The Aftermath of GE14

www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

Therefore, we (citizens of Malaysia) should all assess, in all fairness, the performance of the PH Government in accordance with a set of generally accepted expectations, which should include, but not limited to, areas such as Sound Economic Policies, Robust Governance Structure, Preserving the Spirit of Constitutional Monarchy, Independence of the Judiciary Institution; and The Fair Rights of the People.

COGNITIVE DISSONANCE would be the perfect word for some of the recent Malaysian 14th General Election (GE14) voters whom have decided to switch from the incumbent Barisan National (BN) to the newly elected Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. Despite the rumours or accusations thrown at the Election Commission of Malaysia (SPR), something must have been done right as the anticipated result did not happen (Continuation of BN as an elected Government). We can be assured of the independence (or perceived independence) of SPR; or perhaps, the tsunami was too strong of an inertia that nothing could have been done out of non-compliance that could have reversed the outcome. Today is 30 May 2018, exactly 21 days subsequent to the GE14 date of 9 May 2018; and many questions arose in the minds of the citizens of Malaysia after witnessing a series of drama produced by PH to date. Have we (Malaysians) voted correctly? This is the "Cognitive Dissonance".

To the PH supporters, this is a very unexpected victory and the sense of independence overwhelms their hearts. It is a joyful moment. It is the mark of a start of a new era. It is a celebration. This euphoria may or may not last long as these very voters will observe the newly elected Government to make sure their checklist is ticked from one manifesto to another. As and when these manifestos are met, they will become more convinced that they have voted correctly. But when expectations are not met, they may feel a swift of confusion and will start to wonder, who else could they have voted for because they would certainly not want to vote BN. At last, an easy and simple conclusion would be that none of the parties are worthy after all.

To the BN supporters who have, at the last minute, switched to PH simply because they wanted to clear the top leadership of BN, they will also wonder whether they have voted correctly. However, they are not concerned with the manifesto of PH. They are waiting to see whether the accusations (primarily on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal) made towards the BN leader (or ex-leader) is indeed true (or not). Of course this will have to wait as numerous investigations are currently happening and God knows what the results would be. The last thing they would want to hear is that he (the BN leader), is innocent - which would mean, they have voted incorrectly. Whatever the result will be, we hope that it is concluded based on the rules of law and that sufficient evidence is obtained. One pervasive expectation that this lot will be having is how BN (or more precisely, United Malay National Organisation (UMNO), the leading component party of BN) will rebuild its stature under the new leadership. If and when the new BN is worthy of remaining in the battle field, they might just get back their lost votes come the 15th General Election (GE15).

Putting aside political inclinations, both PH and BN supporters share a common element, which is, they are all the citizens of Malaysia. They are all with the power to elect, to change, to throw or to reinstate any party or coalition of parties. In this age and era of social media, the power of perception and social influence have never been so powerful before. Even a perceived negativity regardless of its truth, can easily dictate the fate of a political entity. This epitomises the true character of democracy which is, the power of the People. Having said that, it is only fair that both sides give the current Government a chance to prove themselves. After all, it has only been 21 days of governance (so far). Therefore, we (citizens of Malaysia) should all assess, in all fairness, the performance of the PH Government in accordance with a set of generally accepted expectations, which should include, but not limited to, areas such as Sound Economic Policies, Robust Governance Structure, Preserving the Spirit of Constitutional Monarchy, Independence of the Judiciary Institution; and the Fair Rights of the People.

In its manifesto, PH promised to abolish the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Whilst this is a popular approach to make the People happy, a more serious issue needs to be addressed, that is, the state of the nation's financial position. It is understood that Malaysia rely heavily on a few key sources of revenues namely the Income and Corporate Taxes, the Petroleum Industry; and Consumption Tax. We all know that taxes collected from individuals are never going to be enough because the average salary is low and that the probability of tax evasion is highly inherent the current Income and Corporation Tax system. We also know that the price of oil has declined significantly in the past few years wiping a chunk of revenue related to oil and gas - which leaves us with the Consumption Tax.

