20 Responses to “life, work and frustration”

1. spot, on July 14th, 2005 at 1603H Said:

   what about the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship? It doesnt seem to have the same eligibility criteria as the Endeavour one. In fact, the ADB website states this as part of its criteria - “Gained admission to an approved post graduate course in any of the participating academic institutions.”

2. jikon, on July 14th, 2005 at 1611H Said:

   spot: alas, the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship would only fund students in the National Centre for Development Studies at the Australian National University. I’m not in the National Centre for Development Studies. I’m in the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies. Furthermore, they do not fund for a Doctorate in International Relations - which is what I am doing. Details from the links on this page:
   http://www.adb.org/JSP/default.asp

   I think most of you would be hard press to find a scheme/programme that I haven’t yet considered and discovered, unsurprisingly, that I fall into a catch-22 situation.

3. Jay, on July 14th, 2005 at 2223H Said:

   -sigh- I don’t know anything about these scholarship schemes, so I’ve nothing to add to that.

   But as you pointed out, you did get some things out of this whole experience. Most notably, in my mind, a chance to regroup and run away from those painful memories for a little while.

   It’s not a PHD. But it’s something.

4. anon, on July 15th, 2005 at 0851H Said:

   hmm…can u apply for senior tutor in uni; teach/tutor + work in your related field?
   who knows
   maybe later the dept will give u the scholarship.

   but i’m umm not too sure bout this possibility though…but

   good luck jikon.
   hope you hang in there n everything comes out right.

5. Olaf, on July 16th, 2005 at 0459H Said:

   Well, this is not the best of situations but as your friend Jay is saying, even if you would not find a means to finance the rest of your studies, you’d still have enjoyed your time in Australia.

   You realise that if you’d seek employment with a university now, you’d be starting your academic career quite late and your starting salaries would be equally bad as those paid too somebody much younger and less experienced than you (and I don’t mean in bed!) as long as this person had the same education as you. That’s at least the rule in the UK, they value actuarial work experience at zero. So, even if you could not complete your studies, I’m sure worse things could happen.

   Have you had a chat with the department head etc. regarding the situation, maybe they’d be willing to spare you the tuition fees..?

   If the repayment terms of student loans are such that you only pay back annually a fixed percentage of your future salaries then you can borrow any amount of money… that’s how it is where I come from.

   The final straw would be to go fishing for a kind old gentleman with too much money on his hands and too little companionship…

   Hope everything will work out well.

   Oli

6. racheal, on July 16th, 2005 at 2134H Said:

   i am absolutely brain dead when it comes to things like these…

   but i did want to offer you a hug.

   ((hug))

   p/s you need to find a sugar daddy, and then pass me his number too. or vice-versa. i’ll let you know if i run into one.

7. dz, on July 18th, 2005 at 1634H Said:

   if this makes you feel better jikon love, i’m having a hell of a month. i have lost 3 kg no thanks to this. am tired. i am sure and positive something will come up for you. you’re doing a good job.

8. cool man, on August 2nd, 2005 at 1835H Said:

   We made a decision to migrate to Australia 15 years ago deserting my high fly corporate position with our three children.

   If history could turn back, we would still do the same.

   It is a joke when our three children are fully qualified in their respective professions, then our Malaysia leaders only realize that “Actually English is very important in this era of globalization, let’s go back to English again in our primary school for science and mathematics subjects”.

   It is fortunate that we had our own thinking and were able to jump out from this “black box” of trial and error type of management in practically every aspect of the government administration machinery. As a result, our children do not waste their precious years.

   Our children enjoy the experience of equal opportunity not only in education but also in employment. That has a very strong impact in character development because then they believe in themselves i.e. their own ability and equal opportunity available for personal development to the fullest extent. And they could fight for their own rights too simply because the environment encourages them to do so i.e. Freedom to think, and freedom to express. They enjoy their work in their respective professions and they have both close Asian and Australian friends.

