By Ahmad Mustapha
Singapore’s Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, who was Singapore’s founding father, has always been very direct in his comments. This was the man who outsmarted the communists in Singapore (with the innocent help of Malaya then and the willing help of the British) and who later outwitted the British and outpaced Malaysia in all spheres.
Singapore practices corrupt-free meritocracy and Malaysia affirmative action. The former attracted all the best brains and the latter chased out all the brains. The Singapore cabinet consists of dedicated and intelligent technocrats whereas Malaysia has one the most unwieldy cabinets. Not only that, brain wise it was below par not even good for the kampong.
With that kind of composition, one that is very brainy, naturally Singapore , with no natural resources could outstrip Malaysia in every aspect of development. Malaysia, on the other hand, was too much preoccupied with its Malayness and the illusory ‘Ketuanan Melayu’ and was also more interested in useless mega iconic development rather than real social and economic development.
Whenever Kuan Yew utters anything that deemed to be a slight on Malaysia , voices were raised admonishing him. Malaysia would never dare to face reality. That Singapore had shown that it could survive was a slap on those who believed that Singapore would fold up once it left Malaysia . Therefore it was natural that these doomsayers would try to rationalise their utterances to be in their favour to combat on whatever Kuan Yew commented. Its political jealousy.
Singapore achieved its development status without any fanfare. But here in Malaysia , a development that was deceptive was proclaimed as having achieved development status. It was trumpeted as an achievement that befits first world status. This was self delusion. Malaysians are led to believe into a make believe world, a dream world. The leaders who themselves tend to believe in their own fabricated world did not realise the people were not taken in by this kind of illusion.
Lee Kuan Yew believed in calling a spade a spade. I was there in Singapore when the People’s Action Party won the elections in 1959. He was forthright in his briefing to party members as to what was expected of them and what Singapore would face in the future. Ideologically, I did not agree with him. We in the University of Malaya Socialist Club had a different interpretation of socialist reconstruction. But he was a pragmatist and wanted to bring development and welfare to the Singaporeans. Well! He succeeded.
Malaysia was so much embroiled in racial politics and due to the fear of losing political power, all actions taken by the main party in power was never targeted towards bringing wealth to all. Wealth was distributed to the chosen few only. They were the cronies and the backers of the party leadership to perpetuate their own selfish ends.
Seeing the efficiency and the progress achieved by Singapore caused the Malaysian leadership to suffer from an inferiority complex. That Malaysia should suffer from this complex was of its own making.
In a recent interview, Kuan Yew said that Malaysia could have done better if only it treated its minority Chinese and Indian population fairly. Instead they were completely marginalised and many of the best brains left the country in drove. He added that Singapore was a standing indictment to what Malaysia could have done differently. He just hit the nail right there on the head.
Malaysia recently celebrated its 50th year of independence with a bagful of uncertainties. The racial divide has become more acute. The number of Malay graduates unemployed is on the increase. And this aspect can be very explosive. But sad to see that no positive actions have been taken to address these social ills.
Various excuses were given by Malaysian leaders why Singapore had far outstripped Malaysia in all aspects of social and economic advancement. Singapore was small, they rationalised and therefore easy to manage. Singapore was not a state but merely an island.
There was one other aspect that Malaysia practises and that is to politicise all aspects of life. All government organs and machinery were ‘UMNO-ised’. This was to ensure that the party will remain in power. Thus there was this misconception by the instruments of government as to what national interest is and what UMNO vested interest is.
UMNO vested interest only benefited a few and not the whole nation. But due to the UMNO-isation of the various instruments of government, the country under the present administration had equated UMNO vested interest as being that of national interest. Thus development became an avenue of making money and not for the benefit of the people. The fight against corruption took a back seat. Transparency was put on hold. And the instruments of government took it to be of national interest to cater to the vested interest of UMNO. Enforcement of various enactments and laws was selective. Thus a ‘palace’ in Kelang, APs cronies and close-one-eye umno MPs could exist without proper procedure. Corruption infested all govt departments, the worse is the police and lately even in the judiciary.
Singapore did not politicise its instruments of government. If ever policisation took place, it is guided by national interest. To be efficient and to be the best in the region was of paramount importance. Thus all the elements like corruption, lackadaisical attitude towards work and other black elements, which would retard such an aim, were eliminated. Singapore naturally had placed the right priority in it’s pursuit to achieve what is best for its people. This is the major difference between these two independent countries.
Malaysia in its various attempts to cover up its failures embarked on several diversions. It wanted its citizens to be proud that the country had the tallest twin-tower in the world, although the structure was designed and built by foreigners. Its now a white-elephant wasting away. It achieved in sending a man into space at an exorbitant price. What for purpose? These are what the Malays of old would say “menang sorak” (hollow victories).
It should be realised that administering a country can be likened to managing a corporate entity. If the management is efficient and dedicated and know what they are doing, the company will prosper. The reverse will be if the management is poor and bad. The company will go bust.
There are five countries around this region. There is Malaysia , and then Indonesia . To the east there is the Philippines and then there is that small enclave called the Sultanate of Brunei . All these four countries have abundance of natural resources but none can lay claim to have used all these resources to benefit the people. Poverty was rampant and independence had not brought in any significant benefits to the people.
But tiny Singapore without any resources at all managed to bring development to its citizens. It had one of the best public MRT transport systems and airlines in the world and it is a very clean city state. Their universities, health care, ports are among the best in the world.
It is impossible to compare what Singapore has achieved to what all these four countries had so far achieved. It was actually poor management and corruption, and nothing more. Everything is done for the vested interest of the few.
Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines and the Sultanate of Brunei need good management teams. They would not be able to do this on their own steam. I would advise that they call on Kuan Yew to show them what good governance is. Why look East to Japan when it is just next door across the causeway.
If you dont allow the best be the best he or she can be… then the junk and useless will do shit job… produce more junk generation and the circle continue until the race or country is wipe out.
Shiok Guy
Negaraku..!! Tanah Tumpahnya Darahku…!!! I always feel patriotic when the flag is raised and the song is sung by all..!!! Make me feel touch of that moment. But does our Gomen really cares for non-bumis? Even yes, it is mere talk c**k as action speaks louder than words.
Malaysia is celebrating its 51st Independent Day but somehow, we, the non-bumis, are still live in UMNO-Apartheid with the class segregation. We all could have been “True Malaysians” irregardless of Malay, Chinese, Indian and all. We all could have been more Muhibbah than those days when we were young. Thanks to the UMNOism, divide and rule. The feeling of celebrating the day is like a cynical jokes of life…!!!
When you have nothing to begin, you tend to dig inside as what Singapore has done. Natural resources is precious but the mind that manage them that are the most superior. It’s indeed has proven that management is the core of any success. Looking at our country management and lead’s mindset, I doubt that Malaysia will be any better for the coming few decades.
BTW, critize bring no good especially when those people up there could not take it.
Mamak Mahathir should read this, he is full of envy deep in his heart,
when Malaysia has so much more natural resources than Singapore.
Yet to day Singapore is way ahead with everything!
But with his role he could not even go close to Singapore in anything,and that is why he dares not say anything good of him or Singapore.
He would like to bomb Singapore away but he knows that will only happen to Malaysia instead.
Singapore has to thank him for threatening to cut the supply of water when he could not do not anything else. I bet you my life he never thought Singapore would one day ‘make’ their own water.
To day Singapore is able to ‘make water’ themselves and even sell fresh water making technology to many other countries. They did not even bother to renew the contract when it was up for renewal.
One day soon Malaysia will buy the technology from Singapore just wait and see !
Aaaahhhhh, the joys of living in an reverse apartheid nation. Being treated like a 2nd class citizens, to be made inferior and pay the highest proportion of the tax bill. To fight the Japanese and yet never acknowledge it – 2nd class citizens are expected to die for the 1st class citizens.
Go figure that out.
Lupus, are you sure about being 2nd class citizen??? It feels more like 3rd or 4th class to me nowadays.
7even Sins, like you I was all patriotic when I see the Malaysian flag or hear the “Negaraku” but nowadays, I wonder if the patriotism still burns for many of us.
Yes, LKY is a smart man that manages to attract the best brains and talents to the tiny island call Singapore and made it a developed nation (way faster than out so-call Vision 2020). Many of my friends have already left for Singapore since primary days (via Asean scholarship trail) and better paying jobs.
