Boh Tah Chek

Scholarship Woes

2006-05-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

Once the results of the SPM and STPM results are out, a lot of parents anbd students would be busy applying for scholarships. The excellent students would be applying diligently and with new e-applications, it is even easier. Thus the top-scorers would apply irrespective they are from the well-to-do or poor families. This creats a lot of problems for the PSD (Public Services Dept) or JPA in giving out the scholarships to the REALLY DESERVING students. And this year only 1500 scholarsips were given and the applicants amount to mote than 10,000.

Applications have been scrutinized strictly, according to the PSD. Awards are given to students who in addtion to performing well academically, must be active in their co-curicular activities plus excellent MUET results and commendable national services records. Yet on the day of announcements, a lot of resentments and disappointments are highlighted, not only in the webs but also in mainstream newspapers. This has become an annual affair. The students who get the scholarships are very happy. Yet,some would sulk a bit, saying , "I intend to do medicine in UK but given to do medicine in UM." . There is another who complained, "How come I got the scolarship to do Economics in Australia; but my schoolmate who got a distinction less was given to read Economics in London School of Econmics?"

The sad tales of course would be those who are unsuccessful. They screamed in front of the press that they have strings of A's yet they were deprived of the awards. "I would be happy if given to read Economics in UM, no need to do in UK." says one. Another one said, "I 'm not even asking to do medicine , just Psychology." One active student cried out, " I am the school head-boy, got straight A's, represnted the state in the game I excelled and have done the national services too. Yet I am left out." Sad tales are indeed plentiful.

The sadder tales were told in front of the press with the help of the politicians. This group sounds more deserving for the awards. "I am from the poor family. My dad is no longer with us and my mum supports the family by doing odd jobs in a restaurant." one student appealed. Another one mentioned, " I have straight A's and my dad is jobless due to the economic down-turn, have another 5 family members studying and right now I'm doing part-time job to supplement daily basic needs." The politicians were quick to say that they would finds ways to help this group and ease the parents' burdens in seeing the students proceed their tertiary educations. The politicians were certainly smiling and were sure to made some political mileage.

The saddest tales came from the "really, really" needy students. They are poor, diligent and have produced excellent results. Some were given, and as usual some were left out in the award list. One went to the press, " I am born a handicap and I have never swayed from my intention to get a good tertiary education. So I study hard to get straight A's . I want to study Economics with the PSD scholarship but was deprived just because I was in the Science stream." Another one said, " I am already handicap physically, and my family is merely taking a wage to see us through the day to on the day to day basis. Yet I am deprived and what is the point of doing well in the exams?" This group of students always finally get the attention of the PSD people, who will react positively after reading the news. Sometimes, some kind philanthropic-minded businessmen would come to their rescue and promise to see that these group of students achieve the tertairy educations.

Until now, actually noboby know how the PSD give out the scholarship awards. The criteria stated by the PSD is unclear and subjective. The interpretation of the terms is vague and only known to the selection panel members , who are given only two weeks to screen through more than 10,000 applicants and come out with the 1,500 successful names. Anyone who is in the panel must have wished that they would not be selected to be in the committee again. They are not thanked, yet being bombarded left and right by parents, press , bloggers, handicap people, non-government organisations, tax-payers and even students. Yet thay cannot say out their views and points to the press, becaust what they have done, is classified confidential..

Probably, the PSD should come out with a clearer guidelines to the application for the scholarship awrads. They could have stated that for the SPM holders, the applicants must have at least taken 15 papers and strike a minimum 13 As. That would reduce to a mere few hundreds applicants and sure these genuine applicants would 100% get it and be happy. Or applicants must have done the national services, then this is to make sure that PSD scholars are not NS shrickers. Or co-curricular activists must be ACTIVE at state level. At least with strict, tall orders l;ike these , the PSD may have only 500 applicants next year and there is no need to give out any rejection letters. Maybe the PSD would have to appeal for more students to apply. But I would suggest then that the PSD may give every successful applicant a year supply of the official breakfast, tea-break and supper "Teh 'Boh' Tarik" drink in addition to the scholarship.

Teaching in English Again

2006-02-27T05:49:00.000-08:00

Suddenly nowadays when one turns to read about educational issues, people start questioning the rationale of teaching Mathematics and Science in English again.

We have parents who are unhappy that teachers can't teach the subjects in English. Then we have students trying hard to cope the lessons in English or maybe Manglish. There we have teachers who say that they have been studying all the while in the national language and now unfair having to teach in international language. And then we have newspaper editiors receiving voluminous discussions on using the glocal language in teaching.

I just have a nice cup of "Teh Boh Limau" with a good friend of mine, Peng Yu. He simply enjoys this issue, which he says that is not an issue at all but something to reminisce.

Peng Yu laughs as he tells his experience when he was a student and continued his profession in teaching after he graduated. "I was lucky as my parents sent me to English school in the primary and secondary level. But, unfortunately, we didn't speak any English at all either in school or at home. We communicate in the lingua franca of the comunity , ie, Hokkien. We speak to friends, relatives, parents and even with the Malays. The Malays could even speak and curse in Hokkien better than us. At that time , we only follow the lessons in English and one subject in Bahasa Kebangsaan, a very low level of Bahasa Malaysia. But these languages were limited to in the classroom only. Given the slightest opportunity, we would converse, discuss, quarrel, swear and even complain in Hokkien. "

"We have very few opportunities to speak in English. There were even very few books available in English in school then. Although I would admit, I began reading some Enid Blyton's story-books in the secondary school, the compulsory Tom Brown's Schooldays literature text and some enlightening National Geographic, Reader Digest and TIME magazines. Hokkien is still the everyday's communication tool. Our Bahasa was so terribly lousy (manyak terok) and I could only think of the Dewan Masharakat as it was spelt those day and Mastika as the reading materials available. The BM teachers we had weren't even graduates, but merely 'guru lepasan maktab harian'. Their command in Bahasa wasn't any better too, except their phonetics . Those days many 'pengarah pelajaran' were once 'guru lepasan maktab harian'" recalls Peng Yu.

"Mind you, my school was not the best, but certainly the second best. We have form six science classes. At that time there were only one school having both streams in form six, and another girl secondary school having the privilege of having form six in the Arts stream. Still Hokkien was the lingua franca of the day. The English we were studying is an equivalent to the English 1119 then to become Communicative English 322 a couple of years later. And the Bahasa Kebangsaan were upgraded into Bahasa Malaysia and now back to Bahasa Kebangsaan with no loss of standard ."

"We managed to finish the schooldays and with the required 'O' and 'A' to proceed to read in the university. Then, we realized the change in education policy; we have to study many subjects in Bahasa Malaysia in the varsity. But the Science and Maths were still in English, but the exam questions were set in both languages. We could answer in either one. At that time, the die-hard nationalists wanted every subject to be taught only in Bahasa Malaysia at every level of education. That's where the problems arose and now have to be faced squarely ." Peng Yu says.

"We were spending more time translating notes from English books to Bahasa; instead of learning concepts in the varsity. Even the lecturers were confused with our answers given in Bahasa and at the same time they confused us with their Bahasa in dispensing knowledge to us. The worst there was no subject taught in Hokkien or else sure graduated with first class hononours." Peng Yu quips.

"So I see why the language transformation of teaching in Maths and Science should raise so many questions. I think the teachers would take that as an interesting challenge and make some laughters heartily with Manglish. The students should be blessed that they are now international students learning certain sunjects in international language. In addition, the parents should be smiling as they are paying international studies for their kids at local fees. See it is a win-win situation for everybody." Peng Yu reasons.

"Maybe, the good government may allow some schools to teach Science and Maths in French or in German, considering that they excel in bio-pharmacuetical and Engineering studies. Don't be surprised as there are already some residential schools having French, Japanese and German language being taught as a school subject. Like that Malaysia schools will be at PAR level with international standard and vision 2020 would be a success. But I am still asking when can I teach Science and Maths in Hokkien which is still the lingua franca in my local area?" says Peng Yu after a sip of the "Teh Boh limau".

Education Fair

2006-02-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Recently the newspapers have been bombarded with placements of advertisement by private colleges and universities. Each is claiming that they are providing the best fields of course available for the school-leavers, especially those finishing their recent SPM and STPM examinations.

The education providers also have some road-shows and participated in the rousing education fairs. One was held in PWTC, one more at the KLCC and another one to be held in Mid-Valley soon. Normally these fairs attract numerous people, not only the school-leavers, but also their parents.