   The Australian authority treats the problem of racial discrimination very seriously and takes action very fast. I still remember those days when my youngest son was teased by certain racial remarks by his schoolmate. My wife reported the case to the school authority and after a proper investigation, the Aussie kid was made to make a public apology to my son and was suspended a week from school attendance.

   Australia herself is a country of migrants from all over the world, the Britishs, the Italians and other Europeans also never give up their citizenships though they may stay for over many many years. If they tell you to go back to China, you have equal right to tell them to go back to whatever country they come from. “Fight for your right” is the spirit.

   What we are concerned is actually the management of the country. There is enough wealth to be distributed among all the people who can theoretically enjoy better education, better life and medical facility. But poor management and the evil “corruption” have eroded away what the people deserve. If people demand a change, “racialism” is always a powerful tool to protect the regime.

   The Australian government extinguishes any little spark that concerns racial issue. There are strict laws and they are very good in enforcement. The two party systems ensure no one monopolizes the government. If the government is not good, people will vote it out for sure.

   It is a land of plenty, and of equal opportunity for everyone. One will make his way if he is prepared to seize the opportunity and work hard for it. No one believes in “God” will give, and most believes the creation and reward from their own hands and intelligence.

   Though we pay high taxes, the future is more or less ensured as in case we are sick or in difficulty, we have all the assistance from the authority. It is the right for every kid in Australia to have the opportunity to finish his tertiary education if he could make an attempt and possible financial assistance is always there.

   Australia’s economy is very robust now and most graduates and school leavers are doing very well. My three kids who are qualified as professionals at a very young age are doing very well. They would not have achieved that type of level if we were to remain in our country of birth. Thank God!

   We face less racial discrimination in university and workplace in Australia than in our country of birth.

   The ironical fact is that we are being treated more a first class citizen in our host country than in our own country.

   Human rights, good administration, equal opportunity and transparency convince us that it is no point wasting our precious time in our own country.

   If you really miss our own country, earn and save more money in the host country and join the shiver hair program later on. If you have the money, any country will welcome you for sure.

   In general, it is an educated society. People talk not shout, and people reason not accuse and more over it is a much cleaner and more beautiful place to live. I am pleased with my decision and have no regrets at all.

9. run away from malaysia, on December 5th, 2005 at 1016H Said:

   Congratulations to you who have found happiness in your adopted country. You have made the wise decision indeed to migrate, and surely you and your family are enjoying every moment in of it in your newly adopted country.

   No doubt things are bad back home in Malaysia, especially those who are not born with the right skin color. Given the chance, I’m sure all the unprivileged ones would like to move away forever and forget about the mess back home.

   Alas, not everyone is that lucky. Migrating to a first world country is not easy (why should it be?). Most importantly, you need to have money. I’m sure most of you started off your journey away from home with a tertiary education at a university in your adopted country. How many people in Malaysia can afford to send their children to study overseas?

   I’m sure you can’t migrate just by telling the Australian immigration that you like their country so much and you were treated badly by Malaysia, at least not legally.

   In the animal kingdom, animals migrate for food and water. Similarly looking at the history, migration actually is a natural process in which mankind has continuously looked for greener pasture. Very few countries (maybe none) actually maintain pure single race especially at this age of modern transportation and the world is getting very small.

   For those who have migrated, farewell and goodbye.

   We do what we can and enjoy life in every moment we have.

10. yoy, on December 10th, 2005 at 0727H Said:

    I am a dental student in the US from Malaysia. Have been living in the US for about 7 years, now and I would like to share some insights that may help view things from another perspective.

    Lets consider few other interesting facts:

    A comment was made where even the Western countries are going through a phase of “Brain drain”. Let me tell you that it is not true.

    This is why. Countries like the US are continuously reaching out in welcoming more and more foreign citizens in all important fields such as engineering, IT and medical. They will never go through “Brain drain”.

    1. If you recently graduated from a dental or medical school in the US, regardless of where you are from, you are eligible to apply for an expedited green card. In fact, they will approve your green card almost immediately so that you can start working.

    2. All professors are encouraged to do research and studies in the summer and publish them. The more publication you have, the more likely you will receive a raise.