Even with its own faults, Singapore is still way more advance than Malaysia in taking care of its citizens. They have better healthcare system, education system, transport system, etc. What are Malaysia better in comparison with Singapore???
What to do… bcoz once u walk with tongkat, u forever walk with tongkat. Totally dependent on it! If the tongkat is removed, he will fall and never stand up again.
So the non bumis will strive hard day and night, just to earn enough for the next generation; and if ends dont meet, the brain drain will occur again and again, year in year out.
Many of my brainy frens are already migrating overseas. Not bcoz the other end is greener, but merely due to the fact that most places outside Malaysia practice “meritocracy”. If you’re good, then you are given the opportunity to shine further. Over here is not, in fact never will, such a case.
I am just so sad whenever I look at my children – they look innocent and ignorant at times, without knowing what lies ahead for them. Whether they still stand a chance to get into public university for the courses of their choices, is still another gloomy and uncertain thing. Their future is bleak, so to speak!
Non-bumis will ALWAYS be second class citizens here. No matter what u do. U can fight till u r old, and one leg into the coffin – but the truth is, no BUMIS will give up their rights, just to “share” with the non bumis! Imagine if u r a BUMI, will u do the same? To share ur privileges and rights with the non-bumis?
So, the essential thing for non-bumis as for this era, is to work even harder to earn more money and secure ur children’s future. Once u r into the grave, u dont give a sh*t as to whether BN or PR is in charge – that will be your children’s battle then…
Malaysia also have Lee Kuan Yew wert. I heard he stays in port klang. ha ha
Singapore achieved what Malaysia failed to achieve – national unity.
Everyday during school days, while clenching their right fists to the left side of their chests as a gesture to symbolise loyalty to the nation, Singapore school kids recite in schools during assemblies the Singapore (National) Pledge, which was written in August 1966 by Mr. S. Rajaratnam (not surprisingly from Malaysia originally):
We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.
They walk the talk!
/// Seeing the efficiency and the progress achieved by Singapore caused the Malaysian leadership to suffer from an inferiority complex. That Malaysia should suffer from this complex was of its own making. ///
Exactly right. Spot on. Which was, and still is, why Mahathir was so bent on demonizing Singapore to distract attention from his failure.
The differences between Malaysia and Singapore are:-
a) In Malaysia leaders were selected based on their loyalty to UMNO whereas in Singapore, leaders were selected based on merits
b) In Malaysia public are taught to be loyal to UMNo whereas in Singapore public are taught to be loyal to their country
c) Singaporean leaders interested in best brain to assist them achieving continuous progress whereas Malaysian leaders interested in corrupts who could assist them robbing more from the country.
Besides Kuan Yew and his troops, some critical success factors for Singapore are their ability to accept criticisms, admit mistakes and continuously re-engineer their country against global competition.
I dont think I am too far off to claim that by and large singaporeans are educated by malaysians. A large number of malaysian teachers are there in their schools teaching them to be good and successful.
Of course having achieved developed nation status, the island city could now attract talents and brains from elsewhere like china, india and europe.
But I feel that we are still lightyears ahead of them. Look at our immigration policies. We favour labourers because they are in short supply here; which is proof that we have too many brains and talents and too few labourers; which is proof that we are truly great and successful.
Singapore’s success does not come as a surprise as it has honest, capable, visionary and dedicated leaders who put national interests before personal interests – they reap what they sow.
Well said Ahmad Mustaphad, we hope for more of these patriotic Malaysian regardless of race and religion to standup and to point out the problems of Malaysia!!! The problem with BN-UMNO is that they are not humble enough to seek for knowledge and guidance to move forward (anyway, they do know all the problems), on the other hands, they would rather continue to stay in power like Myanmar junta to keep sucking dry the blood of all Malaysian than to pump in fresh blood into our beloved country. It is time for all to spread the news to educate all the citizen on the need to change the present govt and to bring our beloved country moving forward to be a better place for you and me. We want to see our ringgit exchange rate to be on par with Singapore or even higher than Singapore in the very near future. First thing first, just change all the racist policies and welcome back all the ex-Malaysian who can contribute to our beloved country and we will see lots of difference within a very short time!!! This will happen only if all Malaysian are able to see the clear picture instead of seeing the distorted picture painted by the BN-UMNO which will only mislead the people towards hell instead of heaven on earth in Malaysia!!!
Singapore’s success is a wake-up call for all Malaysian leaders.
You know what? There is a joke around the world among the politicians. They say it is easy to run a good and efficient gorvenment as long as you do not follow and run like it like MALAYSIA.
What did Lee Kuan Yew do in the initial years of PAP? He courted all the best brains in Malaya irregardless of race. The success of Spore is attributed to more people from across the border than from Spore itself.
Malaysia is very lucky to have an abundance of natural resources, especially tin and oil. Otherwise we would have been kaput already with our patronage styled political system. Every expenditure must have kick backs. Every contract signed must have jalan.
This kind of government will over the years drive away all the best brains. Dr.M, subsequently echoed by all his goons (some of whom are still in the cabinet) even have the chhek to twist our minds by saying that if these people are not patriotic then they are free to leave.
HELLO…these people are human beings too and smart ones at that. If you treat them like rubbish they will pack up and go. Those with smart kids will also do the same. Even the smart Malays have cabut already! Those Malays who make it are the UMNO connected ones. In time we will see that what we have left is not enough to feed even those with BN connection. We are actually nearer to that than we care to admit.
CHANGE is not a dirty word. CHANGE is vital to our survival.
How to compare Malaysia with Singapore, what we have, they don’t have….Malaysia have polis raja di malaysia, bocor minister, close one eye minister, sleepy pm, c4, ketuanan, pendatang, hakim hakim raja di malaysia, angkasawan, sodomy series and the most important thing we have and they don’t have is the NEP…..???????? So I think we in Malaysia are more develope than Singapore!
taiking, tell me you are kidding!
according to world arms records, if taiwan and china engages in war, tiny taiwan stands a chance to hold fort for 2 years with it’s superior defense technology. and if i recall correctly, singapore actually will defeat malaysia with its superior defense.
and singapore ranks like 20 places higher than malaysia in world soccer rankings!
pongsakling,
well said… you forgot the twin towers, sepang track, dallas & dynasty drama…
cheers…
Spore Armed Forces can outgun Msia anytime. My close buddy, a Spore airforce Major, (formerly Msian), said that Spore can do that by sheer firepower, latest from USA, the best from Isreal, Russia and any country with the best systems.
Msia buys military rejects from other countries as long as the MOD can get a big commision. Doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work!
That’s is a slam dung explanation , precis. to the point , well done. That affirmative policy also cost us Pedra Blanca, becos the persons who at the Haque were the product of it.
I met a very successful British businessman in my recent holiday trip to the South of France and he commented he has in his years travelled far & wide and he is most impressed by the nation called Singapore. He considers Singapore as the most civilized country in the world.
LKy in his book singapore story states this ‘ I asked Tun Abdul Razak are you not worried about the brain drain? and Razak answered ‘trouble drain’
We have politicians camouflaged as statesman and nationalist. It is a sad fact with which we have to live with.
pongsakling & qookhoo
I’m dissapointed in you guys. How can u forget we also have the best dish in the world. Sodo Mee, first created & served by Chef Mahathir. Now proudly copied by clown oops… Chef AAB & company. I am so glad I’m a Malaysian. You guys too huh?
You want to know the joke. According to Paul Krugman of MIT, Singaporea actually underachieve. In a study famously called A Tale of Two Cities, Krugman argued that LKY’s dictatorship tendencies keeps the country behind Hong Kong and other advance economies.
So if Singapore per capita GDP of more than 6X is an indictment of Malaysian system, the real loss is much more, very much more. Even more than comparison to Hong Kong perhaps closer to Switzerland. The theorectical loss of Malaysian opportunities in the last 40 years is likely to be about 10X what we have.
So the question the Malays ask is do, they want to own 30% (the goal of NEP) of 1dollar or 18% (probably fake current ownershp) of 10 dollar?
