What internet service do people need?

What internet service do People need?   24/3/2013

          Does Najib really know what people’s needs are?  Otherwise, he won’t do such a clowning thing around giving those household whose income is below RM3000 half an hour free access to the internet service.   What is it for if that half an hour free access means you have to wait for half a day to reach for the service?  Isn’t it people need speedy access for the services?  Why is he still wasting time doing something that helps poor people very little to resolve their trouble.

          Instead, I think he should force these ambitious companies which just recruit on and on without thinking of their capacity to deliver to improve their services or they should  compensate their customers for the poor services.  He should prevent these telecommunication companies like Celcom, Maxis,………to earn at the expense of the consumers.  They just recruit on and on without any due care of their capacity to deliver.   They even dare to trick people to sign the new package with the promise of better services but they can’t prove themselves any better.  Thus many customers feel cheated but are helpless.  The consumers can do nothing but curse only.  But these curses can turn toxic when they blame the BN government for being too protective to these companies at the expense of the people.

          Time is running out for Najib but they are so many things Najib and his consortiums miss just because they know too little about the people they are dealing with.  

Compulsory pass in SPM English

Compulsory Passing SPM English           11Mar2013

          Passing SPM English is compulsory, so what?   Or is there any difference if studying English still remains doing commercially-produced English workbooks only geared to passing examinations / aiming to score As‘ results?  Learning English in both primary and secondary is still so ‘spotty and dotty’ , not holistic and systematic.  Why?  It is not goodlah to act so impulsively without thinking of the four main factors to pass SPM English meaningfully and properly.

1.    The ministry of education

2.    The English programmes

3.    The English teachers

4.    The examination system

          First, I think we should take a good look of our ministry of education which is the head of the whole system of education。  Our ministry of education is the body/organisation which will either lead us in good / positive direction or to the pit of torture/ torment.  Ng……should  we people question who are the persons manning the place?  Are they qualified and professional personnel who are committed and well-meaning all for the good and well-being of our students, parents, teachers, principals and all the other educators, people in general and prospects of our country?   At present is it untrue that  our ministry of education are manned by so clown-and-thug-like figures who have their hidden political agenda and motives to attain?

          Who is not fed-up with them who always make changes as soon as they implement?  In the Chinese language, we say it is “an order in the morning and a change in the evening.  [朝令夕改]”   It is something they do at will and in a hurry without any worry and so without meticulous thinking and planning.  After all who cares as they still fare on as well?   I hope and pray we will have a new form of government soon after the 13^th general election so that our new leaders will overhaul the system for good.

          Second, do we have  good English programmes like the ones in Singapore (the size of which is a dot in the world map)?   But they have the capacity many times bigger than that of us, do you agree?   I have read the both the primary and secondary English programmes in Singapore.  I wonder why  we can’t have the same / similar programme in Malaysia.  I don’t think we should feel ashamed to use/ adopt the Singapore English programmes in the primary and secondary schools here.  Actually, the Singapore English programmes have been used in almost all the English tuition schools in Sibu, Sarawak since 1980s.  Ask Wong Soon Koh whose family has been engaged in the business since the shift of the medium of instruction in Malaysia.  I can rest-assured to say that his English tuition centres, at least 3 branches in Sibu earned very well, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.  Now they are still doing quite well though they face some keen competition, too.

          Why do I recommend Singapore English programmes?   It is because there are a lot of viewing of text passages.  In the four language skills, i.e they are listening and reading in the input and speaking and writing in the output.  After  listening activities, learners have the chance to view the text passages.  Thus, learners have the opportunities to go through these language experiences / exposures to get familiar with the language structures and acquire the vocabulary used in the passages.  At the same time, they also acquire the speech sounds of the words being used in the activities. 

          For reading, there is a reading passage in each unit of the course book and another one in the workbook for language input.  They also have  Revionary Exercises to go with.  Imagine how rich the pupils /students there undergo through in the acquisition of the language.  For speaking, there is always an activity related to the topic in the unit for practice.  Besides reading for comprehension / meaning / understanding a passage, an experienced teacher would definitely like to sensitise learners of the tenses and structures used in the passage.  It is to learn grammar in context besides in isolation to get familiar with the forms of the words and structures. 

          For writing, of course, they have the model writing in each unit for learners to refer to before they write on their own.  Definitely, learners are encouraged to be as creative as possible.  It is the output in the speaking and writing that will engage learners in the thinking process.  It is through the thinking process that our students learn and acquire the target  language.

