One of my wife’s nieces recently got married. She is a accountancy graduate from New Zealand and the husband is an accountant too.
She has got a job offer from Perth and would be migrating there soon once all the standard application procedures are done with.
I asked her the standard question which i asked everyone migrating: Why are you migrating?
She said that to her freedom is important. The pay is of course better than what she is getting now, but taken in the context of the higher standard of living and the tax structure, , there is really not very much differences.
To her freedom means not only freedom of speech, freedom of information, but freedom from fear, freedom from discrimination, freedom from unfair policies and tyrannies.
Comparing to Malaysia, we have freedom of movements but apart from that, all our freedom is actually what I term ‘pseudo-freedom”. Pseudo means not the real thing.
We do not have freedom of information; our press are all controlled and lately, even the delayed telecast of MCA deputy presidential debate was not screened because of certain sensitivities involved- the sensitivities apparently referred to the former Klang assemblyman Zakaria..I really fail to understand why they still think that ZAkaria ‘s case is sensitive.
We do not have freedom from fear. Daily, we hear of robbery, we hear of snatch thieves injuring innocent people in the process of snatching their belongings, we hear of killing of innocent robbery victims- the best example was the recent case of the wife of a former Adun in Penang; she was killed by those who tailed her from her service station back to her house.
Those of us writing in the blogsphere, we have no freedom from fear. We can be arrested by using the ISA for no reasons at all, just like RPK.
We have limited freedom of speech. There are Sedition Act, OSA, This act and That act to deal with those who speak the truth. And if there is no act to use against someone deemed to be trouble makers, there is always the draconian and ever reliable Act to jail a dissident: the ISA. That is why I am not so keen on the proposed Race relations Act; this will only gives the power-that-be additional ammunition to silence its critics.
Do we have Freedom from discrimination? No, we are not free from discrimination. Ask anyone in the street and they have a story to tell you, so I do not have to go deeper into this. This is a direct results of the increasing polarisation of ethnic groups; with each ethnic group discriminating against the others.
There are many people who are like this young niece of mine. So many have gone overseas and so many more will be going. Human resources are the most precious and most important, but we are not doing anything at all to attract these people to stay back.
I have mentioned about the medical people in my other article” Race politics and Brain Drain”, which is one of the most read articles in this blog. With this brain drain, we are not only losing human resources, we are losing valuable capitals too.
So far, I do not see any real effort being done to tackle this problem. There will come one day when Malaysia will no longer be competitive because of this phenomenon of brain drain. ( In fact , many already have considered Malaysia to be non competitive).
Dr. Hsu's forum 
Oct 15, 2008 @ 23:11:32
Dr Hsu,
For goodness sake, what are still doing in a party that subscribe to psuedo freedom? What are you talking about when you are part of such system?
I am amazed!
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Oct 15, 2008 @ 23:20:01
Sad but true. No one inside the government wants or dare not do anything about this brain drain. When you start to talk about it, they will turn it into political talks and it become sensitive.
To be frank, I myself also want my children to migrate if there is an opportunity. The whole system of governing has gone wary but in the eyes of the ruling government they say that this way of governing is still the best for the rakyat and country.
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Oct 15, 2008 @ 23:37:38
Cruel as it may be, this oncoming global recession could just be the key to full scale change of the revolution kind.
I think our government kids itself if it thinks that we won’t be touched by the global recession.
When that happens and people lose jobs and have difficulty putting food on the table, coupled with their present anger and guided by a more cohesive opposition force, we could see demonstrations worse than those of reformasi 10 years.
I hope it doesn’t happen but I think it may be necessary to have a full scale revolution to get back our country.
My other hope is that if it happens, it won’t be along racial lines but revolt by the oppressed against the ruling class.
