Judge each person individually; not as a group, race or company.

When it comes to Telecom Malaysia, the major provider of telephone and internet services, there had been times when I had been exasperated with its staff. This was especially so when a complaint was lodged against a member of the staff who was in charge of repairs and who did a shabby job besides being rude in simply accusing the complainant of things which were not true. When other members of the staff would not want to encourage or take such a complaint, it could be understandable but no less frustrating.

First, the Telecom man came when I was not around. So I phoned him to make an appointment as he left a note in which it was stated that they would like to proceed with the repair and requested me to contact for such an appointment. While talking to the man about the appointment, he told me that there was nothing wrong with my line outside the house. So I told him that the telephone was still dead with no sound emitting from it. Then, he accused me of not having paid my bills and according to him that was the reason for the phone being dead. I told him I have always paid my bill on time but he insisted that that was possibly the problem. As he insisted on that although I told him that was not the case, I got irritated with him as felt that he had no right to make such an accusation. He told me to go to the office to see if my bills have been attended to. And that was what I did. I waited for my turn to be attended to for about an hour. Of course, the staff told me I did not owe anything. So I told the staff what that technician had accused me of. So, instead of fixing an appointment for me that technician had caused me to lose more than an hour.

Two days later, the rude technician came and told me there was nothing wrong with my phone. I told him I was more concerned about getting into the net.According to him, that was not his problem. If he was not the right man for the job, why did they sent him? A few days alter he came again to find my phone dead. He told me to change the wire connecting the phone to the outside wire. And that was what I did. Still, the problem was not solved. By then I realised that it had nothing to do with a faulty wire. So, that technician had me spend money unnecessarily to change that wire.

Fortunately, they did send some staff who were polite and tried to look into the matter properly.

During that frustrating almost two month period, I was unable to surf the internet and had to go elsewhere to enter this blog as well as look into my email. Eventually, I had no alternative but to meet the manager who looked into the matter.

And two days ago, I was unable to enter the internet again. This morning I found the phone dead and so phoned the Telecoms about it. They sent someone at about ten thirty that very morning but I was not in. Then at about two o'clock I tried the phone again to discover some sound from it. However, the link light on the modem was still blinking. I lifted up the phone a short while and the link light came on. However, when I tried to enter the net, I get a notice indicating the server could not be found.

At about four o'clock, I tried again and the same "server cannot be found" note appeared. So phone Telecoms to inform them that their technician did come when i was not around, my phone was no longer dead and the link light was stable but I was still unable to enter the internet.

The man who spoke to me was very calm and told me that there was connection since two o'clock. However, since there seem to be a no server problem, he told me to switch off the modem while he did something in his office. Then I was told to turn on the modem again and wait for the lights on the modem to stabilise. I did that. Then he told me to try to enter and I did enter. The problem was gone. Not only was this Telecom staff efficient in handling the problem, he was always so polite and calm. May God bless him! He impressed me and I know I ought to talk about such people in this blog, that there are nuggets if we look around.

It is such incidences that get us to realise that no group, company or race is totally bad. Every group, company or race have its good, bad and ugly. We only hope to find more good wherever we go. But sometimes it is the bad and ugly that makes us see the difference and be more appreciative of the good.

Discriminatory legislation, laws and practices can never be accepted among citizens

India's Prime Minister did not wish to be involved in the Malaysian government's discrimination of Malaysian Indians. He did not question the government about this issue. He was right not to do so as that would mean interfering in the internal affairs of another country.

However, the Malaysian government should not, based on India's Prime Minister's refusal to question such a matter, consider the matter too trivial to look into. The fact that citizens feel they have been sufficiently discriminated in their own country to approach outside forces for assistance indicates that something is seriously troubling them.

A country can only be considered well-developed and ready for greater progress only when all its people are united and are fully supportive of the government. When we talk of a country's people, wise politicians ought to know the said country's people consists of every group, be they from different religions, cultures or races. And this can only happen if government politicians are matured enough to accept the fact that they are elected to look after the welfare of all citizens and to have them treated equally regardless of whether they belong to the same race or religion as the political leaders.

