"Fall" - When Life Imitates Art

This is going to be a personal piece - so for those who can't tolerate reading my nonsense anymore, please don't read any further.

But I'd like to write this - because it is MY blog - and it serves to be therapeutic to me to write this, as opposed to putting up a strong front, just because the world feels that I should. Life should be more honest and simpler than that.

So, here goes my story.

After a long night of partying with Brian and some hot female company whom we introduced ourselves to, in Bar Savanh, I fell asleep in front of the TV out of exhaustion.

About less than 2 hours after I fell asleep, I accidentally woke up to see this amazing film called "Fall" on Star Movies.

It was a surreal experience. It was a story about a successful author who retired and became a cab driver, because he didn't like the person he had become and was struggling to hold on to what as real, in his life. And he fell for this model who was a married woman and not very happily married to a tycoon, who was uninspired, rigid and left her much to be desired, as far as the growth in the relationship was concerned.


I could relate to everything in that movie, almost identically - every single choice made (or not made), every single act of passion and loving to the fullest, her every fascination with the way he lived, loved and wrote, every single lie we tell to comfort ourselves about the future, every single cautious disbelief that love with such reckless abandon could last, every single hurt felt when you see the one you love whisper the words of love to another, every single denial about the affair in public, every single hope that Fate would be on your side and every single moment of faith that there was a reason, for which both of you were destined to meet and fall.

Even the movie ending was the same as the episode in my life - no sugar-coated Hollywood-styled reality. It was not a happy ending - but the sheer acceptance of reality by the cab driver, that she would never leave what she has, for love.

And amongst the last lines of his final letter to her, upon their separation, he said: "I know you will be OK and that given time, I will be okay too, one day. But I keep hoping that there will come a day, when you'll want to want to do this (the right thing) for you, and not for me. And that you'll say to me "catch me, baby" and you'll let yourself fall".

And at the end of the movie, there was a caption that said - "To the celebration of all slain hope." Indeed - that must have been the purpose behind the writer of the movie.

It was a dark movie and just like "Closer", it was a movie that didn't pretend to be anything else, other than reality.

And like reality - the endings are sometimes grim, but almost always laced with the strength of human resilience, to hope and continue and strive for the greater things in life - no matter how different or unorthodox it makes you, in the eyes of others. After all, it is YOUR life.

One day at a time - life will change for the better. And one day, when I wake up in the morning, it would be reality - and I wouldn't have to remind myself of this, anymore.

As I'm writing this, bluish tints of daylight is breaking through the window of my study. Good morning, everyone. :)

An Unexpected Proposition

Okay, enough of political posts. Something interesting happened tonight, which warrants a personal piece.

After a long silence, AJ called me out for supper. I was surprised. This was the first call I've had from her, since the last lunch we had in January. The last time we met, she was making plans to marry Calvin, an Australian boy.

When I reached Telawi Street Bistro, I saw AJ seated in a silent corner alone. I greeted her warmly and the saddest eyes I've ever seen, tried to smile back. She didn't have to tell me anything - I could tell instantly that things did not work out with Calvin - a boy whom she waited 2 years for.

AJ's a very attractive girl. Half Malay, half Chinese and a psychic too, I kid you not. I've actually seen her do some sort of mind reading on me and some other friends - it's frightening. Dressed in a black bareback halterneck top, she looked like an Oriental version of Gabrielle Anwar in "Scent of A Woman" - sad but sexy.

She ordered her food, got down to her story on why it didn't work with Calvin in March and how she had disappointed him. She said she's recovering, but not fully over him yet. And without asking me, she said - "So you finally broke it off with her, huh?"

She's reading me again, dammit. "Stop that", I said. "I can't help it", she said and continued "you make my psychic abilities redundant, you know - you're so transparent. That's what I like about you".

I smiled sheepishly. Yes, I am too transparent. Damn, I hope she's not picking up on anything else I'm thinking about.


We continued our conversation - about Calvin, about N, about AJ's dad, her sister, who was very close to me before the moved to the UK, etc. She had her fish and chips and I just sipped on my hot chocolate. We talked and talked. Conversations with AJ was always honest, easy and smooth flowing. AJ's such a sweet girl, in all senses of the word.

For years, I wondered why she was with Calvin - the boy is such a loser. And I wondered what it would take to go out with a girl like that - since I'm a loser too. ;)


And the unexpected question popped up when she said: "Would you like to try with me?"


For a second, I didn't get what the question was. But her gaze was unmistakable - I knew what she was asking. But I feigned blurness and blurted, "Sorry?"

She continued - "well, since you're single and I'm single and this is the first time ever that we're both single, at the same time - would you like to go out with me?"


Good God. Is she actually asking me this?

"You mean for dinner?" I continued my blur act. I was looking for something that would indicate that she was joking. There was nothing - she seemed quite serious.

Alamak!

"You KNOW what I mean. How long have you known me?". She smiled and chuckled. It was a surreal moment. AJ, the hot girl who I've treated like a younger sister for the last 3 years, was asking me this question.

I got into defensive mode. "I'm not over N yet", I said. "That's perfect. I'm not over Calvin yet", she quickly and playfully retorted. "I'm not asking you to marry me, old man. I'm asking you to date me and get to know me better. And to let me get to know you better. That's all. One day at a time.".

We talked for another hour or so - AJ seemed serious about trying. She confessed that she had been tempted many times during her relationship with Calvin - to ask me out "in that way" and explore having a relationship with me (what the hell is it about me and attached women?) - but she remained loyal to Calvin, even though he was in Australia. And now that they've split up for the last 4 months, it seemed like the right time to ask.