    3. US was worried from a report published few months ago that foreign enrollment for masters were dropping due to tighter visa restrictions. They admitted that less foreign enrollment would greatly affect the R&D of the country. Why? Most R&D is done by foreigners and they are greatly recognized for it.

    4. I know a South Korean guy who graduated from my school and went on becoming a dentist. Two years after graduating from dental school, he returned to my university to give a presentation. His English was fair, not that great but guess what, his 2 dental practices in the State of Utah, made US$3 million a year profit (not revenue).

    5. In Malaysia, the pay for a medical lab assistant with a bachelor is RM800 - RM1000. In the US, the pay for the same position is US$1800 - US$2400. And they do look at color actually. If you are a foreigner (with a permit of course), silently preference will be given to you……….because they are loyal and hardworking.

    To make it fair, even without converting the currency, we can see which country values its citizen and strives to improve their R&D. (Keep in mind, things are cheaper in the US than Malaysia……….without converting the currency……….You are lucky if you can buy a decent car……….)

    With all this said, if a person is qualified and have a family to support, why would they want to go through the trouble of “not getting promotion because of color”, “not getting admitted to university because of race quota filled”, and lastly after spending more than RM400000 on medical school, you are to spend 5 years slave laboring for the government, not knowing how you are going to pay the debt and support your family although you hold the prestige “Dr”.

    These are all things that distract from progressing for an individual and for the country. Our country is losing a lot of time and talent but subjecting all these on qualified individuals. So what you do, not let this effect your progression.

    We have to take care of ourselves first and after that worry about patriotism. Patriotism is not going to put food on the table or grow money tree outside my house.

    I am not planning on returning back to Malaysia (to settle) unless things change in Malaysia. But with the money I will earn, I can visit Malaysia every year and contribute to the tourism industry. When I reach the age of 60 and retire, then I will return to Malaysia.

11. malaysia too bad, on December 10th, 2005 at 0729H Said:

    My parents moved us to Australia because of the reasons discussed in post. They knew that when and if they had the resources to provide us with a fairer and better education - in a society that respects equality they should do it for our future.

    But you are right, everywhere in there world there is a minority of a population that receives rights and benefits, that may seem unfair or someone skewed on the equality parts of things and unfortunately it is a matter of ‘put up or shut up’.

    When asking my parents about Malaysia and hearing the sad betrayal they felt as a Chinese Malaysian, it saddened my heart. However, my parents still return to Malaysia to get more work and money because it is not easy for my parents to support 4 children studying in Australia all reaching the higher end of the education.

    My mother told me once when I asked why do we put up with this shit, and she said to me……….’You should never compare your woes and problems with luxury and benefits that are empty dreams, but be grateful that you are able to contribute something to society no matter how big or small.’

    The minority of a certain population who receives benefits are sometimes ‘beggars’ and do not appreciate what they have. However, life in this world is all about making what you will be proud of. That is why parents work hard, never complaining to provide for their children. Because they believe that it is serving a greater good. Lazy people have no sense of purpose in their lives - thus their lives are wasted.

    We should not hope for the same treatment. Because working hard and cherishing your hard earned success achievements and what you have is much better than having everything handed to you on a silver platter and never acquiring experience, knowledge and wisdom that will enrich your life much more than government tax luxuries.

12. vovo, on December 10th, 2005 at 0731H Said:

    The younger generations, even though they seem to know the theoretical rationale of the social contract and try hard to live by it, do not have the same understanding of it as the older generations do.

    Poor people are poor people, rich people are rich people - no matter which race they come from. Justice and compassion prevails when rich people recognise their responsibility to the poor and the poor use the benefits given to them to better their lives.

    Fair and equitable distribution of the prosperity that we enjoy in this country will ensure that our peace and harmony survives. That would probably require a mindset shift within our society.

    However, many have experienced frustration under the Malaysian politico-social system, which has failed to recognise their contributions and skills, or ignored utilising them appropriately for the national benefit, or stymied their business ventures.

    Many of these people have migrated to another country where they hope to be more appreciated and where their children may enjoy a better chance of succeeding in life.