In Malaysia, there is this much disputed 'social contract' which government leaders claim had been agreed to by the founding leaders that a particular race must be treated more special than the other races. According to one of the ex-Prime Minister, the disputed 'social contract' is not a signed document. It is laughable that such a serious matter was never documented and signed, if what had been said was true. In the meantime the online media, Malaysia Today, is publishing the documents it claims to be the Malaysian Constitution to show that nowhere can there be found such a social contract. So the question arises: Is there such a contract? If there is none, why has the citizens been told of such a non existing contract, especially when it is such a contract which will never have all the citizens treated
equally?

Even if such a 'social contract' does exist and we understand that it divides the people into two groups which had to be treated differently; should not the government do the right thing by doing away such a social contract. Look! The country certainly stands to be forever not truly united if such a contract does exist. Certainly those treated as 'step-children' of the country will feel the discrimination as they become more intelligent and understand the unfairness and injustice heaped upon them especially when there is no Godmother to come to their rescue. (Read Cinderella and understand what the author teaches about discrimination in a family.) Thus there can never be true unity as these people would have this so called 'social contract' hanging constantly like a dark ominous cloud over their heads.

Without fair treatment to all citizens, there can be no loyalty. How can any government expect people whom they treat as 'step-children' to be loyal to it, when equal help and opportunities were never given to them? They pray for the day a better government with greater leaders be installed; true national leaders who could right the wrongs and treat them as true citizens so that they can live with equal hope for growth, prosperity and happiness in their own country without further worry of their rightful place under the Malaysian sun.

Well, let's pray to God for such rightful changes so that Malaysia can grow from strength to strength into a really developed nation.

Let's look for more sincere politicians.

I remember a time when I was still naive enough to believe that politicians do sincerely wish to help the people. No, not exactly. There were a few truly helpful ones and perhaps it was these few who gave me the confidence to think that things could be worked out with some politicians so that there was true progress for all Malaysians.

There was a Tuan Haji who lived in Sungai Pasir and was a member of parliament. He was not only reachable. There were some problems he helped the people solve. Though the cases solved were few, he was a sincere person and he did try his best. In fact when he was not chosen again to stand for election for a second term, my friends and I were sad and suspected that there were people higher up who did not like the earnestness he put in to solve some of the problems. Well, it looked to us like a politician who looked after the interest of the people above that of his political masters can never survive for long.

In fact there was a time when I was quite enthusiastic about helping the poorer folks in the rural areas overcome their poverty. You see, I saw hardly any progress in places like Kuala Ketil in Kedah, where I was doing contract teaching for two years. The rural places were really bad and when I asked them why certain places still did not have essential facilities when they had a kind of village development committee to help them; the answer was unbelievable as they claim those people act only if it benefited them. It must be true otherwise how was it that they were still still unable to get out of their poverty trap. Where was the sincerity in assisting the poor?

So, I approached the elected representatives and told them they ought to fight for improvements for schools and some kind of library for every small town where children of the poor can be helped to read better and study well besides being provided with lots of interesting reading material that all children need to cultivate a reading habit which could take them to better education, knowledge and understanding. Every time there was no interest and when pushed about it, they used the no money allotted to such things reason which I thought was the weakest excuse especially when the country was at that time spending a lot building mega projects.

In fact, it is not gifts of money that would get the poor out of their poverty. All the monetary gifts are to make the government popular but it does not help the poor in the long run. What the poor need is education and when I say education it is not giving away university places or degrees to students who are poorly qualified for the places. Remember, we ended up with graduations who could not find appropriate jobs in private companies resulting in the government having to absorb some of them into the civil service.

Education is the way for the poor to rise above their poverty. That was the reason I suggested having better facilities in rural school and constructing a library for each and every small town. How can we ever be a truly developed nation if a lot of areas in our country do not even have a library to cater to the literate people in such places? And do not tell me we expect more than half the nation found in such rural areas to be not literate. Developed or not depends upon the mental quality of the people and not just physical structure. We certainly do not want to have most Malaysians still with third world mentality when we declare ourselves a developed country.