I didn't say yes, but neither did I say no. I just left it at "let's take one day at a time". I didn't want to complicate matters. The old wound is still too fresh and I'm not ready to move on yet. Although she did seem more ready than me - but then again, girls usually have an amazing recovery rate from failed relationships.

With a promise to call, a hug and a peck on the cheek, she disappeared into the night.

I froze for a while and pinched myself. No, I was not dreaming. AJ, the kind and lovely psychic babe, did give me an interesting, though unexpected proposition. Well, at least this girl is single - that's an improvement.

As I was walking to hail a cab, I remembered thinking: "God, I hope she didn't read my mind on what I thought, about what she was wearing!". That would be scandalous! I chuckled.

Tomorrow, I may find out what it's like to be AJ's loser, after all. Haha!

Symbolism and Playing to the Gallery

Going through Jeff Ooi's blogs and seeing the many comments from the public on the conduct of the UMNO Youth Chief also Malaysia's Education Minister, Dato' Hishamuddin Hussein, at the recent UMNO General Assembly, disturbed me somewhat.

Apparently, Dato' Hishamuddin in act of symbolism, held a keris, during parts of his speech to the UMNO Youth delegates.

This in itself would have been understandable - for the keris is an ancient Malay weapon, which symbolises the greatness and rule of the Malay Sultanate over the centuries (since the 15th century) and all the Malay "pendekars" that have fought on behalf of their sultans, in protecting their fiefdom.

It is a symbol which the Malays univ,ersally recognize - and the keris is still used as part of the coronation procedures of Sultans and the King in this country.

And this symbolism has carried through all the way to the 21st century - despite there being no absolute monarchy anymore and Malaysia is now a constitutional parliamentary democracy.

But the ruling Malay party, UMNO, has continued this symbolism, right from its formation in 1946. (Even if you look at the UMNO logo, the two main items there are the keris which symbolises Malay rule and the islamic calligraphy writing of a "nun", which symbolises that it is a Muslim party). The Malay leaders in UMNO are symbolised as the "pendekars" that will fight for the Malay cause.

Perhaps, the significance of the keris, was even more entrenched, when we take into account that UMNO was formed during colonial rule, in objection to the British administrators' plans of setting up the Malayan Union. Ironically, the party was set up by Dato' Hishamuddin's grandfather - Dato' Onn Jaafar, a true Malaysian, well ahead of his time (and ours, for that matter).

Even though the Malaysian independence were obtained by the political moderates like Tunku Abdul Rahman (who himself was a member of Kedah royalty) but there was no doubt that the Malays were willing to spill blood to gain their independence, if necessary, against British colonial rule.

Generally, the keris is a part of Malay psyche and identity. It's symbolism, history, heritage and culture, all at once. The man who wields the keris, is seen to be a hero that fights for the Malay cause. And that's the symbolism that Dato' Hishamuddin was trying to portray, I guess.


But being a Malaysian minister, is a truly complex thing. The members of UMNO may relate to the gesture, perhaps large sections of the Malay community too.

But other Malaysians in this day and age, will see no more than the UMNO Youth Leader and Education Minister, brandishing a weapon on stage. And perhaps due to lack of foresight, at the same time asserting Malay rights, by asking that the New Economic Policy (NEP) be revived. The image to others, may be somewhat menacing. Especially, when the NEP itself was born out of a racial riot bloodshed, in 1969.

It's natural for other Malaysians to feel threatened and insecure, sometimes. It has been almost a tradition, that no matter how moderate and liberal an UMNO Youth Chief is, sooner or later, playing to the grassroots Malay gallery, comes second nature to them. Regardless of whether they really mean it or not. It's like a process of gaining acceptance, from the people you lead.

Since the 1980's, if I'm not wrong, there's been at least two instances, when different UMNO Youth Chiefs (or their Deputies) have rhetorically threatened to burn down the Assembly Halls of some other communities, when they felt that an issue of Malay rights and privileges were being questioned. If I'm not wrong, one of them is now, Deputy Prime Minister.

All of them, have played the role of a Malay "ultra" at one time or another. (A Malay "ultra" was the name given to some of the young "turks" UMNO leaders, who were perceived to be trying to push for Malay political and economic hegemony - for instance, Dato' Jaafar Albar, Dr. Mahathir and Dato' Musa Hitam back in the 1960's)

Now accusations of Dato' Hishamuddin being a Malay "ultra" abound, because of the unfortunate appearance with the keris and making demands that the NEP be revived simultaneously.

If anyone has tracked his career at all, one would notice that he's far from being a Malay "ultra". He's a liberal by lineage and background, he schooled in St. John's Institution, historically, the most race blind school in KL, the company that he used to keep is liberal (the likes of lawyer/author/journalist Karim Raslan) and he's always pushed the cause of national unity, within schools - especially, at a time when racial polarization within the schooling system have never been worse.

By all measures, he's probably been the most reasonable and moderate of UMNO Youth Chiefs, refusing most times, to play the macho Malay character and instead, to focus on the work at hand.

And his UMNO Youth Deputy Chief is even more of a liberal - he used to have Jamaican rasta hair in university (albeit it was Oxford University) and less than 5 years ago, Khairy Jamaluddin would have been far less sympathetic in retaining the NEP, much less reviving it under a new guise of New National Agenda ("NNA").

But they are not ultras or racists. Not now, not in the past. Far from it. This is probably the most liberal, multi-racial and moderate pair in the history of UMNO Youth.

