thing, call it a day before it's too late. Some of us don't know when it's time to take a bow. We should, otherwise, we'll be forced out! Go when the going is still good. Some of us out there are fighting for the sake of fighting. What are you fighting for? Is your fight still relevant? Must we fight? No one wins in a war. It is stupid to fight! It's peace we seek, why harangue for a fight? Some of us out there are so dishonest. Don't you know there's a God out there? The Cantonese say, "Theen yau gan". How do you expect to get away? Truth always prevails. Don't live in denial. Some of us out there are so ridiculous, still hoping to be affirmed with what they don't deserve. Let me say it loud and clear, "Affirmative action is only for those who need it, irrespective of creed or colour." Hey, my fellow Malaysian, love your neighbour as yourself, don't be an "I-specialist"! Believe me, what goes around comes around. You won't know what hit you, then! Be warned! What is love? Deeds are love, not fine phrases. Faults are thick when love is thin. He that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law. Labour is light when love doth play. Let love be without hypocrisy. Love asks faith and faith asks firmness. Love begets love. Love betters what is best. Love grows with obstacles. Love has no thought of self. Love levels all inequalities. Love rules its kingdom without sword. Do you love Malaysia? Do you? Then, love truly for love will find a way. |
| Get rid of garbage politicians Posted: 21 Aug 2011 02:59 PM PDT
FMT LETTER: From Sebastian Loon The "WikiLeak: Ong Tee Keat admits Chinese marginalised" blogged by Uppercaise and then posted by Malaysia Today on Aug 19 shows how important it is for Malaysians to rid the country of garbage politicians. It also shows there are garbage politicians in the Barisan Nasional (BN) as well as in the Pakatan Rakyat (PR). However, clearly there is more garbage in the BN, especially in the MCA. MCA leaders are so rotten to the core that they will not hesitate to sell their mothers to realise their personal agenda which is always about material benefits that come with political power. In the Wikileak report quoted in a US diplomatic cable in 2006 and attributed to US Embassy's political officer Mark Clark, the then MCA vice-president was one of the few ministerial level Chinese politicians who refused to deny publicly or privately the fact that Chinese Malaysians are marginalised. Clark reported that Ong acknowledged "of course we are marginalised, big business to small stall owners know that – but MCA cannot admit it". So, when pressed by reporters for a public response to Singapore leader Lee Kuan Yew's accusation that Malaysia marginalises the Chinese community, Ong responded with a Chinese proverb: "Whether the water in the tea cup is hot or cold, he who drinks it knows best." This is in contrast with the bumbling responses of MCA president Chua Soi Lek and his deputy Liow Tiong Lai with regards to the shameful police attack on innocent citizens during the peaceful Bersih 2.0 protest in Tung Shin Hospital. Chua and Liow are now not only exposed as liars when they tried to side the brutal police by denying there was no attack in the hospital, they are confirmed garbage politicians who cannot be trusted as community leaders.