Most of us here know all the problems and solutions and really feel frustrated knowing full well that Malaysia could have by now become not just another Singapore but Japan, had the leaders of the country did what Singapore did. Indeed, salvation for the country at this stage can only comes not so much from the few here but really only from the likes of Mr Ahmad Mustapha, DSAI and the bigger group of englighten Malays who have seen the world and do understand that the UMNOisation of the country is a sure path to hell. Malaysia was cursed and blighted by that Mamak for 22 years. He steadfastly forced the country back into the third world with his racism and stupidity. It will take some effort to undo the great wrong. This message from Mr Ahmad Mustapha need to get into the consciousness of rural Malays. They hold the key to the country’s future. We can only do so much and for so long. The push out of the country and the pull from elsewhere is so strong that it is a great burden trying to persuade some of our better endowed children to remain behind this cursed place to be 3rd or 4th class citizen. Why should they remain behind to be persecuted but pay all the taxes of the country to feed the parasites of in UMNO.
Besides Singapore, Vietnam, a war torn country with three decades of fighting and almost all their infrastructures damaged, yet today, they soon be recognized as the third tiger of Asian. Very soon, we will be a pussy nation and flocking as refugees to their shore!
we can all sit in front of our computers and write about the incompetence of our politicians, the polices lack of interest in making malaysia more safe and the shameful judiciary system that we have in this country. But we the citizens of Malaysia has never made a stand on our right to be the ‘voice’ and do our
job to ensure the right person runs our country and makes us feel safe to live here like our parents and parents before them….
we can’t even walk in our own neighborhood to visit our neighbors across the streets, because of the fear that we would be harmed by a thief or rapist. our own children are not safe in their own housing play grounds…. why is this happening????
its all because we the citizens are not voicing enough of our frustration in public.. i don’t mean in the internet where its only writing, but actually going head to head with our elected politicians(politicians that we vote, our votes that put them where they are now) and pressure them to be more responsible in their actions as the elected leaders in this country.
do more public protests.. do you actually think that jails in malaysia can fit 26million malaysians??? obviously not right… and by doing this will not only impose fear in the politicians but they will definitely do they jobs well…
we malaysians are no ‘UNITED’ in wanting what ‘WE’ want and how we want our country to be… we malaysians just gossip, talk behind backs, curse and swear but at the end of the day do not show our frustrations to ensure that there are heard. why we do this? because a typical malaysian will answer you, that they just hide it and keep mum when it comes going against the government, is because they have mouths to feed…
let me tell you all here, if we don’t do what we have to do to make sure our country is a safe place to live for us, our children and the next generations…
we all will not have jobs to feed them anyway… so why bicker behind the scenes??? ask yourselves why not do much more than that??? are we not capable to do so??? are we the voice of this country???? is this a democratic country??? ask yourselves these questions… i am hoping it will open all of your eyes..
If only TDM could think like Ahmad Mustapha, we will not be facing corruption everywhere in the instruments of government. Yet TDM claimed that UMNO had prevented Malaysia in becoming Singapore. Surely Malaysians of all races would like to have a higher income, a higher standard of living, and more security in public places as in Singapore. UMNOputras certainly wanted current governemnt presided over by the corrupted leaders so that they can fish in muddy water.
Tax payers might have long been asking whether government have been wasting public funds in allowing their officials to use government vehicles for joy ride. The Trengganu Proton Perdana’s maintenance costs proved that fuels wastage on joy ride was just a tiny fraction of funds wasted. That malpractices are no doubt repeated everywhere. The cabinet discussed how the benzs should be used rather than looked into the issues of excessive costs in the maintenance of governemnt vehicles. They must really be half-past-six.
The BN government never worry about the brain drain. They wanted all of these land for themselves…. after driving out MCA, MIC and the rest of the non-malay component parties…..
And milk all the money from the non-malays……
Barble, how about asking YB Lim to organize one nationwide? Practical? Maybe not… Is there another way that we can voice out our needs to change the present government? Pray tell.
Singapore can boast better roads and better pavements. They have better bridges and better buildings. Everything works fine in Singapore. And yet, I will continue to pledge my loyalty to my Malaysia. I was born here and I have grown up here. Good or bad, I will take it till God calls me home. Our god-blessed resources are aplenty, from our oil reserves, our rainforests, our white-sandy beaches, our agricultural lands. You can’t replicate these things. Yes, it is true, Singapore is a fine modern cosmopolitan city. I love Clark Quay and CHIJMS with its fantastic fusion of trendy bars and restaurants and micro-brewery. Their Museums are world-class (visit National Museum). With a better leader at the helm, Malaysia will regain its glory and our citizens will once again feel that they belong here. Those who have migrated may even start to flock back. So I wish dearly that our wise King will dissolve this parliament and usher in GE13 so that we can boot BN out and give DSAI a chance.
Now that LKY has more time, I suggest that Pak Lah to employ LKY as a fulltime tutor lecturing our ministers how to be world class leaders. OOp! Mr lee would face a problem! Do our ministers have the brains to understand and implement his suggestions?
Oh yes, I forgot. Singapore has to head hunt the best brains to be ministers la. Looking at their resume would make most of our ministers look like frshiesin a Unis la.
Their ministers boast of 1st class honours from Oxford, Canbridge or Harvard. Ooop! Susah la to lecture our ministers.
Can we all actually write to the King ask him that question about dissolving the parliament?
Everbright, or do you have another method????
Malaysia got to make Proton cars to make millions (MR$), but LKY Singapore only issue papers (COE) and they make billions (S$). He got brain.
Lim Kit, it would have been reasonable to suggest you join PAP back then. Instead of exporting PAP policies and vision under the garb of DAP; you are old enough to know that S’pore and Malaysia, though have a common history, have separated too much in almost all spheres as to draw any similiarities in governance.
I quote Ahmad Mustapha:
“Whenever Kuan Yew utters anything that deemed to be a slight on Malaysia , voices were raised admonishing him.”
How true. How true.
Remember the remark by Senior Lee about JB being a cowboy town with lots of of kidnappings and carjackings.
Remember the reactions by our leaders and (surprise, surprise) by those people in MCA.
Who do you think is laughing now?
Zak said:
“S’pore and Malaysia, though have a common history, have separated too much in almost all spheres as to draw any similiarities in governance”
Yes indeed. Couldnt agree more with this piercingly accurate observation.
Singapore became too good for us to draw any comparison. Too damn good.
I love Malaysia, but… do Malaysia (the government) love me?
How to stop brain drain when our Umno-led BN intentionally push people to leave Malaysia?
How to stop corruption when our Umno-led BN and their agencies happily survive on corrupt practices?
Malaysia and Singapore are at opposite poles and beyond comparison.
The only similarity between TDM and LKY is the former has his own MM initial while the latter carries a title of MM.
Our BN politicians can bad mouth Singapore but the fact remains: 1965, S$1 = RM1; 2008, S$1 = almost RM2.40!
Singapore, a little red dot and without oil money and natural resources, has two sovereign wealth funds (Government of Singapore Investment Corporation and Temasek Holdings) to look after the welfare of their citizens. What do we have for all of our citizens?
(Plz visit: http://www.asiaone.com/Business/Story/A1Story20080628-73436.html)
“Non-bumis will ALWAYS be second class citizens here. No matter what u do. U can fight till u r old, and one leg into the coffin – but the truth is, no BUMIS will give up their rights, just to “share” with the non bumis! Imagine if u r a BUMI, will u do the same? To share ur privileges and rights with the non-bumis…”
PureMalaysian, please do not marginalized the so-called BUMIS on the whole issue. Not all of us are that privelege! Not all of us are that spoilt! Not all of us are that bad…
All of us here is either arrogance or ignorance with each others. I would rather put the blame more towards UMNO but certainly not all. Why? Tell me since when did the Non-Bumi’s has so overwhemingly vote for the opposition since 1969 and 2008? UMNO are becoming what it are today for parts of our own actions which have been putting them in power through proxies (i would more comfortable of saying “prostitutes”) in MCA, MIC, GERAKAN etc.
I’m a malay but I do not consider myself as being a “bumi’s” and neither do I fell comfortable at being called so. The issues here is the sodomizing all of the nation’s wealth all at the expense of the rakyat, bumi’s and non-bumi’s included. Take education for example. The nation is actually rich enough to make sure that all of it’s citizens are provided quality educations. Even the so-called “bumi’s” themselves are being marginalized if they are not from the family or the ruling’s elite, or if their family conveniently supported the oppositions. Take the PAS’s supporters as example. They are treated as if they are some kind of “pariah” or “lepers” from UMNO’s groups; be it from JKKK or anything else.
I’m not denying on the facts, but, please don’t marginalized us all…
Hi barble, your conmments are so invigorating.
You’re definitely right! We malaysian’s are only best on doing the critics; in the back at the very comfort of our home; by computers. When it comes to the real things itself; all of us chickened out and actually have got no balls to stand tall by our convictions.
