Migrant workers- the enemy of Malaysian?

 

Bangladesh workers move to another construction sites_AFP

Lately we kept hearing news and latest announcement of getting more jobs for Malaysian in the midst of economic down turn in Malaysia and around the world. We were being kept reminding about more layoffs might be happening and unemployment rate will be increasing in Malaysia by our government, business sectors and as well the trade unions.

The most obvious call from the government was actually to reduce the intake of the migrant workers and appeal the employers to take the Malaysian, instead of foreigners. These calls were welcome by our trade unions and most likely the Malaysian workers.

The whole logic appear as the migrant workers are the biggest enemy of us, who had been stealing our job opportunities of Malaysian.

However, I think these maybe true that the migrant workers had taken a big portion up to 10% of our total employment. However, there is a need to review on the Malaysian industrial policy and also the labor policy that we had been implemented in this open capitalist market that link with neo liberal globalization. The blame should not be fall into the migrant workers who as like many Malaysian who has the rights to migrate to developed countries or work in higher pay countries for well being of their families. Including many of us, who were actually the migrant generation from India, Indonesia and China whocame to this land for seeking fortune in the last century.

Infect, the Malaysian government had changed its economy policy, especially focus on gaining revenue of the nation heavily depends on the Export oriented industrialization policy. This export driven industrial policy happened since late the year 1960 had led to current issue of cheap labor policy in Malaysia. In this early stage of industrialization, Malaysian workers, especially those Malay young labour forces from rural areas were encouraged to work in the factory in the industrial zone , in order to eliminate the rural poverty of the Malay pesants community.

In the same times, our government proudly projected that one of the key benefit of FDI to set up their factory of producing garment/textle, electronic and electrical products are able to enjoy the cheap and docile labors supply and no unionization in the free trade/economic zone. As the result of this “favorable” conditions and Malaysia successfully attracted massive FDI (foreign direct investment) from the major developed countries to utilized our cheap and abundant laborers of Malaysian, As the result, our economy currently become heavily rely on this competitive and cheap labor cost to be key attraction of any FDI .

Later in the year 1990, there was great shortage of labourers due to increasing export , the government started to liberalize the labor sector in allowing massive “importing “ of migrant workers to work in manufacturing industry.

As we are wanting to continue keeping Malaysia as the most attractive destiny for the foreign direct investment and transnational companies that business is always cheap here.

Therefore, when we review these labor policy changes that implemented by the state over the decades. We will be wondering that who was actually to be blame in making causing the current controversial and conflict within the Malaysian and migrant workers, between the trade unions and the migrant workers , also the general perception of migrant/outsider stealing our jobs?

For the truth, all of us, the Malaysian has been enjoying the faster economy growth and boom in the 1990 among the Asian country due to this massive exporting industrialization policy.

When the economy is booming, we are happy to welcome the migrant workers who come here, who received much lower salary than Malaysian workers, living in bad inhuman working and living conditions, facing harsh and inhumane treatment from bad employers and also being prejudices by majority of Malaysian. However, their precious contribution to the boom of Malaysian economy was forgotten. The only time their names will be remembered , only whenever we are facing economic crisis and the blame will go to them.

As civilized nation and Malaysian, don’t we need to think deeply what is the main root cause of the current problem we are facing now, and who are those allowing the incoming of migrant workers? Is our economic and industrial , also the labor policy has to do with this problems?

 Instead of pointing to those who we call them “migrant”, we need to remember that many of our ancestors also the migrants who came here as like our migrant workers now.

Be they are migrants or local? Is that make any different to us ? Is that justify for us to treat another dignified human fellow different way?

Aren’t we the same as human kind? We have the same human dignity to be respected?

We have family to fed? We are same human kind who has the same red blood colors and hearts of compassionate to others sufferings?

If you are able to live decently and happily at your home land, will you want to work in other country to be humiliated, to be rejected not appreciated and being treated badly in wages, work and living conditions and departs from your love one?