The courses provided by the colleges are very broad nowadays. Although generally the colleges target the school-leavers, they do cater courses for adults. There are courses for working people who intend to pursue course for promotions or switch of careers. There are also courses for housewives such as baking cakes and floral decorations. There are language courses for people who want to speak additional languages. And there are even courses available for the pensioners.

School-leavers often go to the fair with their parents. Normally if they meet their friends there, they would go together and enquire courses they are interested. The parents, they claim, are behind time in the choice of course. The parents would be left looking for their own course instead. They can't go off as they have to show that they are interested in the welfare of studies of their beloved kids.

There would be many course-counsellors around in the fair. Unfortunately, many have little idea of counselling, and are only conversant with what they have pursued in the college before. They are left seeing stars if any question is asked beyond the course. The lecturers cum counsellors would be selling the courses they are teaching. This is understandable. Some counsellors are so DOGmatic with what they know, that any suggestions of other course would receive only negative views from them. And some don't even know the products the college are providing. They only explain selective courses to potential students. It is even a sadder case when parents inquire about grant, scholarships or loan available, most counsellors are lost for words.

In the fair, too, one can sense the status or flamboyance of some parents. Hear them speak, " ..must study in xxx college...must do this xxx course...got prospect-mah. Don't study in this UniKayu Mah...so lousy, must do 'A' level can go UK, do-lah Foundation ..can go Australia..That wan-hor Kolej Orang Miskin.. don't waste your time there. The most flamboyant one was heard saying, " aiyah here the colleges so lousy..can't find one good one..Next month I bring you go to London-lah.."

The traditional courses of Engineering, Medicine and Acccountancy are no longer the main theme of interest to the school-leavers. There are sizzling hot and exciting courses of mobile engineering, animic advertisement, multimedia technology, knowledge economics and even robotic automation. Soon, there will be courses on touch-up accounting, tissue replacing medicine, financial creation and possible vanishing economics.

At the end of the days, parents are happy to see their kids expressing interest to further their studies. They feel proud by telling relatives and friends that their kids are furthering their studies in prestigious colleges. Some start to frown after paying the registration and first tuition fees and regret saying that they should have send their kids to study STPM in gomen schools and save the high tuition fees. Some later say that their kids should apply to local public universities first before opting for the "glocal" like Monash in Sunway or Nottingham in Semenyih. Some got replies from their ex-teachers saying, "Why pay so high fees? Study UPM-lor, fees pun murah and sure get gomen scholarship."

Somehow, I would still go for a place where a "Boh Teh Tarik" is avilable. At least after hours of lectures and tutorials, nothing is more refreshing with a cup of tea. So says the British.

Jobless Graduates

2005-11-01T00:56:00.000-08:00

While we are resting and having some nice chats on this relaxing festive moods, Ah Fong voiced out what he read over the internet news this morning, " Aiyoh.. still got 60,000 graduates jobless-lah after much efforts by the Government to provide induction courses for them; and also knocking the corporates' doors on their behalf. Very sad to hear this"

"Okay-what... I thought there was almost 80,000 half a year ago, at least 20,000 managed to get employment within that period. Why didn't the 60,000 graduates look for jobs themselves instead of voicing to the press to get attention.'beh piah seh-meh'?" said Ah Kow.

"Actually I remember when I graduated from the University that recently slided out of the 200 Top Universities List, I started out to work as a temporary teacher. Luckily I can speak some simple English properly. But then I have to leave my cosy West hometown which has perfect basic facilities to go to the FELDA scheme in Pahang. And get a STPM pay, ie RM585.00 per month then." I said.

"Wow, you go to work in the FELDA before? Not frightened, ah...?" Ah Fong asked.

"Ya-lah. I felt so proud to get a job then. When I went for the convocation then, still so many people have no job yet. I am one of the few lucky ones." I replied.

"But why do you want to go there? You could have wait for a while and maybe get a better offer." said Ah Kow.

"I cannot afford to be choosy as I am not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. But I gathered I began to learn a lot about the people who work in and with the FELDA. I found I can mix with them, began taking hot spicy food and drinking less cleaner water during the rainy season. And there are some sensitive issues which we could discuss face to face with some teachers, ustaz and Felda officers." I continued.

"You are not frightened they would scold you. Or worse they might harm you?" Ah Fong inquired.

"Sure got a bit-lah. But they are also reasonable people. They would get nothing out of you by scolding or harming you. They hope that they can project themselves well as required by the religion and maybe get us to be one of them. But don't add insult into any discussion. Then everything is fine. Learn to respect others and others will respect you." I said.

"So you are the only Chinese teaching in the Felda scheme?" Ah Fong asked.

"No-lah. There are a couple of them too. In fact, one of them was later promoted to be a Haedmaster in a secondary school in Kuantan. Another one left teaching to be an engineer in one of the MNC company in Penang, another one is running an insurance agency in KL. I think we improve our characters and strengthen them after some time in the FELDA. Maybe all new graduates should be send to the FELDA as part of characters build-up." I said.

"Why you said like that one?" Ah Fong said and clearly showed me that he is frightened if he were to work in Felda.

"Well many new graduate nowadays want to have a cosy nice air-cond office to work in. They cannot and would not want to work in conditions they PRESUMED to be bad. And the worse of all, they think that they are DAMN GOOD and KNOW ALL after their tertiary educations and can't stand to take a critic. They have become a pampered lot, and refusing to accept the fact that the economic situation has changed and want a high starting pay." That is a fact which I have said.

"You must have experienced with them before? Bad or good?" Ah Kow asked.

"Ah... that's for the next day." I said as I quickly sipped the warm "Teh Boh". Life is certainly good with a cuppa in this festive mood.

Curry Fish Head

2005-09-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

We wanted something exotic for dinner today. So we decided for the curry fish head. As it was quite a hot evening, we decided to go to the nearest stall selling the exotic dish.

The stall was quite dark with only 4 florescent lamps lighting up the area of 20 feet by 60 feet. The ceiling is hardly 7 feet high, the air was stale as there was no fan at all and the mosquitoes were happy with our presence. The boss came and asked us to place our order.

Boss: Want to eat anything? ( in monotone)
Me : Curry Fush Head.
Boss: 1,2,3,4 people. A medium pot for you.
Me : Make for 2 persons will do. We want to order other side dishes.
Boss : Like that-ah. Hmm,,, made one pot Rm25.00 will do.
Me : What else do you have?
Boss : Chilli chicken. Spicy sour tofu, asam kembong fish..
Me : Wow.. all really exotic ones. Got any not so spicy dish ?
Boss : Just like this-lah.
Me : Like that. Cancel the curry fish head. We are leaving.

Then walked back and drove to another curry fish head stall 300 metres away. It had at least 20 florescent lights and many fans blowing to make the air fresher and the ceiling was at least 10 feet high. We hardly felt any mosquito buzzing.

Boss: Anything you want to try today? ( the tone was friendly)
Me : A small pot of curry fish head.
Boss : Okay. The Rm 15.00 pot will do okay?
Me : Okay-lah. Some want the "honey pork spare ribs".
Boss : Okay. The Rm10.00 plate will do okay?
Me : Good. ( Mental calculation here 2 dishes for Rm25.00, just now one dish want to cost Rm25.00.. damn worthwhile).
Boss : Any vegetables, fresh "kailan".
Me : Okay and Chinese tea.
Boss : Okay.

The dish were well-done as the curry was thick and the spicyness was manageable. The pork ribs were tasty and the vegetable was fresh. The bill came to Rm36.00 for four persons. We were full, satisfied and happy with the hearty meal. Only if there was a cup of "Teh Boh Ais " to take the heat of the exotic curry; that would make it PERFECT.

Ah Ong

2005-09-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

"The economy now is very bad. It destroys me. It destroys my family." Ah Ong said that to me as he sobbed. That's the first time I saw him sobbing. I felt so useless unable to console a broken-down man.

It seemed like yesterday, when he showed me his newly-purchased home in Pandan Indah with a well-done appealing renovations. He has a beautiful wife and three lovely kids, a sign of a successful family man. Ah Ong would work whether it rained or shined. He would not hestitate to provide his services be it day or night. Life was good until he felt the strain last year. This year was a knock-out for him. There was no project for him at all and his savings soon dried up.

