Letter of the day: Privatised bodies not up to the mark
The New Straits Times, 27 September 2000
THE privatisation programme has seen government agencies such as Tenaga Nasional, Telekom Malaysia, Pos Malaysia, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, MAS, Petronas and many others being privatised.The objective of the whole exercise was to improve efficiency and profitability of the agencies through less bureaucracy enabling self-dependency thus taking the burden off the Government.The privatisation of these agencies can be said as quite successful with some emerging to become large conglomerates reaping billions in profits every year.
All these companies inherited the infrastructure, assets, skilled manpower and expertise developed over the years by the Government which has put them in a strong footing to face the tough and challenging private sector.While some of the privatised companies face competition locally, they remain largely a monopoly in their respective sectors. With the advent of globalisation and the K-economy, their strength, efficiency and profitability will be put to test when free market systems are implemented.
Over the years the inefficiencies of these companies have been regularly highlighted and recently been prominently featured in the media for all the wrong reasons.We still hear complaints from the public of frequent power disruptions. The recent power disruption in the city should not have happened. Further disruptions, which are usually reported in the media, will erode public and investor confidence in Tenaga Nasional Bhd.The leadership crisis in TNB did not help either sending their share prices crashing in the recent weeks.
Telekom Malaysia Bhd too has seen a never-ending stream of complaints from the public on the inefficiency of their fixed line, mobile and Internet services.They are already unable to compete with two other local mobile telecommunications service providers. Although they are still the biggest, their competitors have been slowly increasing their market share and and if Telekom does not improve its services, the public will soon lose confidence and turn to others for better products and services.
Pos Malaysia Bhd's services is also not up to mark. It is baffling to hear of mail going missing, mail not delivered on time (although the destination of the receiver is in the same city or town), slow counter services and stolen mail.Although their intention to pursue e-commerce, announced recently, is commendable, Pos Malaysia should give priority to improving their services locally before venturing into bigger projects.
The worst among these companies seems to be KTMB. The frequent derailment of both goods and passenger trains are worrying. Their explanation that the railway tracks are old and needs to be replaced is unacceptable.KTMB should have anticipated this earlier and planned ahead to gradually replace the old tracks. Taking action after few railway accidents can be perceived as having no regard for the safety of passengers.Its train services are also very unreliable with many unexplained delays.
The complaints and incidents related to these privatised companies has become a norm in our daily lives. Malaysians seem to have no choice but to subscribe to their whims and fancies as some of them have absolute monopoly in their sector.Lately some of these large conglomerates seem unable to compete or face competition from local companies. Soon, when free market system prevails, only companies that provide quality services and superior products will survive.It looks like the Government, which has a golden share in each of these companies will have to be prepared to bail out our inefficient so-called conglomerates if measures are not taken to improve their quality of services.
K. BalanKuala Lumpur
Recap : Fast Forward 8 years, Nothing much has changed. They continue to be the monopoly in their respective sectors. KTM has certainly gone from bad to worse.
These companies had since introduced Key Performances Indicators (KPIs) and their progress against the KPIs, especially in financial terms, has been good. the same cannot be said about their services to customers. They are, while a big as some global conglomerates, still far off from becoming a world class service providers.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A RECAP
Begining this week, I would like to revisit some of the articles that I wrote from 2000 to 2003 and was published in the New Straits Times, The Star, The Sun Daily and also Malaysiakini.com.
The purpose of this recap is just to see how much have things changed between then and now, or has there been any change at all. Some are controversial while other articles are basic layman issues.
The purpose of this recap is just to see how much have things changed between then and now, or has there been any change at all. Some are controversial while other articles are basic layman issues.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Back To Johor and Reality
I went back to Johor Last week for the school holidays.
This time we went to our parents new place. My father, who is supposed to retire in July, decided to continue working and moved to another Oil Palm estate. This estate is remotely located in between small towns of Paloh and Yong Peng.
You have to exit at Yong Peng and the estate is located right in the middle along small link road between Yong Peng and Paloh. This road was proven tough to manouvere for someone who have been so used to two or three lane wide highways.
My kids were excited as they have always been. For them, it's always fun to be somewhere away from the concrete jungle. My parents estate house was a reasonably big 3 room terrace house located right infront of the estate's main office, where my father works. Unlike in other estate's that he had worked, he walks to office now.
There were few stray but clean looking dogs around, cows at the back of the house, a tractor and also excavator/earth mover parked at both sides of the house. My kids were fascinated with the cows, tractors and the earth mover as these are something that they have seen in the cartoons and also something they own in plastic toy form. To see and sit in the real thing is a big deal for them. We took several photographs of my kids at the wheels of the earth mover and tractor.
For me, as someone who have lived half my lifetime in the estates, these are something that we got used to. I can imagine that the large number of kids born in major cities would have never experienced sitting on a tractor or earth mover.
Neither do they would ever experience catching large butterflies, insects, chasing monitor lizards, stumbling upon King Cobras, having monkeys playing at the back of the house (while stealing bananas), climbing and plucking (now it's us who used to steal) various fruits from trees around the estate, stopping for wild boar and elephants crossing the road, tasting spicy dishes of exotic meats such as pangolin and the blue blooded Horseshoe Crab (belangkas), and many other exciting adventures.
We were there for just one night. While I was bored already few hours after we arrived, my kids were not. They were playing in the compound, shouting at the dogs, naming the cows and begged me to take them for a walk around the estate a few times although I took the same route each time. I can imagine that conciously, they feel free, out of the apartments, out of the concrete jungle, wants to explore the estate world, even if it means walking around the small estate repeatedly.