This year we have decided to move one step backwards when we do away with the teaching of mathematics and science in English; this despite knowing the importance of English in our global world. (Remember that some of our graduates could not find jobs in big international companies because they were not proficient enough in English.)In fact, when the teaching of mathematics and English in English was pushed through by our then Prime Minister, I supported his move as it would certainly result in students with more English usage. Besides, it would also give the students a motive to improve their English earlier rather than struggle to improve it only when they find it is necessary for high posts in big companies. By then it could be a little too late.

But then, as just a citizen, what can be done? As someone pointed out, this citizens holds just one vote. But I wish to point out that every one vote of ours, if done collectively will result in many votes. So, citizens must choose the right people to be our representatives. They must not be representatives of the people only in name but actually representing what their parties want. We obviously need better politicians!

Politicicians must never be racial.

This morning I stopped at my usual 'nasi lemak' stall to get a packet of tasty rice with its eggs, fish and prawns for my breakfast. While waiting for the lady to prepare my packet I had the opportunity of watching unity among fellow Malaysians. Besides me, there were some Malays and Indians waiting for the food. They were exchanging greetings and small talk while one elderly Malay man was serenading a little Indian girl with a Hindi song.

Now there is nothing unusual about the scene as it is common to see such happenings, except for the serenading of course, at the morning market or along grassy paths where people from all races come together to exercise. Even in the Tai Chi group can be seen some Malay members. So, basically all Malaysians are a united people.

How is it then that the news media is constantly producing views of deteriorating unity among the races? Who are the people shouting and screaming about Malays losing power? Who are those who say that the Malays will be weak and become economically backwards if another party were to take over the government? Who are those who claim that the other minority races such as the Chinese and the Indians would want to take over everything, that they are the enemy the Malays have to watch out for. Once someone even hinted at a Chinese becoming the Prime Minister to frighten his race. Such obvious untruth is being spread. Anyway, if we are matured enough, what's wrong with any Malaysian becoming the Prime Minister if all of us trust him to look into the welfare of all the people? Look West at America. Is the present President of the USA talking only about improving the lot of just one race? Are the Americans worried about that? How can the Malays be losing power when they are the majority race, when the other political group has Malay leaders as well? Yet, what is certainly nonsense does have some influence on the thoughts of certain people.

Now, all this is played out with an ulterior motive. Look at the people who voice such fears and threats to the people. Who are they? They are those who hope to achieve even greater power through their rantings. They are the politicians, the very people we hope to unite the people and take the country to greater heights. These are the people we hope to bring greater peace and prosperity. Yet, these are the people who influence those that they can so that the people remain disunited in order to gain votes. Votes is their ultimate desire!

Yes, the main objective is to get votes so that they can either achieve or stay in power. And when it comes to staying in power, a study of what has been happening in this country clearly shows that they are willing to sacrifice a lot in order to be holding on to that power.

It is indeed sad that humans are willing to stoop that low to conquer; even to the extent of causing disunity and threatening disaster. The fortunate thing is, with education and understanding more and more are becoming impervious to political nonsense and insincerity. Many can see vividly the falsehood they propagate.

Education is the way to bring citizens to the level where their minds are able to visualise clearly the difference between right and wrong, good or bad. It is the one bright hope to humanity's welfare although the state of affairs in our world indicates that we are still far from such untainted understanding.

Immunity among children.

First of all, I have to make myself clear that I am not advocating that our children drink dirty water or eat dirty food. What I am going to tell you might lead you to misunderstand me. Although there is a lot of truth in what a teacher told me, we need not resort to such drastic measures to achieve good immunity from sickness.

There was a time this lady was in Sarawak teaching the students in a very rural district. She told me that the students would drink unfiltered water. At the beginning, she was aghast to see that happen and, of course, she told them they would be sick drinking such dirty water. They laughed at her fears and told her that they had been drinking that kind of water since they were very young.