Take the PROTEST rally on the fuel price hike for example. May I asked? How many of us actually comes and give supports? How many of the so called self grumblings “non-bumis” who have attended the rally?
All we can do is just talk. We’re the one responsible for putting all of these bigots in powers and all we can do is…complaints….?
I remember a peribahasa ( proverb) from one of the Bahasa Malaysia lessons way back in my lower secondary school days. It goes like this “Seperti memberi bunga kepada se ekor monyet”.
Translated literally, it says : ” just like giving a flower to a monkey”.
Being a monkey, of course, it is not expected to be able to appreciate the beauty and fragrance of the flower.
( By the way, I enjoyed the Bahasa lessons tremendously, which could , should and would qualify me fully as a Malaysian, though I am a non-Malay: and I enjoy the company of my Malay friends then as now).
Back to the proverb, and to be sure there are lots of peribahasa and simpulan bahasa to learn in the school days, it had and is still being held as a guide in my life.
When a decision is needed to give something useful and precious, it would make every sense to give it to someone for which the thing would be utilised most beneficially and wisely. In that way, the treasure would serve its purpose(s) which, in turn, would benefit others as well. Maybe even the monkeys would have benefited from it. This is waht is perceived as wisdom.
By extension, Singapore had done what had been duly expected of an honest, wise, forward-thinking, impartial, prudent, smart, long-sighted, intelligent, unbiased, modern, futuristic, caring, politically-correct, socially balanced, and merely right thinking individual.
Singapore was without its mistakes and blunders too. To be sure no one is perfect. Not any system. However, the best decisions were made, based on the realities and choices.
Seems like they have made more right choices than wrong ones.
What can we say about our very own beloved nation which is blessed with human ( ask Singapore) and natural resources?
Have the government not being partial?
Have the deserving not being sidelined?
Have the government not blundered in its various policies?
Have the government being honest in its handling the nation’s coffers?
Have the various communities being segregated in achieving the avarice and parochial race-based politics of certain political party?
The list can go on and on..
Having lived here all my life, from the days of innocence till middle age, the perception of the mishandling of the country’s administration has not died. Many would share this perception (the truth, sad to say).
I am colour blind as far as race and religion are concerned. Despite the disadvantaged position of the non-Malays, I do not harbour any ill-feelings or suspicion against anyone. I wish that all Malaysians regardless of colour or creed would be able to enjoy success and prosperity. Just hope that the leaders entrusted with the important and holy duty to administer and manage the country would do it in the most appropriate manner.
The rest would follow and would fall in place, just as in Singapore.
I rest my case.
The non-Malays essentially got sold down the drain by our so-called leaders. The wily old mamak realised that the non-Malay leadership could be bought, and started throwing crumbs at them. A succession of leaders like Semi Value, Ling Liong Sik, Tan Koon Swan, Lee San Choon all decided that personal wealth is more important than their promise to uphold the integrity of the race they represent.
The current non-Malay leadership within BN is so poor that any orang utan would upstage them in terms of integrity and transparency. There is no chance for 1st world status. We have gone as far as the current feudal system allows us to go.
The mamak is also into his 80s and the fire burns within him too. God keeps the mamak alive to see the mess he has created in Bolehland, and to continously remind the mamak of the progress of Singapore. It must really hurt.
zak_hammaad Says:
Today at 18: 10.35 (2 hours ago) Lim Kit, it would have been reasonable to suggest you join PAP back then. Instead of exporting PAP policies and vision under the garb of DAP; you are old enough to know that S’pore and Malaysia, though have a common history, have separated too much in almost all spheres as to draw any similiarities in governance.
What are you talking about? Precisely, one country is governed by PAP and LKY and another country managed a successive third tribal party and tribal leaders and the MAKES the difference between the two countries. I really don’t understand your perverted logic. If we are “separated for much”, are you saying we can not make us more similar to Singapore? Singapore is secular, merit-based, dynamic, cosmopolitan and globalising; Malaysia is parochial, bigotry, racist, rent seeking, corrupted, tribal, archaic, zimbabwian, feudalistic, and you fill up the rest if you can think of one.
Zak, the difference is, PAP and LKY, were able to transform a third city slump into a first world economy. Imagine the same Singapore governance system also applies to Johore, Sarawak, Sabah, Penang and Perak. We should have been the Switzerland of Asia by now. We probably could have own citigroup, merill lynch, ubs, and lehman brothers. We probably could have own Rolls Royce and make aeroplane engines in Malaysia by now. Yes, precisely because of your notion of uniqueness, we are still a nation fighting like barbarians, MPs jump and shouting in Parliament like monkeys, garbage everywhere, traffic jam at every road, monsoon drains function as sewerage pipes, mat rempit have a field day, foreign workers are everywhere, corruption in almost every departments and agencies. Zak, you tell me one thing we can be proud of, I shall stop debating with you.
Zak said:
“S’pore and Malaysia, though have a common history, have separated too much in almost all spheres as to draw any similiarities in governance”
Ha ha. I have no idea what Zak is trying to convey in his statement. It makes absolutely no sense. You cannot compare the governance of Malaysia and Singapore because Singapore is just way ahead in every aspect? What? Its unfair to compare Malaysia and Singapore because Singapore is just so damn good?
Zak, you use some really pretty words there, but its just absolute garbage. I hope you could help to clarify what ‘spheres’ that are so different that we are therefore unable to compare Singapore and Malaysia.
most of the brainy from malaysia have gone to singapore…most of them are holding high position in their career driving the economy of singapore.
Mamak mahathir have ruled too long as a PM and didn’t improve anything at all. making short sighted decision that pleases the eyes and not thinking 20…30 or 50 years down the road. Same goes as the current government…i should say since independence day.
so what if you have two twin towers? people remember for a short period of time and… life moves on. people forget. But when you have good government and manage your country well, you will be look up to and people will always remember who to look for for advice. Singapore did very well here.
some of those people (minister, whatever position there is ) have been in power for too long at the same post until recent polls. staying too long will make the head and pocket too big.
it didn’t change 20 years ago…it didn’t change 10 years ago…it didn’t change 5 years ago…and if a non-credible people are in power, it will be the same 10 years from now… and even 20 years from now.
the country needs a good formula to balance all opportunity for all races. If someone can contribute to the country and bring success, it doesn’t matter if he is malay, chinese, indian, dayak, iban or others.
it is not a matter of being a bumi or non-bumi, it is a matter of doing the best for one country. if one keep fighting and mentioning bumi rights, they are suffering from inferior complex. these people will forever be left behind. the non-bumi is not asking for the sky or moon but more and equal opportunity and rights. so whats the concern?
most of the brainy from malaysia have gone to singapore…most of them are holding high position in their career driving the economy of singapore.
Mamak mahathir have ruled too long as a PM and didn’t improve anything at all. making short sighted decision that pleases the eyes and not thinking 20…30 or 50 years down the road. Same goes as the current government…i should say since independence day.
so what if you have twin towers? people remember for a short period of time and… life moves on. people forget. But when you have good government and manage your country well, you will be look up to and people will always remember who to look for for advice. Singapore did very well here.
some of those people (minister, whatever position there is ) have been in power for too long at the same post until recent polls. staying too long will make the head and pocket too big.
it didn’t change 20 years ago…it didn’t change 10 years ago…it didn’t change 5 years ago…and if a non-credible people are in power, it will be the same 10 years from now… and even 20 years from now.
the country needs a good formula to balance all opportunity for all races. If someone can contribute to the country and bring success, it doesn’t matter if he is malay, chinese, indian, dayak, iban or others.
it is not a matter of being a bumi or non-bumi, it is a matter of doing the best for one country. if one keep fighting and mentioning bumi rights, they are suffering from inferior complex. these people will forever be left behind. the non-bumi is not asking for the sky or moon but more and equal opportunity and rights. so whats the concern?
Malaysia has blundered and continues to blunder with certain political party-centred policies and inclinations.
Unless and until this is corrected there would be not much changes foreseeable in the near future, let alone in the far future.
What could the rakyat have to look forward to?
Every way you see, it is a dead end.
We have enough of success in disguise. We have enough of patronage. We have enough of quota-this-quota-that. We have enough corruption. We have enough of high-handedness. We have enough of malay-this-malay that. We have enough umno-this-umno-that. We have enough of nonsense. Enough is enough.