    We should resolve why the Chinese-Malaysian population is reducing. Official figures have more than one million Chinese Malaysians emigrating over the past 25 years. Why did they emigrate? I am sure the government knows.

    While we push young talented people away, other countries notably Singapore, the US and Australia welcome them with open arms.

    About 30 percent of top management in both Singapore’s government and corporate sector are ex-Malaysians. We export them so that Singapore can compete with, and then whack us.

13. fong yap ong, on December 12th, 2005 at 1425H Said:

    I have always seen Mahathir as a personification of all that is evil? An overkill description but then if you put down the damage he has done to democracy than you would understand.

    He suppressed press freedom, emasculated the judiciary, abhorred free speech, detained his opponents under the ISA, and made the entire police force and judges to his pet poodle.

    The country lost billions of ringgit under him. Never forget how he humiliated Anwar. His own Umno ministers feared him and never dared question his opinions and views.
    Print and electronic media never had one critical word about him.

    He was made into a demi-God. He was a virtual dictator.

    Now he talks with his second tongue because he is despised by his party. He is actually a nobody that even the Proton management ignores him. He deserves even a more severe ignominious treatment and an exit to hell.

    Looks like we are pouring too much adulation on Mahathir for the Twin-Tower, MSC, highway etc. Any PM worth his salt would have done them as Malaysia had to progress with the rest of the world. With the money we had in the coffers, it was possible to implement all these programs.

    But look at his colossal failures - tangible and non-tangible. He dismantled all democratic institutions and the rule of law! He lost billions in countless business ventures and megalomaniac dreams.

    If he had been a good PM as some claim him to be, then the present PM would have had no difficulty taking over the reins.

    Today Pak Lah is running hither and because Mahathir did not lay a strong democratic foundation for its continuation. The transition would have been smooth had Mahathir been a “good” PM.

    Remember Mahathir was No 1, No 2 and No 3 in the old government. There was a vacuum left after him. Thus, Pah Lah’s current predicament!

    Ketuanan Melayu and Islamization will go hand in hand and surely this cannot be a good ingredient into to take - “the nation to great heights in terms of achievement and prosperity, well respected and a choice destination for business, education, holidays and immigration”.

    MSC: A good idea, but lacks implementation. Our International Advisory Panel said so, and surprisingly, what was done and what was the result? They are still saying we lack the manpower, and most of the knowledge workers here! Why?

    National car: Did you know that we are subsidizing a corporation’s immature venture overseas? Did you know that Proton costs dirt cheap in London? How is it ever possible that our Malaysia living standards can increase when we are subsidizing Proton, and indirectly, the British?

    Highways: If we didn’t use the money on the white elephants in mega projects, perhaps we will be driving toll-free roads today?

    Authoritarian government carries a huge risk if the objectives and goals for the country and her ordinary people are not achieved. Ordinary people will suffer for many generations to come as a result of failures and losses e.g. Indonesia, Laos and many African countries.

14. molisa, on December 12th, 2005 at 1426H Said:

    I am a female Chinese Malaysian, living in the Washington DC area in the United States. I have read many of the letters that often talk about foreign countries when the writers have no real knowledge of actually living in those countries.

    Many draw conclusions about what those countries are like after hearing it from someone else or by reading and hearing about them in the media or after four years in a college town in those countries.

    I finished STPM with outstanding results from the prestigious St. George’s Girls School in Penang. Did I get a university place from the Malaysian government? Nothing. With near perfect scores, I had nothing, while my bumi friends were getting offers to go overseas.

    Even those with 2As got into university. I was so depressed. I was my parents’ last hope for getting the family out of poverty and at 18, I thought I had failed my parents. Today, I understand it was the Malaysian government that had failed me and my family because of its discriminatory policies.

    Fortunately, I did not give up and immediately did research at the Malaysian American Commission on Education Exchange (MACEE) to find a university in the US that would accept me and provide all the finances. My family and friends thought I was crazy, being the youngest of nine children of a very poor carpenter. Anything that required a fee was out of our reach.