Yes the economy is not good at all. The fuel price is up. The rental is up. Postal rate is up. The price of basic food is up. Except the income of the normal working people. And these are the lucky ones. Many have faced either the VSS or retrenchment. Telekom and Pos Malysia were said to be distributing forms of VSS to their staff. What had happened so suddenly when things looked rosy last year.

Next year is DEFINITELY going to be worse as fuel prices will not be subsidised anymore. The temporary halt of increment in electricity tariff will be lifted too. Bank interset rate is bound to be up. Ah.... looking ahead, it is not going to be better than this year. This is the view of most people on the streeet, who are worried about their bread and butter. Who bother about those corporate guys in suits saying that, "Tomorrow will be better" beaming and smiling in front of the Business Times.

I could only advise Ah Ong to restart from scratch again and see where his strength lies. I told him to get small work here and there even if it means getting only hundred ringgits a month. He has to provide the basic meals for his family and forget about the big bucks first. Until then, there is no point sobbing and awaiting projects to be given. His kids came to me, still perplexed why their dad cried. I could only take their little hands and pat them. I put some little notes into their hands and bade good-night to Ah Ong and them.

As I came out of their house, I too dread thinking about my future. There is already some strong rumours that the company I am attached is going to ask us to take the VSS soon and no increment in the take-home pay. And some fringe benefits may be withdrawn. I had to stop by the mamak stall for a cup of the aromatic "Boh Teh Tarik" and forget the economy first.

Ah Chai

2005-09-01T00:06:00.000-07:00

For almost two years I have not seen Ah Chai, although we communicate each other at twice a week either through phones or e-mails. He has cut his hair short, and a couple of side wrinkles around his eyes add some maturity to his otherwise youthful look. We had an afternoon "Boh Tea" at the cafetaria.

I got to know Ah Chai in 1996, when he returned from US with a MBA from the prestigious North Western University. He was with an insurance company , rose rapidly to a managerial post and then hopped to a KLSE listed company to be part of their corporate strategy team. He climbed the corporate ladder fast , picked up golf, rubbed shoulders with who's who then, and finally got a wife. I was happy for him and our business relationship prospered together.

As a yuppy who had a fine start at the right time when the econmy was booming, Ah Chai could get what he intended to. But the 1998 financial crisis started to be an obstacle to many companies and we heard so many went broke. Ah Chai managed to pull through but the endurance test was put to the furthest. Financial institutions no longer play the role of life guard and became very nervous. They would pull back any life-lines on any bad news or if any deviances from plans were detected.

The 2001 tech bust was just too much for Ah Chai, His company went into the PN 4 list. Ah Chai resigned and had to start from fresh again. He ventured into the business world.

Reality set in. The toughness in the world of business began to set into him. He told me that getting the MBA is really a "kacang" but to be in the business world is a different cup of tea. That's why business professors are not in the business world but talked a lot of it. He went into the auto industry and got back-up support from his golfer-friends in the insurance and the financial sectors. He tried hard and everyday he worked as if " there is no night."

Came the year 2004, a car accident, some bad debts could not be recovered, his loans piling up and finally a family break-down put him to ash. He has to start again and reset his priorities again.

Yesterday, he told me that he was still in the auto industry, this time supplying parts to the cars. He thanked me for standing with him even during his bleakest moment. Most of his friends have left him as in this world of reality, only winners have supporters. I could not help him much, I could only listen. provide my 2 sen worth of thoughts and encouragement. I want to see him recover from ash and would like to see him succeed again. We bade each other good-bye after the Boh tea was almost finished and cold. I wish he would succeed again and be as confident as the way he walked away from me.

By the Sea-side

2005-08-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

I love walking by the sea-side. I love sitting by the sea-side. I love the sea breeze brushing pass me. And I love the sea which provides me the tranquility I need.

I was brought up near to the sea. During the week-ends, my parents would bring us to the sea-side to run and play. It's time to take in the doses of fresh sea-breeze. The air was different to the stale air we had in our small and congested house. I must admit that I do feel nice, relieved, relax and soothing to be by the sea.

Whenever the tension in me was on the rise, be it due to exams or work, I would go to the sea-side to ease the pressure in me. I always feel good after an hour there. I remembered when the varsity exams approached, I would be by the sea-side for an even longer period. I was glad that the sea-side was just nearby.

Now, I find the sea-sides which have calmed me many years are fast disappearing. The one in Malacca had made way for the Mahkota Parade and the bustling Melaka Raya. The Merdeka Padang ( ie known as Coronation Park), which was once by the sea, is now surrounded by buildings and complexes.

I see the Gurney Drive seaside is quietly making way to tall buildings and complexes. Suddenly every year or so, there will be new buildings sprouting up by the Drive. I see, it would be a matter of time when sea reclaimation projects, like what had happened to Malacca, will make the famous Drive to be just another road in Penang. Already the beaches in Tanjong Bungah and Tanjong Tokong are under fierce attacks of more new hotels and buildings. Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang are slowing moving into that category.

Even in Port Dickson, the once beautiful public beaches near the town, are now losing out to buildings in the name of developments and new hotels. The famous "Blue Lagoon" which was a camping paradise area for my youth days has lost its glory to the new concrete buildings.

Teluk Cempedak in Kuantan has managed to maintain its naturalness. Again new concrete is being poured into certain parts to retain certain structure, is beginning to destroy some naturalness of the beach. What more the garbage has helped to hasten the killing of the beauty of the beach.

I am going to miss the sea I once knew. Maybe I should look for new beaches where it would a privilege to enjoy and love the sea. Of course a cup of "Teh Boh" would make it more memorable.

Attending a Course

2005-08-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I attended a Refresher Course. Expected as the company felt that we have to be updated with the latest informations or techniques. I have no qualms against it. The only uneasiness is that I have to sit behind the desk and act like a good student while the lecturer tries his best to be a good teacher.

As John Murphy said, " A skill is improved with experience and study. Thus always be a student and keep learning."

The course was quite dry, with some outlooks into new methods of calculating ratios and developing charts. As expected none of us brought the handy scientific calculators as we thought the course was fully explanatory type. So, we had to try mental and arithmetic calculations, which was almost impossible. The lecturer pressed the rescued buttons and we got the ratios and charts instantaneously.

The good thing about the course was the food and drinks were abundant. Breakfast was given at 10.30 am , though we registered at 8.40am and the course began at 9.10 am. We were given fried "bee-hoon", curry-puffs, some local "kuih talam" and tuna-fish sandwich with coffee.

Lunch was held at precisely at 12.30 pm. We were fed with "nasi tomato". The dish included "kurma ayam", cabbages, "rendang" mutton and tofu. Magnolia "drumstick" ice-cream and orange were served as dessert with a glass of "Tang" orange juice. I felt full and only wished that there was some place to walk about to hastened the digestion process.

The course resumed with a case study. This was to ensure that the "skills" we learned in the morning was applied. But the most important thing was to make sure we did not sleep after a heavy lunch. Unfortunately. I was amazed to see that some participants really had a nice time in the cool air-con room and snored themselves away. I was also sleepy and just managed to get up in time every time I slipped into a doze.

Time crept quickly. Then the lecturer tried to get us back from dreamland by some questions. Some enthusiatic course followers were quick to provide the answers but many prefer to scribble the answers down. It was 3.45 pm, another tea-break. This time we were given croissants and cakes with finally a cup of "teh tarik".

At 4.15 pm, we were dragged back to the lecture theater again for a seession of questions and answers regarding of what we were taught or other possible development as regards to ratios and charts. None of us seemed interested as we were more eager to go back. My company CEO, who holds a Ph D was busy SMS-ing, maybe reminding her driver to pick up her. While many MBA kiasus were already packing up their lap-tops.

As for me, I felt contented with the meals. The contents of the course add some new thinking and dimensions to what I knew. But. there is one thiing which I felt short-changed, the "teh-tarik" is definitely not made from "Teh BOH".

Appraisal Time

2005-07-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

I was having a nice warm cup of "Teh Boh" in the office pantry when suddenly Mr HRM (Human Resource Manager) came in and said that we were to have an urgent meeting in 5 minutes' time. So I quickly finished the crispy curry-puff and gulped my 'teh' and went into the meeting room. We were given some forms and Mr HRM wanted the forms back in 3 weeks' time. I was surprised why the appraisal forms were given so early this year. Normally we are given the forms in September and submit them to Mr HRM towards the end of October.

