The Malaysian National Service (Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) since conception in 2003 has been plagued with 'problems' from reports of food poisoning, to sexual harassment, and various (8 actually) accidental deaths. 2 deaths per year are a pretty grim statistics.
The scheme costs the tax payer $1.69 billion(2000 est.) over RM5.4billion according to wikipedia (must be higher now with rising costs and increased trainees) .
Objectives are such as:
(1) Develop a young generation who are patriotic and with love for their country
(2) Enhance unity among the multi-racial communities in the country
(3) Instill a spirit of caring and volunteerism among society
(4) Produce an active, intelligent and confident generation
(5) Develop positive characteristics among the younger generation through good values
(6) Develop a generation that will always obey the current government
In reflection, this is a great concept for instilling good strong values in the young. Has it worked? I think not - especially not within the time span (3 months!) and money spent. Laundry - provided, food - provided, cleaning - provided. Great lesson in independence and responsibility indeed.
I personally like the German NS where men are obliged to serve nine months either in the military which they can refuse (conscientious objection), and do alternative civilian service, or 100 hours each year for six years in a civil protection organisation. The German community service and social support system (for the handicapped, or less fortunate) is very much dependent on the young German helping hands. But of course community service and benefits are almost non-existent in Malaysia. However, German model can be a much cheaper and efficient model to achieve the same objectives aimed for by the Malaysian model.
Many German friends speak 'fondly' of their civil service as the time they woke up to the realities of life. The teenage problems (such as lack of Nike shoes) pales in comparison to having trouble tying your own shoe-laces. And the young realise how it is like to grow old - years of sacrifice and nobody to care for you. We might all end up in their shoes one day.
Could the NS do with a revamping? I think 'Yes' and maybe they could look into successful NS in other countries (at a cheaper budget) before jumping into the deep end.
Friday, 9 May 2008
Malaysia Minimum Wage
News began with:
KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 - Malaysia's top union chief Friday said the government should set a minimum wage of 1,200 ringit (316 dollars) for workers after as study revealed about two million workers were unable to enjoy a decent living. Zainal Rampak, president of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) said about two million Malaysian workers receive a monthly income of less than 600ringgit (158 dollars). Out of that, a million workers earned monthly salaries less than 300 ringgit, which is well below the country's poverty income line of 425 ringgit, he said. Malaysia has a total workforce of 8.74 million people.
2 million out of 8.74 million are not earning enough for a decent living (RM600, $158)! That is 23% of the workforce! And worse, half of that (ie 11.5%) are below the poverty income line! p/s: the statistics probably do not include the 'non registered' work force - part time maids, cleaners etc.
That is ridiculously low for a country heading to be fully developed country by 2020. The Malaysian GDP (per capita 2006 est.) was $12,900 or $1075 per month. That is a clear sign of the disparity between rich and poor.
The price of goods are already high (and rising). Minimum wage would help the poor buy necessities. Business supposedly will suffer. Maybe they would suffer at first (bosses have to pay more wage - higher overhead) but it also give higher purchasing power to the people. In the long run, the business still gain (people have more money to spend). This has clearly been seen with implementation of minimum wage in other developed nations.
I am lucky to earn enough for a living, but cannot describe how disappointed that many honest citizens, who work hard for their daily bread (instead of stealing or resorting to crime) are not rewarded by minimum wage for their efforts. Why would ANYONE keep working if resorting to crime earns more? I am certain a better wage will curb minor crimes.
It is up to the common people to to support MTUC in this just cause. Minimum wage will help the plight of the poor, and in the long run society will stand to gain.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 - Malaysia's top union chief Friday said the government should set a minimum wage of 1,200 ringit (316 dollars) for workers after as study revealed about two million workers were unable to enjoy a decent living. Zainal Rampak, president of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) said about two million Malaysian workers receive a monthly income of less than 600ringgit (158 dollars). Out of that, a million workers earned monthly salaries less than 300 ringgit, which is well below the country's poverty income line of 425 ringgit, he said. Malaysia has a total workforce of 8.74 million people.
