The Truth About the Malaysian Economy?

Malaysians seem particularly blind to the problem of income inequality in our society. It is not a commonly known fact, but according to the *Gini coefficient, which is a measure of income inequality, Malaysians have a wider disparity of income than other basket cases in the region like the Philippines.

In case you’ve just returned from planet Zartok and haven’t yet noticed the state of the Malaysian and Global economy, you’d better get over the jetlag and literally come back down to earth. The Global economic meltdown plus income inequality are surefire ways to set things off, if it hasn’t yet happened.

The true problem with income inequality is that it generally indicates a lack of economic opportunity. Poverty is a problem which cuts across all races, across all communities. There is a reliable economic case to be made for fighting poverty.
There are also people who readily buy into this worsening economic hell saying, “What to do?” It’s not my fault that I am financially incapable. I come from a poor family, and I didn’t get the chance to study abroad or get a university education like so many others.” Then there are those who do come from rich backgrounds and who have attended university but chose instead to be useless slackers – but yet have jobs and seem to go on to drive flashy cars and penthouses that overlook the little people.

This is what is it. Bow our heads in shame because as Malaysians, we should be ashamed not just that we have worse income inequality than the Philippines, but that in our society, which family you are born into is such a strong determinant of what you will grow up to be. That doesn't have to be the case, and it should not be the case.

Note: (from Wikipedia): The Gini coefficient is a measure of statistical dispersion most prominently used as a measure of inequality of income distribution or inequality of wealth distribution. The Gini coefficient is also commonly used for the measurement of the discriminatory power of rating systems in credit risk management.

Fire those Idiots!

The last time Asia was in an economic crisis, some American quarters cautioned against bailing them out. Because of this, many companies went under and many giants had to merge in order to weather the economic storm. However, a different tune is being whistled now. There are various large companies in the US that were in danger of going bust have been rescued by financial institutions – and we’re talking billions of dollars here.

If you think that the banks are funding everything, please wake up. It’s the tax payers money that is keeping these companies afloat. They should fire the idiots who were put the run the show in the first place – and get in some new blood who know what it REALLY takes to run a company.

Is the World Coming to An End?

It really seems like we’re on the verge of an Armageddon. Things were already starting to unravel many years ago, but it’s more obvious now because of the short space in between each disaster. And the disasters I’m referring to does not just apply to droughts, floods, tsunamis etc – I’m referring to the political upheavals that have left many countries stranded and its people lost.

Disasters also mean the current state of the world economy that has caused a domino effect of bad situations across the globe. How many large conglomerates are crumbling or are on the verge of going bankrupt – or already have? Imagine the losses in dollars and also the hundreds of thousands of people who are jobless overnight. Looks like one doesn’t need to die in order to go to hell. It’s already hell on earth.

What an Uncomfortable Meal?

Take look at the picture above. How does it make you feel? When I saw it for the first time, I thought to myself, “What an uncomfortable meal this must be.” What could they possibly be thinking at that moment. Would be interesting to know…

The Rakyat Deserves A Free Country

This is something we already knew we deserved and thought we had, but you are wrong. If you think that freedom only exists in the concept of being freed from communists and what not, let me just tell you that there’s more to life that that.

What I mean by a free country is that we as a people will not have to pay such high taxes and on top of that pay for increased electricity tariffs, and of course – the toll. It’s all fair enough that in order to build a country you must tax the people etc…but I think we’ve done our fair share of payback.

It’s no secret that tax payer’s money is not being utilized wisely. Look at all the ugly colored lights in shape of flowers that look like they’re on steroids and you’ll know where a percentage of your taxes are going to.

If only this country could be run like a well-managed business it can become a global force to be reckoned with. We have the earth’s most expensive resource – oil, but it sure doesn’t seem like it though because we are still paying through our noses and just about every other orifice that we can be squeezed for more from.

Maybe I’m not alone in thinking that taxes here are paid to fund the corrupt and to pay for numerous supreme council meetings so they can sit on comfortable chairs and have 5 meals a day while debating over inane and asinine matters – such as deciding to suspend certain people for 3 years, when the answer is really quite obvious already.

If the new government coalition hears this – please make a change. Renew our faith in a lost system and show us you meant everything you said about a positive change and equality for all.

Congratulations! We Made It

The much talked about day has been achieved – some may like it and might hate it. Be that the case, one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be a livelier Malaysia and I daresay an even more united one. With all the crappy things that have been happening over the years, it has become very difficult indeed to see the country for who She really is.