    Based on merit and my extracurricular activities of community service in secondary school, I received full tuition scholarship, work study, and grants to cover the four years at a highly competitive US university.

    Often, I took 21 credits each semester, 15 credits each term while working 20 hours each week and maintaining a 3.5 CGPA. A couple of semesters, I also received division scholarships and worked as a TA (teaching assistant) on top of everything else.

    For the work study, I worked as a custodian (yes, cleaning toilets), computer lab assistant, carpet layer, grounds keeping, librarian, painter, tour guide, etc. If you understand the US credit system, you will understand this is a heavy load.

    Why did I do it? This is because I learnt as a young child from my parents that hard work is an opportunity, to give my best in everything, and to take pride in the work I do. I walked away with a double major and a minor with honours but most of all a great lesson in humility and a great respect for those who are forced to labour in so-called ‘blue collar’ positions.

    Those of you who think you know all about Australia, US, or the West, think again. Unless you have really lived in these countries, i.e. paid taxes, paid a mortgage, taken part in elections, you do not understand the level of commitment and hard work it takes to be successful in these countries, not just for immigrants but for people who have lived here for generations.

    These people are where they are today because of hard work. (Of course, I am not saying everyone in the US is hardworking. There is always the lazy lot which lives off of someone else’s hard work. Fortunately, they are the minority.)

    Every single person, anywhere, should have the opportunity to succeed if they want to put in the effort and be accountable for their own actions. In the end, they should be able to reap what they sow.

    It is bearable that opportunities are limited depending on how well-off financially one’s family is but when higher education opportunities are race-based, like it is in Malaysia; it is downright cruel for those who see education as the only way out of poverty.

    If you want to say discrimination is here in the US, yes, of course it is. Can you name a country where it doesn’t happen? But let me tell you one thing - if you go looking for it, you will find it. But in Malaysia, you don’t have to go look for it because it seeks you out, slaps you in your face every which way you turn, and is sanctioned by law!

    Here in the US, my children have the same opportunity to go to school and learn just like their black, white, and immigrant friends. At school, they eat the same food, play the same games, are taught the same classes and when they are 18, they will still have the same opportunities.

    Why would I want to bring my children back to Malaysia? So they can suffer the state-sanctioned discrimination as the non-bumis have for over 30 years?

    As for being a slave in the foreign country, I am a happy ’slave’ earning a good income as an IT project manager. I work five days a week; can talk bad about the president when I want to; argue about politics, race and religion openly; gather with more than 50 friends and family when I want (no permit needed) and I don’t worry about the police pulling me over because they say I ran the light when I didn’t.

    How about you………….?

15. boleh, on December 12th, 2005 at 1429H Said:

    Good article!

    Congratulation to you.

    You are a great man, may God bless you in all your hard works.

    You would make Dr M to cry again. Though Malaysian Chinese students are discriminately barred from entering into the local universities in spite of outstanding results, they are forced to study overseas.

    Nowadays, the degrees obtained by these students are widely accepted, they can face the world-trend of globalization.

    They are not accepted by their own country, but they are welcome by all countries throughout the world.

    Singapore is not that great, but look at Malaysia; lots of natural resources, a larger population, yet still a 3 class world country.

    Come on, we achieved independence at the same time……..

    In Malaysia, you just need two things for survival - work hard for any given opportunity and have a right religious belief. The rest is history.

    Chinese Malaysian have no future in Malaysia.

    That corrupt, incompetent and lazy majority will run our beloved country to the ground.

    Emigrate if you have the chance to do so.

    Well, I am also one of them victim of brain drain……….and all my fellow friends……….

    I wish I am not a Malaysian and never wish that my next generations would suffer the same faith as I do……….

16. clear, on December 12th, 2005 at 1430H Said:

    Migration is not a dirty word and will never be. Even migrating birds migrate for reasons of weather and food.

    The long lost word “patriotism” is only an empty world for the politicians to achieve their agenda. If that is not true, then there would not be incidents we heard as follows:

    1. Minister got caught in Australian airport with bags of undeclared millions.
    2. Minister opens banks in Europe after retirement.
    3. Minister son’s multimillion mansions in Canada put up for sale after intrusion of thieves.