Will you?

Ask yourself?

Maybe then, you can deeply feel and understand the pain and sufferings to be a  migrant workers in a country that being humiliated and not respecting migrant workers by answering these questions yourself.

28 April 2009

Kuala Lumpur

More information on migrant workers issues in Malaysia:

http://migrationmalaysia.net/

 

Upphold the Decent work and full workers rights of migrant workers - these are the demands of the migrant workers movement all over the world now. (source: Migrant Forum Asia)

Asian migrant workers held sit in protest in Seoul, Korea (source:MFA)

We are NOT COMODITY for sale - Migrant worker is dignify human being (Source: MFA)

Democracy Tree- you always alive in our hearts…..

 

 

The historical tree: Democracy Tree at Ipoh , Perak that symbolise the growing seeds of democracy fourishing in this nation...(pic source:www.malaysiakini.com)

 

The moment the seed of love planted into me

I cannot stop growing…..

My soul is filled with love , hope and cheers…..

 

Whenever those who has the deep affection for me

Keep pouring their love on me…

My soul will be never stop flourishing…..

 

My soul like the bird

Flying as far as the limitless space of universe…

Bringing the message of love, peace and freedom…..

 

You may destroy me overnight

Even to kill my physical existence

 

However, the love, peace and freedom seeds already spreading

Planted into the souls of everyone

Who cherish my call…..

 

You may destroy me

You may dismiss me

 

Yet you cannot eliminate anymore

All the free souls who have stood up to the call……

The call for truth, democracy, peace and love to be prevailed in our beloved nation !

 

Democracy tree…

Its never die

Its already growing deeply …

In everyone hearts and minds………

 

21 April 2009

Kuala Lumpur

Note:

 

The news of Democracy Tree plaque vandalized in Ipoh, Perak .Barely five days after being erected, the plaque commemorating the Perak ‘democracy tree’ has been defaced by vandals.

 

Later 18 April 2009, the “Democracy Tree”, has been given a makeover of sorts by the Ipoh City Council (MBI), who planted 19 smaller plants around it.

 

These series of counter actions by certain party indeed created a shameful mark for our democracy in this nation We had even seen such actions happening in the democracy political history in Malaysia. The childish acts of the political leaders of this nation can come to this low quality attitude/political games.

 

Those who had done these destructive actions was infect the enemy of democracy and truth in this nation. Those who fears of justice and freedom .

 

However their actions infect only reflected their deep fears : fearing the growing wave of changes deep inside people minds now are un reversible. The more destructive moves only trickle reverse effects….

 

Oh, the minds of greedy one and ignorance one. I only can pray for you. In order the Buddha nature of wisdom and compassionate will be arise in your heart and mind. Especially the Wesak day is coming soon.. I pray for your confession and realization..

 

Realizing the ills deeds you had done will not even bring bad impacts to yourself, also the nation who has nurtured you…….

 

People democracy wave -the unreverseable wave of change is growing...(www.malaysiakini.com)

More news on Democracy Tree

 

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/99471

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/1241

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/100255

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Myth Land of Prosperity and Democracy ! – Thailand

Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road is symbol of Thailand's adoption of democracy and liberty since 1939 being constructed,The Thai pro-democracy demonstrators using it as a rallying point in 1973, 1976 and 1992 till today.

Night view of Democracry Momument

Elite politicians live in their own dream worlds of wealth and greed desires

Whenever people resentment reaching the peak, they still living in their dream worlds of wealth & desires!

 

When people angrily protest in the street to voice their needs and  dissatisfaction, these elite politicians regards it as an violence acts

Yet, when they rule out the resentment voice with violent military crackdown and caused death/bloodshed,, they claim that this is to preserve the peace, law and order of the nation

The so call Land of Prosperous and democracy is infect created and existing for themselves….

