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

PUBLIC AWARENESS (Ignoring Signs a Sign of Our Ignorance)

            While illiterate people strive to understand letters and words, it is frustrating how literate people are ungrateful for their ability to read. I am not talking about their unwillingness and poor motivation to learn reading habits, but their ignorance, selfishness and insensitivity when they come across signs and labels. Yes, this seems to be a small issue but the effects can be strong and serious. It is one way to help us differentiate between the civilised and uncivilised, the respectful and disrespectful, and the educated and less educated.

            During a visit to a bakery, customers turned a blind eye to the sign “Please Queue Here”, making the counter area clustered and uncontrollable.

            Unfortunately, the experience at the bakery is not the only one that exhibits low self-awareness among the public on the importance of following rules. There is a number of common situations that shows up the habits of people who live by the motto “It’s okay, it’s not a big deal”, not realising that they have constantly and subconsciously put other lives in misery.

            Take the “No Smoking” sign, for example. Despite the huge letters and logo, some puff away in public without feeling guilty. 

            Other signs that are not taken seriously include “No Spitting”, “No Littering” and “Flush After Use”. Those who fail to understand that cleanliness is next to godliness think that it is okay to spit, litter and leave toilets dirty when no one is looking. This wrong mindset is the reason for our dirty environment and inconvenient restrooms. Worse, children may get the wrong idea and imitate the acts. It is feared that these erroneous practices will cause the next generation to live unhealthy lifestyles.

            Likewise, it is also hard to make road users comprehend road signs especially the ones that disallow U-turns or to exceed speed limits in school zones and overtake in specific areas. Regardless of excuses, breaking the law is intolerable. These users put other lives at stake as they drive recklessly, behaving like gangsters and daredevils.

            Let us not belittle the signs as they can make a big difference in our lives.  

Courtesy of New Straits Times

5 August 2015

Make Learning English Enjoyable!

            I refer to two letters published on July 29, “Minding your English is hard, but it pays off” by Liong Kam Chong and “Anxiety hampers students’ learning” by Sumati Muniandy. The writers expressed concern and provided suggestions on why and how students and school-leavers should master English, especially speaking and writing skills.

            Liong suggested that school-leavers should be “the first in their families to use English”. The suggestion might work, but only for those living in urban and suburban areas, and not those in rural areas. Urban students are likely to be influenced, encouraged and motivated by their environment where the community uses English, no matter how occasional, broken or standard it is. School-leavers will pick up frequently used vocabulary and include them in conversations at home.

            However, there is hardly any chance that the strategy will work on rural students. From my experience in teaching rural students and conducting English programs for them, these students were hesitant and anxious to use the language despite being around friends with whom they should be comfortable. At home, surrounded by those with no interest using the language, it would be even more difficult for them to start speaking English. Some assume these learners will gain motivation to learn English independently after they leave school, but the reality may disappoint. They would rather do menial jobs than sign up for English courses or put individual efforts to improve their English for the sake of getting a decent job.

            One way to help rural learners learn English is by cultivating interest before they leave schools. English teachers need to help overcome learners’ fear and anxiety in learning the language. Sumati was right about students feeling nervous and not confident when speaking in public. I suggest teachers carry out English On-Air programmes to help students indirectly speak to the public as they act as announcers a la radio deejays in schools. Gradually, students will improve their confidence and eliminate their fear when speaking in English.  

            Learning will be effective if teachers establish close rapport with learners. Given that English is not the preferred subject of many students, teachers should be smart in making students love the subject. To punish them harshly when they fail to improve their performance, reach a certain target or be proficient in the language is not a professional move. Instead, teachers need to modify their teaching styles and remind students not to give up. Make them feel safe, happy, motivated and curious to learn more about the language. Children should not be perceived as sponges that will absorb knowledge immediately as not everyone is a fast learner.

To create a stress-free environment, young learners should be treated with love and care while teenage learners should be treated like friends or adults. Fostering a friendly relationship will bridge the gap between teachers and learners. It will also make the seeds of respect, sincerity and enjoyment grow and make learning a worthwhile experience.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

31 July 2015 

FRIENDSHIP DAY (We Are Friends to Each Other)

            Every year, Friendship Day is either observed in July or August. The day is significant in promoting solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation in the name of friendship.

            Strong friendships are made of strong fundamentals. Those who stay friends and connected for years understand each other better. They provide advice and solutions when their long-time companions deal with failures and frustration. After all, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

            Likewise, Malaysians are friends to each other. This friendship is built on trust, unity, respect, tact and tolerance since pre-independence. Being in a multicultural and multiracial community, our peace and harmony are challenged by issues - such as inequality, integrity, corruption, race, politics, economy and religion - that create chaos, putting people with different ideologies and ideas at loggerheads with one another. But we should take these misunderstandings and grouses as storms that will pass and leave lessons. If there’s no pain, there’s no gain. We need to undergo these trial and tribulations together with an open heart and optimistic mind to stay close and united in our friendship circle.

            English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge said: “Friendship is a sheltering tree”. When the heat is scorching, we need to become shady trees that provide coolness, calmness, security, sanctuary and peace. This means that adding fuel to the fire when the country is dealing with crises and controversies will not help.