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| Posted: 21 Aug 2011 01:18 PM PDT Malangnya, ada pihak yang melihat perbezaan dan percanggahan tersebut sebagai topang kuasa dan kepentingan mereka. Segala usaha untuk merentasi jurang tersebut dilihat sebagai hakisan kepentingan mereka dan akan cuba dilumpuhkan. By Ng Ooi Cheng Bagi sesetangah orang, nombor-nombor di atas mungkin dianggap ajaib dan boleh membawa tuah. Namun, bagi Lai Run-jiao yang berusia 81 tahun, bayangan 11 boleh menjadi sesuatu yang ngeri. Mengikut laporan temu ramah sebuah akhbar bahasa Cina baru-baru ini, wanita tua yang berasal dari Sungai Titi itu mempunyai pengalaman yang cukup pahit dan menakutkan ketika berusia 11 tahun. Pada tahun itu, 11 orang ahli keluarga termasuk 4 orang adiknya dibunuh askar Jepun di depan matanya, dan dia sendiri pula ditetak dan ditikam 11 kali sebelum rumahnya dibakar. Nenek Lai bernasib baik kerana diselamatkan, "Seorang lelaki meluru ke dalam dan mendukung saya keluar dari rumah. Makcik saya tak henti-henti merayu kepada saya untuk membawanya keluar, tapi saya cedera parah dan tidak dapat bergerak langsung…" Lai juga tunjukkan kesan luka tikaman askar Jepun di belakang badannya kepada wartawan. Katanya, babak askar Jepun menangkap dan membunuh orang sering muncul dalam mimpinya setelah bertahun-tahun. Sememangnya, pengalaman seperti Nenek Lai senantiasa diingati anak-anak Malaysia, terutamanya di kalangan ramai orang Cina, sehingga ada yang mempunyai tanggapan negatif terhadap orang Jepun, walaupun kekejaman yang dilakukan di Malaya pada waktu itu hanya mencerminkan sikap dan niat golongan imperialis dan bukan seluruh rakyat Jepun. Tanggapan sebegitu berbeza daripada banyak orang Melayu yang melihat Jepun sebagai ilham untuk menentang penjajah British bagi mencapai kemerdekaan. Tambahan pula, penjajah Jepun telah menyerapkan segolongan orang Melayu ke dalam pentadbiran tempatan dan meneruskan malah mempergiatkan taktik 'pecah dan perintah' yang digunakan penjajah British sebelum itu. Sungguhpun terdapat juga banyak orang Melayu yang menjadi mangsa kekejaman askar Jepun, kisah pahit itu kurang diperdengarkan. Hasil daripada penjajahan, masyarakat kita menjadi kompleks. Pengalaman yang berbeza (ada kalanya serupa tetapi tidak dipertembungkan) menzahirkan tafsiran yang berlainan terhadap fakta sejarah, malah fikiran yang berselisih tentang apa yang sedang berlaku. Kadang-kadang jurang tafsiran dan fikiran ini dibesarkan lagi oleh adat, agama serta budaya yang berlainan. Walau bagaimanapun, perbezaan atau percanggahan itu barangkali mampu direntasi dan ditangani apabila pelbagai pihak menunjukkan keikhlasan, saling menghormati dan menghayati dalam mencari penyelesaian atau muafakat. Malangnya, ada pihak yang melihat perbezaan dan percanggahan tersebut sebagai topang kuasa dan kepentingan mereka. Segala usaha untuk merentasi jurang tersebut dilihat sebagai hakisan kepentingan mereka dan akan cuba dilumpuhkan. Mereka kerap kali bertopengkan wira agama dan bangsa dengan menggunakan ejen untuk mengadu-dombakan sesuatu, menjadi batu api, meluahkan kata-kata ekstrem seperti sanggup berdarah atau membakar, padahal mereka mempunyai agenda sendiri, yang diperlagakan itu rakyat jelata. Oleh itu, penting untuk kita tenang dan mempunyai minda yang siuman, membuat penilaian secara bijak. Bakar gereja dan simbah cat pada surau bukan gelagat perjuangan yang sahih, tetapi perbuatan manusia yang tidak bertamadun. Menjelang Hari Kemerdekaan dan Hari Negara yang mulia, saya mendoakan kesejahteraan negara, bersama-sama kita membentuk masyarakat kita menjadi indah dan bahagia. Semoga pada hari 11-11-11 ataupun suatu tarikh sebelum atau selepasnya, rakyat menjadi penentu bagi memberikan masa depan yang cerah kepada negara kita. |
| Malaysians in the U.S. gather to discuss the movement for political reform Posted: 21 Aug 2011 12:52 PM PDT