It is only a myth land…………………

This is exactly what is happening here surrounding us in Thailand………………

I deeply wish that the true land of happiness and peace soon return to people in Thailand.

The hard won democracy and also the majority poor people welfares/rights are to be able being

restores as well. May the great spirits of people democracry  and uprising of  the  14 Oct 1973 revive in Thailand.

 

18 April 2009

Kuala Lumpur

 Note:

 

Looking at Thailand’s crisis: the need to establish some basic standards

More critical views & analysis on the current political & democracy crisis in Thailand, can read :

http://wdpress.blog.co.uk/2009/04/13/looking-at-thailand-s-crisis-the-need-to-establish-some-basic-standards-5938725/

 By Associate Professor Giles Ji Ungpakorn 

 

 

There's another memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in October 1973. It's in the grounds of Thammasat University, just after the main gate, on the right.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 14 October 1973 Memorial is located at Bangkok. Its stands as a monument to thesacrifice by the brave young men and women who stood up and died for a democracy and people justice cause against the military dictatorship in the 1973.(http://www.tour-bangkok-legacies.com/14-october-1973-memorial.html)

The photos are a stirring record of the tumultuous days in October 1973; tens of thousands massing at the Democracy Monument, the violent military response, masses of demonstrators running for their lives and jumping into canals, the courage and defiance as some fought back using buses to block tanks and the tragic aftermath. (http://www.tour-bangkok-legacies.com/14-october-1973-memorial.html)

My Dream Land of Sun Flowers

sunflower sea :my dream land (http://www.betterphoto.com)

 

This is my dream land …….

The land that full of sunflowers flourishing

 

I can be like the wind

Always be there…….

 

Whenever I feel sorrow

Whenever I feel happiness

 

You will be always there

The land of hopes, cheers and energy

Always fill my soul with happiness and hope…………………

 

17 April 2009

Kuala Lumpur

sun flower shine alike a cheerful soul (http://www.betterphoto.com)

 

Behind the cheerful smile, your heart fill with deep & gentle love

 

 

 

 

sunflowers - cheerful smiles under the blue sky (http://www.betterphoto.com)

Zambala – The blessing of deity of wealth – Cultivate the Wealth of MIND WISDOM !

Zambala – The blessing of deity of wealth – Cultivate the Wealth of MIND WISDOM !(Teaching of H.E. The 10^th Sange Nyenpa Rinpoche, 11 April 2009,KL)

Yesterday a thought arose in my mind very strongly. A voice kept telling me the important of remaining pure in our mind and heart. The impure mind and heart had caused tremendous problems to the world and humanity crisis surrounding the world now. Eventually, I wrote these thoughts into my poem, Title: Pure Heart.

The next day, my heart is still in wondering whether I should attend the Zambala puja and blessing that will be conducted by the H.E Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche came from Benchen Monestry, Katmandu, Nepal.. The 1st Sangye Nyenpa was the root Guru of Mikye Dorje (8th H.H. Karmapa). The Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoches are great meditators Mahasiddhas. The present 10th Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche was born in Taktsang, Guru Rinpoche’s temple, Paro, Bhutan. He was invited to Rumtek Monastery where he was enthroned by H.H. 16th Karmapa. At the age of 5, he started his studies, writing and reading as well as the outer & inner sciences replying on H.H. 16th Karmapa, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche – his root Guru .

I was actually for sometime had been reading the H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s written poems and commentaries, even I had never able to meet him before he passed away in the 90. One of the great action that he and other high lama had done in Tibet was the exemplary exponent of Tibet’s Rimé, or non-sectarian, movement.

When I realized the connection of the H.E. The 10^th Sange Nyenpa Rinpoche with H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Eventually, I decided to attend the puja, and blessing ceremony , thinking of making aspirations of economic crisis can be overcome and poor people can be relief from the sufferings.