Living in an estate, later a small town and finally settling down in KL has provided me with various different exposure in terms of lifestyle, people, practises and culture. I believe I am different now compared to those born and bred in KL mainly due to these precious exposure and experience.
I did travel alone to the nearest town, Kangkar Baru. Kangkar Baru is a small cowboy town with only one row of shops. I had a drink in one of the Chinese Restaurant while reading a daily. Then I noticed that I can hardly find people of my age amongst the crowd in the restaurant and those passing by. I guess they have left for bigger towns and cities, like me.
Most of them were seen to be laid back, sitting and chatting in the restaurant. I found the whole environment and movement were slow, people never really looked very worried, neither did they look like they were anxious over the outcome of the LingamGate, or whether Anwar will take over soon. It appears that for them, life is over and they are destined to spend the rest of their lives there. There were worried though over the fuel price increase based on some of the conversations that was going on.
My 1 hour one stop there also made me realise something. We in KL have no idea what the rural folks think, what do they feel about issues and what matters to them most. Like BN, we have simply lost touch with the rest of Malaysia.
While we harp on LingamGate, Anwar, Mahathir, Hindraf, Human Rights and other trivial matters such as whether to wear songkok or not, people in rural areas are more worried about their rice bowl, their family and surroundings. Despite all the worries, they appear to have better peace of mind compared to KLites despite not having all the luxuries as in KL.
I am afraid that when my parents leave the estate one day, my kids would never be able to experince a rural, distinctly different lifestyle which also means that they will lose that exposure that made me and my brothers different from others.
This time we went to our parents new place. My father, who is supposed to retire in July, decided to continue working and moved to another Oil Palm estate. This estate is remotely located in between small towns of Paloh and Yong Peng.
You have to exit at Yong Peng and the estate is located right in the middle along small link road between Yong Peng and Paloh. This road was proven tough to manouvere for someone who have been so used to two or three lane wide highways.
My kids were excited as they have always been. For them, it's always fun to be somewhere away from the concrete jungle. My parents estate house was a reasonably big 3 room terrace house located right infront of the estate's main office, where my father works. Unlike in other estate's that he had worked, he walks to office now.
There were few stray but clean looking dogs around, cows at the back of the house, a tractor and also excavator/earth mover parked at both sides of the house. My kids were fascinated with the cows, tractors and the earth mover as these are something that they have seen in the cartoons and also something they own in plastic toy form. To see and sit in the real thing is a big deal for them. We took several photographs of my kids at the wheels of the earth mover and tractor.
For me, as someone who have lived half my lifetime in the estates, these are something that we got used to. I can imagine that the large number of kids born in major cities would have never experienced sitting on a tractor or earth mover.
Neither do they would ever experience catching large butterflies, insects, chasing monitor lizards, stumbling upon King Cobras, having monkeys playing at the back of the house (while stealing bananas), climbing and plucking (now it's us who used to steal) various fruits from trees around the estate, stopping for wild boar and elephants crossing the road, tasting spicy dishes of exotic meats such as pangolin and the blue blooded Horseshoe Crab (belangkas), and many other exciting adventures.
We were there for just one night. While I was bored already few hours after we arrived, my kids were not. They were playing in the compound, shouting at the dogs, naming the cows and begged me to take them for a walk around the estate a few times although I took the same route each time. I can imagine that conciously, they feel free, out of the apartments, out of the concrete jungle, wants to explore the estate world, even if it means walking around the small estate repeatedly.
Living in an estate, later a small town and finally settling down in KL has provided me with various different exposure in terms of lifestyle, people, practises and culture. I believe I am different now compared to those born and bred in KL mainly due to these precious exposure and experience.
I did travel alone to the nearest town, Kangkar Baru. Kangkar Baru is a small cowboy town with only one row of shops. I had a drink in one of the Chinese Restaurant while reading a daily. Then I noticed that I can hardly find people of my age amongst the crowd in the restaurant and those passing by. I guess they have left for bigger towns and cities, like me.
Most of them were seen to be laid back, sitting and chatting in the restaurant. I found the whole environment and movement were slow, people never really looked very worried, neither did they look like they were anxious over the outcome of the LingamGate, or whether Anwar will take over soon. It appears that for them, life is over and they are destined to spend the rest of their lives there. There were worried though over the fuel price increase based on some of the conversations that was going on.
My 1 hour one stop there also made me realise something. We in KL have no idea what the rural folks think, what do they feel about issues and what matters to them most. Like BN, we have simply lost touch with the rest of Malaysia.
While we harp on LingamGate, Anwar, Mahathir, Hindraf, Human Rights and other trivial matters such as whether to wear songkok or not, people in rural areas are more worried about their rice bowl, their family and surroundings. Despite all the worries, they appear to have better peace of mind compared to KLites despite not having all the luxuries as in KL.
I am afraid that when my parents leave the estate one day, my kids would never be able to experince a rural, distinctly different lifestyle which also means that they will lose that exposure that made me and my brothers different from others.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Flip Flop Continues
Datuk Sharir was quoted today saying that the government will monitor the petrol price every month but failed to assure if there would be any revision to the prices.
There was an earlier indication that Petrol Prices would not be reviewed for another year. On the other hand, we have our Transport Minister, wearing his MCA hat, urging the government abolish of Road Taxes and Tolls in Klang Valley.