But no one looks at the history to judge him, fairly. It's the combined effect of brandishing an ancient weapon and at the same time, reasserting Malay rights that has caused him much damage, from the public perception perspective, especially of the non-Malays. The UMNO General Assembly is carried in all the national newspapers and electronic media - it is just not a Malay event, it is a Malaysian event, for all to witness.

We forget sometimes, that not all Malaysians relate to symbolisms in the same way.

As an UMNO leader and a Malaysian minister, the delicate balancing act of addressing all audiences, has to be carefully considered. One community's heroism is another community's villainism.

It is sad indeed, when callousness in form, leads to doubts on one's suitability and example as a Minister, in substance. But Malaysia is country that is saddled with much historical baggage and complexities. There is very little trust, shared histories, shared symbolisms and social capital that bounds the different racial communities together.

Sometimes, it seems like on political issues, (especially education-related issues) there is no consensus and we are only glued together by the leaders of the respective communities in the Government, via the multi-racial coalition of Barisan Nasional.

Perhaps, the lesson in this is that tolerance is the beginning of a harmonious co-existence in Malaysia, but it cannot be the end. If we regard it as an end in itself - it will be a barrier to national unity.

Unity must be forged on a common understanding of the relevant issues, a consensus on the approaches taken, strong sensitivity to the needs and concerns of others and genuine debate and acceptance of Government policies, by all.

For this nation to move forward, we must build trust beyond the confines of mono-ethnic parties, within a political coalition. There must be other ties that bind, at the community level. When we can start looking beyond race in all things and start doing what's best for Malaysia in the long run, then the process of national unity, can truly begin. Of being a Malaysian and having a shared history under the same roof - not of under different roofs but in the same neighbourhood.

Otherwise, all we've got after 48 years of independence - is still a fragile framework of racial tolerance. Tolerance will allow you to stagnate in one place peacefully, but only unity will bring you forward. And believe me, the realities of globalization will not wait for us, to get our act together.

The choices are stark - unite or regress.

Understanding Equitability in Malaysia

There's been a lot of hoo-haa lately over UMNO Youth's call to revive the New Economic Policy (NEP)in Malaysia.

The NEP provisions had been laid out by the Razak administration in 1971, as a reaction to the racial riots of 13 May 1969. It had 2 main objectives - first, the eradication of poverty for all and secondly, the restructuring of society, to stop the identification of race with economic function.

Included in the latter is a target for the Bumiputras ("sons of the soil") to hold 30% of the corporate equity in Malaysia. And another main thrust was the creation of a Bumiputra Commercial and Industrial Community (BCIC) - to increase the number of Malay professionals and entrepreneurs.

The idea was for the Malays and the Bumiputras, which make up the majority of the population and regarded as the indigenous people of Malaysia, to have an "equitable" share of the economic pie.

Tun Abdul Razak had presciently recognised that the political stability and defusing racial tensions that came from such huge economic disparity between the races in the country, can only come with the creation of a large Malay middle-class.

One could only understand the importance of this measure if one reflected on the disparity between the races that existed back then - the Bumiputras only held 2% of the corporate equity in the country, made up the largest percentage of the impoverished, had negligible participation in all professions and made up the smallest group in university enrolment.

Even in sectors where it was predominantly Bumiputra, like agriculture - they lacked the capital and the control of the marketplace. They were at the mercy of the market middleman - which at that time, were mainly non-Bumiputras.

Much of the catalyst of this economic disparity had been due to colonial policies during the British administration - with their "divide and conquer" methods.

If the NEP was not around, I have no doubts that we would have experienced the bloodshed that Indonesia did, during the economic crisis, a few years ago.

In Indonesia, a country which is predominantly Malay, where only 3% of the population (mainly Chinese) controlled 80% of the wealth of the country - it was a time bomb waiting to happen. Thousands of the Chinese community were robbed, beaten, raped and killed, during the revolt that happened, beginning 1998.

And this is despite the fact, that they have a seemingly stronger national identity than we do.

Things are better now, in Indonesia - but they are beginning to keep their eye on the lynchpin of political stability - to address the economic growth of Indonesia and to ensure that racial economic disparities are bridged. If you observe the style of the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, you would see how the emphasis has changed.


Back to Malaysia. Okay, so we agree, that racial economic disparities between major races in a country, should be kept in check. And perhaps for all races to have an "equitable" share of the pie.

And despite making up the majority of the population at any one time, since Independence (and currently at 66% of the population and rising) - an "equitable" share for the Bumiputras have been set at the magic number of 30%. (The assumption back then, was that the ratio between Bumiputras, Non-Bumiputras and foreigners would be 30%: 40%: 30%)

Personally, I think this is a fair target, considering the size of the Bumiputra population, relative to the corporate equity targeted. It is equitable FOR the Bumiputras. It is equitable OF the Bumiputras - they are not asking for dominance or percentages which correlate with their population - they understand that they share this country, with other Malaysians too.

But even at the inception of the NEP, the redistribution intent was never to take from Chong to give to Ali.

If we look at the early 1990's, the Chinese dominance in the economy did not suffer greatly, (corporate equity of the Chinese was at 46%, if I'm not wrong) even when Bumiputra corporate equity grew from 2% in 1971 to approximately 19%, in 1991.

This is because most of the corporate equity gained by the Bumiputras, were either at the expense of the share of the foreigners or gained via privatizations of large Government institutions and utilities(like Telekom and TNB).

And during the 1990's up till today, the successor to the NEP, which the National Development Policy (NDP) accentuated even further the "growth with equity" formula, though no new target date had been set for the end of the NEP. And Vision 2020 was born and it implied that the NEP would be scrapped by 2020, although Dr. Mahathir never specifically said this.