Honestly speaking, I and my friends eventually attended the ceremony thinking that this will be another Zambala Puja and blessings that we used to attend. Calling for economic crisis to be overcome and people will have abundance wealth,

I was WRONG indeed. Somehow, it eventually turned out to be a great happiness and surprise for me to attend this ceremony.

This great learned Rinpoche who had been well trained in both Buddhist philosophy & rituals had given this Zambala puja/blessing ceremony a very good start and reminder to all of us who may attend for seeking solution to their own material wealth problem.

Instead of talking about material wealth.

He had pointed out the root causes that causing the humanity crisis and the economy crisis in the world we are living now.

After hearing his teachings, I realized that what he had taught today was the same with the poem I wrote yesterday, title “Pure Heart”.

Amazing indeed. Maybe this was why I eventually came and able to meet this Rinpoche for the first time. Wishing again I can receive the teaching from him again one day.

Here ,I had taken some of the key points of his teaching tonight, I wish his words of wisdom can be shared and also the blessings of Zambala can go to everyone who may not able to come and listen. And, especially to those people in power and high position, may their inner mind wisdom arise and able to bring real benefits to all the sentient beings and not causing sufferings to others, due to their ego, selfishness and negative thoughts/emotions. May the blessing I received today dedicate to these people.

 

 

The summary of the Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche teaching on Zambala blessing :The key root cause of the world economy crisis that we are facing today actually due to the ego, negatives emotions and selfness of the human beings. All caused by our impure mind and heart.

 

 

It is important for us to create boddhicita heart and correct intention in order that we are truly able to connect to the blessing of Zambala. ( The  Deity of Wealth ) through this Zambala Puja .

Especially in this age of humanity crisis, the Zambala blessings will help us to cultivate the wealth of wisdom mind that is able to resolve the humanity problems

 

Actually the great blessings from the Zambala/deity of wealth and abundance is not for the gain of material wealth. But it is aiming to increase/cultivate the wealth of wisdom within our mind.

Even we want to make material wealth, we also need wisdom to cultivate it.

 

Even if you are not Buddhist or atheist, but you always engage wisdom in other ways, cultivate your mind wisdom for other well beings. The same blessings of Zambala will come to you. 

The crisis we face in this modern age now, such as mental disorder, all negative incidences infect is caused by our negative thoughts. If we can try to overcome these negative thoughts, all these negative emotions will be resolved eventually.

Therefore, the negative actions, emotions are caused by the negative mind/thought of one inner self . The impure one. Therefore, in order to resolve the humanity crisis in the world now, it is important that we ourselves can have the correct intention to examine our own self and change our inner self. Instead of blaming others, we should examine our own mind and attitude.

Only with this correct intention and action, we can connect to the blessing of Zambala- the cultivation of the wealth of wisdom will be growing within us.

Secondly, we always can notice most people always feel resentment in their heart. Never satisfy and happy. Actually, the key reason that cause the great resentment was due to our wrong attitude of having high expectation. Whenever we had done little things, we expect the high returns. The truth is that we are not a perfect being, same for others.

Instead of blaming others, we should examine ourselves. We should always to be the “witness” to ourselves. To always examine our own mind and emotions. This individual attitude change will eventually make the huge difference in us

Therefore, it is very important that in order to be able to receive any blessing from Zambala, we should come with correct intention. The correct intention of bringing wealth to others and all sentient beings. Only with this type of correct and compassionate motivation that always keep in our life, then only we can really connected to the blessing of Zambala. Even we are not asking for any material wealth, it will come to us.

In conclusion, the sincere intention of wishing the growing of wealth in order to relief others from sufferings is the key one. 

 

Note taken on the 11 April 2009, 8-10 pm. At the Ihaus/MunchHaus Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur.