Isn't he the minister that's responsible for both the Highways and the Road Tax. Why does he need to air his views as political party representative. Is it that difficult to raise these suggestions in the cabinet. Why he has to say this now and not before the cabinet had made decisions on the petrol price increase and the rebates. Why these suggestions were not taken into account, or was it ever raised at all. Or is it the minister's political ploy to show that he cares but the government is not listening.
These unnecessary statements only goes to confuse the public further and be convinced that we have a disjointed Cabinet in place, lead by a confused leader. We are fast becoming a laughing stock, especially to our neighbours. This reminds me of the similar policy flip flops undertaken by the Military Government of Thailand last year that scared investor away from Thailand until democratic elections were held.
Where have you gone, Dr M.
There was an earlier indication that Petrol Prices would not be reviewed for another year. On the other hand, we have our Transport Minister, wearing his MCA hat, urging the government abolish of Road Taxes and Tolls in Klang Valley.
Isn't he the minister that's responsible for both the Highways and the Road Tax. Why does he need to air his views as political party representative. Is it that difficult to raise these suggestions in the cabinet. Why he has to say this now and not before the cabinet had made decisions on the petrol price increase and the rebates. Why these suggestions were not taken into account, or was it ever raised at all. Or is it the minister's political ploy to show that he cares but the government is not listening.
These unnecessary statements only goes to confuse the public further and be convinced that we have a disjointed Cabinet in place, lead by a confused leader. We are fast becoming a laughing stock, especially to our neighbours. This reminds me of the similar policy flip flops undertaken by the Military Government of Thailand last year that scared investor away from Thailand until democratic elections were held.
Where have you gone, Dr M.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Flip Flop Government
I was asked to give my take on the recent fuel price increase as well as they way our government handled it.
I think everyone knew that the price increase was imminent, only that the whole nation was shocked with the steep increase, not gradual increase as how it was done before. The public will now have to brace for price hike in almost every other item, except for maybe, as you know, the fuel, for now.
People are equally unhappy with the manner it was done. One day, the minister in-charge, Datuk Sharir Samad says that the planned increase would be in August and two days later, PM Abdullah announces price increase in affect the next day.
Just a week earlier, the minister announced ban of sale of fuel to foreign cars only to overturn the decision later. This flip flop policy changes does not reflect well on the government and I have personally lost the respect I had for my fellow Johorean, Datuk Shahrir. His credibility has gone down the drain the moment he became a minister.
The same goes to PM Abdullah. The way he made the announcement, the speech, body language and choice of words were extremely poor and did not give the public the confidence that the government is doing the right thing for the nation, the right way.
Already this government is facing undue pressure from the opposition, managing this (fuel price) situation was critical to prove government knows what they are doing and that they are doing the right thing, the right way. Unfortunately they flopped big time.
The public is angry. Further announcement on public bus fare hikes also angered the public. The small token, in the form of rebates would not compensate for the expected price increase on all daily necessities.
On the other hand, the World Bank/IMF endorsed economist , the Opposition leader , took the opportunity to take a swipe at the government by announcing that he can do what US, UK, China, EU and India can’t, reduce the fuel prices. What a joke, and at what expense. If he has great ideas and genuinely interested with the welfare of the public, he should share the idea with us and the government. And if his idea is implemented, he can take credit and use it to win the elections, either by-election or the snap election, whichever comes first. You want this opportunist to be your next PM? Will leave that to you.
Perhaps, the first thing he would do is simply raise the interest rates, as he did in 1998. And you know the rest of the story.
And the public is definitely not impressed with his government cost saving measures. They are not interested to know how government can reduce their cost but to know how government is going to help them to reduce the burden.
The information and announcements, coming in bits and pieces are not helpful as public does not get the picture. The reaction from key stakeholders such as transport companies and industries only shows that the government did not engage them in making decisions. They decide and then start talking to concerned parties.
I personally believe that this whole situation has been poorly managed and PM Abdullah has an uphill task to improve his already sliding popularity with the public. I have doubts now whether he can last this term.
I think everyone knew that the price increase was imminent, only that the whole nation was shocked with the steep increase, not gradual increase as how it was done before. The public will now have to brace for price hike in almost every other item, except for maybe, as you know, the fuel, for now.
People are equally unhappy with the manner it was done. One day, the minister in-charge, Datuk Sharir Samad says that the planned increase would be in August and two days later, PM Abdullah announces price increase in affect the next day.
Just a week earlier, the minister announced ban of sale of fuel to foreign cars only to overturn the decision later. This flip flop policy changes does not reflect well on the government and I have personally lost the respect I had for my fellow Johorean, Datuk Shahrir. His credibility has gone down the drain the moment he became a minister.
The same goes to PM Abdullah. The way he made the announcement, the speech, body language and choice of words were extremely poor and did not give the public the confidence that the government is doing the right thing for the nation, the right way.
Already this government is facing undue pressure from the opposition, managing this (fuel price) situation was critical to prove government knows what they are doing and that they are doing the right thing, the right way. Unfortunately they flopped big time.
The public is angry. Further announcement on public bus fare hikes also angered the public. The small token, in the form of rebates would not compensate for the expected price increase on all daily necessities.
On the other hand, the World Bank/IMF endorsed economist , the Opposition leader , took the opportunity to take a swipe at the government by announcing that he can do what US, UK, China, EU and India can’t, reduce the fuel prices. What a joke, and at what expense. If he has great ideas and genuinely interested with the welfare of the public, he should share the idea with us and the government. And if his idea is implemented, he can take credit and use it to win the elections, either by-election or the snap election, whichever comes first. You want this opportunist to be your next PM? Will leave that to you.
