Thanks to Malaysiakini who recorded the event, my little impromptu speech at the vigil for Nathaniel Tan on Saturday evening seeking his release was captured on video ;)
Before me, you can hear Nathaniel's sister, Cheryl sing, and Nik Nazmi addressing the crowd. You can also catch other Malaysiakini on the vigils as well as his release on Malaysiakini.tv.
And as he has been released from detention by the police, he has graciously agreed to speak to us about his detention tomorrow evening @ KL & Selangor Assembly Hall ;) So see you guys there!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
No to a Police State in Blogosphere
Nathaniel Tan, a 26 year old dedicated blogger, a Harvard University alumnus and an aide to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been arrested under the Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) over allegations that he had documents linked to Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharom’s alleged involvement in corruption.To demonstrate our solidarity with Nathaniel who has been dealt with great injustice, to show our steadfast refusal to let the Government curb the democratisation impact of blogs and the Internet, and to voice our displeasure at the OSA, we are organising a forum with invited speakers from across the civil society with details as follows:
Venue: KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly HallThe panel of Distinguished Speakers include:
Date: 19th July 2007 (Thursday)
Time: 7.30 pm
Admission is Free; Bring Friends
- Nathaniel Tan, Blogger & Aide to PKR Advisor*
- Jeff Ooi, Protem Vice-President, All Blogs Malaysia
- Harris Ibrahim, Lawyer & Founder of The People's Parliament
- Nurul Izzah Anwar, Special Assistant to PKR Advisor
- Lim Guan Eng, Secretary-General of DAP
- Tony Pua, Economic Advisor to DAP Secretary-General
* We will be inviting Nathaniel to speak to us and relay his experiences at the Forum should he be released from remand on Tuesday, 17th July or before. We'll also be trying to leave as much time to the floor as possible, so as to enable greater interaction at the forum.
And for those who would like to find out a little more about the young man who wants to do so much for his country, check out the write up at Jeff's blog.
A quick note on the OSA:
The OSA in its current form allows for a government to administer this country covertly and in defiance of the accountability and transparency that is crucial to democratic process. As human rights lawyer, Malik Imtiaz says, "this impacts on all our lives in more ways that we can begin to understand as the government is given a means to thwart legitimate public interest by the forced suppression of material and relevant information."
See you there!! ;)
大学林立孰之过？
Below is my column for Oriental Daily last week. This time, I discussed on of my very favourite topics, that is the Government's focus on quantity rather than quality in education. This was also the topic of discussion when I was up on Astro last week on "Talking Issues". I've written extensively on this issue (you can read it here and here), so this article shouldn't need a separate translation ;)
大学林立孰之过？
潘俭伟
除了19所国立大学与大学学院之外，国内还有另外22所私立大学与大学学院。这个数目还不包括今年将获颁大学学院地位的大专学府。这意味着除了数十所跟外国大学合作提供学位课程的大专学府之外，国内2千640万人口却至少拥有超过41所大学与大学学院。若以比率换算，每64万4千个人口当中就有一所大学。