    Well even he is with a hidden agenda, can it be any worse than the current arrogant and unabashed abuse of power, an indifferent electorate, a muffled and depleted opposition party, a pliant press, rampant corruption and systemic dismantling of the vestiges of judiciary!!!

    Graduates from local “U” need to attend additional training course so that to tailor for the job offered. A figure of 90% unemployed graduates from local “U” and RM20 billion loans not recovered from local graduates.

    What is the actual problem of the higher education from Malaysia?

    BN has done a lot of damage in our education system. After 47 years of Merdeka, the standard of education in Malaysia is getting lower and lower. The academic standards of local universities are not recognized by the foreign countries. Our local graduates are unemployed totaling to 80000.

    What could BN cherish its achievements in education?

    Ministers send their children to school overseas meanwhile they want the rest to attend the so-called national schools and they could shamelessly say that is an individual choice.

    People migrate simply for the reason of equal opportunity and education for the children. Initially they have to sacrifice a lot, like business, job income or property. But ultimately they gain a good future for their children.

    Education is an important investment for the children and many people will get all means to achieve the end. It is a kind of if we can’t get one to the mountain, we will get mountain to the one.

    Now with the in competency everywhere in the country e.g. likes not even one doctor can perform a simple resuscitation among the 50 doctors who attend a so-called medical conference.

    Do you think you want to ask your children to come back to learn from these third rate masters? The country has slowly loosed her skill and knowledge without even realizing it.

    Until today, the argument of whether to use Chinese, English or Malay to teach science and mathematics still continues. The difference in knowledge vs. time is exponential and not linear and we have lost so much time already.

    We do not have to look far, just look at Singapore and Malaysia since after both got independence.

    Thanks to the borderless Internet, ICT and globalization, we could today have more choices and to a certain extent say what we think that is correct.

    We have to consider ourselves that we are global citizens and if we have the extra resources, we are more than willing to contribute to the humanity and those who are in need.

17. far girl, on December 12th, 2005 at 1432H Said:

    Well it just appeared on the google page when I searched for racism subject this afternoon.

    I have been in New Zealand for 15 years and I have no intention to go back to Malaysia simply because there is an equal opportunity here for everyone, and I don’t feel less ranked in the society.

    I am not sure if I am part of the cream but I do have both bachelor and master degrees, and I am currently serving the New Zealand community.

    I love the place I was brought up in (Sungai Petani) and the memory I had when I was attending primary and secondary schools, but the way the Chinese and Indian people are treated by the Malaysia government is just flawed.

    I have no intention to go back, until I see a non-malay PM.

    Way to go!

    Let’s celebrate the human spirit that strives against the odds!

    Persistence definitely bears fruits! And certainly they are sustainable and cherish-able!

    Universal truths!

    One got to be prepared to look for challenges, in any areas of your interest, beyond the shores of Malaysia.

    Malaysia’s economy is very small and unsophisticated.

    Australia’s economy is bigger than all of the South East Asia countries combined. Imagine USA and Europe!

18. cool lion, on December 12th, 2005 at 1443H Said:

    I am a former Malaysian who has lived half my life in Australia. I feel that it is incumbent on me to lay bare the cupboard as it were so that people can gain an accurate insight of what real life is like for an Asian migrant in a country like Australia.

    Like the many tens of thousands who saw no future for our children in the land of our birth that we deeply loved, we came to Australia with trepidation and heavy hearts in the days following the dismantling of the shameful and odious race-discriminating White Australia policy.

    Apart from free speech and the right to express one’s views without fear of any backlash, one of the first things we found was that race and religion have no place whatsoever in Australian society.

    After determining for ourselves in real life that there was no racial group that was regarded as being superior to any other group and that we had precisely the same rights as any other Australian, we determined to be even more productive citizens.

    The rewards soon arrived. Owing to their comparatively good results in the Higher School Certificate examinations, our children were in the envious position of picking and choosing the universities and the courses they wished to attend - and all for free.