Prior to the GST, there was the Sales and Service Tax (SST) as a method of Consumption Tax. SST is only applied on a few luxury items at a rate higher than GST (say, 10%) whereas the GST of 6% is low but has a wide range of goods and services. Both taxes are subject to consumption. If you do not consume, you do not pay tax. GST casts a wider net where it attracts more consumption save for key staple products like daily food raw material. The BN Government had resorted to GST to replace the lost of revenue as a result of the Petroleum Industry recession to the tune of RM40 billion per annum. This is a significant portion of an average yearly budget of RM250 billion for Malaysia. It is expected that reapplying SST instead of GST will generate RM20 billion. Therefore, we will be short by RM20 billion. The PH Government needs to come out with a plan to address this RM20 billion and they need to do it fast. There has been some talk of listing Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to quick fix the state of financial affairs but this I fear, will not prove to be a sustainable approach. GST, thus far, remains as the best approach sustainability wise.

One may wonder how else can the PH Government raise money to fuel their promises, some of which, looks like very cash-burning items. For example, the abolishment of road tolls. The cash collection from the tolls is mainly used for either servicing its debts or incur on-going expenses such as maintenance, salary and the like. The former is capital in nature and once settled, poses no more issues - but settlement will poke a huge hole to the coffers as infrastructure financing goes by the billions. The latter (operational expenditure) is on-going. The toll companies need to be self-sufficient. They need the operational cash flows. Is the Government going to use the tax payers' money to pay this? This would make the toll management akin to a Government civil service unit - a cost centre instead of a business unit.

Having parked the worry at the back of our heads, the set of manifesto by the PH Government is indeed a citizen-friendly one and touches the key sensitive spot in everyone's heart - which is, a better life (lowering cost of living). This includes:

1. the promise to review monopolistic industries such as satellite broadcasting, telecommunication, transportation (eg. Eastern Corridor Rail Line (ECRL) and High Speed Rail (HSR)), supply of rice, supply of medicine, and land development (including Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) and Bandar Malaysia);  

2. the promise to enhance financial strength of the people such as the continuation of the BN originated social financial aid, BR1M, relaxing the repayment of education loans, PTPTN, make available affordable homes for the youth, and petrol subsidies; and  

3. the promise to reform macro and micro economic structures involving petroleum royalty allocation to the oil producing states and fiscal policies to stabilise the Malaysian Ringgit. 

Enough about economics, what about the other aspects of a good Government? So far, we have not seen any significant decisions that can impair the spirit of preserving the Constitutional Monarchy, the independence of the Judiciary Institution; and the fair rights of the People. However, we are seeing some cracks in the new leadership. Having four component parties with different ideologies -  Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) - prove to be an uphill challenge to assimilate their expectations into a synchronised one. Within the past 21 days we have seen politicians from PKR claiming that the PH victory was not due to the Prime Minister's lead during GE14. We have also seen strong demands from all component parties insisting their nominations for the cabinet posts. Today, we are also seeing some quarters claiming that the decisions made, so far, were all unilateral decisions by the Prime Minister without the cabinet's decisions. The Rakyat (citizens) might just ask themselves, "So, what happened to the promise of limiting the power of the Prime Minister and also consensus decision among PH component parties?"

Appointing the Prime Minister as the Education Minister (which was, of course, later undone and given to another Member of Parliament) did not put PH in the right footing. In addition, appointing a Finance Minister who is still pending clearance from the courts with regards to the on-going corruption allegations certainly pours oil onto fire. The list goes on and it even includes the u-turn of charges to the ex-Deputy Prime Minister that had released him from a jail term. All these happened on the back of the promise for the Rule of Law! The PH Government must quickly consolidate its position, recalibrate their engines and address the public to abolish worries arising from all the fiasco. The public has now become an unforgiving one - to the extent that they question the appropriateness of the Minister of Defence's use of the army air transportation or the Deputy Prime Minister's use of the Government jet for non-official reasons. Simply put, PH cannot afford to behave like the BN Government (prior to 9 May 2018); or else, we may see another tsunami in GE15 but this time, the opposite direction.