Perhaps, the first thing he would do is simply raise the interest rates, as he did in 1998. And you know the rest of the story.
And the public is definitely not impressed with his government cost saving measures. They are not interested to know how government can reduce their cost but to know how government is going to help them to reduce the burden.
The information and announcements, coming in bits and pieces are not helpful as public does not get the picture. The reaction from key stakeholders such as transport companies and industries only shows that the government did not engage them in making decisions. They decide and then start talking to concerned parties.
I personally believe that this whole situation has been poorly managed and PM Abdullah has an uphill task to improve his already sliding popularity with the public. I have doubts now whether he can last this term.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
It May Not Work This time, Dr M
Mahathir’s shocking resignation as UMNO member shook the nation. The impact sent both the ruling party and opposition scrambling to regroup and re-strategise.
Even Bursa Malaysia was impacted by DrM’s decision, closing lower for 2 consecutive days. While the 2nd Finance Minister said that this has got nothing to do with Dr M’s departure from UMNO, investors remain confused and cautious about the unstable political scenario in the country.
This shows how much influential he still is in Malaysian politics, for someone whose opinion and comments were not taken seriously before the general elections.
Rumors and speculations are further confusing the public while PM Abdullah appears to be visibly worried for the first time since Dr M’s started to criticise him two years ago.
Some say that Dr M is trying to deflect public attention away from the Lingam Video scandal, it must be said that the investigation will still go on, regardless of current political scenario.
While in general, Dr M’s decision is not good for the whole country, changes are bound to happen. Current situation faced by PM Abdullah is precarious as compared to the situation faced by Dr M when Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussien Onn left UMNO during his (Dr M) leadership as Dr M had already established himself and was in a strong position, both in UMNO and as a PM. PM Abdullah, in contrast is facing is most difficult period in his political career.
I personally feel Dr M move will not work. He knows that since he had said during the press conference that UMNO members currently holding positions in the government and party are unlikely to abandon UMNO due to their greed for power and money.
Dr M also chose the wrong time of the year to do this. This is an UMNO election year, therefore, it is highly unlikely that anyone eyeing for position in UMNO to abandon the ship with polls to be held in less than 6 months. He could have waited for UMNO polls to be over.
Even his son Mukhriz decided not to quit, probably for the same reason.
The opposition parties are the ones who seem to be benefiting from the crisis in UMNO. They are closely watching the situation and if the crisis continues, it’s highly likely that much speculated crossovers will happen. BN MPs from east Malaysia are more likely to benefit from joining the opposition as compared to waiting for UMNO and BN struggle to rejuvenate from it’s current crisis.
Anwar Ibrahim’s claim of being ‘Prime Minister in waiting’ cannot be dismissed, although I still believe the public is not ready to accept him as PM.
In summary, Dr M challenge and subsequent actions are likely to fizzle out and he will now be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Even Bursa Malaysia was impacted by DrM’s decision, closing lower for 2 consecutive days. While the 2nd Finance Minister said that this has got nothing to do with Dr M’s departure from UMNO, investors remain confused and cautious about the unstable political scenario in the country.
This shows how much influential he still is in Malaysian politics, for someone whose opinion and comments were not taken seriously before the general elections.
Rumors and speculations are further confusing the public while PM Abdullah appears to be visibly worried for the first time since Dr M’s started to criticise him two years ago.
Some say that Dr M is trying to deflect public attention away from the Lingam Video scandal, it must be said that the investigation will still go on, regardless of current political scenario.
While in general, Dr M’s decision is not good for the whole country, changes are bound to happen. Current situation faced by PM Abdullah is precarious as compared to the situation faced by Dr M when Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussien Onn left UMNO during his (Dr M) leadership as Dr M had already established himself and was in a strong position, both in UMNO and as a PM. PM Abdullah, in contrast is facing is most difficult period in his political career.
I personally feel Dr M move will not work. He knows that since he had said during the press conference that UMNO members currently holding positions in the government and party are unlikely to abandon UMNO due to their greed for power and money.
Dr M also chose the wrong time of the year to do this. This is an UMNO election year, therefore, it is highly unlikely that anyone eyeing for position in UMNO to abandon the ship with polls to be held in less than 6 months. He could have waited for UMNO polls to be over.
Even his son Mukhriz decided not to quit, probably for the same reason.
The opposition parties are the ones who seem to be benefiting from the crisis in UMNO. They are closely watching the situation and if the crisis continues, it’s highly likely that much speculated crossovers will happen. BN MPs from east Malaysia are more likely to benefit from joining the opposition as compared to waiting for UMNO and BN struggle to rejuvenate from it’s current crisis.
Anwar Ibrahim’s claim of being ‘Prime Minister in waiting’ cannot be dismissed, although I still believe the public is not ready to accept him as PM.
In summary, Dr M challenge and subsequent actions are likely to fizzle out and he will now be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
We Are Too KL Centric
During gatherings with family members and relatives, we tend to catch up with each other to find out more of the happenings in each others life, career, surrounding and also connected parties, i.e mutual friends or relatives who were not there.
With my hometown being Kluang, obliviously I would be more inclined to ask what is happening in Kluang touching on people and places of interest such as the famous Kluang Railway coffee.