          Besides, there is always enough emphasis of grammar in each unit.  As we know grammar is the foundation of a language.  Similarly, they also stress on phonics for primary learners and phonetics for the lower secondary learners.   Thus, they have  systematic and holistic English programmes for learners to learn the language properly.   

          What about the English programmes in Malaysia?  Do our students go through as rich language experiences / exposures to acquire the language?  Or why is their English so poor? Ask Hisamuddin and Muhyddin Yassin to answer these questions. 

          Language learning is a process.  Hence you must have enough input in the listening and reading activities and then you can expect speaking and writing activities in the output.  There is, for sure, no short-cut at all in the language acquisition.  It is like drinking and eating, a life-long process.  Thus in 11-13 years of formal education, learners are expected to have acquired the language knowledge in the form of grammar, spelling, pronunciation, punctuation, intonation,  stress and the like. This fundamental knowledge is to prepare them for the life-long learning.

          Third, do we have enough qualified English teachers to carry out the programmes properly?  Yes, so they say they are going to produce N number of English teachers soon. 

        Qualified English teachers cannot help students to sit for the exams.  They can only guide them, drill them. facilitate  and help them to help themselves to acquire the language.  Teachers with a good programme at their disposal can only help realise it to the best interest of learners. 

          But how can they expect to implement the act to enforce the compulsory pass to take effect in 2015 /6 (which year?)?  Check how many of our Form Five students by 2015/6 , two / three years later can live up to this expectation.  Just check their language knowledge / grammar and vocabulary to find out.  Why do you always like to hurry like a hare and end up nowhere, arh!!!!?  Have you heard of the proverb “Slow and steady wins the race”?  And please work out  proper and holistic and good English programmes like the ones in Singapore or just use their programmes with their permission, why not?   Be humble, please.  Always be well-prepared and planned and have enough discussion with the public, especially the professional ones.

          Fourth, I think we all must recognise the fact that learning is to certain extent / a great extent / a full extent exam-induced.  (At present,  it is so exam-oriented and hence learning is so spotty and dotty in nature).  A good English programme should be holistic and systematic.  Hence,  English examinations should have the right focus on 25% comprehension (reading ability); 40% grammar (language knowledge); 10% on listening and speaking and 25% on writing.  There must be enough emphasis on grammar which is the foundation of the language so that learners will take this component of the language seriously. 

          To achieve the target,  I think a good reading programme should be introduced to our learners since small.  Reading materials may include newspapers, magazines, journal, story books and the like.  Reading to me is the best way to acquire vocabulary and gain general knowledge.  Almost all of our students who are poor/ weak in English have too little vocabulary at their disposal.  They read too little to command the language.  If our students have enough language knowledge (grammar and phonetics) and vocabulary as well as knowledge, they can deal with any topics at will on condition that they have enough language practices, too.  Believe/Trust me. 

Integrity Plege

Integrity Pledge                3/3/3023

          The article “Najib signs TI’s Election Integrity Pledge” (Home.  The Borneo Post.  21/2/2013, Thursday.) intrigued me so much so that my mind and heart just could not stay still until I started sorting out and drafting mentally before I type on my computer and blog and send to the newspapers.  So here I am near to you to deal with the news not too pleasant to hear though it is so clear of one’s stand and with no fear.  Life on earth here is short but we should make it fair and nice for oneself and others.  Hence we should learn to uphold Justice at all cost.

         

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister ……….Najib……..yesterday signed the Transparency International’s Election Integrity Pledge, making a public declaration to uphold integrity and reinforcing his commitment to the nation’s agenda in fighting corruption especially in the upcoming 13^th general election.

          Ng……..sounds good.  Hence I studied the people witnessing him signing his so declaration in the picture.  This really hit me to see Taib Mahmud, James Masing, Mawan …………… in the line behind him.  So……..he is backed by all these corrupt figures to declare his determination to uphold integrity and fight corruption.  Well……….is he going to be serious to deal with Taib Mahmud and his cronies whom we, Sarawakians 80% - 90% think them rea……………………………………lly corrupt?  They monopolise almost everything in Sarawak. How……………….is Najib going to deal with these demons who have committed so many evil acts of the devils?   