Actually this is one part of the work which I don't like doing. To appraise and assess a person's performance, attitude, characters, abilities, potentials and blah..., is never fun. It is like we are playing the role of Santa Claus, trying to give who deserve more credit points, who should get less, who should be upgraded, who should be left stagnant... quite stressing-lah. Then I have to be assessed using the same tools and and maybe different criteria. The fact is that at the end of the day, my staff always get higher credit points than me. I don't mind that anyway. Mr HRM told me himself that he dread this moment too. The staff would come and request for increment with all kinds of plea, like having another extra mouth to feed, just bought an apartment, just changed a car, credit-cards due not settled..... so that is why an increment is a must for them and not because their efforts render it.

I remember that the very first assessment I had done was when I was in the teaching profession. There were some teachers-trainee who had to do their practical teaching. I was one of the lucky teacher because one of them was assigned to take my Mathematics class. When these trainees handled the class, we were 'free' in those periods. So I could spend more time in the canteen and enjoyed my 'Teh Boh'. But once a while we had to see that what was taught in accordance to the teaching plans by the trainees and provided them the neccessary guidance and help. Before this, the assessment of the trainees were done by their lecturers. So the lecturers would decide the grades of the trainees.

Surprisingly, that year, the school was asked to help in the assessment. Normally when the school does the assessment, it means the headmaster will have to assess. But this responsibility is transferred to the teacher whom the trainee have taken over the class. I think this is fair as the headmaster is already bogged down with other more important matters. After all, this is called power delegation by the HM to the teacher.

So, one morning, the SYT trainee who just got her first class honours degree in Mathematics from UM, came to me and passed me the standard assessment form. " Mr Boh , I saw the HM just now. He asked to pass you this form. I hope you can observe my teaching today and offer some comments."

"Okay-lah. No problem." I answered. "Are you sure you want to be observed and appraised now?"

"Yes, I am ready. This is my lesson plan." She passed her record book to me and looked quite tensed.

So, I followed her to the classroom. I told her to relax and forget about my presence. Just then, the HM appeared too. He also wanted to observe. Maybe he wanted to make sure that I 'don't play play'. So the SYT started her teaching while the HM and me sat inside the classroom watching.

The SYT taught very well. She attracted the attention of the students with her impartion of the Algebra knowledge, her sweet but commanding voice was clear, the presentation with card-boards and models as teaching aids was timely and I must say her beauty impressed me tremendously. She didn't have that 'thick-glassed professor look' at all and would certainly qualify for the lady model for the shampoo advertisement. Probaly that's why the HM wanted to observe too. The Q & A session with students was impressive and the students seemed to be able to answer those questions she asked. After the lesson, I gave her a distinction in the appraisal form.

My HM got shocked, surprised and asked me . "Macam mana ini. bagi 'A' dalam semua petak. Kamu tak dapat kesan kelemahannyakah?" ( Why give her A? Can't you identify any weakness?)

"Tak nampak apa-apa kelemahan. Memang semua jalan dengan begitu lancar sepertimana yang dirancagkan." I replied. I did not tell him that the SYT had really performed well as he should have noticed himself. Futhermore the HM's sudden presence in the class must had added extra tensions to her nerve. I had to be fair to her.

The HM walked out and the SYT came to me to take the form back. I congratulated her and said she would make a very good and successful teacher when she finished her Diploma in Education.

She was surprised with the A's I had given and told me that her lecturer gave her B's only. I smiled and told her this, " Your lecturer thought highly of herself only just because she had a Ph D attached to her name. Just asked her to teach these 45 students now, I dare to bet that she can't even get the attention of the students. In the first place these university lecuterers haven't taught in school before. Undergraduates are easy to teach but school students are different."

She asked in a jest, " Do you normally give A's easily to trainee or students?"

"No-lah, I give the grades according to the performance. Like you, just now you performed extremely well with all those teaching aids and the presentation of the concept was excellent. You know, I only teach with chalk and board, my record-notes is so brief, your's so detailed. You commanded yourself well in class and some more had to teach in front of two extras... So I decide to give the A otherwise I would be deceiving myself."

She smiled and thanked me. She told me she liked teaching very much. I saw a glow of happiness in her. Her efforts were not wasted and appreciated instead. In my heart, I know she would be a successful teacher and if given an opportunity, would make a good headmistress too. I did not see her again after she finished her practical teaching. But if it is true that she likes teaching very much, she is likely to be among one of the 300,000 teachers in Malaysia now. Or she may have been upgraded to be a lecturer or gone overseas to teach. I would still wish her best of luck in her career. That was the first appraisal I have done.

Returning to the present time, I take the forms given to me, put them into my drawers, looking for a cup of 'Teh Boh Halia' I guess I am still living in the good old times.

Meeting Da

2005-07-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

I went to a bank at Jalan Tun Razak this afternoon to do some 'banking' transactions. I felt hungry so I went to the canteen which was situated at the sixth floor. Took some 'lauk' and a little bit of rice with my favourite 'teh Boh tarik panas' , seated by the window, which gave me a perfect view of the Twin Towers and a satisfying scene on the Genting Highland Resort. Then at the very moment, someone slipped into the corner of my eye.

"Oh Da...long time no see. How are you?"
"Oh Boh..fine , thank you. You look the same you. I could see no change in you since 3 years ago."

I took that as a compliment and thanked her. I asked her to join me since she was looking for a place to sit to have her lunch. How time has flown. I got to know her since 1990 when I was looking for a dealer representative. What turned to be a surprise for us was that I got to know her father too, when I was a student. You see, those days, we students were very nosy and had no internet, afraid which way Malaysia would go after being at the crossroad in the world of economy uncertainty and the Ayatollah's worldwide influence after the US was then regarded a 'pariah'. The US was like a lost sheep, their companies then were bailed by the Japanese, their Government almost paralysed by defeats in Vietnam and later Iran , the Russian's gain in Afghanistan, the world's economy suffered a deflation and recession after the Black Monday's Stock Debacle . The local political scenario was uncertain, especially the split in UMNO into two factions led by Dr M and Ku Li and the local economy wasn't any better. As students, we would invite politicians to enlighten us or at least to add colours to the otherwise dull recession mood and the latest political developments. That's how I got to know her father, who was then an UMNO MP from Johore.

As suave as her father, Da must have developed the traits from her father. She is approachable, liberal, diplomatic, widely read and her US education made her a shoulder higher than most normal person. No wonder she is now a president of one of the lobby group. In fact, I was shocked to know that one of the rule as regards to announcement of public companies' quarterly financial status every year was from a discussion between she and me. She was the one who brought the matter to the attention of the SC. From there I knew she indeed has the muscle in lobbying.

"So, how's your kids doing now?" I asked next, as what most Malaysians who do cordially.
"Fine and alhamdudilah they are progressing well in their studies. My eldest son will be going to UK to study Business Studies. Actually his dad wanted him to study Engineering in US as he is a Science student. Luckily he got a straight 11 A's in the SPM result and got a Petronas scholarship. " Da told me.
"Wah.. congrats to you-lah. So lucky. How I envy you? " I really felt happy for her. After all she is one of the few whom I knew and could share ideals and envy with.
"Thanks-lah. Really nasib baik. " she humbly answered.
"Must have pulled some cable or what?" I added some spice in my words after eating a chilli.
"No-lah.. no pulling. He is really lucky. You see , actually last time I went to beg, I repeat beg for some favours...but felt regret and upset after getting the project. The project which appeared good at first instance, turned topsy-turvy and caused unhappiness to our family life. My hubby told me to stop all these and we started fresh again in our business. Now we are happier and need not heed to those so called masters."
"Oh..I see what you mean." I need not go on to sensitive issues.
"Actually, last year my son was in one of the TOP premier school in KL. That school was attended by sons of top guns in political and business sector. Shit, just because I am only a small businessperson, my kid was often made fun of and bullied by the rich kids. I prayed to God and hoped my son would tolerate them and endure through after the SPM. Unfortunately, he could not take those slappings and ridicules from them. He performed poorly in his test. I pulled him out, sent him to the normal day school. He was happier and improved in his studies by leaps and bounds. Early this year I pulled out the second son from another boarding school. " Da explained.
" So why didn't inform the Education Ministry about the bullying? " I asked.
" You know what the consequence would be, don't you?" she replied as she knew that I was once in the teaching profession for a brief period before.
"I thought your case may be different. You have some clout." I said still biting the sambal bilis in my mouth.
"I am only a ikan bilis-lah. Those bullies are tenggiri and tuna. So what if I raise hell in that premier school. My son would still be unhappy there. Then I will make enemies. That's the last thing I want in my mind. Those kids may be somebody in future. Why steer the hornet's nest?" She woke me up with that statement.
" Like that those holligans will reign terror in future considering that they only students now. I bet they would like to be maharaja when they taste power in future." I rubbed in.
" I'm not worried by that. See we are Muslim. The living in this world is temporary. God is watching from above. Those holigans will be adjudged accordingly on Judgement Day. In fact they may get their balasan soon. I see a lot of those top guns in deep soup now. " She spoke with clarity. She had also finished her food.
"Oh I see." I digested her words. Just then her husband walked towards us.
We shook our hands together and exchanged the normal greetings. Da got up and then excused herself. She passed me her name-card and reminded me. "Do call me, okay."
"Okay.' I replied as I passed her my card to her.