More detaiil about the H.E. The 10^th Sange Nyenpa Rinpoche:

 http://www.benchen.org/sangye-nyenpa-rinpoche.html            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pure Heart

May our mind always remain clear and clean

May our heart always remains in the compassionate stage

No matter what had changed surround us

Let our mind and heart not being polluted/poison

 

Like the lotus

Always remain pure and clean

Even growing in the muddy water

May our body , speech and mind

Always not deviance from the Buddha teachings/path

Especially the humanity crisis is deepening all over the world now…..Crisis of war, political suppression, violence, poverty, natural disasters…….

When we all able to be back to our clean and clear inner mind and heart,

The crisis of humanity can be overcome

When our heart can truly feels for others

The same others can also feel for us…….. 

 

10 April 2009

Kuala Lumpur

Note:

 After many years , I come to realization of remaining pure and clean in our own mind and heart is fundamentally most crucial one, rather than trying to clean the polluted “surrounding”.

 As we need to be transformed ourselves first before we can ensure any good system can be effectively implemented.

Especially those who are in power and position in our society. Their decisions can rule others fate and live hood.

So, the “powerful” one, lets your inner nature of compassionate be rediscovered after being swollen by greed and desires

I deeply pray for your inner self conscious./ mind awakening……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tribute to a Great National Liberation Fighter and Veteran of Malaysia: Pak Abu Samah Mohd Kassim (1926-2009)

Abu Samah's closest comrade in struggle,Adullah CD (the Chair person of the Communist Party Of Malaya) together with other comrades in the prayer session at the Ban Chulabhorn 12, T. Sukhirin, A. Sukhirin C. Narathiwat, South Thailand

The great national liberation fighter and leader of Malaysia: Abu Samah Modh Kassim

 

When I was young, I used to learn about our national independence struggle history of Malaysia /Malaya from the official state version history text in the school . All great tribute was given to those people from the current Malaysia ruling alliance in Barisan Nation-BN. Since small I was a favorite of history and always wondered why the history book mentioned about terrorism activities of the Communist Party of Malaya and they were Chinese.

Later, when I started to expose to the social activism and able to meet many veterans in the social movement who mostly from the generation of 1930 onwards, I was indeed surprise about all the lies and distorted fact was taught to us in our history text book. I was able to conduct the oral history interview and documentations with them. I finally came to a conclusion that those terrorists that the state had referred to us was infect the most patriotic national liberation fighters who had fought the Japanese and British occupation in our nation. These people were those actually had scarified their golden youth age, life and families fought against the western imperialist of British and Japanese occupation. Yet till today remain in exile living in alien land of Thailand.

Pak Abu Samah was among the patriotic one who had involved in the Malay base patriotic and left leaning political organizations from year 1930 and later joined the Communist Party of Malaya in the 1940. The true was the anti imperialist movement as an organized political party and movement was started much earlier before the 1950. As our current ruling parties like to claim that they were the only political forces fought against the imperialism and won the independent from the British colonial power. Since long the formation of UMNO and MCA, the CPM had shouted for Hifup Rakyat /Merdeka and fought against imperialist, risk their life to death. Yet, the UMNO at the time shouted the slogan on Hidup Melayu! Instead of Hidup Rakyat and merdeka.

In year 1988 , peace agreement was signed between the CPM , Malaysia and Thai government in Hadyai, Thailand. These veteran political leaders around 2,000 of them were infect allowed to return to Malaysia., according to the signed peace agreement However, this agreement was not fully respected by the government and ended up these national fighters were left in exile in Thailand.

Later when I visited them in year 2002 in their settlement at the southern Thailand, I realized that these veterans were indeed the “real threat” to the current Malaysian ruling power!

Why?

1. They are people who hold very strong commitment to the welfare of the people. Many of the poor farmers, workers and uneducated one who had joined into their party in the past was infect given education, shelter, food and provide the patriotism idealism to serve / defending the nation with no self interest in mind. Many these poor people were infect claimed that their welfare were being taking care of party was better than they suffered from life threat and hunger while lived under the colonization period.