On the other hand, relatives and friends who are residing in Kluang and surrounding areas do enquire about happenings in KL but they always have a upper hand in terms of information as KL is widely covered, be it in mainstream media, internet or blogs.
Kluangites usually tend to try to ascertain whether what they view, read or hear is in fact true. That much of trust they have nowadays on media. Naturally they also ask us about rumors and smses that they receive from time to time.
I also find a huge gap in terms of our (KLites) knowledge on small towns (also known as ‘cowboy town’ in Malaysia. KLites, especially those who were born in KL and those who have been residing in KL for a long time knows little about these towns except for towns which are already a popular tourism destination.
None of these town would have come about without its own piece of history. Although in the olden days, these town serves as the collection centre, train transit or ports for tin mines , rubber and cocoa estates, there are other towns existed for other reasons.
It would be interesting to know about small towns and its history. The information gap is certainly not helped by the fact that the media in the country are very much KL Centric. If you happen to scrutinize the papers, News on TV channels, little is mentioned about small towns unless something has happened there.
School history books, while does mention about some historically significant small towns, in my opinion, there are many historical events which are excluded due to space constraints and importance.
For example, a small town called Bekok bordering Kluang and Segamat district in Johor used to be a communist base during the 60’s. When were residing in estate (Chan Wing) near there, we used to visit a communist built bunkers. This piece of historically significant evidence has been left to rot. I believe that this is the case with many other structures built by the communist in the 50’s and 60’s as the government, at that time, did not want communists and their activities to be remembered.
Another significant point to note is that many other similar smaller towns, known to be a transit point within the national rail network, have now been sidelined due to development of more modern highways. In Johor, trains used to stop at Bekok,Jagoh, Paloh, Chamek, Nyior, in between Segamat and Kluang. I hear that stops at these towns are now limited to once a day.
I am quite sure that everyone has a similar tale to tell about other small ‘cowboy’ towns. It’s just that the whole media is very much KL centric that small towns are completely ignored. It may be due to the fact that media behaves to according to happenings in their own surroundings (many are based in KL), which is the power centre of the nation, be it business or politics.
Every town still has its history and relevance. It would be good if someone records all the information on small towns, its history and current development. It would be even better if each town has its own newspaper or blogs that would documents all the information about the town. Look forward to that day. Till then we will have to rely on gatherings.
With my hometown being Kluang, obliviously I would be more inclined to ask what is happening in Kluang touching on people and places of interest such as the famous Kluang Railway coffee.
On the other hand, relatives and friends who are residing in Kluang and surrounding areas do enquire about happenings in KL but they always have a upper hand in terms of information as KL is widely covered, be it in mainstream media, internet or blogs.
Kluangites usually tend to try to ascertain whether what they view, read or hear is in fact true. That much of trust they have nowadays on media. Naturally they also ask us about rumors and smses that they receive from time to time.
I also find a huge gap in terms of our (KLites) knowledge on small towns (also known as ‘cowboy town’ in Malaysia. KLites, especially those who were born in KL and those who have been residing in KL for a long time knows little about these towns except for towns which are already a popular tourism destination.
None of these town would have come about without its own piece of history. Although in the olden days, these town serves as the collection centre, train transit or ports for tin mines , rubber and cocoa estates, there are other towns existed for other reasons.
It would be interesting to know about small towns and its history. The information gap is certainly not helped by the fact that the media in the country are very much KL Centric. If you happen to scrutinize the papers, News on TV channels, little is mentioned about small towns unless something has happened there.
School history books, while does mention about some historically significant small towns, in my opinion, there are many historical events which are excluded due to space constraints and importance.
For example, a small town called Bekok bordering Kluang and Segamat district in Johor used to be a communist base during the 60’s. When were residing in estate (Chan Wing) near there, we used to visit a communist built bunkers. This piece of historically significant evidence has been left to rot. I believe that this is the case with many other structures built by the communist in the 50’s and 60’s as the government, at that time, did not want communists and their activities to be remembered.
Another significant point to note is that many other similar smaller towns, known to be a transit point within the national rail network, have now been sidelined due to development of more modern highways. In Johor, trains used to stop at Bekok,Jagoh, Paloh, Chamek, Nyior, in between Segamat and Kluang. I hear that stops at these towns are now limited to once a day.
I am quite sure that everyone has a similar tale to tell about other small ‘cowboy’ towns. It’s just that the whole media is very much KL centric that small towns are completely ignored. It may be due to the fact that media behaves to according to happenings in their own surroundings (many are based in KL), which is the power centre of the nation, be it business or politics.
Every town still has its history and relevance. It would be good if someone records all the information on small towns, its history and current development. It would be even better if each town has its own newspaper or blogs that would documents all the information about the town. Look forward to that day. Till then we will have to rely on gatherings.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Differences between Local Companies And MNCs
I am writing on this based on my experience working in a large MNC and later in also large (in the country, that is) local institution within the same industry.
I am prompted to write on this as comparisons are always made among job seekers as well as among those who are already with local companies or MNCs and also due the fact that I am also always asked to make comparisons.
It’s a fact in Malaysia that people working in MNC are always proud of their companies as they are seen to be International while employees in large local companies always brag about their company in the presence of those from other local companies.
From my observation, there are stark differences between the two, local companies and MNCs. Here are the glaring ones;
1. Communication
Communication between management and employees in MNCs are regular, clear, concise. Policy or procedures changes are clearly explained and employees are briefed properly most of the time. In local companies, communication is inconsistent, not timely, usually not documented and irregular. Local companies are also not that transparent when it involves certain information as they are deemed confidential while in MNCs the same information are readily available either in the circulars or intranet.