The formula under the Mahathir administration was simple: If you keep the economic cake growing, no one will begrudge the redistribution, as the absolute share your pie has grown. Prosperity will be felt by all races - and it was so, between the FDI economic boom years of 1991 up till 1997, where the GDP was averaging at least 8.5% per annum. And the redistribution of the remaining 11% of the corporate equity for the Bumiputras, would not be felt as greatly, if it was done over almost a 30-year period, up till 2020.

On the minus side: money politics became pervasive in UMNO, infrastructure, property development and construction projects and contracts drove the Malay thrust in business and "Ali Baba" practices mushroomed. There were more Malay millionaires than Malay-owned businesses, which were supposed to have made them rich.

But the Asian economic crisis changed all this. Large Bumiputra corporations fell from their grace, saddled with massive debts, dissipating large portions of Bumiputra corporate equity and wealth. It was believed that at one time in the middle of the crisis, the Bumiputra corporate equity came down to 14% from 19% - regressing at least, the economic efforts of 5-10 years.

And it changed the FDI landscape forever - this part of the world had become "taboo" for FDIs. The rise of China, hollowing out the low-level manufacturing base of other Asian countries, including Malaysia, made things even worse.

It was evident that a few things had changed - the heady days of strong FDI-driven growth was over as China was sucking the FDIs dry and Malaysia had to move up the value chain - whether it was prepared for it or not.

And globalization is unrelenting - nowhere is this more evident than in the automotive industry. As Proton stands alone and struggles with quality control and maintaining market share, cheap foreign cars (mainly from automakers that have merged and consolidated around the world) are flooding the market.

Luckily, Perodua wisely chose to partner with Daihatsu, to make high quality and internationally competitive cars, like the MyVi.


So, what is the current position? There's a few premises that we have to commonly accept, as a nation.

First, the 30% corporate equity target for the Bumiputras had ALWAYS been there - it had NEVER waivered as a national policy. Only the method, emphasis and timelines had changed - but even then, it is almost consistent that the NEP's "sell-by" date (since Vision 2020) would be the year 2020.

And we have to realize the realistic context of what it would probably be like, at that time.

Yes, there will still be poor people (although the poor in Malaysia is far better than the poor in other parts of the world). It is the nature of economic development to engender inequality - the only thing we can do, is to make sure that the gap is not excessive.

Yes, there will still be many rural areas but hopefully, each district will have its own economic specialization and industrial SME "clustering". And at least, they're not deprived of access to affordable latest technologies.

Yes, the Bumiputras will be wealthier - but the majority of their wealth will probably be in the hands of large Bumiputra corporates and institutions. Individuals have always proven to be a poor holder, of corporate equity.

Yes, the Bumiputras will excel and perhaps, dominate a few economic sectors - but a lot of other economic sectors, professions and businesses, will still be dominated by non-Bumiputras. And yes, perhaps, there will be more non-Bumiputra millionaires, still.

But NO, hopefully, the Malays will not be associated with economic backwardness and laziness. NO, they should not be mainly associated with drug addiction, social problems and breaking family structures. NO, they should not be seen to be joining politics, to financially enrich themselves. NO, they should not be linked to Islamic extremism. And NO, we will not have politicians that are fond of playing the race card, to gain political mileage.

The "expectation gap" must be handled, so that everyone is on the same page, of what 2020 will be like.


Secondly, unless there is enough economic growth generated, the impact of economic redistribution amongst the races, would be felt. And this is where things, will get tough.

Our commitments under WTO, the need for our Malaysian products, services and human capital to be internationally competitive, the difficulty in moving to the next engine of economic growth (like agriculture) or moving up the value chain (like biotechnology), the "reform vs Malay agenda" dilemma of the Government-linked companies (GLCs), the troubled education system, the inefficient civil service, the weak innovation ecosystem, all contribute to making the "growth with equity" formula, very challenging.


Thirdly, in the restructuring of Malaysian society, there is a need for UMNO to be realistic in its targets. The Malays cannot make up 30% of all professions and economic sectors, by 2020. That is impossible. What is more realistic, is to target a few professions and sectors which the Bumiputras would like to focus its strength on to dominate or be a sizable part of - and leave the rest to market forces.


Therefore, it is heartening to see that in the recent UMNO General Assembly, UMNO Youth suggesting the targeting of a few economic sectors for Bumiputras to focus on and dominate - like biotechnology, defence, farming, halal food manufacturing, aerospace, ICT, petroleum and gas, finance, automotive, services and tourism.

With the exception of biotechnology, ICT, services and tourism - I think the others are quite within reach for Bumiputras to excel in, as there is already a strong foundation to build on.


Fourthly, pushing the Malay Agenda, must be within the context of making them internationally competitive. In a globalized world, that is the context that matters - the local market is too small, to keep the economic cake growing. Awarding of tenders and contracts must be given to the most competitive of Malays, to make the redistribution effect, more permanent and exponential.

Political patronage and intervention must be lessened - unless it's to help the meritorious and the deserving. Political intervention within the GLCs (and the civil service, for the award of contracts) must be lessened as well - we cannot build world-class companies with blind-alley politicians meddling, in the business of GLCs.

For UMNO to make the Malays strong, they have to know when to stand aside and let the genuinely strong Bumiputra entrepreneurs, succeed. Regardless of whether the deprived ones are UMNO members or those strongly politically-connected. Politics is there to serve the people, not for politicians to serve themselves.