大约7、8年前，我国只有16所大学及大学学院。国内大学或大学学院如雨后春笋般林立，然而我们却面对另一个问题，即我们能否在短时间内聘请到足够并有素质的讲师？根据2004年统计显示，国立大学只有21.6%的讲师考获博士学位。至于私营大学的情况更难堪，即只有区区4%讲师具有博士头衔。
除了雪兰莪州务大臣基尔医生之外，我想其他人都会同意新加坡的教育素质，确实比我们还要好几倍。新加坡有400万人口，却只有3所大学。换算之，每133万新加坡人口就有一所大学。相较之下，我国的人口与大学比率却超出新加坡逾倍。
尽管只有3所大学，但新加坡其中两家大学《泰晤士高等教育增刊》与中国上海交通大学全球大学排名榜各列入50强与200强内。新加坡新设立的第3所大学――新加坡管理大学没有列入榜内，这是可以理解的。反观拥有超过40所大学的马来西亚，却没有任何大学列入《泰晤士高等教育增刊》150强与交通大学全球大学排名榜500强内。
若有人硬指这些指标不能反映我国的高等教育政策重量不重质，我更不知道要怎样去反映当中的事实了。
结果，强调重量不重质的高教政策，自然会降低我国大学毕业生的沟通能力，并导致他们缺乏批判思维及分析能力。
事实上，我们现有数以万计的大学毕业生失业，足以反映所生产的大学毕业生过剩。而且，这些毕业生当中有一大部分没有足够的能力，为我们的全球性经济付出贡献。虽然我国缺乏电脑工程师与程式设计员，但许多电脑科学系的毕业生却面对失业问题，这是不足为奇的。
除了大学供过于求影响我国的高教素质之外，在马来西亚这样的发展中国家，我们是否有能力利用有限的资源，来开发年轻一代无限的潜能，尤其是提高他们未来的生产力与创意思考，这是非常重要的。鉴于国内大学的数量太多，加上政府的资金向来都非常有限，这导致政府的资源没有办法妥善分配予这些大专学府。
诚然，政府目前强调重量不重质的政策难以逆转。然而，政府必须有强烈的意愿来扭转这个趋势。即使这只是区区一小步，却足以反映政府承认其现有注重设立学位工厂的政策，确实为国家造就了太多高不成、低不就的次产品。
大学林立孰之过？
潘俭伟
除了19所国立大学与大学学院之外，国内还有另外22所私立大学与大学学院。这个数目还不包括今年将获颁大学学院地位的大专学府。这意味着除了数十所跟外国大学合作提供学位课程的大专学府之外，国内2千640万人口却至少拥有超过41所大学与大学学院。若以比率换算，每64万4千个人口当中就有一所大学。
大约7、8年前，我国只有16所大学及大学学院。国内大学或大学学院如雨后春笋般林立，然而我们却面对另一个问题，即我们能否在短时间内聘请到足够并有素质的讲师？根据2004年统计显示，国立大学只有21.6%的讲师考获博士学位。至于私营大学的情况更难堪，即只有区区4%讲师具有博士头衔。
除了雪兰莪州务大臣基尔医生之外，我想其他人都会同意新加坡的教育素质，确实比我们还要好几倍。新加坡有400万人口，却只有3所大学。换算之，每133万新加坡人口就有一所大学。相较之下，我国的人口与大学比率却超出新加坡逾倍。
尽管只有3所大学，但新加坡其中两家大学《泰晤士高等教育增刊》与中国上海交通大学全球大学排名榜各列入50强与200强内。新加坡新设立的第3所大学――新加坡管理大学没有列入榜内，这是可以理解的。反观拥有超过40所大学的马来西亚，却没有任何大学列入《泰晤士高等教育增刊》150强与交通大学全球大学排名榜500强内。
若有人硬指这些指标不能反映我国的高等教育政策重量不重质，我更不知道要怎样去反映当中的事实了。
结果，强调重量不重质的高教政策，自然会降低我国大学毕业生的沟通能力，并导致他们缺乏批判思维及分析能力。
事实上，我们现有数以万计的大学毕业生失业，足以反映所生产的大学毕业生过剩。而且，这些毕业生当中有一大部分没有足够的能力，为我们的全球性经济付出贡献。虽然我国缺乏电脑工程师与程式设计员，但许多电脑科学系的毕业生却面对失业问题，这是不足为奇的。
除了大学供过于求影响我国的高教素质之外，在马来西亚这样的发展中国家，我们是否有能力利用有限的资源，来开发年轻一代无限的潜能，尤其是提高他们未来的生产力与创意思考，这是非常重要的。鉴于国内大学的数量太多，加上政府的资金向来都非常有限，这导致政府的资源没有办法妥善分配予这些大专学府。
诚然，政府目前强调重量不重质的政策难以逆转。然而，政府必须有强烈的意愿来扭转这个趋势。即使这只是区区一小步，却足以反映政府承认其现有注重设立学位工厂的政策，确实为国家造就了太多高不成、低不就的次产品。
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Candlelight Vigil for Nathaniel
More activities are being planned for Nathaniel as I write. Leaders of both DAP and PKR have unreservedly condemned Nathaniel's arrest.Meanwhile, there's a candlelight vigil for Nathaniel tonight (Sunday 15th July) at 8.00pm outside the Dang Wangi Police Station (Jalan Stadium, near Merdeka Stadium). Let's show that we are not cowed by irresponsible, vindictive, unethical (I can go on...) police and government actions. See you guys there!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Free Nathaniel
The blogosphere is abuzz with Nathaniel's arrest. I really don't think I'll add to the opinions already raised, except to say that Nat is such a nice guy that doesn't deserve this treatment. The police abuse of the laws of the land is abhorrent and deplorable.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Doing My Little Part
I've been granted a short weekly column with the Chinese newspaper, Oriental Daily which will be published on every Monday. ;) This has started since they "revamped" the paper into tabloid size last week. Yes, it's a Chinese paper, and I wrote in Chinese, although whatever I wrote goes through "heavy" language editing by colleagues. I'd post here my columns a week after they have been published ;)
So, here's my debut piece, a little introductory piece on doing my part for the country ;)