What we don’t have enough of is fair policies. We don’t have enough of equality. We don’t have enough of meritocracy. We don’t have enough of equal opportunities. We don’t have enough of fair play. We don’t have enough of mutual respect. We don’t have enough of due consideration. Not enough is not enough.
Change where change is due, for the sake of the nation’s future.
“Singapore practices corrupt-free meritocracy and Malaysia affirmative action. The former attracted all the best brains and the latter chased out all the brains. The Singapore cabinet consists of dedicated and intelligent technocrats whereas Malaysia has one the most unwieldy cabinets. Not only that, brain wise it was below par not even good for the kampong.”
There is no such thing as corrupt free meritocracy practices in a competitive free market.
correction:
Singapore was NOT without its mistakes and blunders too. To be sure, no one is perfect. Not any system. However, the best decisions were made, based on the realities and choices.
the best decisions are made from mistakes, refining and reviews. learn from mistakes and know what moves us forward as a community
“Lee Kuan Yew believed in calling a spade a spade. I was there in Singapore when the People’s Action Party won the elections in 1959. He was forthright in his briefing to party members as to what was expected of them and what Singapore would face in the future. Ideologically, I did not agree with him. We in the University of Malaya Socialist Club had a different interpretation of socialist reconstruction. But he was a pragmatist and wanted to bring development and welfare to the Singaporeans. Well! He succeed”
Lee Kuan Yew said Singaporeans are stupid if they voted for the opposition, how can that be? Can Singapore’s success achieved through one man when the rest are stupid? Well, maybe, if you insist LKY believed in calling a spade a spade. I wouldn’t want to argue with that.
///Imagine if u r a BUMI, will u do the same? To share ur privileges and rights with the non-bumis?///–PureMalaysian
I suppose by “privileges and rights” the writer refers to Article 153 of the Malayan Constitution. The original constitution has a provision for Article 153 to be reviewed after 15 years from independence in 1972. That provision for a review was removed when that article was amended when Tun Razak as Director of National Operation threatened not to reconvene the parliament without that amendment.
The provision for a review means that the privileges were offered for a purpose, and as soon as that objective is served, the privileges would stop. It is ironical that when the Article should have been reviewed in 1972 according to the social contract, the powerful UMNO after using the 1969 incidents decided that that article should remain forever review.
We know that a contract is only valid when parties to it voluntarily agreed to all the provisions, when it was established. That original constitution can be known as social contract among the various communities in the country. From the statement of the late Tun Dr. Ismail who expressed surprise that non-Malays were readily agreeable to the provision of Article 153 in the original constitution stated that Malays, out of pride, would be willingly forgo the privileges when the do not need them. It was considered that 15 years was good enough for the Malays who were thought to be comparatively weak then needed 15 years to catch up with other races. The statement of Tun Ismail that ‘out of pride’ meant simply that Malays would not want to be seen to be weak all the time. UMNO leaders after Tun Ismail chose to justify that the privileges were bestowed to Malays for all reasons other than the truth as stated by Tun Dr. Ismail.
Tun Razak decided to implement NEP for a generation (20 years) and he could have considered the provision of a review in article 153 inconvenient to his Administration. Perhaps he did not know that he would die so soon after attaining power. The effect of removing the provision for a review of Article 153 gives all future generation of Malays the wrong impression as emplified by PureMalaysian. That perception will prevent them to accept that all Malaysians should have equal opportunity under Malaysian sun. Consequently the ordinary Malays would be all forgiving to Malay-based party for whatever ill intentions the leaders might harbour so long as Malays are seen to enjoy more privileges over non-Malays. Further it prevents right thinking Malays from criticizing the wrongdoings of Malay-based government lest they are blamed for not being loyal to the race. When Malays are not free to comment on obvious wrongdoings which are perpetrated by the government, and non-Malays choose not to be misunderstood or branded as racists, we are now landed with a corrupt government which stays in power for over half a century, and continuing. The leaders in government want to continue with the lifelong career as ministers, and would care less when the people are polarized by race and religion. But Malaysia from being the top among the developing SEA countries has been relegated and soon will join the rank of Burma.
Malaysians have been conditioned by the political masters to think more in terms of the singers rather than the songs. When we face with problems of public security and needed help from the police, should we be concerned whether the police personnel were of any particular race? We should expect that government officials perform their duties as expected of their positions, and would be fair to all Malaysians irrespective of race or political inclination. That does not happen. A police report by an ordinary person that he was sodomised, even when medical reports did not support such a claim landed a former Deputy Prime Minister detained over night. Sodomy may be a crime but nobody died. A statutory declaration alleging that an important person knows a murder victim landed whistle blower to change his declaration within 24 hours, and he is now missing. The police could have worked on the declaration as they did not the sodomy claim, especially when a human life was involved in the content of the declaration. The problems lie in the rejection of meritocracy in government administration. When staff intake and promotion are not based on meritocracy, they cannot be transparent.
The prime minister of Singapore has a first class honours degree from Cambridge University. The prime minister of Bolehland failed entrance statistics, and took religious studies instead at Universiti Malaya. He then installed himself as Minister of Finance.
“The prime minister of Bolehland failed entrance statistics, and took religious studies instead at Universiti Malaya. He then installed himself as Minister of Finance.”
i call that smart, why study so hard when you can gain easier path. now he can overrule those bankers. same with health minister who now qualify for M.D overrule doctors……
This article, although written in good faith, made Singapore seems like utopia, and that could have misguided many readers. Singapore is better than Malaysia, I agree. I respect LKY as a outstanding leader.
Someone above mentioned about the water technology in S’pore. If my memory serves me right, the proud owner of that company is a humble M’sian of Chinese ethnicity from a small town in M’sia call Kampar! See the cause of BRAIN DRAIN!
those in subordinate positions will follow the example set by their superiors.
singapore has good leaders, malaysia doesnt have.
just 3 weeks ago,d umno racist mp tajudin quoted:quota biasiswa bumi dan melayu tak boleh dikurangkan,ini tidak adil,ini hak kami!banyak bumi dari sabah sarawak tak dapat masuk universiyi!
Hak lanch#o!
Macam ni,jadi kominis lagi baik,semua adilkan?tajudin!
malaysia will continue to b bodohland if such mps are to be allowed to be selected!
“We probably could have own citigroup, merill lynch, ubs, and lehman brothers. We probably could have own Rolls Royce and make aeroplane engines in Malaysia by now”
not really – sgpura is not really global tech player, we don have microsoft, intel, ibm, google sgpura version. even creative are struggling, and they using 3rd party chip for their mp3 player. what’s more, they try to involve (using gov money) into harddisk business but at the end flop…….
overall, malaysia income and revenue is still much much more than sgpura, just the money din channel much to public only….. how many mps in sgpura stays and drive kompressor and datuk as in malaysia……
/// Bigjoe Says:
Today at 16: 54.18 (5 hours ago)
You want to know the joke. According to Paul Krugman of MIT, Singaporea actually underachieve. In a study famously called A Tale of Two Cities, Krugman argued that LKY’s dictatorship tendencies keeps the country behind Hong Kong and other advance economies. ///
Bigjoe – I read Paul Krugman’s, and the earlier one by Lawrence Young. The comparison is not entirely apple versus apple. Singapore spends a huge bundle on defence – a complete army, navy and air force, whereas Hong Kong did not and does not. Its defence was taken care of by the British, and later by the PLA.
melurian, please read carefully, i said, own not invent or manage. if you have money, you can buy and own and earn return which is what singapore did.
overall, malaysia income and revenue is still much much more than sgpura, just the money din channel much to public only….. how many mps in sgpura stays and drive kompressor and datuk as in malaysia……melurian
huh? du kong hami? Gua catch no ball lah
“if you have money, you can buy and own and earn return which is what singapore did.”
that’s why no pride lar. see how they screw hongkong movies. in old days hk movies are good, not they’re screwed by this “raintree” of sgpura. and bout semiconductor and manufacturing, chartered (spin off from gov glc) used to be good not until taiwanese tsmc and umc kicked them. and even they already semiconductor/manufacturing still today no good solid brand from them (asus, acer, msi all taiwanese, mana ada sgpura). and korea got samsung, sgpura got what…..
malaisie
GDP ranking 29th
GDP $357.9 billion (2007 est.)