From the adults she gathered that that was true. Those who were weak did not survive but those who could reach the age of seven were already safe as they had achieved a kind a immunity against whatever bacteria that was found in the water.

I would not know whether medical people would agree that such immunity could be reached and is sufficient to prevent illness. What this lady did know was that those children hardly ever fall sick. They were tough, according to her.

When she related to me the story, I remembered a time during my childhood when I observed that Chinese children caught the cold so easily while Indian kids in the same area I lived in, Market Street, Penang, hardly sneezed or suffer from pneumonia. As I was then already interested in the subject of health, I watched those Chinese and Indian children regularly.

I noticed that at the slightest hint of rain, the Chinese parents would rush their children indoors and dressed them up in thicker clothing while the Indian children would play around in the rain and miraculously escape catching any cold virus. Perhaps the virus was washed or drained off by the falling rain. No, I believe they did managed to have their immune system destroy the virus. (In my earlier posting, I had written how I allowed my children to play in the rain after a few minutes rain had started to avoid acid rain. And until this day, as young adults, they seldom catch cold.) The sudden change in weather and temperature which they were used to did not affect them as it did the Chinese children.

Well, as you can see, I am a strong believer in the immune system and how it can prevent many sicknesses.

Thinking about those Sarawak children, there could have been some unnecessary deaths among some of the weaker children. They death toll could be too high. The way they achieve their immunity was a little too extreme. Moderation and understanding ought to be the the guideline for success in health. Thus, we ought not to purposely endanger our health but then a little weak bacteria, just as medical science inoculate weaker bacteria into our body, could be helpful to stimulate our immunity. Then again, we have to understand that if our constitution is weak, even a little bacteria can bring us down. So, it does not work for everyone. Perhaps, good hygiene must be practised at all times.

How about those who rush their children to a doctor the second the little one has a fever? Should we not allow the body the opportunity to gather its forces to fight the enemy, and in the process strengthen the body's own fighters? Most times, unless the fever was very high which necessitates the services of a doctor, I wet my children's face, especially the forehead, and sometimes the body, throughout the night and day to keep the temperature down. I have succeeded in bringing the temperature down this way. Of course, it will be a sleepless night for the parent but if we do not want our children to consume too much medicine this is one of the ways to overcome fever. However, I must warn that unless that is done for fever, the child has to be given medicine as fever can be dangerous; dangerous enough to affect the brain.

Of course, in making decisions of this nature, knowing and understanding the child and his/her state of health is important.

Why most mother-in-laws always get a bad name?

"Why must mother-in laws go where angels fear to tread?"
"Because it involves their sons or daughters, their blood and skin, and no one shall ever be allowed to threaten their welfare or happiness, imagined or otherwise!"

Really but the irony is that whenever mother-in-laws take sides, and invariably it is their own sons' or daughters' side, welfare scoots out the front door and happiness splatters onto the floor and drips into the drain if they are allowed to have things their way.

I have always advised young married couples to stay in a place of their own, no matter how shabby they have to be. It is surely better than any palace of both parents, no matter how grand they might be. Tell me who rules in those palaces if not the mother-in-laws. And the rulers ordained that her word is law, never ever to be disputed by any, except perhaps the kings themselves.

Those young couples who happen to be lucky to meet great kings in those palaces will find salvation, if not it will truly test their love for each other; and many great lovers have fallen in those moments of stress. Why give love such an unnecessary test when a simple move like having a little home of one's own can prevent the
problem.

In the first place, such a problem need not arise as all good mothers love their children and would certainly want their children to find eternal bliss in love. I sincerely believe they do. In that case why must problems come in many cases from them?