God help us all.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 00:30:41
a childhood friend of mine has also migrated. he just came back to sort out some of his property matters here recently. and he told me a real good story. apparently, one of his sons was recently enlisted for the NS program. So, he got the deferment forms and filled up accordingly. In the cover letter, he makes it very clear that any future correspondence be directed to his new address in Australia. To cut a long story short, he was told that his request for a deferment is not approved. reason, the supporting documents from the university in which his son is attending is not certified to be “True Copy”. He scratch his head coz the supporting letter is an original one from the University! he called then up and the reply was the same. He gave up and told them his son is not coming back and is prepared to give up the citizenship. Answer, you cant coz he is below 21 years of age. Realising the folly of trying to talk to someone with sense, he called his son in Australia and told him he has make his best decision in his life: “Give up your citizenship and now be truly an Aussie”
Malaysia Boleh
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 01:28:41
friends and patriots,do not lose heart.YB Minister of Higher Education have unveiled plan to mass produce Phds by the thosands since the ratio of Phd s to the population size is dismal.Plenty of opportunities for brain gain.We also have a back up plan to retain 3.1 million non citizens immigrants and brawn gain in Peninsular(138,000) from India and 58,000 Indonesian in Sarawak.Its numbers that count.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 07:45:28
kongkor, the party’s(i refer to gerakan) ideology subscribes to freedom of speech. It is an egalitarian party meaning that it fights for equality and fairness. In a equal society, everyone is supposed to have equa; share of expressing their opinion.
That is why we must get the party to go back to its ideology.
This whole blog is about going back to a fair and equal society.
One person cannot do it alone. But together, all members can. We need thereforeto influence the mindsets of the members, as wellas the leaders.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 10:35:51
“The World is our Oyster”, I always say to the young ones. Get a world-class qualification and honed your skills and it will be needed somewhere in this world. I know for a fact that China has been crying out for Accountants (Auditors), something like 300,000 vacancies. I will congratulate your niece and her husband for grabbing this opportunity. Perth is a paradise, I have been there. Let the young ones go abroad and seek their fortune and shape their careers and once contented, retire or venture back in Malaysia because there is nothing compare to home.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 11:38:22
The brain drain story will never have an ending so long as the present social-political conundrum stays. It only ebbs and flows with economic and security concerns, the drain becoming a roar during bad times. Another round is coming as recession takes hold in our trading partners before coming to our shores, possibly next year. Remember the mid 80’s recession? Be prepared for another just as bad economy wise but a lot worse security wise. This time around we have even more desperate people in our midst who may be laid off. Migrant workers have no social safety net. Be aware always of your security.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 12:33:07
I think it has been very obvious by now that we, meaning the BN government, do not have any program to nurture and develop bright young minds in the country.
Stories of brain drain are common as almost everyone has heard of a relative who has decided that the grass IS greener on other side.
It needs no mention why this is happening. The development or advancement of a country is not measured by how many tall buildings or persons with PhD it have but surely the civility of its people.
When power is abused for wealth accumulation by the few persons appointed to lead instead of the betterment of society, then that’s when the entire country will crumble.
It’s high time Gerakan take the lead and return to its roots before it gets dragged down by the wailing arms in the cesspool.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 12:41:55
The chinese has long been known to migrate to look for greener pasture to do business and settle there. That’s the reason you can find a chinese in any part of the world.
Brain drain…it’s been happening for a very long time…and it’s nothing new. Without equal opportunity in the country (jobs, contracts n education), many of us would just leave and care less of the country. Mind the colour of my language “The country can as well go to the dogs.”
Sensitivity of issues…what’s to be sensitive about? When we ask or say…it’s sensitive but when they ask or say…it’s their given right. Humbug.
I think we are better off then them in many ways then we think. Only people who lack confidence or have low self-esteem doesn’t like others to speak of them in the negative light. If they think it’s sensitive so be it…cause you can’t learn anything when you shut yourself up.
As for me, if any was spoken, I take it as “iktibar” for me to better myself and go for the extra mile. I’m here to learn and I’ll keep on learning until my God calls me.