Within the next 15 years - there has to be a class of Malays that is regarded as "post-NEP" Malays - undeserving of scholarships and subsidies, meant for the underprivileged. It's time that some of these things are means-tested. They shall be the role models that others still under the NEP, should aspire to - a future life without crutches.

And this is why I hope that the words of UMNO Youth's Deputy Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin, in the recent UMNO General Assembly, when he was moving the economic resolution for a New National Agenda ("NNA") - of "creating a competitive and independent breed of Malays", will ring true.


Fifthly, the implementation of the NEP, must be done within the context of globalization and the need to retain competitive human capital. We need to curb the migration outflow of other Malaysians, especially amongst the professional class.

There was a time in during the mid-1980's when a Deputy Prime Minister commented that it was good for some Malaysians to migrate, because "they were thorns in the flesh". There was very little openness back then, to differing views from the Establishment - but that cannot be the case now.

On average, Malaysia loses 3,000 - 4,000 Malaysians per annum to Australia - mainly amongst the tertiary educated and professional class. If we take migration to other countries (like the United Kingdom and the US) into consideration, the numbers would probably at least, double or triple this, per year.

A country that is short on high quality human capital and on top of that, is suffering "leakages" in retaining good human capital - is a country that is fast losing competitiveness, regardless of its initial investment in education. The ROI will never be satisfactory. It's like training your people to succeed, as citizens of other countries - you do not reap the rewards. It's 2 steps forward and 3 steps to the back.

There must be more openness, for different opinions, perspectives and lifestyles. Unless we make the space for the best to think and be creative, other countries will.


The road ahead is long, hard and winding. It needs a leadership that knows how to prioritize and balance between the different ingredients, and to make difficult decisions that would keep Malaysia competitive and viable. And we need that sort of leadership at all levels. And to teach that balance to its citizens, and future generations.


If we want a different reality for our children, by 2020 - the current young generation must strive for the best and yet be tolerant, generous and conciliatory in their give-and-take. It's like what Dr. Mahathir used to say - "we are fair because no one gets 100% of what they want". Moderation is the name of the game. All of us, have to learn to be equitable - both Bumiputras and other Malaysians.

Regardless of how it looks, we must realize that we're all playing on the same side, against the rest of the world - to fight and retain the best, of what we have for the future.

We're playing for the Malaysian side.

Pak Lah - Man Of The Moment

Yesterday morning, I managed to catch Pak Lah's opening address to the UMNO General Assembly, on TV. Even though I'm not an UMNO member, but the UMNO president's annual address to his party is an event which I never miss every year.

It helped that in most previous years, it was the hard- hitting Dr. Mahathir that was speaking. Truth be told, I didn't think very much of Pak Lah's General Assembly speech, last year - it was quite colourless.

But I must admit, this year took me by surprise.

Amidst all the controversy surrounding money politics, the suspension and removal of Tan Sri Isa Samad as one of the UMNO Vice Presidents, the contentious Approved Permit (AP) issue and the bold disclosure of the AP list by the PM's Office - Pak Lah stepped up and outlined his vision for the Malays and Malaysia.

Most times, UMNO leaders conveniently play the race card, that it's mind-numbing. Or not, the cakap tak serupa bikin card, like when most UMNO leaders talk about anti-corruption.

I've always wondered when I would able to see an UMNO leader call a spade a spade, in an UMNO General Assembly and outline a vision for the future, which would be necessary for the survival of the Malays, in the globalized world. But I guess, I just never expected Pak Lah to be that person.

The President of UMNO admitted the failure of the NEP came from the weakness of the implementation and the abuse of the privileges by the Malays, themselves. He reminded the assembly that the elected power given to UMNO and the Government is an amanah (a trust) given by the people.

He criticized UMNO leaders that were fond of overspending Government monies indiscriminately (monies that we don't really have and which shall burden future generations) and fond of propping up "fake development" for the people.

He pointed that Government coffers are not bottomless and it is not sustainable in the medium to long term, for the Government to keep pumping projects and subsidies, to prop up the Malays, and sometimes other Malaysians too.

He reminded everyone that the main thrust of the party is about work, and not just talk. He admonished those who used money to buy positions within the party and who became members of UMNO, not to serve the people, but to procure business projects for themselves.

He lambasted those who had received Government shares, projects and licenses, allocated specifically for the Malays for them to build up their capacity, in business - but instead, the recipients had sold them off for "easy money", to other Malaysians. (And it gets even worse, when some of the opportunities and privileges were accorded to so few, like the APs were).


These are "leakages" that have defeated the Government's objectives of creating a genuine Bumiputra Commercial and Industrial Community and to achieve the 30% target of corporate equity to be held by the Malays.

(Currently, it's at about 19% - which means that to achieve the NEP targets by 2020 - we would have to achieve a Malay corporate equity growth of 0.8% per annum. It's achievable - that's below the rate which we achieved in between 1971-1990, when Malay corporate equity grew from a mere 2% to 19%)


He encouraged the Malays who are already capable to stand up on their two feet, to compete and allow for the Government's resources to be better channelled, to address the poor and the underprivileged. He pointed out that when scholarships are given to the privileged and economically undeserving, we are depriving those that are truly deserving of Government assistance.

He strongly encouraged UMNO members to stamp out money politics and corruption within the party.

He said: "If we cannot stamp out corruption within UMNO, no one will believe in our efforts to stamp out corruption within Government and the country". How very true - the public has grown a second skin of cynicism, when it comes to corruption within UMNO.

And then he said something which I never thought I would never hear an UMNO President say - that by 2020, there will be no more NEP to support the Malays and the situation by then, has to be "saksama" (in this context, meaning equal and fair to all races).