2. Whiteboard
I found this amusing when I first started in a local company. In all my years in MNC, I never really found a need to use whiteboard to explain something to the meeting audience. We only use that to place some important information or updates. In local companies, whiteboards are everywhere including boardrooms and deemed as important tool to communicate to the audience.
My further observation revealed that it was all due to an individual’s inability to convey his messages clearly as well the audiences inability to comprehend what was being said by the other party, hence a whiteboard was necessary to highlight, for example workflow etc.
It can be very frustrating as the whiteboard is used again and again in the same meeting to prove a point or clarifiy the presenters position. In one meeting, there would be few people getting up and going to the whiteboard. If one look at the whiteboard at the end of the meeting, it would appear as if there has been a meeting concluded with plans to send man to Mars, or
In summary, it is a clear issue of communication rather than whiteboards being a magic tool.
3. Meetings
The other frustrating experience with the local companies are meetings. Meetings where I conducted in MNCs are generally short with important ones going up to 3 hours. However, In local companies, believe it, meeting can last 6 hours without break.
But then why?. Are locals more hardworking and willing to sit in meetings for to find solutions and communicate important matters, seek clarifications etc. Again, there are many reasons. I find most of the meetings I attended not productive at all.
Meetings are also scheduled in the evening, after office hours, which I find baffling.
Reasons are many
- participants are usually not prepared,
- did not bring the necessary that they were advised to bring,
- Vague agendas,
- participants coming in late,
- lack of focus - Participants talking among themselves when others are presenting and when prompted, they asked for repeat of what was being briefed. It’s also common that people answer phone calls during meetings
- Out of topic conversations takes place.
- Participants going out of the meeting rooms and coming in later asking to repeat what went on during his/her absence.
- Participants not giving straight answers, they beat around the bush instead.
There are many more but in summary, it’s the people’s attitude, behaviour and inefficiency that leads to long and unnecessary meetings.
4. Long Hours
It’s also a norm for locals to stay on in the office until late hours. One of the reason for this is due to meetings. Other than this is also due to staff don’t dare to go home before their bosses. MNCs discourage this and many wants their staff have a good work/life balance. And people who work long hours, no matter how unproductive they are, are seen to be hardworking employee.
5. Off Days & Leaves
People in Local companies are fond of those who return to work on their off days or on leave. Those who return are seen to be a committed staff, no matter that the same person did not pass on his work properly or did not delegate his task to other before they go on leave.
6. Lack of Focus & Direction
Local companies only plan, strategise and act when something happens. Planning for the year only starts in the same year.
7. Paper, Paper, Paper….
Lots of things are still paper based. Approvals still need to be signed on paper while MNCs have for long embarked on electronic signatures.
8. Analogies
I also observed that Malaysians in local companies also fond of telling some old stories or analogies to prove a point.
9. Not customer Oriented.
Local companies also practices ‘end justifies means’ concept and generally don’t really care about customer or service.
In summary, Malaysian companies have long way to go before they can claim to be world class. I echo Dr M’s statement that ‘Malaysians have have first class facility but third world mentality’ . A great deal of mindset and workplace culture change is required before we even think of becoming world class organization.
I am writing on this based on my experience working in a large MNC and later in also large (in the country, that is) local institution within the same industry.
I am prompted to write on this as comparisons are always made among job seekers as well as among those who are already with local companies or MNCs and also due the fact that I am also always asked to make comparisons.
It’s a fact in Malaysia that people working in MNC are always proud of their companies as they are seen to be International while employees in large local companies always brag about their company in the presence of those from other local companies.
From my observation, there are stark differences between the two, local companies and MNCs. Here are the glaring ones;
1. Communication
Communication between management and employees in MNCs are regular, clear, concise. Policy or procedures changes are clearly explained and employees are briefed properly most of the time. In local companies, communication is inconsistent, not timely, usually not documented and irregular. Local companies are also not that transparent when it involves certain information as they are deemed confidential while in MNCs the same information are readily available either in the circulars or intranet.
2. Whiteboard
I found this amusing when I first started in a local company. In all my years in MNC, I never really found a need to use whiteboard to explain something to the meeting audience. We only use that to place some important information or updates. In local companies, whiteboards are everywhere including boardrooms and deemed as important tool to communicate to the audience.
My further observation revealed that it was all due to an individual’s inability to convey his messages clearly as well the audiences inability to comprehend what was being said by the other party, hence a whiteboard was necessary to highlight, for example workflow etc.
It can be very frustrating as the whiteboard is used again and again in the same meeting to prove a point or clarifiy the presenters position. In one meeting, there would be few people getting up and going to the whiteboard. If one look at the whiteboard at the end of the meeting, it would appear as if there has been a meeting concluded with plans to send man to Mars, or
In summary, it is a clear issue of communication rather than whiteboards being a magic tool.
3. Meetings
The other frustrating experience with the local companies are meetings. Meetings where I conducted in MNCs are generally short with important ones going up to 3 hours. However, In local companies, believe it, meeting can last 6 hours without break.
But then why?. Are locals more hardworking and willing to sit in meetings for to find solutions and communicate important matters, seek clarifications etc. Again, there are many reasons. I find most of the meetings I attended not productive at all.
Meetings are also scheduled in the evening, after office hours, which I find baffling.
