Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Malays - Issue 1

I am increasingly feeling the divide. Once, I had people from all walks of life as my friends. Now, I feel myself not being able to withstand being around those who do not make sense to me.

I am not one who chooses my friend by how educated he/she is. I have never really minded being friends with one who is not inclined towards education. BUT, some can never fully validate or give me a substantial and logical reason as to why they are they way they are. If they have other dreams that they want to pursue, that will definitely reap in benefits in the long run, I'm okay. but most are just plain lazy.

So lazy, i almost gave up.

When I was working with the RTC boys, (my class consists of all Malay boys) they were encouraging. I enjoyed every minute of my training with them. Knowing that I have imparted some knowledge to them was one thing, it was their desire to learn, and to gain the knowledge that inspires me.

Everytime, when I think that the Malays are a lost cause, I will think of my short stint in prison, and realise that, yes, we do make mistakes, but there are SOME who do change. And they become even better than the rest. I know some of them went back to school, or intend to go back to school when they are out. And it makes me proud that I am in contact with such people. That they were once a part of my life.

Therefore, I do not look down on people who have gone to prison/rtc. I have nothing but good remarks for them. HOWEVER, those who are outside, sprawling on the streets, wasting their time etc... those are the ones I am concern about.

Issue 1. Education - Many malays make excuses as to why they do not want to further their studies. some of the more common excuses: no money, no time, need to work etc etc.

I wonder, why is it then, someone who lives in a one-room rental flat can manage to send their children to university, that these people cant? Not all families are the same. I know that. That's why u can pay for your own education. That's why there's Mendaki.

Ah...Mendaki. I do not know what's the issue here with Mendaki, but APPARENTLY, Mendaki doesnt help a certain group of Malays. Interesting. I wanna highlight the word APPARENTLY. Because on my part and my brother's part, we have never personally encounter any problems. Mendaki has (apparently) refused to help some families.

But I wonder, why is it, that the large percentage (i think 100 percent) of those who apply for Mendaki funding for tertiary public school education gets the funding. You dont even have to meet the Mendaki staff. When u apply to enter (example) polytechnic, there's a form for you to attach and send. And it's automatically assumed, that as long as you meet the requirements (Malay, first funding etc etc), you will be funded.

So why is it that a certain group do not receive funding? In my opinion, they might not have gone through the proper procedures of applying, OR, they requested for CASH, OR they requested for allowance etc. I do not think Mendaki provides that for anyone.

And if you really want it, wouldnt you bring this issue up to the relevant authorities? Why must you keep mum about it? Go through all the channels. The meet the MP session, the media etc etc.

It all boils down to the point of how muh you want it.

Some people can afford to buy a car, can afford to smoke cigarettes, can afford to frequent clubs, but they cant afford to pay for their own education if needed. And it's going to be a cycle.

A cycle of poverty. they do not think that what they are doing now, will not only benefit themselvesm but also their family. Singapore is a dog-eat-dog country. You can decide to be the dog that's eaten, or the dog that's eating.

Another excuse to fund their flimsy argument: Islam. Education is not needed as long as we are religious.

In the first place, are you? Secondly, WHAT NONSENSE?! this is where everyone has got the wrong perception of Islam as a backward religion. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Islam encourages its people to seek and gain knowledge. Read the Quran and the hadiths, and you will know how much it is encouraged.

I can go on and on, but I'm pressed for time. I will continue on another edition of The Malays.

Posted by L|v|nGdEaD b|tCh at 2:57:00 PM