2 million out of 8.74 million are not earning enough for a decent living (RM600, $158)! That is 23% of the workforce! And worse, half of that (ie 11.5%) are below the poverty income line! p/s: the statistics probably do not include the 'non registered' work force - part time maids, cleaners etc.
That is ridiculously low for a country heading to be fully developed country by 2020. The Malaysian GDP (per capita 2006 est.) was $12,900 or $1075 per month. That is a clear sign of the disparity between rich and poor.
The price of goods are already high (and rising). Minimum wage would help the poor buy necessities. Business supposedly will suffer. Maybe they would suffer at first (bosses have to pay more wage - higher overhead) but it also give higher purchasing power to the people. In the long run, the business still gain (people have more money to spend). This has clearly been seen with implementation of minimum wage in other developed nations.
I am lucky to earn enough for a living, but cannot describe how disappointed that many honest citizens, who work hard for their daily bread (instead of stealing or resorting to crime) are not rewarded by minimum wage for their efforts. Why would ANYONE keep working if resorting to crime earns more? I am certain a better wage will curb minor crimes.
It is up to the common people to to support MTUC in this just cause. Minimum wage will help the plight of the poor, and in the long run society will stand to gain.
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Malaysia plans women travel curbs
(From BBC News 11:57 GMT, Sunday, 4 May 2008 12:57 UK)
------> Most emailed on BBC news on the day (not surprisingly)
The proposal has been criticised as impractical and regressive. Women's groups in Malaysia have reacted angrily to proposed government restrictions on women travelling abroad on their own. State media say the plan would require women to obtain written consent from their families or employers. The Malaysian foreign minister said the move would prevent single women being used by gangs to smuggle drugs. The proposal follows a review of criminal cases where women had been jailed abroad.
------> How many women? How about our poor Malaysian men travelling abroad on their own?
Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said 90% of cases where Malaysian women had been jailed by foreign courts involved drugs. He told the New Sunday Times newspaper that a compulsory letter of consent to travel alone would enable women's families to make sure they were not being tricked by drug smuggling gangs. "Many of these women (who travel alone) leave the country on the pretext of work or attending courses and seminars," he said. "With this declaration, we will know for sure where and for what she is travelling overseas," he said.
------> What makes them think by having a permission letter, the trickery by drug smuggling gangs will end? The girls will still leave (with 'consent') on the same pretext.
Women's groups have expressed outrage at the plan. The National Council for Women's Organisations said it would infringe women's rights. Another group, Sisters in Islam, said the proposal was totally ridiculous and regressive, and assumed that women were less capable than men of making their own decisions. Campaigners have pointed out that letters of permission to travel would be very easy to forge. In recent years the influence of hardline Islamic groups has been increasing in Malaysia, but it is unclear whether this proposal has any religious motive.
------> I hope the campaigners are successful to block the legislation. No common sense. Wrong tool for the job.
p/s: Whilst Malaysian headline for silly legislation and supression rights, National University of Singapore break headlines with revolutionary science advancement - Spiders "talk" to potential mates using a type of light not visible to the human eye, scientists (Professor Daiqin Li) report.
Greek Orthodox Easter
We had a unique opportunity to experience the Greek Orthodox Easter
celebrations with friends in Southampton this year. T (our housemate) planned a lamb-spitroast. Taking turns to manually turn the spit, the men seemed to enjoy it. 8.30am start, some rain and 6 hours later - we enjoyed the succulent lamb! Too much food for about 15 of us - majority greeks (aka the Southampton University Physics Department). Traditional Greek music and dancing throughout. I would love to experience this first hand in Greece!
I have to say, one of the best things of living here in the UK is meeting many new friends from everywhere! It is truly international and the world is seems small. In our last home, there was Caz (British), Da (American), Mo (German) and me (Malaysian). Now in this house, it is Nad (Mexican), T (Greek), Mo (German) and me (Malaysian). In the end, extending over all boundaries, we are all the same.
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