VALUES (Men Need Women to be Successful)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey. 

            Behind every successful man is a woman. This saying suggests that no matter how strong and independent a man thinks he is, he needs a woman to attain success. Some men, unfortunately, fail to appreciate women’s worth and their important roles in everyone’s life. This makes women victims of violence, harassment, abuse, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.

            Every year, there are reports on incidents in which women are abused sexually, physically and psychologically. A few weeks ago, a 30-year-old female civil servant, who was working overtime, was attacked by a male maintenance worker, leaving her traumatised. There are countless of snatch theft cases as well as sexual assaults and harassments happening every year involving children, teenagers and women. Worse, such despicable acts were committed by the victims’ families and relatives.          

            Women are worth more than their beauty and decency. They are to be adored, respected and protected by men. In this case, mothers are the perfect example. They have been our “cheerleaders”, who have always supported and believed in us since we were born. Mothers will always love their children no matter how naughty they are. As we respect our mothers for making us successful persons today, we should also do the same to other mothers whose children may have been our helpful friends, lecturers, colleagues and employers.

            Women’s contributions are countless and priceless. Try to recall our schooldays. We would not have been successful if not for our dedicated and committed teachers, who were mostly females.

Women play even greater roles in marriage. The births of babies can move husbands to tears and it is a joy to see children grow up to become good individuals, thanks to the mothers. Their struggles and sacrifices are remarkable and incomparable.

Women should not be downgraded and underestimated. Men who think women are the weaker sex must have forgotten about their own weaknesses and women’s inner strength. Those who think women are not able to lead must have forgotten the fact that everyone was born to lead. Those who think women are rich with emotions must have forgotten that emotions are God’s gifts that make humans special. Those who think women are complicated must have often taken things easy, not seriously. And those who think women can be easily manipulated must be living in the past, because women nowadays are smarter than men.

            Men who value a woman’s worth are better sons, brothers, husbands, uncles, fathers, friends and members of society. To all gentlemen, let us not wait until Woman’s Day or Mother’s Day to appreciate women who light up our lives, because we would not want to live in a dim world, even for a day.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

27 January 2015

FRAME OF MIND (Right Attitude Makes a Difference)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

           A good attitude can lift someone’s mood. Recently, I went to a local private hospital and was overwhelmed with the way the employees greeted and treated patients. They were all-ready, helpful and efficient in providing good service. 

Customers deserve the best service. Hence, it is essential for workers to provide good service, not only when patients seek medical care in a hospital, but also when dealing with the public. Regardless of whether a person works in government or private sector, he or she needs to show the right attitude. No customer will leave happy if the officer shows a sour expression, especially after a long wait in the post office or a clinic, for example.   

         It is interesting how education affects someone’s attitude. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see those behind the counters wear a fake smile. With good education background, they should be smart professionals who are able to attract customers to enjoy their service, but some of them fail to satisfy customers’ needs. Their undesirable manners sometimes take customers by surprise.

            There is nothing wrong with education, but something may be wrong with those who pursue it. Some people enter university only for the sake of graduating and getting a job. When these people start working, they only look forward to payday to settle personal loans and to save for their future. Most of the time, they only think of themselves and forget that they work for the public and they should gradually improve their work performance.  

On the other hand, the less-educated ones doing menial jobs smile more sincerely and work more diligently. These people believe that "attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference".

They make less money than those who rush to clock in early to start their duty, but they believe in developing a human connection with their customers to create a win-win situation. When their customers are happy and satisfied, they feel motivated, appreciated and even happy to serve better in the future. Above all, they are genuine in their business and grateful in their life.

Getting our wages every month may put a big smile on us, but to receive it together with good feedback from customers is a real satisfaction, and that is how we make every sen worth the sweat, blood and tears. 

Courtesy of New Straits Times

26 January 2015

Teachers Shape Nation

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

            Aristotle once said: “Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach.” It is undeniable that teachers understand the importance of education and they work hard to create a good future for children. The intention is noble.

            However, many may wonder what is wrong with education that makes children bully, disrespect, procrastinate, cheat and fail? What happened to positive values schools vowed to inculcate in schoolchildren? While some believe in schools as educational institutions that produce intellectuals with exemplary manners and attitude, others think that schools bring negative influences to children, especially with the rise of juvenile crime.

            At home, parents are role-models but in school, teachers take responsibility for nurturing and educating children to make them good members of society. To realise this dream, we need inspiring and disciplined teachers who not only help students excel in examinations but also practise what they preach.              

            I believe that students will be disciplined only if teachers are disciplined. Take teachers’ appearances when they come to work, for example. Some teachers commit mistakes when they turn up without name tags, socks and neckties. Others come to school with long nails, unkempt hair, and wear the wrong shoes. Ironically, students are reminded during school assemblies that they need to appear neat and clean. Obedient students may follow but some may question why they should take advice from undisciplined teachers.