GDP growth 6.3% (2007)
GDP per capita $14,400 (2007 est.)
singapur
GDP (PPP) $222.7 billion (2007 est.) (48th)
GDP growth 7.5% (2007)
GDP per capita $48,900 (2007 est.)
don look at gdp per capita where population take into account. gdp malaysia >> gdp singapura, so the country is richer than sgpura.
melurian:
Did you go to the same economics school as Badawi ?
singapore has the higher per capita execution rate in the world, zero tolerance for politcal dissent and a forced annuity plan financed by mandatory savings. a political detainee was held for 23 years without trial and subsequent house arrest for another 9 years.
singapore may be an economic miracle of sorts but paradise it ain’t.
godfather, i think melurian went to the same school, but got kick out after first year. i am sure he does not know what is ppp as stated.
malaysia revenue: $41.01 billion
singapur revenue: $19.71 billion
come on, just like a house hold with income 10k per mth with 12 mouth to feed and 5k per mth with 4 mth to feed, ppl will still say 10k per mth is still richer……
melurian, why so difficult, compare with China and India easier. Surely the economy of China and India is bigger than Singapore and Malaysia combined.
i din cina is poor. i din say india is poor. i even don dare to say thailand is poor. but to say malaysia is poorer than sgpura is misleading. i agree generally malaysian ppl is poorer than sgpura, but that does not mean the country (or gov) is poorer than that little state! malaysia in fact is richer than sgpura. just like a household earn 10k per mth brings in more money than ppl earn 5k, but his children (10 of them) might poorer and not enjoy wealth or standard of living as per children (2) from 5k earner.
i give up because i have no patience, melurian. thanks bye.
LKY very happy Malaysia practice such a bias/poor policy. Imagine if Malaysia is run like Singapore, there wouldn’t be any brain drain. Means nobody is going to Singapore and Singapore will collapse for sure.
Mr.Mustapha:
Your views are very well articulated. I do sense that many Malaysians do share your view as well based on the postings. Unfortunately, there has, in the past, a mindset of “form over substance” within the ruling party. This inevitably will create a house of cards.
As a young adult in the 80’s, I saw this scenario in the long-term horizon and convinced my parents that my future lies outside of my native-born land, not within the walls of myopic visionaries, to say the least. I am not saying that life outside Malaysia has been easy. Life is still a struggle in America, with bills to pay, health care costs rising, etc. However, naive as I may sound, I believe that at least, I can provide an equal chance for my little one, a chance to be judged based on the content of his abilities and character rather than on the color of his skin, to which he had no control to choose. At least, for once, I can proudly say I did the right thing for my family.
Hahaha, Melurian, I think you should apply to Bernama for a job.
10 people in Bolehland make $100, while 2 persons in Singapore make $80, so Melurian spins that Bolehland is richer than Singapore. Of the 10 people in Bolehland, 3 persons make $70, while the remaining 7 persons make $30, so the 7 persons try their best to get rid of the 3 persons that make more money than them. And the worst part of all ? The $30 that the 7 persons make is not transparently earned. Part of it is from stolen loot in the first place!
That, in essence, is what the NEP is all about.
The two things that Pak Lah can boast about, as compared to Singapore, are Malaysia has better Press freedom and much higher vehicle ownership per 100 people.
yhsiew – Press freedom – yes, Pak Lah can claim recdit.
Vehicle ownership – no, that honour belongs to Mahathir. He made sure that all foreign cars are priced punitively high by imposing high taxes so that Proton and other locally-assembled cars can sell at all. And of course the petrol subsidies. Now, both are biting back…
“……………Malaysia has better Press Freedom and much higher vehicle ownership per 100 people.”. yhsiew.
Are sure or not?? Malaysia has got better Press Freedom? I would agree if you say apparent better press freedom.Remember the huha ripping thro the muslim world over the caricature thing on Mohammed coming out from Denmark
and 2 papers in West Malaysia are banned.The dragonian Printing Press Act is still in existence for the powers-that-be to gag the press.
Singapore in fact has a policy to try and discourage car ownership by having what they call a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) ie to say anyone wishing to own cars must bid for the right to own.COE can even come up to more than the price of the car, that is how forbidding it is to own a car in Singapore.The government’s rationale for doing this is to free Singapore from grid-lock traffic jam and also more importantly to ensure a clean atmospheric environment and they are able to do this because they have created a world class public transport system.
If you are able to, go Singapore. Alot of opportunity await you.
“10 people in Bolehland make $100, while 2 persons in Singapore make $80,”
$100 is still > $80.
“The two things that Pak Lah can boast about, as compared to Singapore, are Malaysia has better Press freedom and much higher vehicle ownership per 100 people.”
not really. malaysia got intel, altera, motorola, freescale, TI, sony factory here. singapore got intel meh ? and singapur’s still begging investor to invest in their country, not really a tech player (investor)…
Corrupted cronyism is the main downfall.
*Greedy people never had enough, race card is their game.
Melurian, keep it up. You want to be one of 10 people in Bolehland that make a total of $100. We want to be one of 2 people in Singapore making a total of $80. If you feel richer, then that’s OK by me.
Melurian,
Before you turn yourself into a clown, may I suggest you look up the meaning of these 3 terms: per capita GDP, Gini Index and Human Development Index. These 3 parameters generally give a very good picture of the ‘wellness’ of a nation and if you compare Singapore and Malaysia along these parameters, I am sure you won’t be so smug about the figures you put up here!! You will probably feel ashamed of Malaysia’s performance.
Melurian’s warped logic is what is symptomatic of Bolehland. The non-Malays who make $70 of the $100 want to keep competing with Singapore, and hope that one day, two non-Malays can catch up with the two Singaporeans who currently make $80. The 7 Malays who make $30 between them are happy with what they have, so why push them to compete with Singapore ? So they spin in the mainstream press that collectively we have a larger GDP than Singapore.
The trouble is that one Malay out of the 7 in Bolehland joins UMNO, then realises that 3 non-Malays make a lot more than the 7 Malays combined, so they start all sorts of affirmative action programmes that allow them to steal in order to catch up with the non-Malays. They start all sorts of programmes to hold back the non-Malays so that the Malays can catch up. In the meantime, the little red dot down south progresses even more and continues to be an eyesore to the Malays.
Godfather,
Please forgive Melurian for he knows not what he is talking about -a complete lack of understanding simple arithmethic. Absolutely shocking!
No, AhPek, he knows what he is talking about. He uses the typical UMNO spin to confuse the Malays so that the UMNOputras can continue to steal the country blind. Their hatred for Singapore is so ill-disguised because Singapore stands for everything that Bolehland is not – meritocracy, integrity, good governance, an AAA rating that few countries in the world have.
Sooner or later, BN is going to have to be held accountable for the ever-widening differences between the little red dot and Bolehland. Of course they can’t explain why a little piece of rock down south could have an AAA rating (higher than Japan and Korea) when in 1965 they were on a par with Bolehland.
So they have to spin and divert attention, and say things like “our GDP is still bigger”, “we have a larger economy”, “we have greater press freedom”.
Melurian, perhaps we should all say that Bolehland has a bigger land mass than Singapore – in case not many rural people know this ?
still, do you agree malaysia (on current situation) “richer” than singapur? malaysia with higher gdp, with higher revenue is richer than singapur ? I’m not saying malaysians, but malaysia as country.
malaysia after millions and billions loss still steady, singapur if loss millions and billions, the whole economy will collapse…
/// melurian Says:
Today at 10: 15.32 (31 minutes ago)
“10 people in Bolehland make $100, while 2 persons in Singapore make $80,”
$100 is still > $80. ///
Congratulations, melurian, you have single-handed promoted Malaysia to the ranks of first-world OECD countries. All the GDP (ppp) figures below are in US dollars.
Malaysia……..357.4bn
Sweden………334.6bn
Switzerland….300.2bn
Norway……….247.7bn
Singapore…….228.1bn
Denmark………203.7bn
Finland………..185.5bn
Luxembourg……38.6bn
Brunei…………..19.6bn
Wow, Malaysia is richer than Sweden and Switzerland. Better still, Malaysia is 18 times richer than Brunei – 1800% richer!!!
I am feeling so rich now; might as well go and buy myself a private jet and a yacht……
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html
Melurian, go into the net and read up more before you start making these foolish comments.
Singapore has external FX reserves in excess of US$250 billion, and no debt. Bolehland has reserves of US$78 billion and an equivalent amount in external debt. You still think that Singapore will collapse ahead of Malaysia ? Are the rating agencies wrong when they assigned an AAA rating for Singapore and only an A rating for Bolehland ?