虽千万人吾往矣！
潘俭伟
人家时常问我：既然您的条件这么好，又何苦要加入政界呢？我所给的答案很简单，就是马来西亚是个资源丰富及人口充满生气的国家，但是我们却无法释出最大的潜能，而且还浪费许多宝贵的机会。当中的最大因素就是执政当局无能！
近年来，我国所拥有的最珍贵资源，即人文资本相继流失到国外去。我国最优秀的人才，不论哪一个种族，从12岁开始就给其他国家吸引去了。譬如，新加坡每年提供数百份东协奖学金，给我国学生到新加坡顶尖学府及大学深造。我有好多朋友如今都在新加坡落地生根。他们当中计有专科医生、大学讲师，有些甚至进入新加坡顶尖公司的管理层。
至于其他人有些则移居香港、伦敦或纽约，而他们的技能、智能与才能一般都受承认及获得赏识。像我这种要返回祖国并为国家贡献者，可说是少之又少。
近几年来，我国的人才相继离国，外国投资者亦对马来西亚趋之避吉。我国曾经是个最吸引外商投资的据点。1996年，我国外来直接投资额高达73亿美元。然而在短短10年内，这个投资额遽跌45.6%至39.7亿美元。若跟新加坡相比，新加坡同一时期的外来直接投资则从97亿美元增加超过一倍至209亿美元。
正当我们的邻国及竞争者相继茁壮，反观我们却一直被抛落人后。早前，我们能够很骄傲地跟新加坡、香港、韩国及台湾相比较；如今，我们则只能苦苦地跟泰国、越南及印尼相互竞争。
两周前，欧盟驻马来西亚大使蒂里·隆梅尔(Thierry Rommel)发表如何加强马来西亚吸引外商投资的建设性意见，尤其是有必要消除保护性及歧视性的政策。我国政府领导人不但没有感激隆梅尔所发表的逆耳忠言，反而还警告他别干涉我国内政。
追根究底，这个问题又再一次扯到人文资本的基本问题。随着越来越多人才对马来西亚失望而离国，我们是否还有具备足够资格的人才领导马来西亚呢？
So, here's my debut piece, a little introductory piece on doing my part for the country ;)
虽千万人吾往矣！
潘俭伟
人家时常问我：既然您的条件这么好，又何苦要加入政界呢？我所给的答案很简单，就是马来西亚是个资源丰富及人口充满生气的国家，但是我们却无法释出最大的潜能，而且还浪费许多宝贵的机会。当中的最大因素就是执政当局无能！
近年来，我国所拥有的最珍贵资源，即人文资本相继流失到国外去。我国最优秀的人才，不论哪一个种族，从12岁开始就给其他国家吸引去了。譬如，新加坡每年提供数百份东协奖学金，给我国学生到新加坡顶尖学府及大学深造。我有好多朋友如今都在新加坡落地生根。他们当中计有专科医生、大学讲师，有些甚至进入新加坡顶尖公司的管理层。
至于其他人有些则移居香港、伦敦或纽约，而他们的技能、智能与才能一般都受承认及获得赏识。像我这种要返回祖国并为国家贡献者，可说是少之又少。
近几年来，我国的人才相继离国，外国投资者亦对马来西亚趋之避吉。我国曾经是个最吸引外商投资的据点。1996年，我国外来直接投资额高达73亿美元。然而在短短10年内，这个投资额遽跌45.6%至39.7亿美元。若跟新加坡相比，新加坡同一时期的外来直接投资则从97亿美元增加超过一倍至209亿美元。
正当我们的邻国及竞争者相继茁壮，反观我们却一直被抛落人后。早前，我们能够很骄傲地跟新加坡、香港、韩国及台湾相比较；如今，我们则只能苦苦地跟泰国、越南及印尼相互竞争。
两周前，欧盟驻马来西亚大使蒂里·隆梅尔(Thierry Rommel)发表如何加强马来西亚吸引外商投资的建设性意见，尤其是有必要消除保护性及歧视性的政策。我国政府领导人不但没有感激隆梅尔所发表的逆耳忠言，反而还警告他别干涉我国内政。
追根究底，这个问题又再一次扯到人文资本的基本问题。随着越来越多人才对马来西亚失望而离国，我们是否还有具备足够资格的人才领导马来西亚呢？
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Youth Carnival
Wah... looks like there's plenty of activities for all of you out there this weekend. Here's a "Just-For-You" Youth Carnival which plans to introduce young Malaysians to all sorts of socio-political activities.Time: 10am-2pm,Join us and bring friends! ;)
Date: 15 July 2007 (Sunday)
Veneu: KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (Monorail: Maharajalela)
Activities include:
- Voters' Registration§
- Theme Exhibition Booth by youth wing of different political parties
- Youth Charter Declaration
- Meet youth leaders & young celebrities
- Hip-Hop Dance, Sketch and MORE!
For more info:
Youth For Change (Y4C)动力青年
Tel/Fax :603-77831164
Email: y4c2006(at)gmail.com
Website : y4c.seacem.com
Parliamentary Caucus Hearing on Crime
Let's Fight Rising Crime Rate!
Public Hearing on Crime in Klang Valley
by Parliamentary Human Rights Caucus
Caucus MPs present will include:
The Hall can occupy 1,000 people, hence for those who can make it, please do so to make a point on the seriousness of the issue of crime in our cities.
Public Hearing on Crime in Klang Valley
by Parliamentary Human Rights Caucus
Date: July 11, 2007 (Wednesday)"We want the public to take this opportunity to voice their suggestions and opinions." Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Minister in Prime Minister's Department
Time: 8.00pm – 10.30pm
Venue: Dewan Sivik, Majlis Perbandaran Petaling Jaya (MBPJ)
Caucus MPs present will include:
- YB Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Caucus Chairman,
- YB Lim Kit Siang, Parliamentary Opposition Leader,
- YB Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, MP for Permatang Pauh.