I sat down again drinking the "Teh Boh Tarik Panas" which is no longer panas and still reminiscing those words Da have spoken. I gave a thought again if Malaysia is now at another cross-road.

Society Service

2005-07-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening, I met my dear neighbour's son, Ah Kit again. He was sweeping the floor outside his house. Upon seeing me, he tried to stop but I saw first and said, " Wow,, Ah Kit you're very hadrworking ah, help mother to seep the floor. " I really meant to praised him.

"Aiyah, Boh Tah Chek, mother forced me to do, one. No maid-mah, so help her a bitlah. Don't make me shylah." Ah Kit said in moodless tone.

"Isn't this sweeping good for you. Can exercise while you sweep. Help to mother , pity herlah, she has to cook dinner now. Some more your house will be cleaner, good for health. No need to be shy about sweeping the floor." I said.

"You don't knowlah. Wait my friends see get, the whole school knows. Damn embarassing one, you know." Ah Kit tried to tell me why he detested sweeping the floor. If memory does not fail me, Ah KIt is the School Computer Club president. He is also the prefect. So I read his mind that his present school status does not warrant him to sweep the floor. "Teng kang mo mien kin yan " And most of his friends' parents have Indon maids to do this "low-class" work. I really feel sorry for him, but he has to learn to face the reality of the world.

So I told him this, " Ah Kit, you are still young and now you already want to talk about 'mo mien or yau mien'. Let me tell you some 'kisah benar', if you don't mind."

Ah Kit took this opportunity to talk to me and stopped sweeping the floor. Got excusemah if his mum asked why he didn't continue his 'work'. "I knowlah you always got so many kisah benar..."

"I know one of my client who live in a bungalow in Bkt Damansara. His son is a top straight A's student up to A level. He wanted to study medicine in Cambridge (UK) or Harvard (US) and parents can afford as they are successful business people in their own fields. But when he applied last year, his application was rejected and was given Bristol instead. His mum was quite happy as her sister was staying there. The boy felt dejected as he couldn't get his desired varsity despite the straight A's and went for a counselling period. You see, in the top varsities, you're not the only top guys who apply. There are many more others applying and you have to make yourself an exception. Normally you have to write something about yourself, verified by referees."

"This guy is also active in his school but only at school level. The counsellor said that what have you done for society since you said that you are the president of this club. What the boy mentioned are within expectation of what a society president would or should do, like participate in gotong-royong, painting the school compound, participate in inter-school quizes, helping drive to get new members, raising funds for the society and sort of the things at school level. That is NOT enough if you want to study in premier varsities, the counsellor told him."

"You see, in US or in certain UK schools, the students are requested to participate in society activities for a certain period of time before they apply to college. They are told to exposed to from the very bottom, some even mentioned toilet-cleaning, helping the elders, something like those participants for the Miss Malaysia contest, having to expose in the most humble way."

Ah Kit chipped in to ask, " But the rich guy needs not do this-mah. Even he studies in Bristol he'll graduate as a doctor what. Same-lah. Graduate from Harvard as doctor , also a doctor; graduate from UKM here, also doctor. Now study in unregconized varsity , also can be doctor via a qualifying exam after graduating.So why this guy so stupid one , some more say got straight A's."

"Well sometimes, when a person feels that he ought to get the best and parents have no objection, then goes for it. Afterall, there is still a chance for him to get into Harvard or Cambridge. So the cousellor asked him to get involved in societal activities, and do it well. He then went to Laos for 6 weeks to help the urchins with the volunteer groups which the varsities approved. All the expenses would have to be paid by the parents. Then have to go to Inner Mongolia to help the sick and needy there for another 8 weeks in harsh environment. When he returned, his parents were shocked at his shacky looks. He said he has to clean the urchins, washing the clothes for the olds as there is no washing machines there , clean the compound and all those were noted by an accompanying welfare officer who will keep a record and report. You must understand that he is not the only one but 15 of them all over the world and all are top students. His parents were amazed what transformation the child have gone through and he now makes his own bed, does his own washing of clothes and sweep his own room, despite back home with maids around. He has changed into a very disciplined and independent guy and more positive, outgoing and helpful according to his mum."

Ah Kit then said," I wouldn't want to go through all these. If I get the straight A's , I could easily qualify for UM for medicine. And if lucky can get PSD scholarship and guaranteed to be a doctor. Why go susah-susah and pay so much money to get into Cambridge. This one wants to show off onlylah. Okay say this guy gets into Cambridge this coming September, there is still no guarantee he ends up as a doctor? He may change his course halfway. I hear my dad said that many students overseas change their course halfway. I'm afraid if I am a top student, go to study medicine and come back a divinity graduate."

"Most students think like you and this have become so COMMON. You have to be different so that you want to outshine the rest. There are now 60,000 unemployed graduates as they think alike. Those who get the jobs first is because they are different. They think differently, they have 'value-added' materials in them and they can be fitted into different situations. We know all graduates study about the same thing. A doctor from Cambridge still have to study the same medical basics as one is in UKM or UM. But why the Cambridge med graduate is in demand and wanted , while a say UKM med graduate would find difficulty in being recognised by the West. See if you study in Crimea Med School, here also doesn't want to recognise it soon. Don't tell me a Crimean student don't study medical basics." I invited Ah Kit to the scenario.

Ah Kit then said, "People are really people. Still hold the bias, thinking Cambridge is GOOD, still think Harvard GREAT. Maybe they should think like what you said just now, we must think differently, so think Cambridge is not that good. UKM is Better. Then our graduates will be employedmah. Stop those companies from giving preference to those returning from overseas varsities, but employ local graduates. The unemployment matter would be solved fast. Stop having the prejudice that anything foreign is good-lah."

I was about to retort his statement when his mum called him. Ah Kit quickly excused himself and told me, "maybe one day, I would like to have a Teh Boh tarik session at the nearby mamak restaurant and we have more on this matter. Mum is calling me. Nice talking to you."

Study Grant

2005-07-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I attended a sub-committee meeting for a small association at Jalan Masjid India. It was a small association with a couple of thousand members, but most of them are inactive. The committe decides the giving of small book prizes to students who achieve significant good exam results and study grants to deserving undergraduates, who are the members' children. There are three of us in the commiitte. I was appointed the head beginning this year after 4 years as a member.

Last Sunday meeting was to award the study grant of RM1.000 to the undergraduates. Every A in the STPM deserves a RM100.00 and every A in the SPM a RM20.00. It is a voluntary work so we get no pay, no transport allowance, no food allowance and just an appreciated thank from the chairman. Anyway, this is one honourable gesture to contribute back to society.

We recieved a lots of applications for the grant and the book prize. At the end, we decided to awarded 15 SPM performers, 8 STPM result-holders and 16 undergraduates. Of course, we rejected some due to some reasons.

Sometimes, I wonder why some applicants, who could easily get the prizes and grants, just lose it because they simply refuse to follow simple instructions of what they ought to do. In fact, we even considered those who did not meet the dateline. We even called them in their house to make sure that they submit us the wanted supporting documents or faxed us the required acknowledgement.

But, some did not follow-up what we requested and one even SMS his varsity result to my hand-phone, when I told him that I need a certified true copy, verified result slip. There is even one MMU undergraduate who perhaps , I must admit, wants to show his learned creativity to us by setting his results colourfully in a fantastic format and further submitted a copy via e-mail, when we just want a simple certified hard copy. There is also a case when one submitted his result of exam taken a year earlier. Then there is one who submitted his final year result, ie, he is a graduate.....why the hell he needs this study grant. Don't you think he is selfish to deprive a chance for those more deserving students who need the money and are still studying in the varsity. These applicants are rejected at the first instant.