Reasons are many
- participants are usually not prepared,
- did not bring the necessary that they were advised to bring,
- Vague agendas,
- participants coming in late,
- lack of focus - Participants talking among themselves when others are presenting and when prompted, they asked for repeat of what was being briefed. It’s also common that people answer phone calls during meetings
- Out of topic conversations takes place.
- Participants going out of the meeting rooms and coming in later asking to repeat what went on during his/her absence.
- Participants not giving straight answers, they beat around the bush instead.
There are many more but in summary, it’s the people’s attitude, behaviour and inefficiency that leads to long and unnecessary meetings.
4. Long Hours
It’s also a norm for locals to stay on in the office until late hours. One of the reason for this is due to meetings. Other than this is also due to staff don’t dare to go home before their bosses. MNCs discourage this and many wants their staff have a good work/life balance. And people who work long hours, no matter how unproductive they are, are seen to be hardworking employee.
5. Off Days & Leaves
People in Local companies are fond of those who return to work on their off days or on leave. Those who return are seen to be a committed staff, no matter that the same person did not pass on his work properly or did not delegate his task to other before they go on leave.
6. Lack of Focus & Direction
Local companies only plan, strategise and act when something happens. Planning for the year only starts in the same year.
7. Paper, Paper, Paper….
Lots of things are still paper based. Approvals still need to be signed on paper while MNCs have for long embarked on electronic signatures.
8. Analogies
I also observed that Malaysians in local companies also fond of telling some old stories or analogies to prove a point.
9. Not customer Oriented.
Local companies also practices ‘end justifies means’ concept and generally don’t really care about customer or service.
In summary, Malaysian companies have long way to go before they can claim to be world class. I echo Dr M’s statement that ‘Malaysians have have first class facility but third world mentality’ . A great deal of mindset and workplace culture change is required before we even think of becoming world class organization.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Are We Really What We Claim to Be?
Recent 'Live' telecast of Parliament question and answer session has brought about the worst among the MPs. Public and prominent figures were outraged by the behaviour of the MPs, some of them who have been member of the August house for more than 2 decades.
I did watch the 'show', reality show to be more specific. While I was not that amused by their antics, it did force me to stop and think.
Aren't we the general public, adults to be more specific, the same. We are in a way acting all the time. The way we behave actually depends very much on the surroundings that we are at that point of time. We don't sit properly at home, we laze around and place out foot wherever we feel comfortable. We don't do this in the office. Aren't we acting then.
We dont eat the same way at home as compared to when we are with our friends, colleaques and even differently when were are in a hotel. Aren't we actually acting then.
The same goes on how we speak. We speak differently to different audience. Are we really being ourselves?
We dress differently according to functions that we go to.Are we really being ourselves?
We also like to do what the childrens do, like playing with some interesting toys or in my case, like to be with my teddy bear but we do it in private. Aren't we acting then.
We also complain about MPs talking nonsense/rubbish. Aren't we the same. We love rumours, some thrive on it. We talk nothing with facts, merely hearsay, half the time. We also love to speculate, trying hard to be Mr Right, some earn or lose money speculating.
We also love to speak highly of someone while deriding others. In Malaysia, we love to speak highly of someone succesful from the same race while deriding other races.
We also love to be in the limelight.
We abhor corruption, but at the same time don't mind paying off the policeman for traffic offence.
We talk about equality, justice and fairness but yet when someone we know or love breaks the law, we accuse the authorities of of bias.
We love alternative media although most of them publish half truths. Although however slanted they may be, mainstream media are quite accurate and responsible.
In summary, we are no different than those politicians in the RTM's "Parliament Reality Show".In fact, we could easily participate in the show. Why not try, the Lingam Video cameran tried and made it, so can we.
Let's looks at ourselves in the mirror, are we really what we claim or seen to be?
I did watch the 'show', reality show to be more specific. While I was not that amused by their antics, it did force me to stop and think.
Aren't we the general public, adults to be more specific, the same. We are in a way acting all the time. The way we behave actually depends very much on the surroundings that we are at that point of time. We don't sit properly at home, we laze around and place out foot wherever we feel comfortable. We don't do this in the office. Aren't we acting then.
We dont eat the same way at home as compared to when we are with our friends, colleaques and even differently when were are in a hotel. Aren't we actually acting then.
The same goes on how we speak. We speak differently to different audience. Are we really being ourselves?
We dress differently according to functions that we go to.Are we really being ourselves?
We also like to do what the childrens do, like playing with some interesting toys or in my case, like to be with my teddy bear but we do it in private. Aren't we acting then.
We also complain about MPs talking nonsense/rubbish. Aren't we the same. We love rumours, some thrive on it. We talk nothing with facts, merely hearsay, half the time. We also love to speculate, trying hard to be Mr Right, some earn or lose money speculating.
We also love to speak highly of someone while deriding others. In Malaysia, we love to speak highly of someone succesful from the same race while deriding other races.
We also love to be in the limelight.
We abhor corruption, but at the same time don't mind paying off the policeman for traffic offence.
We talk about equality, justice and fairness but yet when someone we know or love breaks the law, we accuse the authorities of of bias.
We love alternative media although most of them publish half truths. Although however slanted they may be, mainstream media are quite accurate and responsible.
In summary, we are no different than those politicians in the RTM's "Parliament Reality Show".In fact, we could easily participate in the show. Why not try, the Lingam Video cameran tried and made it, so can we.