The Hall can occupy 1,000 people, hence for those who can make it, please do so to make a point on the seriousness of the issue of crime in our cities.
Workshop on Election Reporting
For those keen on covering events in the upcoming elections to be held easily within the next few months, BERSIH is organising a workshop for you, free of charge. ;)
Workshop on Election Reporting for Journalists and Bloggers
Agenda
0900 - 0930 am Registration
0930 - 0945 am Opening Remark
0945 - 1000 am Section I: Newsworthiness in Election Reporting: What in store if the PM dissolves the Parliament today?
Presenter: Mr. Liew Chin Tong (REFSA/Bersih secretariat)
1000 - 1100 pm Section II - Trend in Electoral Reporting: Past Record and Future Prospect
Presenter: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anuar K. Mustafa (USM)
1100 - 1115 am Tea break
1115 am - 100 pm Section III: Meaning in Electoral Reporting: Why we may have Elections without Democracy
Presenter: Mr. Wong Chin Huat (IKMAS, UKM / WAMI)
100 - 200 pm Lunch
200 - 430pm Workshop 1-6: What and How to inform the citizenry about/in the event of ......
430 - 500 pm Wrap-up session
Coordinator: Ms Gayathry V. (CIJ)
500 pm Tea break
Further Details:
Organizer: Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH)
Objectives:
(a) To enhance professionalism, depth and reflectivity in election reporting amongst professional and amateurish journalists;
(b) To promote free and fair elections in the citizenry via quality election reporting
Participation: by invitation, free of charge
Target Participants: Journalists, Bloggers, Media/Journalism Students
Any enquiries, please contact 019-2232002
Workshop on Election Reporting for Journalists and Bloggers
Date: 15 July 2007
Venue: Crystal Crown, Petaling Jaya
Agenda
0900 - 0930 am Registration
0930 - 0945 am Opening Remark
0945 - 1000 am Section I: Newsworthiness in Election Reporting: What in store if the PM dissolves the Parliament today?
Presenter: Mr. Liew Chin Tong (REFSA/Bersih secretariat)
1000 - 1100 pm Section II - Trend in Electoral Reporting: Past Record and Future Prospect
Presenter: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anuar K. Mustafa (USM)
1100 - 1115 am Tea break
1115 am - 100 pm Section III: Meaning in Electoral Reporting: Why we may have Elections without Democracy
Presenter: Mr. Wong Chin Huat (IKMAS, UKM / WAMI)
100 - 200 pm Lunch
200 - 430pm Workshop 1-6: What and How to inform the citizenry about/in the event of ......
- Political Debates and Mudslinging - real v pseudo issues, negative campaigning
- Civil Society and Citizen in Elections
- Polling Irregularities - phantom voters, exclusion/transfer of voters, missing ballots
- Campaigning Irregularities - intimidation, vote-buying (with private money)
- Administrative Neutrality - vote-buying (with state funds and policies), caretaker government
- Electoral System - gerrymandering, mal-apportionment and disproportionality
430 - 500 pm Wrap-up session
Coordinator: Ms Gayathry V. (CIJ)
500 pm Tea break
Further Details:
Organizer: Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH)
Objectives:
(a) To enhance professionalism, depth and reflectivity in election reporting amongst professional and amateurish journalists;
(b) To promote free and fair elections in the citizenry via quality election reporting
Participation: by invitation, free of charge
Target Participants: Journalists, Bloggers, Media/Journalism Students
Any enquiries, please contact 019-2232002
Friday, July 06, 2007
Comment Moderation
It is with great regret that I have decided to switch on comment moderation with immediate effect. If you have followed my blogs, I have allowed plenty of alternative views as well as criticism (directed at me or my views) in the comments.
However, for the past 2 weeks, a few incorrigible brats (under whose payroll, I have to wonder) have decided to vandalise this site to incite unconstructive name calling, racist remarks and other better-left-unmentioned responses. I have been patiently and diligently deleting these comments but it becomes difficult to maintain when I'm running all over the place.
We know that these offenders are in the minority, and hopefully after a short while, I will be able to return the blog to a unmoderated status.
In the mean time, I can only ask for our regular and loyal readers to be patient as your comments will not appear immediately on this blog. I'll try to access as frequently as possible to "process" these comments. And certainly, I'll apologise for any inconvenience caused. But don't worry, constructive criticisms, personal or otherwise, continues to be welcomed. ;)
However, for the past 2 weeks, a few incorrigible brats (under whose payroll, I have to wonder) have decided to vandalise this site to incite unconstructive name calling, racist remarks and other better-left-unmentioned responses. I have been patiently and diligently deleting these comments but it becomes difficult to maintain when I'm running all over the place.
We know that these offenders are in the minority, and hopefully after a short while, I will be able to return the blog to a unmoderated status.
In the mean time, I can only ask for our regular and loyal readers to be patient as your comments will not appear immediately on this blog. I'll try to access as frequently as possible to "process" these comments. And certainly, I'll apologise for any inconvenience caused. But don't worry, constructive criticisms, personal or otherwise, continues to be welcomed. ;)
现在的大学生素质有问题吗?