If not for Bolehland “after millions and billions loss”, plus the continuous plunder by BN, Bolehland would at least have an AA rating equivalent to Korea and Taiwan.
Say something truthful that the readers can believe – like Malaysia has bigger landmass than Singapore.
Melurian,
Didn’t I ask you to find out the meaning of the 3 terms? Don’t tell me you are insisting that you want to make yourself a clown?
Bolehland makes $100 but spends $120, while Singapore makes $80 and spends only $60. Bolehland is richer ?
Many Malaysians cannot believe that the little red dot with no resources could have saved so much that their sovereign wealth funds – Temasek and GIC – could invest hundreds of billions in assets around the world.
Stealing is a hard habit to break for Bolehland.
Melurian: go look up and understand the meaning of “budget deficit”.
And every year the General Auditor’s report stating overwhelming spending and wastages far exceeding budgets go unheeded.The files in so far as the UMNOPUTRAS are concerned are fit to be put away to gather dusts.
The truth is,Melurian,the people of Malaysia are sodomised by this shameless bunch of UMNOPUTRAS, and don’t tell me you’re not.If you’re not,you must be one of the sodomisers then.
Singapore is not perfect and some even say that Singapore is not even better than Malaysia …
But the thing that irritates and annoyed a lot of Msians is the fact that Malaysia can easily be better than Singapore in a lot of things that currently Singapore beats us at.
Our economy could easily be bigger than Singapore’s.
Our rakyat can easily get bigger better pay on average compared to Singapore’s.
Our healthcare can be better than theirs.
Our army and police can definitely be better than theirs.
All these are very possible because we have natural resources, abundant land and resourceful local talents.
It is simply because we have a bad governance. ONE single drawback killed all the advantages we have and in the end we lose out. This is what that Msians in Singapore see day in day out when they compare Singapore and Msia.
Say you want to say but the fact remains. Singapore beats Malaysia at nation-building and development simply becoz they have a competent government and clear effective policies that work.
Out of nothing, they build a nation when we started off with so much yet today we have so little.
Sorry … corrections … our economy IS BIGGER than Singapore just that our GDP per capita sucks compared to Singapore’s …
Which means our rakyat is poorer.
“But the thing that irritates and annoyed a lot of Msians is the fact that Malaysia can easily be better than Singapore in a lot of things that currently Singapore beats us at.”
the thing is some ppl don comprehend this. with just “average” decent govemment, malaysia can easily surpass singapur, this I must admit. but the reality is our gov’s performing below par, even they mess up things they can easily bailed out by excuses and accepted (and supported) by public. this is very sad sad case……. sgpura and probably us and a must be very envy with our gov – no joke.
/// but the reality is our gov’s performing below par, even they mess up things they can easily bailed out by excuses and accepted (and supported) by public. ///
melurian, how long more do you think the government can keep on bailing out failed Bumi companies? When is the oil & gas running out?
“Singapore was small, they rationalised and therefore easy to manage. Singapore was not a state but merely an island.”
Being this the reasons, lets choose the state that its size is comparative, plus or minus. Measure the cooporate governance of this Malaysian State vis-a-vis to Singapore ever since independence. Is it close enough to compare???. Touch your hearts, Mr Malay of Malaysia and answer this simple question in the relation to your faith that you are “professing” in the name of your “Malaysian” Allah(trade mark for Malaysia Only).
melurian,
congratulations. u just pass with flying colors the kind of minds the government wants!
“the star reported today the government is setting aside RM3 million for young Indians to be entrepreneurs. the Indian community is elated with the huge windfall and is grateful for the opportunities for the young minds.
turning to news at the state level, the executive committee of terengganu has just announced that it will set aside RM3.4 million for the purchase of 14 mercedes benzes as personal rides for the executives. the selfless officials are elated with the huge windfall and is grateful for the opportunities be served by the rakyat.
more news on the national front, the star also reported the police has raised the issue of receiving inferior quality in the shipment of RM100 million worth of equipment. the complaint negates a recent euphoria in the huge windfall and opportunities to use the best gear in meeting the needs of a massive traffic jam and navy seal styled capture of the anwar.
turning our focus to the business and employment news, the federal government released today a report there has been, more than ever, applications for government jobs this year. this is positive news for all as it shows more young minds are taking a serious look at the civil service. on a related note, the economy to-date has been encouraging as malaysia’s gdp is still larger than that of singapore’s. debt is holding up at a healthy level as this allows for a larger denomination of the ringgit currency and also allows the printing of more money.”
Congratulations, melurian, you have gone a step ahead of Mike Tyson, who still has difficulty understanding English. The comment about “average decent government” being able to propel Bolehland past Singapore is debatable, but what we agree upon is that we have had mediocre governance for the past 30 years.
“……..is the fact that Malaysia can easily be better than Singapor in a lot of things that currently Singapore beats us at.”. megaman.
How so? The only advantage that Malaysia has is land size and natural resources given by Tuan Allah.The rest of the items mentioned like average pay, health care,police army or police,pray tell how Malaysia can easily be better than Singapore for these are not naturally given things.
TheWrathOfGrapes,Sir,
China has even a far larger economy than all those countries mentioned by you.Her GDP is 3.42 trillion.To further assist melurian to comprehend this figure 1 trillion is 1,000,000,000,000 and 1billion is 1,ooo,ooo,ooo.
But I don’t understand,sir,how come you find many china girls coming here making many of our men really happy in Malaysia! China is very rich,what!!
Yes, AhPek, correct, correct, correct. In fact, China’s economy is even bigger at 6.99 trillion on a ppp basis. By the same token, Indonesia is also very rich with GDP of 837.8 billion. Indonesian are so rich that they have to smuggle themselves across the border to become illegal immigrants and to rob and bludgeon AhPeks for their money. And don’t forget India – also welly welly rich with GDP of 2.989 trillion.
TheWrathOfGrapes,I think all these happenings ie people from all these rich countries coming here to make our men happy and also coming in as illegals to rob our people are getting a bit puzzling and confusing for our brains to comprehend,perhaps we should ask melurian to tell us how is that so.
Those who still think Msia had a bigger GNP than Spore, U are wrong, if go by nominal value. Msia GNP is bigger only if we use PPP value. Melurian ! Wake up lah ?
The last time I had the opportunity to go to Singapore was in 1994. It was one of the places that I visit a lot during my primary school days. Normally as part of our trip back to my father’s hometown in JB, we will normally drive to Singapore and stay there for a night or two at either our relatives or at my mom’s friend place. After 1994, most of my relatives have decided to go back and stay in Johor and my mom’s friend has since move back to Germany. So, when I was given the opportunity to go to Singapore for a conference recently, I was quite excited.
Singapore to be brutally honest was impressive. No cities in Malaysia can be compared to Singapore. Being in Singapore is like being in a European city. The only thing that brought me to reality that I was in Asia is the weather. The first thing that I notice is the cleanliness. Over the years I heard a lot of people talking that Singapore was clean and you can hardly find any rubbish lying around. I guess the Republic strict enforcement was to be blame for this. But it is actually a good thing. I would prefer to have a clean country than a dirty one. Some politician might say that Malaysia is still cleaner when compared to Indonesia or Thailand. I actually don’t care about who we are cleaner than. What I care is how to improve and surpass the one above us.
I went to the Singapore Central Business District (CBD) that afternoon. Riding the MRT, I couldn’t see how the landscape of Singapore was. But emerging from the MRT station at Raffles Place, I suddenly had the feeling that I was now in New York. Around me were tall buildings, most of them owned by banks. I was in the middle of the CBD. There was a small garden there which I assume where the office workers around here would sit and eat their lunch. The environment was impressive. The planning was superb. You don’t see any building that is foreign in that area. It was a fruit of thorough planning.
Later in the evening, I walked from the CBD up to Clarke’s Quay, along Singapore River. Clarke’s Quay is the home of G-Max reverse bungee. It looks like a fun ride but I dare not to ride it since I have acrophobia. Besides that, there are a lot of tourists hangout place here such as bars, clubs and restaurant and amongst them, Hooters. This place was packed with people despite being a Monday night. Most of them are foreign tourists, but with Singapore having so many foreign expats, it is almost impossible to distinguish them apart. This is a stark contrast compared to KL, where hangout places such as in Jalan P.Ramlee are pretty much empty except for weekends.