This had always been somewhat implied by Vision 2020 (by setting the targets of the NEP (for instance the 30% Malay corporate equity holding) to be achieved by then), but having it said by the UMNO President and Malaysia's Prime Minister, means that it is carved out in stone. At least, during the Abdullah administration.

He said this was necessary, as the objective was to create a better reality, for our future generations - where wealth was equitably shared and where all Malaysians shall compete, on an equal basis. And Pak Lah rightly recognized that the ability to compete is essential, to survive in the globalized world of today and tomorrow.

The NEP has only 14 years left before the new realities set in by 2020 and there is much to do. And Pak Lah reminded everyone to work even harder and to make that "leap".

It's a historic moment, actually. You can sense that this is a fresh approach in UMNO - party that has been so used to the influence of wealth and patronage, since 1985, at least. The hall was silent, paying rapt attention to President's speech - some are strongly supportive and some visibly uncomfortable, at the radical changes proposed.


I've waited a long time for this. An UMNO President and a Prime Minister that is bold enough to tell the Malays the truth, about themselves and about the realities of the globalized world we live in, today and the importance of adapting, competing and surviving. And hopefully, has the courage to lead them there.

UMNO needs a reorientation. It must begin to attract more of the right sort of people - people who are there to serve the Malays and the country, not themselves. People who are nationalists, but not bigots. People who shall work to preserve this country for the long term and not abuse and pillage it, senseless, for the present.


If Malaysia and the next generation is to have any chance at all, of making this a better country - we have to allow them the opportunity to be true Malaysians, not defined by race, not divided by religion, not distinguished by crutches and subsidies, not competing so much with one another but collaborating to compete with other countries.

I'm quite convinced that if the best of the Malays, Chinese, Indians and other Malaysians were to collaborate together (without boundaries of race) against outside competition - we'd give anyone in the world, a run for their money.

And 2020 is the date for that change - and it's my generation, "the baby boom" generation, those born between 1967-1978 that will be in leadership, at that time. Running a youthful country, where the median age of the citizens, is expected to be 28 years old.

Hopefully, if we can make that "leap", by that time, our children and grandchildren will live and experience a truly Malaysian reality, that would not have been possible for us. That's something that's worth fighting for and dying for.

Walk on and lead us, Pak Lah. God be with you, and so shall we be, for the benefit of the next generation. InsyaAllah.

Dinner with the Charmed Ones

2 nights ago, I went to dinner with 3 lovely girls - 2 of whom are my blog readers.

I didn't go with any expectations. Just wanted to meet new people and Zu (the new bride and dinner arranger extraordinaire) came by with an interesting offer. Then, I got to meet Fi and Nik.

I was a stranger to all of 3 of them, (it was the first time I met any of them - it as like a blind group date - haha!) though I felt that 2 of them were more at ease with me, because they knew me better, through my blog. And Nik - well, she's Kelantanese - so there was certainly natural "native" chemistry there.

But all 3 of them, were amazing in their own ways. Thoroughly genuine people, none of that pretentious KL "I'm too cool" behaviour, that I see so much of nowadays - with them, what you see is what you get.

Perfectly comfortable under their own skin - enough strength to tell their stories and to laugh at their own weaknesses. We got along famously, as if I've known them for much longer.

And I had a great time. :)

It's rare that meeting new people, is satisfying and not awkward. But this was one of those times.

Let's catch up again sometime soon girls - perhaps, over karaoke? ;) Nik, it's time to croak, Fi - let's see the "Mak Datin" style at singing and Zu, leave the nasty boss at the office and drag the lucky hubby along.

And thank you, girls, for giving this stranger the benefit of the doubt. :)

Never Again

Are there limits to the cruelty and heartlessness, of human beings?

Up until today, I thought there were. But it's not true. I'm naive - very naive. My aversion to being cynical has made me blind - several times over.

It's good to have faith in human nature. To assume the best of all people. To believe that they mean, what they say. To accept their sincerity when they earnestly show it, to you. That they have it in them, to repent and come back to the straight, truthful life. That moments of emotions and expressions of love are true and not fleeting, from second to second.

But spare a thought at the back of your mind - that it could all be lies. And that we are most blind, to the faults of those whom we have held closest, to us. And that there could be a chance that the potential of extreme cruelty, is not so slight.

Because it is not. Cruelty is endemic for those who think that the truth is an optional appendage in life - only to be used, when it suits one's purpose. They have an appearance for every purpose - chameleon-like, they switch from one reaction to the next, confident in their ability to constantly fool the world.

Accept, that some people do not deserve the benefit of the doubt. Believe, that they will one day, trip and fall. And perhaps, get their just desserts.

And walk away, for those whose hearts are black and without conscience, do not deserve your forgiveness or humanity. If to forgive is divine - then perhaps, the only forgiveness that they should get, should they ever seek it, is beyond the limits of human compassion.

You are cruel, N. You are amazingly heartless and cruel. And I was stupid, to believe in you.

Terrorism: The Heart of Blindness?

By now, few of us would not have heard about the bombings in London. It's shocking, chilling and leaves you feeling angry at the inhumanity, of it all.

Some of us have friends and family in London and it's with great relief when we find out that they're okay. (Although I still have not heard from my cousin, Nik Farah - but I'm assuming that no news is good news). Our thoughts go out to all Malaysian students and citizens residing in London too.

And for those of us who have studied in London before, it's difficult to imagine that such a calculated attack was done in all parts of London. Even the IRA bombings, were usually one place at a time. The latest news give begrudging credit to how well-planned the attack was (it's sad when this is one of the few things that the Muslim world is given credit for) and apparently, an Al-Qaeda cell has taken credit for the bombing.