Just a quick plug for a busy weekend ahead (Penang tomorrow evening), I'll be on Astro AEC Channel "Talking Issues" (就事论事) programme to discuss the quality of university graduates today. An English write up of this post will be made available at my Education in Malaysia blog later ;)
（一）大學生素質真得出了問題？
很多人批評說，和20年前比較，本地每年大學生畢業的人數是翻幾十倍，但他們的素質，除了少數之外，其他的都是令人失望的。不知大家是否認同這樣的說法嗎？
我要問一個問題：經過大學教育的熏陶後，一個人應該擁有怎樣的素養？
如果經過4年大學教育熏陶出來的卻是沒有獨立思考的人，這是大專教育的失敗，也是國家資源的浪費，有人說，過去20多年來，本地大專學府越建越多，但是大專畢業生的素質卻是江河日下，這是大專教育政策的失敗？
(二)“大學者，有大師之謂也”
上世紀30年代出任清華大學校長的梅貽琦講了一句到了今天仍然為許多人傳誦的名言，那就是“大學者，非有大樓之謂，有大師之謂也”，他的意思是，在任何一所大學里，大師比硬體的大樓來得重要。有人批評說，本地大學就是缺乏了大師級的人物，這是真實的情況嗎？
為什麼對一所大學來說，擁有大師級的學術人員是非常重要的？
（三）大專學府淪為幼稚園大學？
我國的大專學府真的是一無是處嗎？台灣著名學者龍應台在上個世紀的80年代曾經用“幼稚園大學”來形容當時臺灣的大學狀況，她認爲雖然貴為大專生，但是他們卻不懂得應變、不懂得批判、更不懂得發問。他們有入學的資格但卻沒有大學生的心智。二十年後的今天用同樣的標準來衡量本地的大學生，我國現在的大學是否也是龍應台眼中的幼稚園大學呢？
我們常聽到一些剛畢業的同事說，現在本地大學學習和上課的情況，就學生只是記錄老師的講義，回去讀抄下來的講義，不會去做自己研究，去参考其他的資料，考試只求過關，想問問這樣的學習方式和中小學生的學習有什麼分別嗎？
一句話講完，現在本地大學完全忽略了人格的陶冶、培育獨立思考能力和開發學生的智慧，我們的大學其實更像一所技術學院？
(四)社會功利化，家長學生變得市儈
大學教育政治化會導致大學畢業素質出問題，家長和學生本身就對大學教育本身有狹窄的觀念也是導致大專教育素質下降的因素，這樣的說法有根據嗎？
（五）有素質爲何會失業？
如果進到一個有保障的科系就代表一定可以在未來的日子裏平步青雲，那爲什麽我國大專生的失業率還是這麽高呢？
根據2006年的統計，我國共有6万名大專生是失業的，爲什麽會出現這樣的情形？是我們的大學沒有辦法訓練出符合社會需求的人力資源嗎？還是大專生本身的要求過高？
我想最大的諷刺是我們的大學生在畢業了之後還要接受再培訓，在培訓了之後還不一定就可以找到工作，長久下去，還有人會對我國的大專教育有信心嗎？
所以，大專生使現有教育制度下的受害者？
议题: 现在的大学生素质有问题吗？议题大纲包括:
时间: 11.00pm
佳宾: 翁诗杰、潘俭伟、罗志昌
频道: Astro亚洲娱乐台(19)
（一）大學生素質真得出了問題？
很多人批評說，和20年前比較，本地每年大學生畢業的人數是翻幾十倍，但他們的素質，除了少數之外，其他的都是令人失望的。不知大家是否認同這樣的說法嗎？
我要問一個問題：經過大學教育的熏陶後，一個人應該擁有怎樣的素養？
如果經過4年大學教育熏陶出來的卻是沒有獨立思考的人，這是大專教育的失敗，也是國家資源的浪費，有人說，過去20多年來，本地大專學府越建越多，但是大專畢業生的素質卻是江河日下，這是大專教育政策的失敗？
(二)“大學者，有大師之謂也”
上世紀30年代出任清華大學校長的梅貽琦講了一句到了今天仍然為許多人傳誦的名言，那就是“大學者，非有大樓之謂，有大師之謂也”，他的意思是，在任何一所大學里，大師比硬體的大樓來得重要。有人批評說，本地大學就是缺乏了大師級的人物，這是真實的情況嗎？
為什麼對一所大學來說，擁有大師級的學術人員是非常重要的？
（三）大專學府淪為幼稚園大學？
我國的大專學府真的是一無是處嗎？台灣著名學者龍應台在上個世紀的80年代曾經用“幼稚園大學”來形容當時臺灣的大學狀況，她認爲雖然貴為大專生，但是他們卻不懂得應變、不懂得批判、更不懂得發問。他們有入學的資格但卻沒有大學生的心智。二十年後的今天用同樣的標準來衡量本地的大學生，我國現在的大學是否也是龍應台眼中的幼稚園大學呢？
我們常聽到一些剛畢業的同事說，現在本地大學學習和上課的情況，就學生只是記錄老師的講義，回去讀抄下來的講義，不會去做自己研究，去参考其他的資料，考試只求過關，想問問這樣的學習方式和中小學生的學習有什麼分別嗎？
一句話講完，現在本地大學完全忽略了人格的陶冶、培育獨立思考能力和開發學生的智慧，我們的大學其實更像一所技術學院？
(四)社會功利化，家長學生變得市儈
大學教育政治化會導致大學畢業素質出問題，家長和學生本身就對大學教育本身有狹窄的觀念也是導致大專教育素質下降的因素，這樣的說法有根據嗎？
（五）有素質爲何會失業？
如果進到一個有保障的科系就代表一定可以在未來的日子裏平步青雲，那爲什麽我國大專生的失業率還是這麽高呢？
根據2006年的統計，我國共有6万名大專生是失業的，爲什麽會出現這樣的情形？是我們的大學沒有辦法訓練出符合社會需求的人力資源嗎？還是大專生本身的要求過高？
我想最大的諷刺是我們的大學生在畢業了之後還要接受再培訓，在培訓了之後還不一定就可以找到工作，長久下去，還有人會對我國的大專教育有信心嗎？
所以，大專生使現有教育制度下的受害者？
Thursday, July 05, 2007
10 Years After Asian Financial Crisis: A Reflection
OK, once again, I know this is a bit late, but better late than never I suppose ;)
I'll be appearing in a largely Mandarin forum (my slides will have English text) tonight to discuss the above topic. My counterpart is Dr Ho Kee Peng, an entertaining and well-known analyst in political and economic issues in the forum circuit.
An excerpt on the Asian Financial Crisis taken form Wikipedia:
I'll be appearing in a largely Mandarin forum (my slides will have English text) tonight to discuss the above topic. My counterpart is Dr Ho Kee Peng, an entertaining and well-known analyst in political and economic issues in the forum circuit.
Date: July 5th, 2007This forum is organised by Oriental Daily.
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
An excerpt on the Asian Financial Crisis taken form Wikipedia:
Until 1997, Asia attracted almost half of total capital inflow to developing countries. The economies of Southeast Asia in particular maintained high interest rates attractive to foreign investors looking for a high rate of return. As a result the region's economies received a large inflow of hot money and experienced a dramatic run-up in asset prices. At the same time, the regional economies of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea experienced high growth rates, 8-12% GDP, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This achievement was broadly acclaimed by economic institutions including the IMF and World Bank, and was known as part of the Asian economic miracle.