          Ee………. Where is Musa Aman (not in the picture), Chief Minister of Sabah whom we all believe that RM40million,  caught red-handed, the ill-gotten wealth that is held somewhere belongs to him?   The same question is HOW is Najib going to deal with Musa Aman, another headache?

Transparency International’s Election Integrity Pledge is a voluntary social contract where candidates who will be standing for the general elections, pledge to promote integrity, good governance, transparency and accountability in government to uphold the rule of law.

The candidates who signed the pledge agree to adhere to Election Offences Act 1954 and its regulations; and ensure that their actions and decisions are for the benefit of the general public and not self-serving. 

Under the ‘Further Information ’  section, right after the sentence.  ‘I am signing this Election Integrity  Pledge because:’  Najib wrote “I believe that as the BN leader I have to set a strong tone.  Only a candidate who is deemed to have fought clean and fair election will lead to a trustworthy government respected by the people”.

          Look, since 1954, we already have had Election Offences Act, but which elected BN candidates cares to uphold it and live up to it?  Otherwise, we are not being plundered and exploited all the time since time immemorial.  People are just as helpless as ants under the feet of those with the authority.  The Act we have are as dead as a stone.  What effect can we expect from the Pledge which may remain as words craved on the slate of the graveyard as dead as the Election Offences Act.  Ya, when the Election Offences Act has failed to deter the political thugs and clowns from being abusive, what power does the Integrity Pledge have to stop this offences?

          The BN candidates have practised vote-buying since time immemorial.  They used to this practice for the past elections be they state / national.  And they are so used to this norm already.  Tell me how they can break the  spell and drug-like addiction.  Corruption is like drug / cigarette addiction.  Drug / cigarette addicts need to go to the rehabilitation for treatment to get rid of this bad habit.  Corrupt leaders need help from the public to curb these evil habits of the devils, too. 

          Did Najib know that the Integrity Pledge needs the proper backups to come true?  First,  the 2 ex-Prime Ministers from Mahathir and Abdullah Badawi and Najib, Chief Ministers of different states, ministers and all the high-ranking officials as well as their families and relatives must disclose their wealth in cash and property for the past 31 years to date 2013 to be accountable.  Transparency works on accountability.  Why doesn’t Najib take this bold step to the pledge?  Second, without de-monopolising and so undoing the conducive environment to corruption and collusion, the Integrity Pledge will prove as useless as the Election Offences Act as far as trustworthy is concerned.

TI-Malaysia president Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan signed the documents as a witness, and also present at the signing ceremony at the Banguanan Perdana Putra were Deputy Prime Minister T……Muhyddin Yassin, Umno Secretary-General Datuk…..Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and the Barisan Nasional component party leaders.

The Pledge states that the candidates shall observe the principles of truth, integrity, ethical conduct and accountability including not accepting or giving bribes, or involved in any way in corrupt practices.

The candidates shall also uphold and give priority to the interests of the rakyat as a whole, practise good governance and transparency; and comply with applicable laws and regulations of Malaysia.

          Since drug / cigarette addicts cannot stop their bad /harmful habits by any pledges / promises unless they undergo through treatment.  I am 100% convinced to say that corrupt and abusive leaders cannot stop themselves from corrupt practices as they are so used to these habits already.  It is said, “Old habits die hard”.  Have you heard of the saying “Habits are our second nature/instinct”.  The ceremony of Integrity Pledges bring no harm to anybody though we see it but an act to perform.  It is just a make-believe that even they themselves are in doubt.

          For the past n years + 31 years, they have failed to practise and realise them in reality, what can we expect them to do so in face of such fierce competition from PR pact in the 13^th general election? 

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, the PM said once the BN nominees for the general elections are announced, he will ensure that all candidates will sign the pledge.  

“Nominees from BN and its component parties have gone through a review process with the MACC (Malaysian Anti-corruption Commission), it is fitting that they now take their commitment for clean and fair elections a step further by signing this Election Integrity Pledge.

“The responsibility of fulfilling the pledge lies with the signatories of the pledge and it is the prerogative of the general Malaysian public to hold them accountable to it.  Let us work together towards strengthening the election process, “ he said.

          It  no doubt sounds as good as the slogan “People first and meritocracy”.  But……………………………………………………………………………………………

What we behold so far to date is nothing  but mirages and dreams to fulfil.  After 56 – 50 (Independence)- (Sarawak in Federation)

He pointed out that as the pledge’s contact details will be available in the Transparency International Website, the responsibility of the public is therefore to be the eyes and ears the monitor their elected representative’s adherence to these standards.