In fact, last year, there was one ex-committee, whose son submitted the final year result and had graduated looking for a job. Wow, this guy tried to create havoc for me, stabbing my back, bad-mouthed me to the chairman and secretary, which I didn't bother. But when he started SMS to me ,calling my house and office at odd hours for explanations as to why I rejected his son's application for the grant ( which I had explained upteen times over and over again), it got me agitated. First of all, that was a committee's decision. Secondly, the rules and regulations of the award was stated in the association's constitution. Thirdly, being an ex-committee before he should know how things work. I warned him not to pester me, and told him that I would see him in court, only then the pestering stopped.

Just as I thought everything was fine, the chairman called me up and requested to know more about the situation. I thought he knew everything. When the final list was done he would have to approve it with the secretary and treasurer. So, I asked him what he wanted me to do. I think he must have felt offended and tried to psyche me up. After a 12 minutes pep-talk from him, I could but only say, "Well, if you think this case deserves the grant, I won't stop you. But in my list, that name is out. And if that name appears, I am out of the committee."

The reason is simple; because if that guy gets the grant, then every graduate would qualify. I added further, "We must give the grant to all other graduates. They understand the rules and that's why they are shy and do not apply; except for this thick-skin "malu" chap and some more wants his father to bring this nonsensical matter to you and the secretary."

The chairman agreed with me finally after I told him this, "If we would to give this RM1,000.00 to him as a graduate, he would never be able to stand on his own feet as he should be working now. Some more why must he relied on his father's effort, which by right he should be registered as a member of the association and see what he can contribute back to us after getting the thousands when he was a student. He is smart and excels in his studies but he has to know the limit the association can afford to him. He has to learn to grow up. Just look at those members who have never get any single sen from the association and still contribute to the association through efforts and kinds."

At the end, his name did not appear in the list. I simply can't stand this kind of person who simply wants to take a free ride and free lunch this way. I knew I was a bit aggressive at that moment,but luckily the ever diplomatic chairman accomodated my stand. After that, the secretary called me and said, " What you have done is right. You know or not, we have this kind of problem every year but we just please these people by giving in to them and sometimes from our own pockets. The monies is not much but we dare not put the full-stop to it. At least now, it is seen done."

I hope I won't be getting any calls from those who did not get into the list this year. I rather sip a glass of "Teh Boh Ais Kurang Manis" peacefully in my house than entertaining those idiotic demanding calls.

Motivation Booster

2005-06-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have another 24 hours to make the 2H Econ presentation and haven't been sleeping well. This morning while taking my breakfast, the always flamboyant marketing manager (I called MM- speak like the previous PM always positive and optimistic), joined me.

"Why look 'no semangat-wan'? It's not the end of the world yetlah. The sun will still shine after tomorrow." he chirped at me, knowing I have to face 'the exam' tomorrow.

"Nothing good to writelah. Maybe have to submit my resignation letter too?" I mumbled.

MM suddenly tried to wake me up, "Hey, are you still in dreamland? There are lots of good things to report tomorrow. Easylah. Startlah with Malaysia most peaceful country in the world, with so much natural resources and also well-educated and skillful human resources. So many opportunities to do business and gomen is very supportive. Actually in Malaysia, where got war? That communist war during Emergency was a product of the British's 'divide and rule' policy so cannot count as warlah. The only war I know is the war against mosquito, see the Anti-Dengue War and now the gomen is still spraying DDT against them- see we even need not use any bullet."

I began to feel the tension in me loosening. Listening to MM is always pleasing. He talks fluently and when he starts, no one can really stop him as his style is mesmerising and smooth. He can convince well and he tries his best not to hurt one with his words. He is never a 'tak-boleh' in this Bolehland. After all, he is a MBA graduate in Marketing from a foriegn university made in Malaysia, able to 'market' his idea and even himself well.

"Look at the stastistics, I mean REAL statistics data from the EPU, the BNM, the MOF, MITI and parliament reports, not those 'kopi-tiam cakap kosong'. Growth rate is to be 5 to 6.0% for this year, umployment rate still low at 3.5 %, tourist arrivals up by 48% with 30 billion ringgits in receipts and a huge domestic saving rate of 40%. If only the gomen can convince people to spend more and increase private consumption, phwee.. we can support our econmy well without those angmoh help. Things look great." MM spoke at ease with the economic figures engrossed in his head.

"See, as quoted from the Bernama news, Rafidah said that our economic performance have rose to sixth placing SURPASSING that of UK, Holland, France and Australia. In terms of competitiveness, she said we even surpassed China, Thailand and South Korea. And foreign direct investment stood at RM28.7 billion in 2004. Some more, Denmark's Kleenman which specializes in design and tuning solution for Mercedes CLK wants to have an assembly plant here while more China car-makers are queueing up to have their models running on the Malaysian highways. Wah...really 'chiak-biau-liau' here." MM can speak in Hokkien too but he speaks better in Tamil.

"I heard that Petronas is going to sell 115 million standard cubic foot per day of gas for 18 years to Singapore Keppel Energy which is going to be RM6.7 billion at today's price, have not calculated at tomorrow's price yet. Remember the price of petroluem product is going upwards only. Petronas reported a net profit of MYR23.66 billion for the full year ended Mar. 31, 2004. In the first half of fiscal 2005, net profit was already MYRR16.87 billion. I think the bad days for the high tech chips are going to be over since the 2004 stockpile is diminishing fast and freash orders have begun. Consider the fact that the RM75 billions electronics sales are the mainstay of Malysian's RM104 billion econmy last year. We may even outpace 6% growth rate this year. Don't worrylah."

"Even the price of petrol , diesel and tolls have gone up, we are still the cheapest in the region. "MM sounded like he is the minister talking. " Look whenever the supermarkets or hypermarkets have a sale, they are jam-packed, the packing berths are insufficient and the roads leading there even require police control. In fact, just look at the roads leading to Mid-Valley and One-Utama during the weekends, the economy is rosy-man."

I sat listening. In my subconscious mind, I was listening to an 'economy psychologist' who could transform my negative thoughts to positive, turning me from a pessimist to an optimist. In my mind, he should be the one presenting the report.

As confidently as he talked, MM tried to eased me further. "Okay Boh Tah Chek, during your presentation, I'll restrain myself from questioning you. If there is any bugger trying to demand explanation, you can count on me. If you wany some more facts and stastitics, I can supply you. 'Kaw-peng-you boh?."

I could, but thank him for that short breakfast pep-talk and offered to pay for the "Teh Boh Ais Limau" he had ordered. I have just psyched up to get ready for tomorrow because in my inner thoughts ring, " 好花不长开".

2H Economic Report

2005-06-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

I dread this moment of the year even though I'm having a cup of my favourite "Teh Boh" now.

The first half of the year is about to be over and I have to get the second half economic report ready by the 30th June. I really don't know how to put the presentation. I have cracked hard my head what to say after reading numerous reports lately and nothing seems good to be reported. Hmm.... have to start like saying GDP will still grow at 5.7 % as predicted by the gomen, less than 7.1 & last year.

The last 6 months saw growth momentum slowing, and inflation is accelerating faster than expected. The increase in petroluem and the foreseeability that crude petroluem would maintain its high price does not augur well. Conversations with the man in the street tells us that despite the reported strong headline growth and those CEOs' positive comments in the STAR Saturday papers, there is a sense of disbelief. Their prime grouses are that either the strong headline glosses over the real situation or they are left out in this boom.

Actually it is frightening to see what's ahead. You see, inflation has already set in at its highest since 1998, at 3.1% last month as reported by Dr Zeti, which is higher than the bank savings rate of 2.6 %. Economically speaking, this is bad for a person with money saved in the bank as his interest is not enough to cover the rising cost. His savings in the bank is getting less in real term, as inflation eats into his savings. See, Pos Malaysia is now charging a mail from 30 sen to 50 sen. Busmen want to charge sur-charge like airplanes in view of petroluem price uncertainty.Even the kacang putih man wants an extra 20 sen per pack realising the wantanmi man adds 50 sen to a bowl of noodle. And yet the gomen CPI is 3.1 %.

Contractors are complaining about the lack of contracts and investors are are licking their wounds after the recent small capital stocks and employees are seeing an erosion of their purchasing power. The people have indeed a fragile confidence underlying the announced growth. Manufacturing sectors are seeing limited upside for their exports as trhere is considerable slack in Europe and Japan. For an example, price of electronics chips, which becomes a main export item has plunged almost 40 % this year due to over-supply. Then there is a fear of the ringgit re-pegging which will result Malaysian exports more expensive, resulting exporters as unworthy competitors.