Whatever the disputed causes, the Asian crisis started in mid-1997 and affected currencies, stock markets, and other asset prices of several Southeast Asian economies. Triggered by events in Latin America, particularly after the Mexican peso crisis of 1994, Western investors lost confidence in securities in East Asia and began to pull money out, creating a domino effect.
See you there! ;)Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Clueless Politicians
Other than the many twists and turns in the Altantuya Murder Mystery, the other subject which has been hitting the headlines in the past week or so, has been the controversy over the issue of credit check services provided by CTOS Sdn Bhd. Much has been reported in the press, and most of it was negative.
Even today, the Prime Minister as well as the Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi chipped in unintelligently by claiming that "when CTOS made conclusions based on incomplete and outdated information the people concerned would be victimised. I dare make the claim here that Pak Lah has never ever seen the system himself, or he would have realised immmediately that the system does not blacklist individuals or companies.
Before I proceed, let me clarify that:
These statements were made following various allegations made by the Deputy Minister in Prime Minister's Department, Datuk M. Kayveas against the company. (The CEO of CTOS has issued an open letter published in Malaysiakini to the esteemed Minister, and intends to file a defamation suit against the latter.)
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak asked that CTOS "should not create problems or prevent borrowers from getting loans from financial institutions". Most shockingly, Deputy Finance Minister, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussien has called on Banks "to stop using the services provided by CTOS".
Credit Information Enables Efficient and Sound Banking System
What CTOS provides is a service which is in demand by financial institutions to evaluate the credit-worthiness of their borrowers. Such information enables lending to be processed efficiently and at a lower risks for banks. No financial institution in the country will be willing to provide loans if such information is lacking or unavailable.
What CTOS does is to collate information which are publicly available and gazetted instantly to subscribers will then make their own assessments with regards to the credit-worthiness of the borrowers. As a result our financial and banking system has become more efficient as loans can be processed in greater confidence within a faster processing period. Banks offering loan approvals within 24-hours cannot do it today without such information.
On the other hand, without the CTOS service, Banks will still have to assess the credit-worthiness of the potential borrowers by reviewing bankruptcy gazettes, public notices in newspapers, company registration information in Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM), a tedious and time-consuming process. Such a process is inefficient, unwieldy and prone to errors.
Hence, when the Deputy Finance Minister called on Banks to stop using the CTOS service, he is in effect asking our Banks to increase take on unnecessary risk, which will only result in higher non-performing loans (NPLs). Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussien is also effectively asking them to be less efficient and as a result, less competitive compared to foreign financial institutions.