Gandhi used to say: "An eye for an eye, only makes the whole world go blind". It's so apt, when it comes to terrorism. The message is lost, in between the number of civilian casualties.

War is cruel. There used to be a time when civilians, especially women and children, were not regarded as part of the war. Nowadays, that respect is not accorded anymore. Everyone is fair game. Because what's important to them, is the message. The price of their message, exceeds the price of human life.

Women and children are incidentally killed, raped and abused in the course of war - all part of "collateral damage". And sometimes, it's done by the soldiers of the side that claims to fight for democracy and justice. And the weaker and defeated side retaliates in the name of God, religion and defending their land - by taking innocent lives in the countries that have attacked them - or sometimes, just the citizens of those countries, in neutral countries like Indonesia.

The rationale of these terrorists is simple. They're trying to illustrate that there is no more value, accorded to human life. The way those in their home countries have been treated - they shall bring the same horror to the citizens of those governed by their attackers. As if the citizens, are just as accountable for the actions of their political leaders.

The intended effect is that we should ponder these issues and try to go to the roots of the issue. They're trying to make us see that the leaders of some of the developed countries should be stopped from imposing their will and sanction, upon others - on the basis of democracy, unfounded suspicion or sometimes, a collaboration with their antagonists (like in the case of Israel).

And at the very least, if the citizens refuse to speak out, then they shall have to live in fear - of terrorism committed against innocent civilians. At possibly anytime, anywhere. The terrorists are saying - the price of apathy over the fate of others in this world, who your Governments victimize - may be your life.


But the truth is this: there can be no moral message that can be sent through the taking of innocent lives. There can no moral basis under religion - under any religion. It is not the way of God and it is not a jihad. It corrupts the meaning of jihad, actually - of which the greatest of personal jihads is self-restraint against the doing of evil.

There is no prophet that has encouraged the taking of innocent lives - not even to defend oneself or one's religion. As Muslims, we are bound to believe that ultimate justice will come to all - if not in this world, then definitely the next. No one escapes the hisab and the siratul mustaqim. We shall all be accountable for the evil we commit, in this world. And we shall be punished for it, from the Almighty.

That has been promised to us. Victory has been divinely guaranteed for those who remain on the true path.

And if we believe in that promise - it is not for us to punish and decide on their day of reckoning. It is not for us to retaliate on the innocent lives in any country, just to teach them a lesson. It is wrong for us, to play God.


To the terrorists who have bombed London and other places in the world and sacrificing innocent lives - ordinary men, women and children - there is no virtue in your fight and your methods. Whatever your cause, whatever your message - everything will be lost when you commit the crimes of your victimizers - to punish the innocent and cause them death, grief and suffering.

All you have become are cruel murderers, not heroes. Heroes lead their people to a higher path, the moral path - not the road of quiet desperation manifested by evil acts. All you're seen as, right now, are people without humanity.

If you must retaliate at all, retaliate with words, pictures and imagery. Retaliate in way that will raise the compassion of others, not destroy it. Retaliate with dialogue, via media, via publicity - appeal to their reason and humanity. Retaliate via democratic practices, no matter how unfair it may seem, sometimes. Expose the injustices and the hypocrisy of all those who have victimized you, your people and your nation. Retaliate with knowledge and progress, via economic development.

For what moral lessons can be learnt from 2 sides that have become equally evil, in their disregard of human life? How can you teach humanity in the world, when you don't know what it means? In order to teach others to value life - you must first do no harm.

Terrorism does not solve anything - it only creates more hatred, anger and prejudice, which leads to retaliations and counter-retaliations by both parties, which in turn, leads to an increased loss of innocent lives. And yet no lesson shall be learnt. We are just creating more animals, in the form of human beings.

Gandhi was right. The world has gone blind. It has gone blind in the heart - in the name of God, religion, principles and leadership. And the people whom we have betrayed, are the people we lead - for both this world and the next.

I pray that the leaders on both sides will come to their senses and realize that the basis of any religion or principle, is first and foremost, the sanctity of human life. And that must be respected, above all else. There should be no price for that. No price.

My thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of London, especially for those who have lost their loved ones in the massacre. Al-fatihah.

Tough Choices

It was a gathering of 16 young people and 2 giants that helped shaped the Malaysian political landscape.

It was an informal dinner organized by the Young Turks Club for the Norwegian intellectual, Tan Sri Just Faaland and his assistant, Dr. Rais Saniman. Both of them were involved in the structuring of the New Economic Policy (NEP), (which was formulated in response to the racial riots in May 1969) with Just Faaland being an adviser on the formulation of the NEP and Rais Saniman, one of the Young Turks of his time, only 28 years old, when he was serving the Razak Administration.

But their respective involvement in the formulation of the NEP provided the bedrock of political stability that Malaysia enjoyed since 1971, till today.

And Malaysians appreciated the NEP much more, when they saw what economic disparity did to the Chinese community in Indonesia, during the recent economic crisis. The pent-up resentment saw crimes of hatred and violence continuously perpetrated against the Chinese community, which made up about 3% of the Indonesian population but held 80% of its wealth.

Without the NEP, what happened in Indonesia, could have easily happened in Malaysia. There's no doubt about that.


Both Faaland and Saniman are being put in charge of advising the Prime Minister on tweaking the policies surrounding the NEP, for the 9th Malaysia Plan. They've been meeting everyone from Ministers, civil servants, policymakers, etc. except for young people - the people in the age group which is going to live in and run Malaysia post-2020.