However, despite all this impressive development that Singapore has, one thing that really caught my attention is how people in Singapore treat each other. People in Malaysia are always given the idea that Singaporean is racists and apply double standards against the Malays. Malays in Singapore are treated badly and all preferential treatment is given to the Chinese and Indian. My personal experience and through conversation with Singaporean themselves is a stark contrast from the rumors we Malaysian hear back home. They are actually living in harmony. No clear tension appears in their society. The basic rule there, which is the same in any developed country, is that you have to earn anything you want. Be it wealth, respect, position or even benefits. Basically you compete in a fair playing field.
Comparing Malaysia to Singapore is a taboo for Malaysians. We keep saying that we are better than them. In my honest opinion, we are currently 10 years behind them in almost all aspect. Malaysia and Singapore was on equal level before 1995. After the financial crisis, we are still crawling but Singapore has actually sprinted to become a developed country. Our leaders keep saying Malaysian need to copy or take some European countries or US as a role model in our quest to become a developed country. You don’t actually have to look far. Just have a look south of our borders. Instead of copying Japan or Korea, we should take Singapore as example and improve ourselves.
My view on Singapore
Posted by d.E. under Trips | Tags: cbd, clarke’s quay, malaysia, mrt, singapore |
http://papabear959.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/50/
/// melurian Says:
Yesterday at 11: 07.09
still, do you agree malaysia (on current situation) “richer” than singapur? malaysia with higher gdp, with higher revenue is richer than singapur ? I’m not saying malaysians, but malaysia as country.///
melurian, I finally figured out your logic. Silly me, how slow of me.
So, by your logic, the total IQ in your family of 10 members is 800. The total IQ in my family of 4 is only 600. So, 800 > 600. Therefore your family as a whole is smarter than mine. I am not saying your family members’ average IQ, but your family.
No wonder I am so slow and couldn’t keep up with your superior IQ. Hit myself on head. Duh…
Brain drain is present in both countries. However, I believe there is a net gain for Singapore.
Anyone knows the facts if my gut-feel is true?
Singapore has a dominant Chinese population. … a significant of them from Malaysia. Recently a Malaysian won the top prize as one of the best food stalls.
A few of the current batch of MPs are from Malaysia.
There are persons from Malaysia who are successful in Singapore and it is seen in all levels of the society, from food stalls to MPs.
Chew on that and we all get indigestion.
melurian 11 07.09
You are correct, Malaysia is richer than Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Singapore etc, in terms of GDP. I am glad that you think this way.
Likewise melurian will say a family of 8 with a household income of RM3000 per month is better off than a family of 3 with a household income of RM1500 per month. Why not after all RM3000>RM1500 right or not? You think I am stupid,meh he’ll say.
There is a common saying among Singaporeans, ” Luckily for us, Malaysia is governed by the so called Umnoputras. Otherwise, we Singaporeans would have nowhere to stand”
‘Golden Service’ should now trim its fats
I would suggest that:
1) All govt. servants grade M54 and below travel on economy class flights, and Jusa C to A travel on business class flights, only Turus on first class, on official duties & training(domestic & abroad). A side-effect of accelerated promotions – MAS golden lounges now crowded with civil servants, some barely 40; not unlike the flock of young(baby book-keepers) CEO of GLCs(TNB,TM,Maybank +) from Khazanah’s coop.
2) Oversea trips for participants of Jusa courses should be replaced with visits to domestic destinations.
3) Prevent attendance at the regular RM 4000 per head 3 day courses(on negotiation skills -the lack of which had resulted in our loss of Batu Puteh!) by the Harvard Business School, Charles River Centre (previously attendance was ‘paksa-rela’ through a letter from PM’s dept.).
4) Check abuse of office cars(including free petrol); some head of depts. are accused of enjoying the previlege of using 2 perdana V6 – 1 as official car for head of dept. and another kept at home,reserved to be purchased on retirement at a nominal price.
5) Indispensability of senior govt. servants – propose YB to request facts on no. of govt. servants (by grade & position)whose services have been extended(on contract), in certain cases a few times, and provide rationale for such extensions. Such incidences demotivates the others and encourages propagation of the ‘old ways’.
6) Excessive time away from office by Head of Depts – on field trips and ceremonial functions(opening/launching ceremonies of activities – eg. training sessions, regional meetings, following ministers, visiting branch offices all over the country).
Suggestion: their out-station activities should be approved by the KSN and their monthly travelling claims should be verified by the same. A summary of the annual total of such claims should be documented and presented to the KSN, while the details should be scrutinised by the Auditor General.
The Auditor General Report is but a piece of scrap paper not acted on by anybody only fit to be put away to gather dust.That’s how screwed up this country is!!
siapa cakap norway, sweden, swiss gdp > malaysia. sweden, norway, swiss gdp > 400k. malaysia ~180k. singapura ~160k. ape cakap. malaysia got petroleum, rubber, palm oil, agriculture, manufacturing factories, it’s obvious malaysia is richer than sgpura. and the country afford to lose millions and billions and still cool about it. so wat sgpura has huge reserve, esp in u.s money, when they store in u.s money, it’s u.s money anyway. it’s like to put your money in bank and don use it. where as malaysia use the “income” to fatten the gov ppl, mansions, build nice infrastructure like klcc and penang bridge – money it’s not like arak, it’s wise to spend it rather to keep for donno how long…..
Dear YB LKS,
I had trained in UK, then served in the Corporate world in Singapore in the mid 60s to the early 70s under LKY with his mentor Dr Syed Hussein Al Atas heading the UM there.
It was tough initially as a Malaysian Malay, but the experience & lessons I learned whilst working there…..a Billion dollars cannot buy me the “Corporate Discipline, Training, Responsibility & Accountability to be the “Leader & the Best” in one’s “Vocation”.
It was well worth the “Blood, Sweat & Tears” which allowed me to later enjoy the “Fruits of my Hard Labour”, including my CPF savings in “Sing” Dollars .
Those were the qualities that I still maintain & had impressed upon with my children when they were younger & my grandchildren now.
LKY is a top Academic scholar, a Professional & an astute Politician who had worked hard & struggled in the early years after the breakaway from Malaysia with no natural Resources to talk about.
In comparison to Malaysia with all its Natural Resources, etc under 05 PMs since then….
LKY had his many “Trials & Tribulations” in his time, but he quickly recognised the shortcomings & rectified/refined the policy/ implementation to make it successful.
LKY single handedly managed & guided Singapore to be the Leading Asian Hub of Economic, Financial, Professional, Academic & Educational Excellence, etc. within four deacdes.
One can call it “Democracy”, “Guided Democracy”, “Autocratic”, etc but he managed to CONTROL the situation to achieve the IMPLEMENTATION Phase & the SUCCESS of the POLICY to BENEFIT its CITIZENS ie the MRT, the HDB, the Highways, etc
His cabinet Ministers & Civil servants would rather do unto themselves for any wrong doings than face LKY – that is what I call “Acountability & Integrity to “Achieve” the nation’s
“Aspirations”. The Taxpayer’s money well spent on any projects for the benefit of its citizens.
LKY is a well respected “International Statesman” who has succeeded and achieved his “Aspirations” to put Singapore on the International map as the Premier “Asian” nation to be reckoned with Internationally.
Today I am enjoying my profession in the Global Corporate scenario
with that Discipline, Integrity, Accountability & qualifications, experience, etc speaking for itself in the Global context.
Yes, We could have saved “Billions” of our tax money over the years, if only our BN government had put their “Ketetuanan” Ego aside to Acknowledge & Accept their “Shortcomings”, Learn from , affiliate with, form an Alliance with their Singapore Partners, etc….
Today, our BN government has literally sold out our National assets , Telecommunications, Databases, etc to Singapore such that Singapore can “Strangulate” Malaysia in more than one ways without even crossing its borders.
If Malaysia continues on this “Trajectory”, one of these days….Malaysia could become part of the Singapore-Batam Archipelago. No?
Do we still want to blame Singapore, Sabahans, Sarawakians, the Chinese, Indians, Malays, etc for Malaysia’s WOES ???
Here’s something to ponder –
10 Sins Against Humanity :-
1. Politics without Principles…
2. Wealth without Work….
3. Enjoyment without Conscience….
4. Knowledge without Character…..
5. Business without morality…..
6. Science without Humanity…..
7. Religion without Compassion….
8. Rights without Responsibility….
9. Power without Accountability….
10.Development without Sustainability
flyer168 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Hey everyone,
No need to argue on which country better. The truth is already out there. Even yourself have an answer. Just accept it.