The General Public Are Winners with a service like CTOS
While parties with a poor credit history are clearly unhappy with the availability of services such as CTOS, it must be made known that the overwhelming majority of Malaysians benefit tremendously from such a system.
A negative search (i.e., no result) in CTOS for example, will often mean that a person's track record is clean. A search on 94% of all Malaysians will result in a negative search. Hence because of the availability of a credit information service like CTOS, these 94% of Malaysians will have their loans or business requirements processed at a faster, more efficient and effective manner. In fact, for many, it may mean higher facilities as well as lower interest rates.
Hence, what our Ministers are unfortunately trying to do is to in effect, to protect Malaysians with potentially weaker credit history while sacrificing the interest of the majority of Malaysians with excellent credit standing.
The Key is Accurate Information
Action should only be taken against CTOS should the information found within the system contain errors, which will then unfairly jeopardise the interest of the victim. CTOS should hence make all necessary effort to ensure that the data within the system is accurate.
In the event whereby CTOS faces difficulty in maintaining an updated record, all efforts must be made to obtain these relevant information. The Government should at the same time ensure that information such as bankrupts who have been discharged, are made available publicly on a timely basis.
Stop Making Unfounded Allegations
The Ministers should therefore stop making unfounded and uneducated allegations against companies such as CTOS, for they are critical in ensuring that our business and financial system and operates in a substantially more efficient and effective manner. They should instead seek direct clarification with CTOS to better understand their services and what necessary improvements should be made.
The Edge financial weekly has asked in its column "Frankly Speaking" this week, "Why shoot the messenger"?
Instead of taking such a retrogressive step, they should encourage greater competition in this field so as the system will become even more efficient and reliable, benefiting not only our banking industry, but also all Malaysians.
Even today, the Prime Minister as well as the Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi chipped in unintelligently by claiming that "when CTOS made conclusions based on incomplete and outdated information the people concerned would be victimised. I dare make the claim here that Pak Lah has never ever seen the system himself, or he would have realised immmediately that the system does not blacklist individuals or companies.
Before I proceed, let me clarify that:
- I've had a glimpse the CTOS service
- I have no idea if my name will produce a result in CTOS
- I have no shares in CTOS
- I have no personal dealings with CTOS or its management
These statements were made following various allegations made by the Deputy Minister in Prime Minister's Department, Datuk M. Kayveas against the company. (The CEO of CTOS has issued an open letter published in Malaysiakini to the esteemed Minister, and intends to file a defamation suit against the latter.)
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak asked that CTOS "should not create problems or prevent borrowers from getting loans from financial institutions". Most shockingly, Deputy Finance Minister, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussien has called on Banks "to stop using the services provided by CTOS".
Credit Information Enables Efficient and Sound Banking System
What CTOS provides is a service which is in demand by financial institutions to evaluate the credit-worthiness of their borrowers. Such information enables lending to be processed efficiently and at a lower risks for banks. No financial institution in the country will be willing to provide loans if such information is lacking or unavailable.
What CTOS does is to collate information which are publicly available and gazetted instantly to subscribers will then make their own assessments with regards to the credit-worthiness of the borrowers. As a result our financial and banking system has become more efficient as loans can be processed in greater confidence within a faster processing period. Banks offering loan approvals within 24-hours cannot do it today without such information.
On the other hand, without the CTOS service, Banks will still have to assess the credit-worthiness of the potential borrowers by reviewing bankruptcy gazettes, public notices in newspapers, company registration information in Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM), a tedious and time-consuming process. Such a process is inefficient, unwieldy and prone to errors.
Hence, when the Deputy Finance Minister called on Banks to stop using the CTOS service, he is in effect asking our Banks to increase take on unnecessary risk, which will only result in higher non-performing loans (NPLs). Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussien is also effectively asking them to be less efficient and as a result, less competitive compared to foreign financial institutions.
The General Public Are Winners with a service like CTOS
While parties with a poor credit history are clearly unhappy with the availability of services such as CTOS, it must be made known that the overwhelming majority of Malaysians benefit tremendously from such a system.
A negative search (i.e., no result) in CTOS for example, will often mean that a person's track record is clean. A search on 94% of all Malaysians will result in a negative search. Hence because of the availability of a credit information service like CTOS, these 94% of Malaysians will have their loans or business requirements processed at a faster, more efficient and effective manner. In fact, for many, it may mean higher facilities as well as lower interest rates.
Hence, what our Ministers are unfortunately trying to do is to in effect, to protect Malaysians with potentially weaker credit history while sacrificing the interest of the majority of Malaysians with excellent credit standing.
The Key is Accurate Information
Action should only be taken against CTOS should the information found within the system contain errors, which will then unfairly jeopardise the interest of the victim. CTOS should hence make all necessary effort to ensure that the data within the system is accurate.
In the event whereby CTOS faces difficulty in maintaining an updated record, all efforts must be made to obtain these relevant information. The Government should at the same time ensure that information such as bankrupts who have been discharged, are made available publicly on a timely basis.
