Pulse Of Bukit Lanjan (N.37)

  BUKIT LANJAN: Are we preparing for such a massive demographic change and growth? It is envisaged that 80% of Malaysia will be urban by 2030 and that federal capital Kuala Lumpur will have a population of almost 10 million. Some will see that as economic progress while others will ask if it really means positive progress for Malaysians. “Whatever you opine, there is one very major concern. Is Malaysia prepared to face the socio-political revolution and changes that come along with such a domestic demographic transformation?” Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak Alsagoff said. He said such a demographic growth and changes in communities and societies would certainly affect the socio-political sphere of Malaysians and Malaysia. “Are our education policies adequate to cope with the needs of such a massive growth? Are the socio-economic policies of the government of the day competent to cope with such a transformation? “There are certainly many questions to ask with such ...

BUKIT LANJAN: Singapore revolutionising its education strategy, what about Malaysia? Singapore appears to be revolutionising its education policy and strategy to ensure it produces even more employable graduates who are creative and innovative. It wants school children to focus less on grades and more on ideas. “It will do well for Malaysia’s Education Ministry to also do the same and not be left behind. Although Singapore’s education is already world standard and highly successful, why is it trying to revolutionise it?” Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak Alsagoff asked. “That’s because Singapore’s administrators are able to think out of the box and adapt to global changes and technological needs,” he added. He said global economic and technological competitiveness had narrowed tremendously in the cyber-driven 21st Century. “China, South Korea and India have shown the way to catch up with traditional developed nations like Japan and the West. There is no way for ...

BUKIT LANJAN: Why is Malaysia’s education standard perceived as weak? Is weak policy implementation the reason for Malaysia’s perceived poor education standards? Is Malaysia’s education woes the same as other issues? Great launches but lacks maintenance and sustainability? Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak Alsagoff said it would do well for both the Education and Higher Education Ministries to take note of some of the views of the Harvard professors at a recent forum. “It is heartening to note that the Education Ministry has responded positively to the views of the professors. There is no harm in conducting a major review and try to add value or make changes to try and do better or achieve better results. “There is a glaring weakness that we must all admit. The majority of our graduates cannot even string one decent sentence in English,” he added. Syed Razak, who is Gerakan’s nominee to contest N.37 Bukit Lanjan in the coming 14th General Election (GE14), s...

BUKIT LANJAN: The kurang ajar (rude) Malaysian species There is now a certain species of Malaysians who are born kurang ajar (rude). Even during festivities, be it Chinese New Year, Christmas or Hari Raya, they are unable to set aside their political hostility and hatred across the divide. These Malaysian species practice political extremism. Festival greetings are not only rejected or criticised, but also tainted with curse and hatred. “What is becoming of such Malaysians. Is there no life but only political hostility for them?” Gerakan Deputy Speaker Syed Abdul Razak said. Syed Razak lamented that “this growing number of Malaysian species can only bring doom to national unity and harmony”. “If there is no national unity, there is no socio-economic future and prosperity for Malaysia,” he added. “Are you wondering who are those Malaysians I am talking about? Siapa makan lada, dia lah rasa pedas! (Whoever eats pepper, he or she will taste the hot spice!). “There is no...