Let's looks at ourselves in the mirror, are we really what we claim or seen to be?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Mahathir, Live And Direct On The Web
Mahathir, Live And Direct On The Web
Apologies for there have been no postings recently. My internet connection has been off for a while.
Recent development that caught everyone by surprise was Tun Dr Mahathir's (TDM) foray into blogging. While this may have been his reaction to his (own) accusation that he is denied access to the mainstream media, general public are excited to hear from him directly.
His first two postings were outright politics and looking at the response generated, this can be one of the sites with most hit's in recent times apart from those sites maintained by mostly anti-establishment groups. Perhaps Mahathir should open his sites for placement of advertisements; at least he could get some income since he is a pensioner now.
If you look at some of the comments posted, there are large numbers of admirers of this strongman as much as detractors. He still commands respect of even the opposition members eg Jeff Ooi still keeps up with whatever "Mahathir". Jeff claims that he still looks up to Mahathir as a great leader.
He has been said to be the person who destroyed the major institution such as the judiciary and police, caused upside of corruption, a dictator who abused the ISA (Operasi Lalang etc), saw the birth of cronyism, made the poor poorer but own a proton etc...
(eh….wasn’t Anwar Ibrahim there all the time) Many conveniently forget this.
Until today no one has come forward and successfully charged him for all his wrong doings and TDM is vehemently confident that he has done nothing wrong. Not even Anwar Ibrahim, who claimed to have boxes of evidence, had done anything.
While TDM’s postings have been largely predictable and consistent as he has been always, I personally want to hear more of his personal side rather than his political ramblings, at least once in a while. I'm also tired of waiting for his memoirs, which has been long time in the making.
It would be interesting to know his personal side. I have read many books on him, both by local observers/writers, even an interesting but difficult to read PHD thesis on him by an American, John Hilley (Malaysia: Mahathirism, Hegemony and the New Opposition). Most of these authors quote various incidents, decisions and actions to define what TDM is, to the extend that they have coined 'Mahathirism' as how they see of him.
I have met, shook hands and spoke to him many times (lost count actually) during my stint in Carcosa Seri Negara. However that was more of a hotel employee and guest interactions. I have then noticed that there was always an aura surrounding him, a kind of respect mixed with fear, even among the senior cabinet members and his so-called close friends and cronies. Everyone tend to keep a distance and usually he will be left alone when he is waiting for someone, usually foreign head of state etc at Carcosa.
I was also amazed with his reading ability, he is able to read the NST, in broadsheet format those days in just over 20-30 minutes and later in the post-function press conference, able to clinically and at times, comically answer all questions, usually those arising from articles in the papers.
What I would like to see are; What is he, how do he think, how can he manage his time, what Mahathir wanted all his life, Why he made decisions the way he did, how did he take all the criticism, how much he likes glory, Anwar Ibrahim, or rather how did he managed to look young. etc.
Apologies for there have been no postings recently. My internet connection has been off for a while.
Recent development that caught everyone by surprise was Tun Dr Mahathir's (TDM) foray into blogging. While this may have been his reaction to his (own) accusation that he is denied access to the mainstream media, general public are excited to hear from him directly.
His first two postings were outright politics and looking at the response generated, this can be one of the sites with most hit's in recent times apart from those sites maintained by mostly anti-establishment groups. Perhaps Mahathir should open his sites for placement of advertisements; at least he could get some income since he is a pensioner now.
If you look at some of the comments posted, there are large numbers of admirers of this strongman as much as detractors. He still commands respect of even the opposition members eg Jeff Ooi still keeps up with whatever "Mahathir". Jeff claims that he still looks up to Mahathir as a great leader.
He has been said to be the person who destroyed the major institution such as the judiciary and police, caused upside of corruption, a dictator who abused the ISA (Operasi Lalang etc), saw the birth of cronyism, made the poor poorer but own a proton etc...
(eh….wasn’t Anwar Ibrahim there all the time) Many conveniently forget this.
Until today no one has come forward and successfully charged him for all his wrong doings and TDM is vehemently confident that he has done nothing wrong. Not even Anwar Ibrahim, who claimed to have boxes of evidence, had done anything.
While TDM’s postings have been largely predictable and consistent as he has been always, I personally want to hear more of his personal side rather than his political ramblings, at least once in a while. I'm also tired of waiting for his memoirs, which has been long time in the making.
It would be interesting to know his personal side. I have read many books on him, both by local observers/writers, even an interesting but difficult to read PHD thesis on him by an American, John Hilley (Malaysia: Mahathirism, Hegemony and the New Opposition). Most of these authors quote various incidents, decisions and actions to define what TDM is, to the extend that they have coined 'Mahathirism' as how they see of him.
I have met, shook hands and spoke to him many times (lost count actually) during my stint in Carcosa Seri Negara. However that was more of a hotel employee and guest interactions. I have then noticed that there was always an aura surrounding him, a kind of respect mixed with fear, even among the senior cabinet members and his so-called close friends and cronies. Everyone tend to keep a distance and usually he will be left alone when he is waiting for someone, usually foreign head of state etc at Carcosa.
I was also amazed with his reading ability, he is able to read the NST, in broadsheet format those days in just over 20-30 minutes and later in the post-function press conference, able to clinically and at times, comically answer all questions, usually those arising from articles in the papers.
What I would like to see are; What is he, how do he think, how can he manage his time, what Mahathir wanted all his life, Why he made decisions the way he did, how did he take all the criticism, how much he likes glory, Anwar Ibrahim, or rather how did he managed to look young. etc.
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