It was a humbling experience being there, being amongst some of my brightest and most accomplished peers, in our age group.

Some of the faces were very familiar to me, some were not so familiar and some were entirely new faces. A few of them are intimidatingly bright and opinionated, for their age. We came a variety of backgrounds, but as our dinner host, Zack, said to Faaland and Saniman, we had one thing in common - a shared commitment to making this country a better place. And almost all of us there, had done our respective parts in both words and deeds.

I expected a brainstorming session and I stayed up the night before, thinking of all the main points that I felt should be tweaked, to ensure better implementation of the NEP - taking into account, the relentless competitive and globalized environment that we live in.

My effort came to nothing, because there was no brainstorming done with Faaland and Saniman, after the dinner. There were lots of discussions amongst ourselves on the current issues and policy obstacles facing Malaysia and some light anecdotes from Faaland and Saniman, relating their experience of serving under some great leaders like Tun Razak, Tun Ismail Ali, men of vision with integrity and ability, who are crucial to shaping Malaysia, in its early days.

It was a glorious time to be alive, the animated Saniman told me. The group that helped formulate the NEP and that helped Tun Razak in its implementation were a young group, (called the Malay Forum) mostly in their 20's and 30's.

They were the leading thinkers, politicians, bureaucrats and professionals of their time and their job was to stitch up the torn fabric of Malaysian society caused by the racial riots and to help shape a system where wealth was equitably shared, amongst all the major races in Malaysia.

Some of them, are still with us today - our former PM, Tun Mahathir Mohamad, our current PM, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Tan Sri Musa Hitam, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad, Dato' Shahrir Samad, Royal Professor Ungku Aziz and a few others.

It is rare indeed, for a group of policymakers to be able to conceptualize, formulate and implement such a crucial national policy and see it work over the next 34 years - enough time to see it both succeed in some areas and fail in some others.

But that particular policy called the NEP, ensured that this complex multi-racial country could be governed in peace and experiencing relatively high economic growth, for more than a quarter of a century. From almost no Malay middle-class pre-1971, it was responsible for creating a large Malay middle-class, consisting of educated professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as large Malay-owned business corporations.

It somewhat lessened the economic disparity between the major races and the creation of a large Malaysia middle-class, made severe political conflict over the distribution of wealth, almost impossible.


As a policy to make multi-racial Malaysia "work" as a country, the NEP is perhaps unrivalled in its success - there are many other countries, which would have torn each other to pieces in civil war and internal conflicts.

Many subsidies, suppressed wages and artificial policy "injections" were made to ensure that this became a great country to live in. There were many hidden "costs" that had to be absorbed by all in the country - some which has compromised our position and put this country in a fragile spot, to face future challenges.

The NEP has proven to work for the first 34 years, but the question is: will it work for the next 30 years?

It was obvious from the dinner time conversation that there were chronic areas in Malaysia that needed working on.

Our education system is in shambles, our new sources of growth are unclear, our healthcare and petrol subsidies is huge (in the billions) and unsustainable and our water system needs to be badly revamped. Racial polarization in schools is worse than ever, amongst the younger generation and this will affect our long-term competitiveness, if we cannot pool otgether the best of our collective resources to collaborate. The civil service machinery, in Faaland's words, "were not equipped to help politicians to make the right policy decisions, for the benefit of the country."

He continued and said: "The amazing irony about Malaysia is that it still works, despite so many things that do not work". What a sobering statement - it really made me think. Yes, we've been lucky - but for how long will Lady Luck stay by our side, if we don't buck up?

It was obvious that before the next election, tough choices have to be made by the Abdullah administration, on certain crucial policy crossroads. And that if we miss the opportunity to make some overdue course corrections, the ramifications to Malaysia, our generation and our children's generation would be severe.


But as Zack pointed out to us: How do you wean off the citizenry from subsidies which they've grown accustomed to and have accommodated their lifestyle? How do you modify the rights and privileges of the Bumiputras, in a manner that would suit the globalized world, we have to compete in?

And if the Government does choose to bite the bullet, will it cause their political downfall, or at least the downfall of the PM that would be brave enough to institute such changes?

It was clear that there was a need to educate UMNO and other Barisan component parties on the effects of globalization and how it constraints our own national policy-making and the dynamics of our national competitiveness, if we choose not to refine some parts of the NEP, (that have been proven to be weak and counter-productive) that are making us weaker - as a people and as nation.

Tough choices and decisions to be made - and yet the possible outcomes are so unclear. The reality and the options open to Malaysia, are chilling. The good old days are over, we realized. After this, shall come the growing pains of trying to be a truly developed country, in substance.

And we shall need the buy-in, of those who have not been aware and oblivious to the trouble that's coming, brought about by globalization. Persuasion has to be attempted, albeit with a realization that crucial changes made, will sometimes, have to be "diluted" to cater to the political base, which the country's leadership stands on.

Faaland reminded us of our responsibilities and possibilities - and told us that the decisions made now, are crucial to Malaysia's future and that history is currently being made, be it for better or worse. Most importantly, he reminded us not to give up on our efforts for Malaysia - for it will take the collective strength of all, to keep Malaysia "working".


The dinner ended quietly on that grim note, with us saying goodbye to Faaland and Saniman and each other.

As I left the restaurant, my shoulders felt heavy. I pondered over what's coming in Malaysia's future and silently prayed in my heart that this generation will have to strength to steer the country through challenges, in the next 20 years - despite the weakness, constraints and compromises of our political elders.

Because we need to, for our children to inherit a better Malaysia, than the one we will. May God give us strength and luck, for what's coming.