    In return, Australia has benefited greatly from the high income taxes that our children are now paying in their chosen professions.

    In this regard, will be disappointed to learn that I do not own a business, let alone a prosperous one to hand down to my children. My children have to make their way in mainstream Australian life like everyone else - and so they should.

    It would be comforting for most people to know that in Australia it is unlawful to discriminate against anyone on color, race, religion or sex. Equal rights for all means precisely that - no ifs, no buts about it. Hence it is possible for anyone of any faith who so desires and is good enough to become prime minister of Australia.

    A large amount of the high taxes we pay goes towards the upkeep of the unemployed, the disabled, the needy and the pensioners. There are no freebies or special concessions for anyone else.

    As freedom is speech is recognised as a basic right of every citizen, migrants have no problems expressing their complaints or views of self-serving or corrupt or incompetent politicians or bureaucrats in the open media. An impartial judicial system exists for all to take matters further.

    Citizens have the right to preserve whatever cultural heritage, customs and language they are comfortable with and there are organisations set up to address whatever complaints and problems they may encounter in the pursuit of their traditional way of life.

    Pensions and other forms of welfare payment are issued strictly on a means-tested basis. If anything, the system has been accused of being far too fair and generous. Malaysian retirees and others who have not worked or paid any taxes in Australia have been known to receive pensions in Australia after satisfying the means and residential criteria.

    As race is such a non-issue in this country, nobody cares or bothers to pay any attention to the financial success or failure of any particular race in the community. To do so is to invite ridicule and scorn. After all, we are all Australians together.

    The same benchmark that is set with respect to educational and professional standards, opportunities, job promotions, asset acquisitions and so forth applies to everyone bar none.

    Given the special privileges accorded, apparently in perpetuity, bumis in Malaysia will clearly find Australia a turn-off. On the other hand, minority non-bumis who are not as fortunate may have a different viewpoint.

19. coolooc, on January 10th, 2006 at 0749H Said:

    First off, I (Malaysian) am a new migrant to Australia.

    My whole family emigrated here a few years back to ensure a better chance for my siblings and me to get good tertiary education. I am now at university doing a professional course, the entrance examination was done in a fair and meritocracy manner, without any hidden agenda.

    I’ve know what I can do for my country in the future, but the more I think about it, the more I begin to wonder: What has the nation really ever done for me? Does it really deserve my help now?

    How can one do great things when one’s own country won’t let one do medical studies even though one has scored straight As in the STPM? Heck, one doesn’t even need to talk about getting into a medical course. I know of one senior who scored all As and applied for pharmacy, but still failed to get that.

    How do you expect these bright students to feel when they are instead asked to do courses like ‘wood technology’ or ‘agriculture’? Sorry, but such reasoning, no matter what its basis, just doesn’t hold any water for me.

    I left because I am not bumi and I disagree with constitutional discrimination. Also, there is a world out there waiting for me to explore. If emigrants are labeled as traitors, what about corrupt business people and politicians who remain in the country?

    But think about it - it is our own salary that provides food and shelter while other social services and infrastructure etc, are financed by taxes - again, which we contribute to.

    Why would people stay if their talents are not recognised in their own country and they do not have the opportunities to develop their potential? Why remain when they can have these opportunities in another country?

    And yet countries like the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada and Australia accept millions of new immigrants every year. At the same time, their unemployment rate is high and definitely higher than Malaysia’s. So, what gives? Why do they take in more people than they need?

    As it is, there is a brain drain from this country, which has been going on for decades. If we cannot even retain our own citizens who have to uproot from the comfort of familiar surroundings, what hope do we have of attracting top foreign talents?

    The bitter truth is that the majority of this nation don’t see the need to change things yet and until then, we can do little about it.

    Humans have always migrated throughout history - ‘in search of better lives’. It is in our blood. Animals also do it. Some prefer to settle, others move on at whatever odds. The Chinese race is a good example of enthusiastic migrants. The Scots yet another.