* kopihangtuah

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The Unfair Political Ideology Corruption onto Kids

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8 MAY 2018 late evening was quite a night to remember. It was the eve of the fourteenth Malaysian General Election (GE14) whereby two Malay political titans went against each other on an unprecedented live delivery of speeches on the television and/or on the social media, particularly on Facebook. Many political analysts have opined that GE14 is a "Social Media" General Election, such that political campaigns are much more effective on social media than on ground, at least when addressing the Millennials.

Dato' Sri Najib Razak, the incumbent Prime Minister from the ruling coalition party, Barisan Nasional (BN), and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the ex-Prime Minister from the opposition coalition party, Pakatan Harapan (PH), gave their speeches in their own style and unmistaken manner. The former stayed close to the need to unify and implement policies that are beneficial to the country and the latter predictably called for all to topple the current ruling Government as he accuses the current Government of various wrong doings (yet to be proven in the courts of law).

Whilst I was listening to both speeches on my two laptops, my son came up to me and asked, "Daddy, can I ask you something about politics?"

I was taken by surprise because my son was only 13 years old. How could he possibly understand anything about politics? I remembered myself being an 18 year old university student when I started to follow politics. On any account, I wouldn't want to corrupt kids with any political agendas. Given that such question was asked, I decided to have the conversation anyway and said, "Ask away son."

"My Chinese friend told me that his mother told him that the current Prime Minister's daddy was responsible for the killings of many Chinese when he was the Prime Minister back then. Is that true?"

I got the shock of my life when I heard that. What irresponsible parent the mother of the kid must be? I could not believe how unfair that was. How could you corrupt the minds of the kids with accusations that have no basis? Many who studied the 13th May 1969 dark event will conclude that the clash between the races was unfortunate but not specifically orchestrated by any parties. In any case, it was so bitter that many also agreed that it shall not be brought up in any inter-racial discussions for the sake of peace and unity. If this one friend of my son has a parent like that, how many more are there around with similar parents?

I looked at my son and said, "Firstly, do not engage yourself in any discussions about politics. Secondly, what is important is that you make friends with everyone regardless of whether they are Malay, Chinese, Indian or any race for that matter. Thirdly, no!, the Prime Minister's daddy was not responsible for the killings! ........ and finally, the next time I am with you at your school, show me your friend's mother. I may have to start giving her history lessons."

Not too long ago, my son's school had a sports day. My wife and I was in attendance to witness the ceremony particularly the opening speech by the Head of the School. To my surprise that had also upset me, the speech contained words such as, "...... soon we will be casting our votes. I therefore urge all parents to vote for the current Government to be displaced with a new one." Now, I looked around but nobody took notice. Maybe because they were too focused with their own gadgets or they are in total agreement. I find this unacceptable. It is a school sports event. Why must there be any speech about politics?

I was (and still am) so upset by this unfair political ideology corruption onto kids. Parents should bury dark inter-racial history away and start cultivating the sense of respect and care into the hearts of our young ones. If we bring with us the remembrance of such vengeance and darkness, we will never be able to eliminate the obstruction force that can destroy any hope for a true assimilation of all races as a single Malaysian identity.

Having experienced all this, which, by the way, not amusing at all, I am now compelled to feel inclined to the idea of abolishing vernacular schools. This is because the dark history our country has is because of the separation of the ethnic groups, be it education wise, geographically, socially or economically. This realisation came from a fair generalisation of the demography of my son's school that has over 90% Chinese students, and obviously, over 90% Chinese parents. It is a private school in an urban area, hence such racial mix was by natural selection of those with superior economic power (Chinese) and not by design - this is understandable. However, vernacular schools are by design - therefore, cannot be allowed to continue - for its continuation will only grow the dark force beyond redemption.

For Malaysia to really mean "Malaysia", we must no longer worry about the colour of our skin nor the blood we carry in our veins. For the record, I have mixed Malay-Indian-Chinese blood and my wife has mixed Malay-Indian-Japanese blood. We are proud of being a Malay but we never want that to reach an arrogant and destructive level - let alone having our kids to be so.