We are a fortunate nation in many ways – for one we don’t have to run for cover from earthquakes and civil war. Having said this, there are also many
things that need to be straightened out as well – the education system is a big problem right now, in case you hadn’t noticed.

Unstable education or not, there’s no denying that Malaysia is still the most secure Asian country in the world (we do have our own water supply). We just haven’t been seeing it because of the wool that has been pulled over our eyes for many years.

“The people are learning that you cannot leave decisions only to leaders. Local groups have to create the political will for change, rather than waiting for others to do things for them. That is where positive, and sustainable, change begins.” – Wangari Maathai: environmental and political activist and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Day Before A New Malaysia

There is a belief that some of us see a light at the end of a tunnel just before we kick the bucket. It seems that we are all about to see a huge light pretty soon because it’s finally the end of old Malaysia - and this is one time we can look forward to death with some enthusiasm. It’s time for Bangsa Malaysia to rise from the ashes and be a magnificently great people. The light you’ll see is not the one at the end of the tunnel, but the beginning of a new era - an era of equality, respect, transparency and accountability

Why We Must Make Decisions

Taking up from where I left off at yesterday’s entry, let me add this – there are also many people who do not make decisions because they are afraid to hurt feelings, get into trouble or simply just do not want to do more by making decisions. Because when you make a decision, it’s a choice and a choice means accountability. And so since they don’t want to get shot, they usually send messengers to do their dirty work for them. I’m quite annoyed as I write this because decisions are not made to get people to like you. Whatever decision you make must benefit the entire cause – and not your selfish self. Think about that the next time you decide to pass the buck.

The Truth About Brutal Honesty!

There are some people who don’t like being honest because by being honest, it means they have to get out of their comfort zone. And these people like to feel good about themselves all the time and want other people to think they’re self-sacrificing and would do anything to keep the peace. Please stop being a doormat, start growing a spine/backbone and practice finding your voice so you can start communicating with the others around you and thereby stop living in a cocoon of denial and self-inflicted suffering and stress. That’s the essence of brutal honesty – when you tell it like it is. And you must be able to take as good as you give.

In order to lead, you must first learn to take brutal feedback with a thick face a good attitude. Don’t listen to feedback and then act like you’ve been fatally wounded and must now retreat into a corner and lick your wounds – or get ready to die. You have to see that you are not as ready as you think you are and it’s going to take awhile to get where you need to be. When people are brutally honest, ESPECIALLY those who know you, they obviously know what they’re saying because they see you on a daily basis. So listen and learn.

We Need to Do More!

Has it become fashionable to overpromise and under deliver? Over the past couple of months I’ve heard so many people affirm they’ll do something, only not to carry it out as they should. If I were to gather these people and make them speak collectively, they’ll inflate a hot air balloon in no time.

It’s time to stop talking so much and start acting by applying whatever skills, effort, time and readily available resources. Oil and gas companies for instance can help with some petrol vouchers for NGOs and other charitable organizations. Hypermarkets can easily do the same with food vouchers and education institutions can help out with scholarships – for the really deserving that is. NOT some Datuk or Tan Sri’s son/daughter who can easily do without the scholarship since they’re going be sent abroad on tax payers money anyway.

It is acknowledged that there are already various companies providing for the people – but so much more can be done. As for me, my company provides free training and motivational talks in schools, colleges and universities. We also conduct CSR activities throughout the year for children’s homes. And yet, I’m always telling my team that we need to do more. And we will. Doing more is never a bad thing – but make sure you carry it out. These are people you made a commitment to.

The Rakyat is NOT stupid!

It’s really insulting how some politicians undermine the people – regardless of who they represent, it sad to say that when it comes to politics, childish tactics are the order of the day. Of the very many underhanded choices to act like winging children, two favorites would be pulling a fast one on the rakyat just before the polling date and a host of mind games played that can spawn its own show.

Here’s some news for all these politicians who think they’re smart. These childish tactics are an insult to every single Malaysian. And if you don’t know it already, with the millions of blogs already out there, we are very aware of what’s going on. We are a lot smarter than you give us credit for. And you’re stupid for not realizing this.

outLOUD is Reborn!

Confidence is not as elusive as some seem to think it is. It becomes elusive because most people aren’t willing to put in the work and would rather spend their rest of their lives living in someone else’s shadow. outLOUD Studios is in the business of confidence – and this is something the company is very passionate about. So dedicated are they to instilling confidence in everyone that they’ve recently launched a brand new website packed with motivational articles, videos and even a community of people called outLOUDers.

