Politically correct new year resolutions for Malaysians
By JASON LIM
As we close the year, let’s look back on 2005 and the issues that echoed in coffee shops all around Malaysia and see what we’ve learned from them. Is there any hope for changes in 2006? What should our resolutions be? Here’s some that I thought of. Feel free to add your resolutions to the list.
1. I will continue to support a freer press. Year 2005 heralded a new level of freedom for Malaysian media and government-linked newspapers felt less reluctant to take on the establishment with important issues that previously may not have seen the light of day.
2. I will continue to push for transparency and accountability in the police force and government. Scandals involving relatives of high-ranking police officials and claims of abuse of power made many headlines this year. Nothing new really, but when will change come?
3. I will no longer be lenient with animal abusers. The public has spoken out throuh petitions by the SPCA to increase the penalties for animal abusers to more reasonable levels but nothing has happened yet. Will more animals suffer needlessly in 2006?
4. I will steer ailing Government-linked companies (GLCs) back on the right track and embrace competition better. Huge losses by our national airline and car manufacturer are too much
to stand for. We’ve seen success stories in the form of AirAsia and Perodua, why can’t these be extended to our GLC’s?
5. I will have more respect for my fellow Malaysians and tourists too.
6. I will try my darnedest not to cut queues.
7. I will drive safer.
8. I will continue to use the Internet as a productive form of activism. Who said Malaysians were all about apathy? This year saw two enterprising Malaysians utilise the power of Internet weblogs to air their grieviences with establishments. One being ABETTERMALAYSIA and the other being ZoukAbuse. Whether their fights prevail is secondary, the point is, they did not sit down and cow.
9. I will seek out better rights for transsexuals and homosexuals. An issue that was once swept under the carpet has now been aired and put up for discussion amongst Malaysians. We’re still not sure how we feel about the issue, but a resolution
needs to be set and policies need amendments soon.
10. I will support the growing Malaysian arts scene. Go watch a Malaysian theatre production, art installation, independent movie or rock show this year. At least ONE.
—
JASON LIM is an assistant directorfor theCICAK.
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Comment of the week
I defend my right as a Malaysian to talk about anything that concerns Malaysia.
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I agree that we should support our local art scene more, be it theatre, dance, movies, music (independent bands) and off course, writers and poets.
However, one resolution I hope Malaysians (especially the man on the street) will take up is to become more politically aware and vocal on issues (less apathetic), least government officials and ministers become high-handed and arrogant in their dealings with the rakyat.
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Hope, there is little, if any, judging from the current socio-political scene, but if there is no hope, how one does live on…
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hmm well here are my ideals of new malaysia, listen to it you dont have to accept it, its just my ideals.
Point 2, is still something i’m currently learning or trying to learn more on.
Point 3 , well maybe it was just to entertain myself still wonder if i would preach it.Maybe…
Ideals of the first path.
1. a country will be run by dictators regardless of race or gender, so long as he or she does not cause decline in country they will continue to rule till they have issue a longing to retire, those who do not step when called to do so will be silenced.
2. the country will practise 3 economical concept, communism, socialism and capitalism, this works as so if a country is in economical decline communism is called, for the country to prosper capitalism while socialism is the buffer to improve other welfare such as orphans and general poverty.
3. Prisoners who have severe case will be re-accessed to be sent to the execution camp where they shall await sentence by hanging, gas chambers or lethal injection. Those with minor case will conditioned by various means including short electrocution. Criminals who are beyond repair will be tortured and executed.
4. To improve the people, education must re-accessed, a study will be carried out on observing the American, the Japanese, the British and the ancient Greeks philosophers.
5. Martial arts will be compulsory for all students, the early years of school will allow one to choose tae won do, karate,jujitsu, silat etc while the later will years the child will be taught ninjitsu to further to improve his/her warrior skills, he/she may leave after he completes the program. Children who slack during curriculum will not be able to graduate school until certain physical performance is met, system will be more reasonable for the physical impaired.
6. Ties between China, Japan, India, Thailand and other Asians countries must be greatly strengthened. Country must aim to attract investors from these countries
There will also be a new theme day to celebrate Asian culture all together, for one day all restaurants will serve all Asian food for free to mark the day of Asian celebration. In the long run Southeast Asia will be called New Asia.
7. Inter-racial marriages will be promoted extensively to assimilate and strengthen
bonds between people in so doing will call for a new Malaysian party to represent the people. UMNO, MCA and MIC will be abolished.
8. There will be means in an attempt to allow everybody to receive tertiary education in the long run.
9. A new think-tank organization will be performed to act as a adviser for the new
government or ruler
10. State religion will still be Islam, and muslims cleric who have diminish the good name willbe banished. True teachers of islam will be called on to this soil to teach and inspire muslims in hopes of breeding good proud enlightened muslims like the days before the Renaissance.
11. after has re-access education they may then continue to re-access military
and scientific technology
12. Parents with complicated sexual orientation will be re-accessed to see if they are fit to raise children. Our motto for this shall be “ Your children your blood, our children our citizens�
13. Equality for women will be carried out, the laws must be fair to the mothers of
our country.
14. Art movements are encouraged, artist and musical bands will be welcomed.
Movies at cinema shall not be censored after been given proper ratings.
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I have just one wish for 2006 and that is for our politicians to NOT utter any racist slogans in public, and hopefully too that they will refrain from doing the same during their own party meetings and general assemblies.
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Aye to all! Keep writing Jase!
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