By Generation 709 Malaysians living in the United States gathered in New York City to discuss their ongoing concerns for potential political changes in the Post-Bersih era. Yong Kai Ping, the chief editor of the Malaysiakini Chinese site, was invited to speak about the latest developments in their homeland. He highlighted that overseas citizens are always the mother of revolution. Therefore Yong encouraged Malaysians overseas to contribute their part to political reforms by mobilizing any resources that are available to them. The talk was held in New York City on August 18, 2011 by Generation 709 in the United States. The event began with a screening of a video from the Bersih 2.0 rally produced by Malaysiakini. Yong pointed out that the Bersih 2.0 march was a demonstration organized without a centralized command structure, with many participants from younger generations. He described how the momentum of the movement had been maintained by rally participants sharing their stories online. He identified challenges for the future to articulate specific demands to the government and to ensure that reforms are followed through. He warns that "we really shouldn't depend on royal commission itself" since most of these royal commissions around the world "haven't delivered any satisfactory result". Yong also emphasized that about 40,000 Malaysians are living overseas. Therefore, it is important to know "how to organize, to be able to speak out and to play the role of a significant pressure group" from overseas. Many audience members shared their personal experiences of how they were reconnected to Malaysian politics after many years of living abroad. One of the audiences reflected on how his family members truly love their country but have been apathetic to Malaysian politics as they have no idea how to play their part in reform. Many of them who studied overseas are also reluctant to go back to Malaysia as they feel frustrated about the politics and policies there. On July 9, 2011, BERSIH 2.0 rallies were held in Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Portland. Generation 709 in the United States is formed to maintain BERSIH 2.0 Movement's momentum, and Bersihans' commitment. To continue connecting overseas Malaysians to the political situation at home, Generation 709 in the United States will be organizing further events across the United States, such as YELLOW gatherings and voter registration sessions in seven cities on September 17 (Sat), Malaysia Day weekend. |
| Thank you, Pete - re: Tan Kay Hock Posted: 21 Aug 2011 12:37 PM PDT
Tan Kay Hock is a liability to PM because of his big mouth bragging, and PM is a liability now to Tan Kay Hock. He lost the project thanks to you. By Eye M Fox Dear YM Pete, You remember the loud mouth bullshitter Tan Kay Hock making his proud and confident announcement in the recent press that his George Kent was sure of winning the Ampang LRT contract? He jumped the gun and now he should be guilty of violating SC's rules by disclosing bullshit as George Kent is a public listed company. He gave false hopes to his shareholders, another violation of trust. He might have paid his way to the project, but after your diclosure of his dirty tricks, and many rakyat must have written to the PM, the project went to MRCB. Tan Kay Hock has been using his golfing partner PM to get what he wants, but now this has become a classic case of Twin Liability. Tan Kay Hock is a liability to PM because of his big mouth bragging, and PM is a liability now to Tan Kay Hock. He lost the project thanks to you. It would appear our Tan Kay Hock is changing horses, jumping over to Muhyuddin and Chua Soi Lek the Johor Mafia because PM is a liability. A little recollection quickly tells us, the rakyat, why Tan Kay Hock is dumping PM. Your article some time ago did mention Tan Kay Hock demanding RM500 million from Chinese Rail (200 million for Rosmah, the rest for himself). So to Tan Kay Hock, the name Rosmah and PM is bad news. He moved to the Johor Mafia to get what he aimed earlier, but you spoiled it and saved the rakyat millions, Pete. With his new found friend Muhyiddin, it means that Syed Mokhtar is also now working with Tan Kay Hock because everyone knows that Syed Mokhtar will dump PM and join Muhyiddin since it was Muhyuddin as Johor MB that gave Syed Mokhtar the PTP land. I bet you Pete they will come up with a story since Soi Lek is Kong Cho Ha's boss that no need to bid lah this Chinese Rail project as long as the same RM500 million this time reaches Muhyiddin, Soi Lek and Kong Ha. Najib and Rosmah will not get a cent because Muhyiddin will backstab Najib the same way he did Pak Lah using the election as the turning point. All said, the interest of the rakyat is never in the minds of these scoundrels. With Tan Kay Hock, one will not be surprised if he finds his way to the Agong, a nice man too will be used. Another PKFZ mega scandal, starring MCA as the lead actor and all these other poor souls in it! To us the rakyat, you did a marvellous job by saving us from this one. Please save us, the rakyat again, from these vermins ....
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