            While schools stress on the importance of time management, it is likely to be more challenging to make students punctual if teachers fail to manage their time wisely. Some teachers turn up late for work, especially when there is no action taken against them, making them feel that it is okay to clock in late. This attitude is unethical and unfair on students who are expected to be on time for lessons, practices, co-curricular meetings and school events.

            Smoking is another issue. Some teachers puff away in school during their free time. This encourages students to smoke, too. Not only is the practice against the rules but smoking is also bad health. So, teachers should stop smoking in school.

            To gain knowledge, students are encouraged to read. But, how will students start reading if teachers are not passionate about it? Many teachers read only for lessons but they lack motivation in reading inspiring books to help them change into better teachers and individuals. Consequently, students read only for academic purposes, forgetting that reading can open their mind and make them mature thinkers.    

            Teachers need to realise that they shape the nation’s future. Small mistakes may result in big consequences. To err is human, to learn from mistakes is divine. 

Courtesy of New Straits Times

21 January 2015

Security Guard (Greedy Individuals Put Others at Risk)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey.

            In the world of materialism, money, power and greed control humans with or without them realising it. Some are willing to sacrifice work ethics and principles to make easy money. These people will, by fair means or foul, make sure that they gain profits even if they need to use dirty tricks. When the tricks begin to work, these people will become obsessed and this obsession will become a “disease” caused by their ill-gotten gains.

            With the rise of security guards illegally hired by security firms in Malaysia, it shows how greedy individuals would put others at risk for the sake of money. Illegal guards do not have proper training, thus, their ability, professionalism and trustworthiness are doubted.

The recruitment of immigrants has created an unsafe environment for people. There was a time when security guards were trusted individuals who would protect the public and people would feel secure when seeing guards on duty. Unfortunately, it is not the same any more. Not only are security guards today unreliable, people, too, need to be extra careful especially after a murder case involving an illegal guard who shot dead an Ambank officer.  

            For companies that hire illegal security guards, it is a win-win situation. Both parties reach a consensus, without thinking much of the repercussions. The companies need not heed the wage policy to the immigrants. This wrong concept of helping one another is a crime that will cause them trouble. Those involved in illegal deals will not be able to keep their “little secret” forever and they will be charged severely when they are found guilty.

            It is essential for employers who hire illegal guards to note that their way to make dreams come true does not only show their callousness towards others, it will also affect their quality of life. These people think that their effective strategies make them successful and rich, forgetting that success is not measured by money alone. They are proud of their achievements, but are they also proud to feed their children using tainted income?

The forbidden fruit is sweet but consequences bitter.

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

18 January 2015

HOUSEHUSBANDS (Kids Gain from Loving Care)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
makes life a wonderful journey. 

            In our country, women are associated with homemaking while men are expected to eke out a living for the family. If this were the 1950s, no one would question this perception, but with the advent of technology and the education-for-all policy, open-minded men and women may beg to differ.

            The rise of househusbands has raised questions and invite speculations. For married couples who decide on switching "traditional" roles, they may need to face prejudiced people, who think that the decision is ridiculous and awkward. Not only will the husband be perceived negatively, the wife, too, may be viewed as being a "queen-control". Such pessimists should start looking at the bright side of the new lifestyle and realise that men will not be any less masculine if they become househusbands. Times have changed and so should our way of thinking.

            And, just as we have realised that everyone deserves an education to ensure a better future, we need to accept changes in the roles of men and women as this will lead to a better future, especially for the children. As long as spouses can reach a mutual agreement regarding the matter, problems will not arise.

Men who are willing to be househusbands believe that children need special attention from parents, and to put them under the care of babysitters may be not as effective. In the process of caretaking and parenting, these "domestic engineers" will develop a sense of responsibility, sensitivity, affection and protection. This is why a stay-at-home dad is, arguably, a better family man.

In reality, househusbands still have a chance to generate income by working from home. They can start a career based on their interests, talents and skills. They may be interested in blogging, graphic designing, writing or painting. This will not only make househusbands productive, but it also sees them contributing to the family income. Most importantly, it will give a positive impression of househusbands.

            It is important to note that stay-at-home dads can give their children something that many fathers cannot afford: time. Many children feel unappreciated because their parents spend more time at work than at home.

With everyone talking about thinking outside the box and making a difference, men should dare to be different. Malaysia is proud to have Dato’ Redzuawan Ismail, or fondly known as Chef Wan, to challenge the idea that kitchens are spaces for ladies only. He has proven that with determination and confidence, it is not impossible for men to have excellent culinary skills.

            To be a househusband is a daring decision. But this decision will strengthen the father-child relationship, and nothing can beat that fatherly feeling. It will make Father’s Day a more meaningful celebration. 

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

11 January 2015