House builders are also feeling the concerns. Signs of a slowdown in the lower end segment are beginning to surface which is clearly accentuated by the collapse of share prices in some property companies in the stock market. The potential changing interest rate definitely will not bode well for house purchasers and the housing industry. What more damage will the interest rate hike have on the car purchasers, credit-card holders and the businessmen. And the Ah Longs, will also increase their rate too. The banking industry is in for another restructuring exercise and bank employees are seeing themselves redundant. We have seen thousands of fresh graduates are still jobless and many more workers retrenched lately.

Now there is the only hope for more private consumption in the country to instill growth. The gomen may have started the ball rolling by giving the gomen servants 5 working days a week and COLA allowance with hopes that they will travel more cuti-cuti Malaysia tours and purchase more thereby creating more private consumption. The tourist industry is requested to stir in more tourists to bring in cash to spend here too. Meanwhile the gomen is seriously putting more actions to the agriculture industry sensing the price of rubber and palm oil have bottomed out and now crawling upwards. There is hope in the robust telecommunication sector especially in the rising usage of mobile data suppport. On the street Ali, Ah Beng and Lingam are encouraged to save less and spend more to instill consumption. And the bankers who feel that everyone ought to have their bank credit cards are at every strategic places in plazas and malls promoting.

I hate to prepare a report as above simply because the top management likes the contrary and hears the good prospective news. I'm going to have another cup of the "Teh Boh" .....

Income Tax

2005-06-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on the 25th June, I got up early and went to The Income Tax Dept to submit the Income Tax Return Form. It was a cool morning at 8.15 am and the crowd was small. I was afraid that the crowd would be big, as the dateline for the submission of the forms would be 30.6.05.

You see, there are a couple of buttons at the entrance on the 12th floor of the Annex building of MPAJ, the office of the Income Tax Department. You press the button to suit what you want to do when you are in there; like press bitton A to see an officer to look into your problems, button C if you want to submit more than 5 forms, button D if less than 5 forms, and so forth.

I was in front of a particular lady, who had a load of forms, easily more than 50 forms and she correctly pressed the C button. As, I had less than 5 forms, I pressed the D button ahead of her.

So, we waited for about one or two minutes. There were easily more than 16 counters, but sadly only 3 were manned. Then the intercom called, " 1016 kaunter 10 ". So the lady who came later than me went to counter 10 to submit her forms.

All the while, I thought , since she submitted more than 5 and pressed the correct button, she was entitled to be served earlier than me. Then I heard the next intercom, " 2021 kaunter 14". Okaylah, soon the next one would be mine 2022. Hardly the next second, the intercom sounded again, " 2022 kaunter 10". But the lady was still there. Maybe she had finished in her submission, so I went to the counter.

Both the lady and the officer were surprised. The officer said unhappily, "Mengapa ke sini. Sudahkah nombor anda di panggil?" I thought the message across the big board in the waiting room saying, "Perkhidmatan dengan MESRA,M..."
I kept my calm and said, " Yalah, nombor 2022 kaunter 10, betullah. "

"Tunjuk nombor." he asked. So I showed him and took my forms to him and requested him to acknowledge in a photo-copy as stated in the submission form. As he has not completed his service to the lady, he said, " Nantilah, saya ada banyak borang sini."

So, I told him as the intercom voiced again," 2023 kaunter 14". "Tapi, encik , saya ingat saya datang lagi awal daripada gadis ini, dan saya yang dipanggil lewat. Macam mana ini? Lagipun dia banyak borang, saya hanya ada 3. Patutlah saya kena dulu."

Unhappily he took my forms and chopped acknowledged and grumbled a little bit..which I added in later, "Tak apalah tak perlu cakap lagi. Saya selalu datang sini. Nanti saya komplain, susah.."

Then the lady standing next to me cut in, " Aiyah no need to complain lah, what to complain. It's like that onelah. You don't know-meh." What a shit was this lady talking at that moment. I gave her a stare and thought of telling her, "Shut uplah and who are you to intervene here?" But the officer quickly gave me the acknowledgement chops and I had better got away before I exploded and started shouting at everyone.

As I came down from the 12th floor of the building in Pandan Indah, I saw a lot of people and scores of "officers" drinking and having breakfast at the mamak restaurant at the first floor. In my mind, I was wondering, "I thought they should be having breakfast before they started to work. How come they are having breakfast when they are supposed to be working now?"

Maybe I should have listened carefully to the lady just now, " No need to complain one lah. It's like that onelah" also means that "Mesra" perkhidmatan is rare and breakfast hour is extended to working hour right under the nose of everybody. I too sat at the mamak restaurant and ordered a "Teh Tarik Boh".

Teacher's Day(Part2)

2005-06-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Luckily, the sun was setting down fast with the cool breeze blowing. At least this would cool down Ah Kit and his friends a bit. Ah Kit had already set his mood into "auto" talking and would not want to go off just like that. So, I had to continue lending my ears.

"When the head prefect finished his speech, everyone felt so relieved. The teachers then stood up and clapped. It was the students' turn to have some performance. The teachers sat on the front row while the students performed. The non-performing students just stood behind the teachers watching the show." Ah Kit continued.

" The first was the some "lagu nasyid" by a group of Muslim students and after that some rapped hits in BM and English by another groups and one "guitarman" rendering a hit with some girls dancing behind ...with the theme thanking the teachers. The sound system was poor and the students either put the mouth too close to the mic or too far away. For us, we just encouraged them to go on. Solidatary among the students, mah..must support one. To be frank, we didn't really listen to the lyrics but we just cheered on.." he chuckled.

" Then the Five Science One gave a sketch..a comedy.But I dare say only they themselves know what they intend to point out their theme and objectives. The crowd drown their voices, the actors and actresses laughed when they shouldn't. Anyway I commended them for their guts or otherwise it would be another boring school-day."

I asked him," So, what was your part in the honourable day?"

"We were mere spectators. Next year , our turn-mah. But I can envisage our show will be shot down. Hehehe... we want to have a play on Batman or maybe Spiderman...that'll be more interesting. Probably we'll invite one of the teacher to be the main STAR.' AH Kit answered.

"Soon, it was 10 a.m, and we had a tea-break. Some girls brought flowers and presents for the class teachers. We had asked the canteen man to prepare the food earlier and we had a "makan time", paid with the class-funds." A Kit said.

"Wah... got class fund to pay your Teacher's Day "makan", not bad,ah.. Get any subsidy from the teacher?" I asked.

"Where got teacher pay one? Our class fund okay-one, you know. Everyday, sure got people "kena fined", like speaking Chinese in class, saying "bad words" in class, "late ", "chewing chewing-gum in class.....just like Singapore..the class has become a "FINE" spot. The monitor don't know how to raise fund-lah, just fine, fine and fine...and the teacher supports this idea. My dad asked me if there is such regulation approved by the Ministry of Education that teacher can fine students- how I know? " Ah Kit suddenly changed his tone.

"Why does your dad ask like that? You always "kena fined" and has to ask more money from daddy?" I can't help but rub in some "salt".

"Ya-lah...we students-mah, where got so many "money" to pay fine? The teachers must kena fined too, you know. They always speak in dialects in the staff-room, why the headmistress don't fine them?" Ah Mun put in his opinion.

"At 11 am, we couldn't go back and could only do so at 12.30 pm Must stayed in the classroom, to play indoor-games, like chess, with the teachers. Some of the students played ping-pong in the school-hall, while some students wanted to play football...at 11 am. Crazy isn't it. The male teachers, like puteri lilin , where want to play football at that hour. But the previous year, when there was a headmaster, we had a game with the teachers, and the headmaster led the team, also lost to us." Ah Kit pointed this out and I guessed by then he had finished the teacher's day topic and I wanted to have my dinner too.

From what I gather here, is that the students want to have more interaction activities in either the shows or games with their teachers on Teacher's Day, not a one way speech from teachers to the students only. Probably, that day ought to be the day when the teachers stop talking and rest, and let the students reveal theselves and what they want, so the teachers would be looking forward to providing better services to the students. I guesss I have to say a Happy Teacher's Day to all the teachers too. Cheers with a Cup of "Teh Boh Tarik".