            Our unique and precious friendship is meant to be treasured, appreciated and celebrated. We may have different lifestyles, ways of thinking, personalities and cultural practices, but our differences are our richness. Let us stop the bickering, finger pointing, overreacting and slandering, for these will shape us into shallow- and narrow-minded people. As we strive to maintain our good image, we need to stop washing our dirty linen in public. Instead of speculating and spreading rumours on the Internet, we should address root causes and voice our suggestions through proper channels. 

           Let us also free ourselves from negativity and keep our friendly relationships stronger than ever.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

29 July 2015 

HEATSTROKE (Beautiful Sun is also a Danger to People)

            The sun can be beautiful and harmful. Sunshine helps people kick off their day at work but extreme exposure to the sun may put people’s lives in danger. What makes it worse is, some people have zero knowledge about the causes and effects of heatstroke, let alone ways to prevent it. Do ignorant and nonchalant attitudes help them live free of worry and stress? There are people who do not care about the consequences of their actions.

           The fact that sunstroke cases are rare in the country makes people feel safe when they are out in the sun.

            Since the athletes, labourers and children are at risk of getting heatstroke, it is wise if they stay safe. It is important to note that, in this context, athletes do not refer only to professional athletes playing sports in the sun, but also people who engage in sports and outdoor activities, like jogging and playing football, without protection. 

            I was told about a 16-year-old student who suffered from sunstroke after he played football in the evening this year. The incident increased my awareness about keeping myself and my family safe.

            As for labourers, they and their employers should be aware of the dangers of heatstroke. Labourers should not sacrifice their health. They should be smart in managing their work, preferably after they reach a mutual agreement with their caring bosses, who should consider the workers’ safety.

            Children are sometimes left in vehicles by parents or out playing under the hot sun. Parents should make their children’s safety a priority. It is time for parents to practise smart parenting.

            Heatstroke is not a joke. Stay protected today for a happy tomorrow.

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

26 July 2015 

ROAD SAFETY (Minimising Festive Road Crashes)

            It is that time of the year again when many head home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The journey will be challenging as roads will be congested. If drivers prepare well for the trip, the pressure will be minimal and the journey joyful. But, how do motorists minimise the risk of getting involved in accidents? There are many ways.

            There are obstacles and unexpected incidents that are avoidable and inevitable. Accidents during festive seasons have claimed many lives and caused nightmares to those who escaped with injuries. In certain cases, the accidents are caused by those who drive recklessly and speed. This happens when there are fewer vehicles on the roads, especially on the first day of Raya and a few days after it, as some people head home after work travel commitments.

            People need to make ‘safety first’ their motto. It is not advisable for drivers to continue their journey when they are exhausted. Chances are they will doze off behind the wheel. That is why it is essential for drivers, especially solo travelers and those with passengers but driving alone, to be physically and mentally prepared. For those with travelling companions, conversations during the journey may prevent from sleepiness and boredom.

             It is also important for motorists to control their emotions. Not only should they be patient, they should also not be overexcited.

            Motorists and passengers should adhere to traffic regulations during their journeys to and from from their hometowns. 

            Selamat Hari Raya!

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

19 July 2015

FILM CENSORSHIP (Local Shows Mirror Our Culture)

            I am not somebody in the film industry but a layman who pays close attention to the effects of international and local dramas and films on the audience’s changes in attitude, lifestyles and ways of thinking. So, I feel that the recent revision by the Film Censorship Board on guidelines for local productions deserves the thumbs up. The decision shows the board's strong concern over worrying issues of moral decay and crime involving people from all walks of life, especially children and teenagers. This smart move also indicates its determination to instil noble values in audiences as only local dramas and films with good messages and decent scenes will be allowed to be aired on television.

            It is crucial for us to understand that stricter rules will not mean low quality and limited creativity. Local filmmakers need to challenge themselves to produce dramas and movies that are meaningful, inspiring and appropriate for general viewing. With excellent scriptwriting and directing, they help the movies succeed at the box office. We may need to learn from international filmmakers who come up with works of intriguing and beautiful storylines, as in Laskar Pelangi, The Blind Side, Taare Zameen Par and Taegukgi. These movies are examples of high-grossing productions that convey strong messages and teach the audience about the essence of education, brotherhood, helping the needy, patriotism, appreciating individual talent and family relationships.

            It is hard to deny that the millennial generation learns effectively through what is trendy and, judging from the country's criminal phenomenon, that involves not only those with family problems and poor academic performance, but also those with upbringing and education. 

            The popularity of films with superstitious beliefs, indecent acts, extreme stunt performances, harsh and inappropriate languages, and criminal strategies is a negative exposure to viewers, regardless of age, gender and living status. This will encourage immature audiences to apply wrong but fun-to-try practices they see in movies to real life. In consequence, parents will be surprised when their children begin to smoke, bully, take drugs and involve in sexual intercourse behind their backs.

            It may be important for filmmakers to take the audience's interest into account before, but they need to bear in mind that marketable does not mean advisable. True filmmakers should be able to produce heart-wrenching and mind-blowing movies in their effort to help the audience immerse in the storyline that is likely to be their stories in real life.

Apart from making profit, filmmakers should not forget their social roles in educating the public on important aspects in life and various issues in the country. This is to prove that movies are not mere entertainment, but an informal education that teaches audiences about empathy, the importance of respect and kindness.

            Our local productions mirror our culture and way of life, so we should not tarnish our own image as a country with good morality and personality, because that is our identity.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

13 July 2015