    Patriotism is not a one-way thing, it is a two-way commitment. If one finds that one’s patriotism and loyalty is not reciprocated as having to live with a corrupt government, discriminatory policies, inhumane and repressive laws etc, one has a right to review one’s patriotism and commitment if one so chooses.

    I would like to stress that we are all independent individuals, and migrating is a personal choice which should not be condemned. We live in a free society and everyone’s personal liberty should be respected.

    In the US, anyone whether black, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Mexican etc, has the right to run for president. There are no restrictions, one only needs to secure the votes.

    Discrimination is a myth of the past era of ‘White Australia’. In reality, meritocracy is the only prevailing force in action. For instance, two-thirds of undergraduates pursuing medical degrees in Melbourne University and Monash University are Australian of Chinese origin from different parts of Asia. Isn’t this strong enough proof of Australia’s non-discriminatory policy?

    A better life to all.

20. cool man again, on May 26th, 2006 at 0707H Said:

    Here is the statistic from my own experience……….

    Of the same batch of students graduated during the same semester in my college in USA, only 3 of the 12 students returned to Malaysia so far. None of them intend to return in the near future.

    Right after graduation, my friend went to Melbourne to do her masters, with one objective on her mind, she wants to get a PR there.

    Of the 100000 or more Malaysians who have emigrated to Australia, most are professionals. Their off-springs more often than not, are some of the best performers in schools here (Australia).

    Someone mentioned that two-thirds of the community of practicing doctors in Singapore is Malaysian Chinese.

    Don’t forget Singapore’s Netwater……….That is founded by Olivia Lum, and presently also a nominated member of parliament in Singapore who made it only because she left Malaysia for Singapore!

    Our Malaysia country is so lucky to be blessed with abundant of very best quality resources including human resources. I leave it to you yourself to go and find out who is who.

    You name it and we have it. We just have a lot of very talented people from all fields, be it finance, IT, R&D, and etc. These people are highly sought by not just first world countries but the developing ones as well. They willing to offer everything they could even citizenships and needless to say about monetary rewards.

    I am pretty sure they (from Mahathir to Pak Lah) know about these very well and they even know more than what we do. But question is, why nothing could be done to curb the losses?

    NEP is the key, from the past until today, no Umno leader dare to bet on their entire political career by abolishing the NEP and revoking malay special rights.

    Our Malaysia competitive edges like better educated workforces, better financial and legal systems, better infrastructure etc, are no longer better. It is either being offered or better by other Asian countries which are hungrier than us.

    The developed countries like Australia know this and continue to pursue brain-gain policies which partly resulted in their 5% economic growth. Malaysia has not even reached there in its economic development and we are struggling with the current growth rate.

    For them to survive, they have to be global citizens. I am making sure they master global languages like English and Chinese. The world will compete for the brightest to maintain their edge.

    If one’s parents continued here Malaysia, it would have been such a waste of talent. Look around us, everyday you see such wastage in our human resources……….

    It is not a loss to Malaysia, as Malaysia simply does not have a culture and materials to nurture genius brains, due to its “non-competition policies” so to take care of fools……….

    Some person is lucky to have parents with a foresight who would be able to get him out from the black box on time. The right type of soil will produce right type of fruits. In Australia, he becomes a sweet orange, if he were to be in Malaysia, he would turn into a sour lime.

    I agree that has nothing to do with the Bolehland.

    If he were to be in Malaysia at this present age, our Malaysia leaders would simply tell him: “Oh! Sorry, actually English is very important, let us start all over again to teach English in mathematics and science subjects beginning from primary school.”

    The current Malaysia education system still incapable of maximizing the full potential of the younger generation (even the older ones). A revamp is needed!

    Go to the local premier university, see for yourself how the professors recruit research assistant, to help them prepare journal and PowerPoint. Then you will realise how the professors get the title. Afterward, you expect this kind of environment can nurture talent?

    Yes……….another Malaysia Boleh!

    Because Bolehland university got a quota to meet……….Because Bolehland lost all the talents with no regret……….Because Bolehland got double standards for everything……….

    What a sad, sad loss to Malaysia and its economy.?!

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