Teacher"s Day ( Part 1)

2005-06-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

I was giving my car a soft clean-up, when my neighbour's son, Ah Kit and a couple of his friends were chit-chatting outside the house. They were discussing what happened in school during the teacher's day celebration yesterday. I couldn't help but be absorbed in their conversation and began to kei-po-chee with them. Having being a teacher before for a brief period helped me to explain to them the sacrifies which the teachers have made. At least they would appreciate their teachers' efforts and that teacher's day means a lot to them.

Ah Kit, a form 4 student related his school teacher's day programme in detail and his uneasiness towards it. He got support from his friends, who would chipped in to give examples and their points of views. I guess that is rather interesting as the students' views are always not heard and neglected by the school authority. The authority always think that the programme carried out on teacher's day is good and beneficial to everyone.

"You see. Boh Teh , we, students are damn fed-up and dislike teacher's day celebration." Ah Kit began with a rather manly-toned voice. " The day began with a religious sermon and thanks to ......Amen, which took 5 minutes. Then have to sing the national anthem, then sing "Malaysia Berjaya" ( or some other the state songs), then the school song along with some pre-recorded tape that has expired beyond its expiry date. So noisy and chirpy.."

" Ah Kit, you should be thankful to the Govt's drive to reduce cost. Expired tape, got music ,can still use-mah. Save the country's economy. " I told him without telling him any new tapes bought by the Govt would have to be paid through the tax-payers' pockets.

Ah Kit continued on saying, "After singing, the duty-teacher played another tape, which recorded the speech of the Minister of Education, a 20 minutes of a flat G-note and we have to stand still. Actually hardly anyone was listening, including the teachers. They were seated in their chairs facing us , and some were whispering among themselves, some giggling and some yawning away. After that, the speech of the Director-general of the Education Ministry, again another 20 minutes of the same monotonous flat G-note. I could see most students were already day-dreaming, some could even stand-sleeping, but most were whispering just like the teachers with hopes this would end fast."

I could understand Ah Kit's uneasiness as he continued, " After those speeches, the senior asst for student's affairs put up another 15 minutes speech. I know she wants to boost us and tries to psyche us to be good and obedient students. But we had stood for 45 minutes under the morning sun which was getting hotter and hotter as minutes crept by. Some students had limped and many put their books and files on their heads to shelter the sun-heat. Did she care about us under the sun while she was under the cool shade?" I was beginning to put myself in his shoes.

Ah Kit pissed out later, " After that, that senior asst for administration showed off with another 15 minutes of long-winded speech of which most was spoken by the Minister and the DG. What for repeating? We know already-mah, students must be good, so teachers can sacrify more. Teachers must get up 6 am, and reach school by 7.10 am. Then must round the school, make sure students come before 7.20 am, then teach until 1.15 pm. After that must stay back for afternoon activities, for school meetings, attend courses and if lucky can go back at 6 pm. If there is a football match, atheletics meet, they reach home at 8 pm, through the traffic jams. See that does not include marking the exercises given to the students or the test and exam papers. Teachers have to sleep at mid-night and have to neglect their household chores, their children and even their spouses. But why make us sweat under the sun and listen to these well-known grouses?"

Now I can see why Ah Kit is angry. I try to cool him down. "Kit, see the teachers work so hard and we have to sympathize with them. If there is no teacher, how can students proceed with their studies? You should be grateful that there are still teachers willing to teach the students who are getting more restless or naughtier now."

Ah Kit then showed me more of his displeasure without paying any heed to what I have told him. He said, "After that, it was the headmistress's turn. Worst of all. She spoke for 22 minutes, to be precise, and thought she was the teacher to everybody, making a review to the Minister's,DG's and senior assts' speeches and add some more err...salt to injury to our already weaken legs under the sweltering sun. Most of the time, she was mumbling to herself and we could see some of the teachers behind her drowsing and dozing too. When she finished her speech, all of us suddenly found the energy to clap loudly. Not because of the contents she had spoken but it signalled to us the end of the tortouring sun-bathing stand."

"The head prefect quickly thanked the speakers and teachers for their advices and guidances with a perfect short speech It was editted many times by the BM teacher. Practically he was not given a chance to say actually what we students wanted to voice. Like that, better ask the BM teacher to read." Ah Kit said in a sarcastic tone and his friends agreed in toto.

I should have made some cups of "Teh Boh" for Ah Kit and his friends.

( to be continued...)

Name Cards

2005-06-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was still a student, I saw working people exchanging their name-cards when they met each other. After all, a name card is a small gesture to inform the other party that this is your humbleself and forget me not. But, the name cards would be misplaced later if they did not land into the dustbins, unless that person is of great importance.

So when I started working, I did not place much importance to it either. I have been collecting numerous cards before but they were put aside to collect dust, and then true enough they were dropped into the dustbins over time. But the company wants me to have a card. Company policy. A Conventional practice. Easy to be recognised as a Valued Staff of the company. And Free too as paid for by the company.

The company's middle-aged administration manager called me into her office and asked for my Name ,Post, my direct phone-line, and Qualification to be put into the card. Gosh...."What got qualification to do to be in the card?"I asked her.

"Must have one. We want the whole world to know that our staff are educated and qualified one. Not cin-cai one. Kindly make sure that all these must be in Capital-letter...looks classy and very bold too." she said.

Okay, so I put my name in BOH TAH CHEK B AD .

"Hey, you young man.... why put B AD? No goodlah. You straight away tell people you're bad, you know."

"Where got? my qualifiaction is Business Administration - B Ad, correct what. Where got bad?" I asked.

"No-lah, cannot like that. Wait our customers all run away seeing your card. Put B BA-mah." she suggested.

"How can? I have no bachelor degree. Cannot put that. That's misleading. Wait people ask some deep theoritical and stastistical questions, I cannot answer, shylah." I said.

"Then go and study part-time at night and get the degree-lor. then people will also respect you." she said.

"Like that. I think I'll study very hard to make sure I get a master. Then see my card BOH TAH CHEK M AD." I joked.

"You're really mad. And you made me mad too. Teng-um-soon.( cannot tolerate) Okay lah wait your boss see that sure scold you. Don't say I didn't inform you." she said.

"Aiyah...people say-mah tok shee, tok dou chi-sin ( study until mad). So by master level, be mad, people inderstand."

"So, those study doctorate will be more mad than master-holder?" she cut in .

"It depends. If add in a Ph D, people would say you Permenant Head Damaged, wah...this is worse than 'chi-sin'. But uselah Doctrate will do. Then they will be okay again after the mad stage. see BOH TAH CHEK D AD. How can daddy be mad to frighten the innocent child?" I chipped in.

"I think you better go back to your place. Your boss will be looking for you." she just couldn't stop laughing.

I had just made a new friend in the administration department.

Names

2005-06-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, names have a great impact on our life. We may not like the names given to us by our parents, yet they were given to us with reasons. The Chinese believe that if the names are too attractive, they may attract the spirits and the babies may be harmed. That's why there are many "Ah Kows" , "Ah Ngaus", "Ah Moois"... in hope that these names may not attract harm from the spirits.

Yet, one wonder why people get upset over names. Of course if the names are decent , people find they is no fun talking about. But if it is a bit funny, people like to ridicule with it. Some may even piss at it and offer with plenty of fanciful alternatives and alterations.

In fact, the most powerful man on earth now may be mistaken as a kind of plant. The richest man may remind us that way out off the door is to be painted with weatherbond paint to withstand sun ,wind and rain. What's more when we have the name of an ex-president of Vietnam which sound like a four letter word in Cantonese. Equally amazing we also have an ex-prime minister of Pakistan whose name when read out in the news will creat blushes to every listener in Malaysia.

In England, there was a Law Lord Fish of Sandwich, reminding us that what else do you want to be in a sandwich. And please don't be mistaken that Paris Hilton is not a hotel or Ichibawa has anything to do with itchiness. At the same time the person named "Black" may be a typical white Englihshman; while another person named "Mahalingam" may not have such strong "tool". Thus don't judge a person by its name.

Having said the above, I guess "Boh Tah Chek" is not too bad or ridiculous. Yet, we still have many free people who are too free and want to give people free funny and ridiculous "nicknames" for their sake of freedom. In Malaysia, to avoid this free people giving us such names , we must take the first move. We christenized our names, for example Jackie Boh for me. But officemates suggest that I should be patriotic and must have a Malaysianized name. What do you think about "Teh Boh"?

Testing

2005-06-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

Testing 1, 2, 3.