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

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