The Birth Mark, an art piece by Jalaini Hassan (below) portrays the essence of the article:

* kopihangtuah

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The Magical Number 2

www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

TODAY I went to the hospital. I went to the hospital for a medical checkup. They tested my blood, my urine, my bladder, my bones, my heart rate and whatever else they felt like testing including X-rays. I felt like a lab mouse with wires attached to my body while jogging in my Spanish World Cup jersey.

It seems that I am too fat for my height. It seems that I don't drink enough water. It seems that I don't exercise enough. It seems that I have been eating too much protein and carbs. It seems that my metabolism is screwed. It seems that I am too sweet, my blood that is.

So I asked, "Doctor, Doctor, what should I do? Am I gonna die young and fat..... and sweet?"

Doctor said, "Okay here is the deal. Let the number 2 be your magic number"

"Number 2? What do you mean?"

"You can only have fruit juice 2 times a week. You can only eat egg yolks 2 times a week. You  can only eat prawns or crabs 2 times a week. You can only eat red meat 2 times a week. If you eat steaks, make sure it is not more than 2 hundred grams a week. You must eat veggies 2 times the volume of the protein that you eat. You should jog cumulatively 2 hours in a week. You should check your weight every 2 months. You should check your blood sugar and cholesterol level every 2 months. You can only drink 2 cups of sugarless coffee a day. You should drink 2 litres of water a day. If you crave for those heavy Nasi such as Nasi Lemak, Nasi Ayam, Nasi Kandar, Nasi Briyani or Nasi Minyak, limit it to 2 times a week and even so, 2 scoops each time."

"That is a lot of 2's", I said with my 2 thumbs up.

Whilst waiting for the final medical consultation and reports to be issued, they allowed me to eat breakfast as I had fasted for about 13 hours since the night before. So, there I was, making my way to the canteen thinking, "Damn, I can only have the things I love to eat or drink 2 times in a week. Before I embark on that psychotic journey, I should reward myself!"

And so the May The Fourth Be With You (as it was 4th May 2018) brunch took place, and wallah, behold the Nasi Lemak Kukus Kelantan with the usual sambal, anchovies and fried chicken; topped with a handful of Peria Goreng, Tempe and a Mata Kucing juice.

The same doctor came into the canteen and stared at me with disbelieve.

I could only say, "Errrrrr.... this is just the number 1. I haven't reached 2"

* kopihangtuah

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I Am Too Old for this Shit: Gen X Has Spoken

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I AM TOO OLD FOR THIS SHIT.

People walking around with shoes without sox. I am too old for this shit. I am sticking to my Converse, with sox!

People jumping around in super slim cut pants like its a cycling tights. I am too old for this shit. I am sticking to my boot cut Levi's 501.

People wearing body hugging t-shirts that sticks to your skin like a second skin. I am too old for this shit. I am sticking to my black and straight cut Metallica t-shirts.

People carrying around man-bag under their armpit like they needed to bring along a whole drawer of stuff. I am too old for this shit. I am sticking to a simple leather wallet tucked into my back pocket.

People spending up to RM100 to have a K-Pop hair style that resembles Sarah Conor in Terminator. I am too old for this shit. I am sticking to a RM10 crew cut at a Mamak barber.

People eating salad and some protein drink for lunch. I am too old for this shit. I am sticking to my medium cooked grainfed ribeye Angus steak.

People wasted their years of education and decided to do what their heart says because they want to be their own bosses. I am too old for this shit. All I care is that I can save enough for my kids' education and fairly middle class life with my wife.

People behaving like a sensitive new age guy to be popular amongst women (or men). I am too old for this shit. I mean what I say and say what I mean.

People believing that it is their birth right to consume stuff for free. I am too old for this shit. I am reporting your pirate behaviour to MCMC and KPDNKK.

People downloading all sorts of phone apps to help them cope with daily entertainment dosage. I am too old for this shit. I am sticking to my Gibson Les Paul, Marshall amps and the Cry Baby Wah Wah.

* kopihangtuah

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