A Post About Something

In accordance with Malaysia’s 53^rd Independence Day on 31 August, I have decided to stray from my usual path of blogging, and write about issues that this country is facing.

In the light of the recent events that threaten to stir resent among Malaysians, I feel that these events occurred at a time so close to Merdeka Day as a reminder to us all that a wide racial divide in still exits after 53 years of independence. This suggests something somewhere has failed.

The 1Malaysia concept is laudable, but it fails to address the root of the problem. The concept promotes ‘oneness’, meaning unity of Malaysians regardless of race and religion. But how can we expect complete and sincere unity among Malaysians when our political and education systems are out-of-date. Our political system is suitable to the pre-independence era, where political parties exist to protect the interests of each race. But now, it is irrelevant and needs a revamp. Where on earth can you find a government that is made up of a coalition of race-based parties, other than Malaysia? If our leaders cannot co-exist in a single uniform party for the interests of the whole nation, how can they expect the people to do the same? What I am suggesting is a formation of a multi-ethnic party, much like PKR, but in a greater scale in the sense that it is able to stand on its own without relying on alliances with other parties. Our leaders need to show that they can work together regardless of their background to move the nation forward.

Our education system needs a serious re-look too. We cannot expect integration among our schoolchildren with the vernacular school system. Traditionalists will argue with me by saying that any student, regardless of race, can enter any of the vernacular schools, but the truth is (for example), how many schoolchildren of Malay heritage studies in a Chinese vernacular school? Not many unfortunately. I am a product of a Chinese primary school, and when I entered a national secondary school, I was shocked to know that Muslims actually fast for a month and Hindus traditionally don’t eat beef. Prior to entering secondary school, I only mingled with Chinese students and am blissfully ignorant of the other races. How can this situation help narrow the racial gap in this country? A single uniform national school system is possibly what Malaysia needs.

The National Service programme is an attempt by the government to promote interaction and integration between youths of various backgrounds. Speaking from personal experience, it does, but only to a certain extent. Youths of the same race still tend to stick together, even while in the National Service.

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Once again, I apologized for the lack of updates. But this post you are reading, it’s actually my third or fourth draft since like 2 weeks ago. Before you go ‘OMG! You spend way too much time on your blog! And your blog isn’t especially popular too’, I just like to put in some effort in the things I do. I want this blog to be different from a typical young person’s online space.

I admit the article above have some loopholes in it, but it’s the best I can produce at the moment. I am not saying these are only problems and solutions, I am just highlighting the points I feel strongly about. I may not be patriotic, but I don't want Malaysia to remain stagnant too.

I am into Week 6 of my second semester here, and the amount of procrastination I have indulged in blows my mind away. After this post (and my lunch!), I am going to have to rolled up my sleeves and hit the books. Step 1 of my transformation process is already completed, since I already un-installed Starcraft 2 (The end of the world?!). Is there a way I can purposely block Youtube? Sadly, I am an all-too-frequent user of this website. (I just remembered, my parents know about of my blog!)

I would also like to expand on my theory of the time vortex in Melbourne. I am still gathering evidence and data, but me and a handful of other Malaysian students feel that time passes really fast here Down Under. My theory is that there is a time vortex somewhere in Melbourne, where this vortex sucks precious seconds away from our lives. I believe that the time vortex always shifts its location, but it tends to hang around in the University of Melbourne area.

Of writing and articulating

I admit, it's almost impossible to articulate my thoughts. Right now, I am thinking (or should be) about hundreds of different things, and yet here I am struggling to write something. It could be because my brain stem is not properly connected to my hands or some other medical condition (I am a commerce student after all), but for me, it's difficult to put my thoughts into exact words. But it is my sacred duty to update this blog periodically, so here I am duly fulfilling this obligation.

First and foremost, I would like to say how glad I am with the Premier League season starting soon. World Cup was a disappointment (come on, you gotta to agree with the lack of goals and easy-on-the-eye football), and I can't wait when the domestic season finally swings into action. First match is the Community Shield between Manchester United and Chelsea. It's kind of obvious which team I support if you actually found the URL to my blog.

It is at this moment I find myself staring at my laptop screen longer than necessary. Yes, I am experiencing a 'I don't know what to write' moment. Speaking of writing, I was told a couple of times that I could write well, and my blog is evidence of it. My mum actually wanted me to do a creative writing course in addition to my actuarial science course to further enhance my writing skills. Honestly, it's very flattering to hear compliments being lavished on me, but I think I would just stick to casual writing. I can't really imagine myself being a professional/full-time writer or journalist. Come to think of it, I think the media (be it electronic or what not) needs an overhaul. Issues that deserves attention are not getting enough attention. Instead, we get news like 'Lindsay Lohan going to jail' or 'Paris Hilton don't know how to spell hamburger'. You get my drift. On a side-note, I vow never to stay at a Hilton hotel if I can help it. I don't like the idea of my money eventually going to a certain Paris.

On my last post, I promised to put up a photo of my room just after I got back from Malaysia last month. Well, here it is.

By golly, it's August already! 2010 sure feels short. Before we know it, it's Christmas. Ah well, time flies. I may choose not to take writing seriously, but at least I shall leave my writing legacy (if any) here for my loyal readers.