malaysia – the next 50 years

as a run-down to our golden merdeka this friday, i will be posting articles from our catholic magazine, catholic asian news that touch on merdeka. i had already posted ‘50 years of isalmisation‘ on 2 aug., and here now is a view from a young man, colin nunis.

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Catholic Asian News
August 2007

MALAYSIA – The Next 50 Years

Pass the Baton

AS Malaysia turns 50 this coming 31 August, we close the chapter of half-a-century worth of history detailing the life of post-independent Malaysia. While having spent much time and effort looking back at the “good old days”, notwithstanding the various crises and controversies that has taken place in this short span of time, there is definitely much that needs to be done here.
 
It is time to prepare for a transition; passing the baton from the old guard to the new. From students to interns and young urban professionals, they all have a common vision for Malaysia – one that breaks free from its many chains of bondage and lives up to global expectations while maintaining an identity, which easily sums Malaysia in one word – unique.
 
The NEP

First concieved in the ‘70s, the NEP was formulated to “eradicate poverty” of the Malaysian community. However, in the past 30-plus years, it has done more than just “eradicate poverty”, much to the ire of every Malaysian who hoped that the promises of the once-noble NEP will benefit every Malaysian instead of just one ethnic community. From educational perks and housing purchase discounts, this was arguably the beginning of affirmative action in Malaysia.
 
Fast forward, nothing much has changed and the Government has reaffirmed the effectiveness and the need for the NEP. However, Psychology major Doulos Paul Lee, like many others wants to see it reviewed as he believes that it has deviated from its original intention.

“Instead of helping the poor Malays, the NEP is only helping rich Malays get richer. It is already not fair to the non-bumiputeras but also not fair to the poor bumiputeras,” he said.

Information Technology student Adnan Amir however believes that the NEP can bring many good things if it returns to its original mission for the Malay community and literally caters to all Malaysians.

“As more and more people become aware of the original vision of Malaysia and the Federal Constitution, it is time for us to act as a Malaysian Government and not a Malay one. The NEP works very much like tuition. Tuition can only help somewhat but the rest is self-effort. The NEP therefore does not just need reform – it needs a Constitutional redefinition of goals,” he said.
 
Telecast Parliamentary Debates

For some people, the live telecast of a political party’s general assembly last year fuelled with overzealous ethnic pride proved to be too much for some. However, for Adnan, it marked a beginning that the Government would start giving the viewing public a first hand account on what actually transpires with our legislative assemblies and politicians.

“I think they made a mistake but really revealed how ugly they can get and that’s just what we needed to see as there is not enough constructive public scrutiny of the Government,” he observed.

Doulos hopes that this transparency will also eventually extend to live screenings of Parliament sittings.

 “Apart from watching what actually transpires there, we will also see firsthand what they are proposing, opposing and supporting. When we are in the know, it is easier to curb useless legislation. Besides, at least MPs will now know how to behave and not act like rednecks,” he said.

Another student Aaron Hee, on the other hand believes that this will eventually help the people put pressure on the number of laws that can be proposed every year.

“They come up with many every year and a lot of taxpayer’s money is spent but what for, when there is no enforcement?” he asked.

Education

Education is an issue of national interest, which garners much passion from Aaron, Adnan, and Doulos as they are all products of the national education system. However, having been exposed to other forms of education, they can easily tell you that Malaysian education needs more than just a 5 year education blueprint.

For one, Aaron hopes to see a more holistic education.

 “We need to break away from the exam culture and not just focus on academic achievements. We cannot forget that there are talents waiting to be unleashed as everyone has a special gift,” he said.

 For that to happen, Doulos believes that the syllabus must be revamped.

“Textbooks and course content need to be updated from time to time and frequent consultation dialogue must ensue between academics and industry professionals to ensure that what students study will be relevant to their work and to their lives. At the same time, the study plan given must be made to ensure that students get the best out of everything,” he suggested.

Adnan concurs but adds that at the same time, that the education provided must be a thinking one as he believes that the current system has affected the Malaysian capability to deliver.

 “Whats the point of studying when you can’t think analytically? Spoon-feeding and rote memorising is not studying,” he argued.

 21 year old intern Mary Tan agrees and believes that spoon-feeding is a continuing factor in mediocrity which needs to stop.

 “Malaysians have this tidak apa [apathetic] attitude, and are very lazy to go that extra mile. Some are very slow and very incompetent. Do you blame it all on the mentality. Partially, but where does it come from? Definitely not upbringing,” she said.

For one, Aaron believes that a methodology emphasising talent development alongside academic achievement will somehow improve our sportspersons namely the national football team.
 
Clueless Youth

When asked how the proposed suggestions would materialise in the next 50 years, Adnan could only answer that it all depends on how aware the public is of the situation.

“Reconstruction requires collective brainstorming over time coupled with well-informed and like-minded peers,” he suggested.

“However, therein lies the obstacle: private college students are really unaware of what transpires in our nation and are pretty much leading life in a cocoon, only interested in fashion, socialising and pop culture – oblivious to a lot of what’s really happening in this country. Until they get involved with the concerns of the nation, I dare say nothing will move,” he argued.

APA ERTINYA 50 TAHUN MERDEKA?