Stop Making Unfounded Allegations
The Ministers should therefore stop making unfounded and uneducated allegations against companies such as CTOS, for they are critical in ensuring that our business and financial system and operates in a substantially more efficient and effective manner. They should instead seek direct clarification with CTOS to better understand their services and what necessary improvements should be made.
The Edge financial weekly has asked in its column "Frankly Speaking" this week, "Why shoot the messenger"?
...aren't the critics barking up the wrong tree? They are merely shooting the messenger. The culprits are actually the financial institutions that depend on credit bureaus for information on the credit-worthiness of their clients.Even Transparency International has issued a statement with regards to "grave threats to transparency".
...ultimately, the decision to lend or not to lend to an individual lies with the banks and other financial institutions. There is no obligation on thepart of the banks to make a decision based on what has been provided by credit bureaus.
By seeking to suppress information, the authorities are “clearly violating freedom of access to information for legitimate business purposes and to be informed on public policy issues,” said TI-M president Ramon V Navaratnam in a statement today.It is disappointing that in the midst of attempting to build world-class banks in an increasingly globalised and competitive environment, our clueless Ministers are seeking to eliminate one of the most critical components - "information", from being accessed by our financial institutions.
This freedom is not only essential for the public to make responsible and informed decisions based on fair access to information, but also for an open and transparent democracy to function meaningfully, he explained.
Officials and legislators should also cease their attacks on CTOS and instead raise “concerns about the way credit and financial information is collated and disseminated” with the management, he said.
“The fact that some legislators’ names are listed as defaulters surely does not justify any call to ban the service. We have to be increasingly concerned with public and national interest rather than the protection of individuals,” he added.
Instead of taking such a retrogressive step, they should encourage greater competition in this field so as the system will become even more efficient and reliable, benefiting not only our banking industry, but also all Malaysians.
Monday, July 02, 2007
"Lets Revitalise Penang Economy"
The economy of Penang used to be the most robust and competitive in Malaysia with giants like Intel anchoring the high-technology manufacturing industry. However, today, it lies a distant 3rd in the country, after Selangor and Johor. The Pearl of the Orient has clearly lost its sparkle.
How can DAP help revitalise Penang, and make the Pearl of the Orient shine, once again?
THEME: "Lets Revitalise Penang Economy"
"Revitalise Penang" Dialogue Series (I)
Speakers:
民主行动党甘榜哥南支部主办
"风云再起 "系列讲座（1 ）
主题：" 如何抢救槟州经济？"
槟州经济放缓乃是不争的事实。
我们的经济发展应朝向哪里去？
民主行动党又能为您带来什么？
主讲人：
How can DAP help revitalise Penang, and make the Pearl of the Orient shine, once again?
THEME: "Lets Revitalise Penang Economy"
"Revitalise Penang" Dialogue Series (I)
Speakers:
- Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary-General
- YB Chow Kon Yeow, MP for Tanjong
- Tony Pua, Economic Advisor to DAP Sec-Gen
Date: 6.7.2007 (Friday)Contact：04-2288482 / 2277068
Time: 8.00 p.m. (Please be punctual)
Venue: Chew Si Kee San Tong Hall
(33, Lebuh Kimberley, Georgetown )
民主行动党甘榜哥南支部主办
"风云再起 "系列讲座（1 ）
主题：" 如何抢救槟州经济？"
槟州经济放缓乃是不争的事实。
我们的经济发展应朝向哪里去？
民主行动党又能为您带来什么？
主讲人：
- 林冠英 （民主行动党秘书长 ）
- 潘俭伟 （民主行动党秘书长经济顾问 ；英国牛津大学 哲学、政治与经济 系毕业 ）
- 曹观友 （丹绒区国会议员 ；民主行动党槟州主席 ）
日期： 2007年7 月6日（星期五）联络：04-2288482 / 2277068
时间：晚上 8时（请准时出席）
地点：槟城汕头街周氏岐山堂冷气礼堂
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Liar Liar
On Wednesday, I sat in a press conference with my party boss, Lim Guan Eng as well as YB Tan Kok Wai protesting the instructions given to the various TV stations for banning all footage of opposition leaders.The next day, NTV7 denied the claims, as reported in Malaysiakini here.
"I can tell you, there is no such directive," a top network source told malaysiakini when contacted.Well, the journos at Malaysiakini must be applauded for doing their job. They came up with concrete proof today that instructions were issued by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under the Ministry of Energy, Water & Communications.
"Also, our prime time news period is also too short (30 minutes) and it’s impossible to air everything," explained the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
"Then again, all media reporters have their guidelines on what to write and what not to write, so it’s the same for our news desk. In the final analysis, it depends on what the politicians are saying," he added.
Click image for a larger view“The government has noted that several private TV and radio stations have been airing speeches by opposition party leaders,” wrote MCMC chairman Dr Halim Shafie in the June 7 letter.Hence, very simply, all these denials about discrimination are just lies, as we had known all along. Except now, its in black and white.
“Your station is requested not to broadcast such speeches in future.”
The one-page letter added that the directive should be implemented immediately.
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