I believe it is jealousy. It is a human trait. You see, for years, the child was hers and hers alone, especially so if the father is out somewhere working for the money. Mother cooks the the child, frets over every little discomfort that may be noticed and cares for that little one in every way twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week without any holiday at all. Then, after about twenty years, minus or add a few years, someone else, a total stranger comes along and sweeps her little boy or girl off, gains most of his/her attention and love which was once hers alone and comes into her palace to perhaps take over her stately position in the house-hold. For the love of her child she could tolerate certain things but then, imaginary or real threats are seen as the new woman of the house (Of course, it does happen with the men too, but it is usually with the woman.)seem to be the new authority when her child was concerned. The threats grew threateningly unbearable and it is a matter of time before something gives and all that is toxic is vomited out to shatter the peace of the home. The fuse that explodes the bomb could be anything from a careless word to some misunderstanding or even a dispute of family matters.

The thing is usually the problem is between mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws. Well, it is probably because the face each other almost eighteen hours a day if both are not working. Even it there are working both are sort of in control of household matters and here there can be a clash of ideas and methodology. Nevertheless, as women, why can't they help their female kind achieve some kind of harmony and success which would be beneficial to both parties? Why not come to an amiable understanding and have respect for each other so that their common household can be the haven for happiness?

Perhaps, the women can form a kind of society and exchange ideas or teach each other how they could live even better lives with greater understanding of each other. With time we, regardless of sex, ought to become better humans.

Even mothers, some of them, cannot think straight.

The problem with my family was that my parents gave me the best possible education they could afford. Though they knew not a word in English, they sent me to an English Language medium school. I went from Wellesley Primary School to Hutchings School and then Penang Free School. Of course, I was lucky to have an uncle, the then headmaster of St. Xaviers Branch School who prevented my parents from requesting for a secondary school nearer to home than the Penang Free School. "What nonsense!" my uncle told my parents. "Everyone hopes for their children to get a place in Penang Free School. Not anyone can get a place there, you know?"

With a good education behind me and the urge to read everything there was to know from books and magazines from the nearby British Council in Bishop Street, the Penang Library and the United States Information Service, I could read and understand many things, particularly books on health as I was a weak and sickly child and I knew even as a boy of about ten years that I had to get out of my delicate constitution. So I read a lot and discover that I could reach the four corners of the world, improve my health with exercise, the right food and proper rest as well as a powerful immune system and peep into the world of the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison and others as they made discoveries that help us to gather more knowledge and understanding.

Knowledge and understanding is important is ensuring that truth and life is seen clearly and not through distorted mirrors; you know, those that are not well made and so can change how you look by giving your rounded face a fluted outline. So knowledge helps me to discern what could sometimes be not obvious to my parents.

And that can sometimes lead to problems. I remember a time when my mother was angry with someone. As a witness to what had happened, I could comprehend the matter well and from that could see that my own mother was clearly wrong. In my innocence I told her not to quarrel with the other woman as it was obvious that the mistake was hers. She turned on me, gave such a tongue-lashing that I regretted opening my mouth and uttering the truth. She told me I was no son of hers; my finger bending backwards rather than forward. From that i understood that as her child I was supposed to agree to whatever she did even when it was wrong. According to her that would be the natural behaviour just as our fingers can only bend forward into the palm but not outward.

But why take the fingers as examples of right or wrong. Why not the arms from the shoulder which can be so flexible and move in almost any direction according to its needs. At that instance, I certainly had to bend backwards to do what was right which was to point to the truth. According to me, the truth is always important even when the wrong is mine. For unless I realise where I have gone wrong, I cannot right the wrong or improve myself. But then, my mother did not agree to my view and every time I had to correct her, she would deny her mistake and told me I was the one who should change. Each time it happened, I wondered how parents who would give me the education to sharpen my mind could not see truth, why my mother and other mothers sometimes just cannot think straight.

"It could be just your mother who is like that," someone may point out. Well, that was what I thought until I had communication with other people. In fact, it was just two evenings ago that a lady told me it happened to her too. According to her mother, she was the rebel, the one that rebels against her way of thinking and pointing out her mistakes even when she was at odds with someone who is not a relative. It was like one of those times when I realise and confirm that I am no freak; just an ordinary human who just happens to see things clearly.