July 2009 - Sad events

Few days ago, the music icon (Michael Jackson) I grew up with passed away. I had great times and fun memories of those long disco nights when we literally danced the night awaay!

Then today, when I have been so hopeful that for once the Najib BN government with its '1 Malaysia' tagline - will listen to the people at large on the issue of English as the medium of instruction for Math and Science. However, today's announcement show that the politicians and the selfish groups championing so called 'nationalist sentiments' have won the day.

When will we learn, when will we do the right thing for the people at large (which is what we have provided for our own children!). Don't most of the elite Bumiputras send their children for International schools where English is medium of instruction, don't the Chinese community know that English is the global language in business? What our former PM Dr Mahathir had so bravely done is now to be erased.

What is it that we talk about human capital building, retention of brains.. if our system of education cannot catch up with the needs of the next generation, then they will turn away.

So much talk by stakeholders, particularly the parents  - as a parent of school-going children, I heart aches at today's announcement.

2nd Flood in 2009 in Kuching

While everyone was busy for Chinese New Year, it just rained and rained.. Just as predicted, the water levels rose and many areas were flooded again.

This time, the residents affected were better prepared and all evacuated early. The SK Chung Hua No. 4 where SUPP Batu Lintang Flood Relief Committee were assisting, registered almost 600 evacuees even though the water levels did not get as high as the previous flood.

The District Office and army were better coordinated this time by providing transport for the people to come out from the affected areas.

Charitable organisations came with food for the evacuees the very first night!

Luckily the rain did not persist and by today all the people left for the homes.

From all the floods, rumours have been spread and became a subject during the Chinese New Year visiting that speculated that the barrage made floods worst and allegations by DAP that the Government did not build another canal which was supposed to alleviate any floods.. I'm surprised that the government did not make any clarification on that allegation - so that the people will be better informed of the situation. 

It just shows that the authorities must catch up with times and have a more open dialogue with the people on issues affecting them.

Perhaps our authorities should adopt 'the open day' program where once a month people can come in, without appointment to meet the State's authorised spokesman on any problems. We have to inculcate amongst the people the proper complaints channel rather than wild speculations.

We in SUPP did have such open days at the HQ in Kuching, somehow there were not many people who came. Perhaps those were better days then.. Maybe with better publicity, people may want to come forward. 

I look forward to brighter days ahead - literally!

To those going back to work and to school - back to reality. Have a good year of the Ox ahead.  

 

 

Change in SUPP?

Start of 2009 - first news of SUPP reveals that the internal squabbles in Sibu is still there. 

What a disappointment! What happened to the talk last month during the Delegates' Conference?

Well if we still continue this way, we will see our own members lose heart and turning away....