TOURISM (We Can Keep Tourists Happy)

Travellers visit countries they find intriguing, exciting and unique. For decades, Malaysia has been praised for its beauty while the people are described as polite and helpful. The country's diverse cultures have attracted many foreign tourists. Travellers leave with happy memories after visiting the nation's beaches, islands and mountains. Our landmarks, too, are well known across the world. In a nutshell, Malaysia, in the eyes of foreigners, is special and visiting the country is worth their time, money and energy.

But, with the lack of maintenance and budget cuts, how do we ensure that our tourism tale ends happily?

There are several ways to maintain our reputation as a top destination for travellers.

            To boost the tourism industry, we need to continue providing excellent service to tourists. Our guides should be friendly and helpful. This attitude will mirror our personality and quality of workers. Mountain guides who had helped victims of the Sabah earthquake in June should serve as an inspiration to other guides.

            We need to promote our universities to attract more international students. Apart from giving the opportunity to local and international students to mix and share ideas, these foreign students will help the country’s economic growth.  

            As we attract and expect others to come and contribute financially to our country, it is also essential for us to visit domestic destinations. It is not nice for us to go overseas and return to brag and compare, while forgetting that Malaysia has plenty to offer.   

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

16 August 2015

PRESERVATION (Work Together to Stop the 'Nature-Haters')

                There has been much talk about how activities that destroy nature and affect public health have been actively and illegally taking place in several states in the country, turning the once scenic panorama into a sorry sight. The public has been forced to face the consequences of the actions by the irresponsible and the heartless. Some vent their anger and frustration in social media and in coffee shops, while others write letters to complain and suggest solutions. It is a frightening and flabbergasting fact that money can be so powerful and poisonous that it makes one blind to the consequences.   

            Despite constant efforts put in by parents, educators, environmentalists and authorities in making their children, students and the community realise the importance of  appreciating, loving and preserving nature, it has been ineffective. Thus, I feel that these groups of people should work hand in hand to produce collective ideas and effective planning to stop the violence against nature and defend everyone’s rights to live in a pollution-free environment.

            Everyone should also reflect on the meaningful lyrics of Earth Song by the late Michael Jackson : “What have we done to the world, Look what we’ve done” with regret and disappointment. Sadly, some people fail to get the message as they believe that “ignorance is bliss”. Such individuals may only be a small number but their selfish actions affect the entire nation. Illegal logging, bauxite mining, deforestation and land conversion are activities that cause air, water and land pollution, as well as natural disasters, including floods, flash floods and landslides. When these activities are not controlled, global warming and haze will take place, resulting in the spread of various illnesses.

            At the end of the day, it is a person’s awareness, initiatives and willingness to change that makes the world a better place to live. Age, profession and social status do not determine one’s maturity, sensitivity and rationality in their decisions and actions. It is a shame that some highly educated people are those who cause environmental problems. They think that happiness and success is determined by how deep their pockets are. When money conquers the human mind, the people end up becoming unwise, greedy, obsessed and ridiculous.

            In his poem The Dead Crow, A Samad Said expressed his deep sorrow, concern and fear of the uncertain and hazy future of the next generation. The environmental degradation and severe pollution will eventually make humans, animals and plants suffer. Disharmony and discomfort of living are, unfortunately, the price people pay for the heinous and unjustified acts of nature-haters.

            Some green-eyed monsters are just jealous with our lush greenery and beautiful nature that they turn the water colour red and fill the air with dust, dirt and smoke. Let us pray that the rainbow will still appear tomorrow and give us hope. 

Courtesy of New Straits Times

August 15, 2015

YOUTH DAY (Youth Will Fight Tooth and Nail to Excel)

            Every year, Aug 12 is marked by the United Nations as International Youth Day, which focuses on the roles of youth in national and global development.

            Malaysia established the Rakan Muda programme in the 1990s to encourage youth to participate in programmes that will shape them into united, exemplary and skilled youngsters. This programme was rebranded early this year with the focus on developing creativity and talents of young people. It is hoped that this programme will also prepare youth for leadership.

            Youth should ask themselves if they have done enough for their country and community, whether they cause problems or create solutions, and whether their attitudes and behaviours are in line with what the country aims to produce. But somehow, there will be bad apples who tarnish the image of the country, family and themselves. That may be inevitable, but it does not mean that it is okay for the number of offenders to keep growing. As Aristotle said: “Good habits formed at youth make all the difference”. 

            In realising the dream of producing quality youths, it is essential for all parties to support them by appreciating and acknowledging their future powers, and that it is worth trying their ideas even when their suggestions and plans do not guarantee immediate effects.

            Young creative, intellectual, holistic and global minds are nurtured at school, home and work. Given that all children are born with hidden potential, it is important to note that everyone has the ability and opportunity to make a change, including the disabled, the dropouts and the underprivileged. No one is an exception. As long as parents, guardians, teachers, colleagues and bosses encourage, motivate, inspire and believe in them, they will be motivated to think outside the box and take challenges fearlessly and confidently.

            Regardless of how simple their contributions, their efforts and courage deserve everyone’s appreciation. Some young geniuses may come up with creative innovations, while others may participate in community service and health, environmental or safety campaigns. In fact, they can become facilitators or speakers of motivational programmes to encourage youth to strive for excellence and make society proud. Above all, they should be reminded to not adopt unhealthy lifestyles, which will kill their minds and souls.

            Many youth have made history and brought glory to the country. At 21, Captain James Anthony Tan flew solo around the world in 48 days. Muhammad Muqharabbin made headlines when he climbed Mount Everest at 22. In squash, Nicol Ann David became World No.1 at 23. These great achievements should inspire youths to go the extra mile to achieve their dreams.

Hopefully, there will be more youth with extraordinary skills, spirit and talent to contribute to the country and change the world.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

August 12, 2015

DEBTS (There's More to Life than Money)

Author Henry David Thoreau said: “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life”. However, some think that money and possessions are all they need to be wealthy, not realising that those are what make people become obsessed, materialistic and arrogant, unless they are smart earners, spenders and savers.

The desire to lead a lavish lifestyle makes people forget about managing their finances wisely. Their desire to be rich keeps their minds busy with ambitious and ridiculous plans. These people worship money and worldly pleasures, without worrying about the negative effects. 

It is disappointing to hear about people becoming bankrupt as they should think logically before setting expectations, making decisions and taking actions. As flawed humans, we will not get everything we want. Reality hurts, but accepting this fact will help us stay away from pain.

As people rush to live an affluent lifestyle, they miss the chance to enjoy feeling serene and calm.

It is true that money can mend a broken heart but, sometimes, it is a silent killer that destroys a human’s life. 

Courtesy of New Sunday Times,

August 9, 2015