2. Their discipline of not conduct any anti people interest and also immoral conduct are the precepts that even any religion followers cannot follow fully. To live simple life, to serve for oppressed people and deep love to protect the national sovereignty.

These people are infect are Bodhisattvas, in Buddhist term refer to those who are great living Buddha that always act on others happiness and relief them from the roots of sufferings! They hold the practice of selfless!

Lets see the country and national ruling leadership and parties in Malaysia now after the 52 years?

1. The politics of race and religion manipulation still the dominance political culture that propagated by BN. Polluted the minds of rakyat with racists ideas.

2. The corruption, cronyism and nepotism practices in the ruling circles that only served their own interest than the majority poor. They only fed their own stomachs to be filled full rather to solve the hunger and poverty of those poor still living with no electric and water in the rural area!

The truth is that these veterans in CPM had showed us what are the real /good patriotic and national political statesman/woman leadership example /life discipline. Therefore, their conviction and life example infect will cause a real “threat” to those corrupt one, if the official history to be rewritten .

Till today, the current BN rule government remain silence and lie on the other side of the Malaysian people struggle history, especially to recognize the truth that the MPAJ- Malaya Patriotic Anti Japanese Army and the CPM were infect the earliest patriotic political movement that waged by Malaysian comprised of difference ethnic groups in Malaya in the last century.The British forced to announce the earlier independent of this nation due to this ongoing resistance of the CPM and its alliances.

On the 7 April 20009, Pak Abu Samah, who passed away in the foreign land , the Malaysia government and Malaysian had owed the great gratuitousness to these veterans who had scarified their whole life fought for national impendent and also being forced to exile in alien land. We need to ensure that these veterans a day return home with the highest respect and national history to be re written.

May Pak Samah ‘s soul will be rest in peace and we will never forget the great contribution that you had done to us and the nation!

8 April 2009

Kuala Lumpur

More about the alternative history of Malaysia:

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.malaysiakini.columns/92183

 

http://revolusi48.blogspot.com/

Life story of Abu Samah –

http://www.gerakbudaya.com/products-page/sird-titles/abu-samah-mohd-kassim-pejuang-kiri-kemerdekaan-zuriat-datuk-bahaman/

“Abu Samah Mohd Kassim: Pejuang Kiri Kemerdekaan Zuriat Datuk Bahaman “

Author: Mohamed Salleh Lamry
Publisher: SIRD
Year: 2007

The wife (also anti colonial figther/leader) to Abu Samah Mohd Kassim: Zuriat Datuk Bahaman next to him from their anti colonial struggle time till the end of his life ......

Muslim prayer conducted by his friends,family members and comrades..may his soul rest in peace.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malaysia is moving to stormy era !

Big storm is coming...

Today is another turning point of Malaysia destiny, a destiny started with the new appointed Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

For my surprise, i kept hearing comments and gossip in my office, people surrounding me keep asking the same question.

“is he really will be our Prime Minister????”

People sound reluctant, fears and unhappy rather than rejoice of this new appointment and top leadership in place in this nation!

From the Istana Negara/Palace, the security and the ceremony of Prime Minister appointment was tightly guarded by polices and no public were allowed to attend or came near to it.

This seems so strange indeed for me. An appointment of the top national leadership that if being the one who is deeply love by its people, people will be rejoice and gathered everywhere for cheerful celebration. However, the opposite was happening here.

No one indeed keen to turn out to visit there. And, seem like the police was afraid there will be any mass protest against the appointment. The atmosphere oif deep fear from the ruler and its security men on its people!

Even, i was told by some friends who kept asking around, whether anyone planed to organize any protest today to show disagreement of this new prime minister appointment?? Wow!! I finally realized that indeed our rulers, politicians and polices infect have the deep understand of its people hearts, aspirations and their resentments! No wonder tight security was needed to ensure the power transition successfully in place!