A lot of hours, sleepless nights, and even tempers have been lost in getting the website up and running. If there can be a group of people so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of so many others in wanting to bring about a positive change all the name of confidence – it then doesn’t seem very much to ask that you make the most of it at www.outloud.com.my

Do I Trust You?

Trust is a very simple word and even simpler to do. If we just do what we say and say what we do everything will be so easy. Just deliver what you promise and don’t over promise and under deliver. This is a message for my family, my people and everyone else reading this post. The world is already such a complicated place – it’s time to simplify with honesty.

Is The PM Getting Fired?

Do you realize that many of the world’s leaders are getting fired? Don’t be fooled into thinking that “stepping down” or “resigning” means just that. Wrong. It means they got fired. It’s happened with Pakistan, Taiwan, Japan, Zimbabwe and Thailand – it’s just a matter of waiting for the next one to bite the dust. Now, the opposition party in Malaysia is saying we’re going to have a new government come Sept 16th, and that the fasting month won’t put a wrench in the wheels of what seems inevitable happening. The government however is vehement about rubbishing these claims repeatedly saying it’ll never happen. Who do think you will get fired next? We’ve not got long to wait and it’s just a matter of two weeks until all claims are put to rest.

P. S. I am really looking forward to it.

Rude “People” Who Need To Be Smacked!

Over the Merdeka break, I attended a wedding – and what a shocker it was. While I have encountered many rude people in the course of my life, I have never met so many rude people at one time and at one place. It was like the annual gathering for Rude People United and it was both amusing and annoying to watch them in action. It was as if they had just crawled out from under a rock or just discovered life outside their caves.

Come to think of it – some of them did look like leftovers from the caveman era. I mean – it’s not about being nasty – I strongly believe that you can be hottest looking person on the planet but if you have manners that belong in the toilet bowl then you’re downright ugly. But of all rude behaviors, the worst two would have to be the inability to express thanks to others and when you take someone from granted repeatedly. If someone has done something for you today – please thank them and show them how appreciative you are. Remember, they can very well choose not to help you.

Friends & Friendship

Somewhere last week, I received a message from an ex-course mate from Western Kentucky University. I hadn’t heard from him in years. In that same week, I received lots of messages on my Facebook from people I’d known while studying and working in US – and to hear from them again was great. All their messages were very uplifting, supportive and sincere - they were genuinely happy that I am doing so well.

I have friends whom I don’t have to call, email or sms on a regular basis but who will be up front and centre if I ever need a helping hand. My directors are the best type of friends anyone could possibly hope to have because they have stuck with me through the literally lean times and I know I can count on them to take the company to the great times ahead with me.

Don’t take the word friends and friendship lightly. You have to fully understand what it means, and be able to live the definition before expecting the same for yourself. And if you’ve found some pretty good ones – take care of them and never take them for granted. Unless you like the same being done to you.

Independence Today

What did you do over the Merdeka celebrations? Most of us would have used the long weekend to catch up with friends, family and maybe even on some sleep. As for me, I waited for the fireworks to end before thinking hard about what independence is to me.

Independence means different things to different people. It depends on your circumstances. If you were a physically challenged person, then independence might mean being able to look after yourself without having to rely on someone helping you get dressed and bathed.

If you were a teenaged person, independence might mean being able to get your driver license and buy your own car and live in your own apartment. If it were an elderly person, independence might mean being able to live in your own house without needing someone to do the housework and cook the meals.

I know many people who feel that independence is not needing to rely on anyone else for financial security. I think apart from all the madness which is contributed largely by the supposed powers that be, I’m hugely grateful that our is such a geographically safe country – the good food doesn’t hurt either.

Then I got to thinking. Does independence means freedom? Personally, I think feel the number advantage of being independent is having control of your destiny.

Merdeka Day shouldn’t just be a time of eye-popping fireworks and lots of food. I think it should also be a time of reflection as to the price that was paid for our independence. It should be the tradition of celebrating what past men and women have given for us. The true heroes are the ones who have given the ultimate sacrifice -- their lives. We talk about being a multi-racial and multi-cultural tolerant people. Is that true? We talk about unify the people but there are many who don’t see each other as one nation and we're still profiling.

In retrospect, there’s a part of me that considers it “Dependence Day" – because I sometimes feel that the government wants us completely dependent on them such so that we’ll always be needy and never be able to fend for ourselves.

To me independence means setting myself free from whatever that’s holding me back to achieve what I want to. It means never having to be a slave to anyone or anything and having the heart to fight for all that I believe in. Independence to me is: Freedom to Live. Freedom of Speech. Freedom of Choice. Do you know what it means to you?