Meanwhile when approached after the ceremony, Paul Low said the public could communicative the candidates using the contact information provided by them in the TI website http://timalaysia-electionpledge.org.my

          Now it is the time quality and efficiency in reality.  Have we not got enough evidences and proofs of the standard of BN government to do the work?  Here I have a few examples for you to refer to.  Please read the article, “Living nightmare for Ba Kelalan residents”  (The Borneo Post.  In February 2013.  Reported by Joanna Yap.)  For months, the people used murky water for drinking and cooking.   The people has complained about the problem but no action has been taken to date.  No BN leaders stepped forwards to solve the problems for these poor and helpless people.  Luckily, they have Baru Bian to turn to for help.

          In Sarawak, people still suffer “Risking their necks on muddy track of a road” .  (The Borneo Post.  Saturday, 23/2/2013.) .  I don’t know how many roads turn muddy during rainy seasons every year.  It has been going on since time immemorial.  Is there any improvement?  Let the people tell the stories. 

           “Road collapses following heavy rain” (The Borneo Post.  18/2/2013.) isn’t it also a common feature that we witness helplessly every year?  This incidence happened in Kapit, Sarawak.  Floods are so common everywhere in Malaysia though Sibu, Sarawak is quite flood-free now after some flood mitigation measures.  Thus when I see floods here and there, I only have the BN government to curse and blame as they are so abusive and manipulative to deal with floods.  I have here two newspaper articles for you to refer to ponder on.  Here they are:  ‘Flood woes in Kelantan can be reduced if ties between state and federal govts strong’.  I wonder if the ties between state and federal govts were not strong before 308.  Another case ‘Terengganu floods:  27 schools in state closed’  Terengganu is still under the BN government.  Am I right?  Why is it still plighted and plagued with the woes of floods year after year since time immemorial?  Are these not fools always with bloody floods?  Are the people not treated as fools?

          In Sarawak, lands being taken by Taib Mahmud and his cronies in the pretext for development / not have also become so common.  The frustration and anger of the landowners are well-felt by all the concerned Sarawakians.  We are with Bako landowners whose lands are taken by the state government but the compensations are delayed.  We expect proper amount of compensations to be given to them.  Taib Mahmud and his cronies should not take the people lightly anymore.   

          To break the curses / spell of the BN government, for sure, we need PR pact to compete to improve for the betterment and well-being of democracy to progress.   I hope all the people are in heart and mind to flush out the BN government in the 13th general election..

Breaking the spell of habit

Breaking the spell of old habits

          The Chinese have been asked to pay double taxes when the BN government does not fund the Chinese primary schools fully.  Asking the Chinese communities to pay for this / that has become a habit even if when each of the parliamentary ministers who have the allocation of 2 million a year just refuse to give generously to help the schools in need.

          The Chinese are so used to donating money to fund the Chinese schools since time immemorial without thinking whether it is relevant or not.  Look, Tiong Thai King being a Parliamentary minster is allocated RM2 million a year.  Ask him how much he has given to the Chinese Independent Schools, especially Sekolah Menangah Guong Ming, Sibu as he is the director of the board there.  On Friday, 13^th day of the Lunar New Year, I saw the troupe of Lion dancers from Guong Ming coming around the Central Market, Sibu to perform and get ‘angpows’ for the school.  Asking money from the Chinese community has become a traditional habit, I think.

        State assembly minister is allocated RM1 million a year.  Ask Wong Soon Koh, where is the money?

          Lately Kiew Nan Chinese Primary School in Sibu appealed for donation again to build more classroom and RM120,000 was required.  Tiong Thai King was invited to attend the Chinese New Year gathering.  I wonder whether he gave / not from that special fund RM2 million.  (Please refer to 25Feb2013  See Hua Daily News)

           华民小学 in Sarikei needed money to build the toilets but Ting Kwong Hiing (陈冠  ) MP from Sarikei could only donate RM20,000.  Again, the school appealed the public for donation.  Why?  When your MP has RM2 million at his disposal , yet he is reluctant to give out.  Why should the Chinese community shoulder this responsibility when your Parliamentary MPs each has RM2 million and each of the BN State Assembly minister has RM1million  at their disposal. 

          It is time the Chinese community should say,”No.” boldly and request Tiong Thai King, Wong Soon Koh and Ting Kwong Hiing to be more responsible and give out the money for good use.