My friend sadly told me that i foresee there will be many of your leaders and friends are soon to be arrested under ISA. More corruption happening. There is no hope in Malaysia

Suddenly we both looked at the sky, we both agreed, the sky should be raining today to shed the tears of our rakyat.

 In the same time, I feel so sorry for this new prime minister indeed. 

Why?

Someone who is not able to win the truth deep love and happy blessing from its people to be the top national leader. Infect, it is not something need to feel proud indeed, If i am him.

To look back all the history of human civilization, the great leader/state man/woman who were deeply love and trusted by its own people, they are always being haply and deeply blessed during their appoinments. Not as such situation that people mostly are  feeling insecure, sad and dislike. It is alike national mourning day.

While we chatted over this issue, suddenly the sky turned very dark, big rain poured heavily and came with thunders. Our small car shock heavily and seems like anytime can be blow away in such big rain!

Oh ! A thought suddenly arose and reminded me in that moment. Our nation is already moving to another stormy era, alike this stormy rain. We all the rakyat are going to live through this stormy thunder rain! 

 3 April 2009

Kuala Lumpur

 

 

 

Are we all able to live though over this big stormy rain....?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 April 2009: Political Leadership Crisis in Malaysia?

Lately i was able to chat with many taxi drivers in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, those mainly were Malay male drivers.

 

Along the journeys , as usual i will ask them about their life being a taxi driver and also their views on the current Malaysian politics. For my surprise that many of them were indeed outspoken when talked about their work, especially on politics.

 

Here, i quoted some interesting views that they had shared with me (translated from Malay to English)

 

Taxi driver A:
” I have to work everyday from 5 am to night till 10 pm almost 18 hours a day to survive and earn enough for my family monthly expenses. Why these politicians still busy for so many by elections? they just wasted our money for their political power struggle . I don’t think the new Prime Minister can really feel our pain by being born and live in royal like rich family background since small. I don’t think that he can understand the poor, can he really feel it? Any of our political leaders can feel it- feel as how we feel?”

 

Taxi driver B:

” I doubt that Malaysia will go any where with such corrupted and person who has controversial murder case to be the most top leader of our nation! What kind of leadership example that our young generation will learn from these types of national leaders? The worse is that they think we are stupid. They think by lying through the media and information censorship can chit us? Look at the taxi license that are being issued in Selangor, who are the owner of the taxi companies?”

 

Taxi Driver C:

” Malaysia need new type of national leader and politician. I believe that as human being we have huge desires that can ruin our rational and mind, especially when we are in power and high position. Therefore, i think the good leaders are those who have the loving kindness heart, always have real empathy feelings for others and those whose hearts are clean. When our hearts are clean, our mind will be able to control our human desires/greed. So, being having a high IQ is not good enough to be good leaders, as we had seen so many of the leaders turned to corrupted mind/actions after they had taste the sweetness of power and wealth. As Muslim, i think we can /should have such type of political/national leader”

 

From these Malay taxi drivers, those who are being seen and suppose to enjoy the special privileged rights as bumiputtera status Malay in this nation,. Many of our non Malay/Muslim Malaysian regards these people are the privileged one. However, in realty, the life of the poor and working class has no difference indeed, whether you are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Dayak, Kadazan etc… for them all te same, Have to struggle hard in life everyday and every moment for survival, Just to meet their basic needs of life.

 

The irony is  that in reality many of our political leaders/activists now are so busy for chasing their own power, position and wealth.

 

I am wondering whether they have ever think and ask themselves:

“Hey, what type of leadership that i want to contribute to this nation? “

 

As like what had the Taxi driver c mentioned that we need those political leader who really not only has high IQ, but has the clean heart and loving kindness one.

 

Malaysia, are we deserved to have such type of loving kindness and clean hearted human being to be our national leadership?

 

Kuala Lumpur

2 April 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even a tree cannot live in a bad environment condition.The same as a nation,there is no good future if only nurtured by bad politics & politicians