Not all who come to Malaysia are bad…as our forefathers before us. We should strive to make them as friends and better neighbours and build a security net with them then without. It’s good to know their needs and wants…as we are known as a caring society. Don’t just make it a slogan but an action we can be proud off.
Thinking of migration…yes I have and I won’t deny it. But I have only one country that I belong to – Malaysia. With that in mind, I would try to strive to make it a better country for all my friends and family thru my little actions.
I’m with you Dr. Hsu and if there’s any others…please do stand up and be counted!
What say you?
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 13:08:48
During the days of South Africa’s Apartheid, Nelson Mandala had two choices: either stay back and fought it or migrate. He chosed to fight it and paid the price of more than 25 years of inprisonment to make his country a better place.
We can choose the path of Nelson Mandela or migrate to another country. The choice is all yours.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 13:34:50
Dr. Hsu,
A person supposedly from Paris with the pseudonym “Another Migrant” plagiarised your blog topic “Racial politics and Brain Drain”. It was published in The Star newspaper on August 13 2008 under its Opinion column. It is almost an exact copy of what you wrote.
Here is the link:
thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/13/focus/22052965&sec=focus
Were you aware of this? I had wanted to inform you sooner but I don’t have your email address. Since you are blogging again on the brain drain issue, I find this an excellent opportunity to inform you here.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 13:37:59
Dr Hsu,
I noticed the link was “chopped” off. So, I re-writing it as 2 lines (but should be read as a single line).
thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=
/2008/8/13/focus/22052965&sec=focus
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 13:41:06
clarence, thanks for the info. No, I did not know about this.
I will email Star and let them know.
I hope those who copy my writings can just at least mentioned that it is from this blog.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 14:46:21
Dr. Hsu,
Brain drain is the most serious problem that Malaysia is facing. My friends and relatives around me had left Malaysia for good and bring along their capitals and expertise that other countries so hard up on.
Just imagine how much money, time and efforts that one spends to raise up a baby to be a grown up that can contribute to the economy of a family and country, but on the end of the day, other country grab him or her at no cost at all.
So, what are our leaders going to justify this? or they are just ‘silly’ or lacking of intelligent to understand this?
Sometime, I just feel of giving up Malaysia and no point wasting my time in giving my piece of mind as these people just ‘bodoh sombong’. (I borrow this term from our great RPK)
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 15:49:17
Dr Hsu,
Forgive me for not being precise when I said that your party subscribe to psuedo freedom. As a Penang boy growing up under Gerakan since Lim Chong Eu’s administration and having read your reply, I fully understand what Gerakan subscribe to.
But the point is that as long as Gerakan is in BN, the party will be seen to be subscribing to psuedo freedom. Period. Perception is a poweful mind game and Gerakan can have the ‘best’ equal rights, freedom of speech, etc, etc and ‘what have you’ ideology, BUT the fact is that the perception of the people is that party leadership have no resolve.
As voter myself, my perception is that Gerakan is a “HAS BEEN” party. As such, it is a waste of your talent and time to try to change things when your main component party is not even going to blink an eye! The main idea is do it NOW, while you can to make things happen…elsewhere perhaps, to REALLY serve the people.
So, do you sincerely feel that your party leadership will change? Not from what I have seen, heard or read after the ‘Bo Bin’ picture tearing episode. Do introspect. It is indeed a shame to see an honest politician like yourself (again, perception) in the wrong party for wanting to do the right thing.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 16:29:47
Dr. Hsu’s story is not unique. In recent years, many of the young people who went to study overseas do not want to come back. I have 3 children. Two of them have settled elsewhere.
The youngest is doing her master and she has no intention of coming back.
I have spoken to many of their friends. Given a choice, many would not come back to malaysia.
Is this generation right or are they wrong? Were our grand parents right in coming to Nanyang.
In the bigger scheme of thing, the conditions causing this brain drain is not important. Malaysia is too small to be able to sustain the biased practices causing the brain drain. In fact, the country is to small to support all the talent we can generate and we would waste these talents.
Let the world be the stage for talented young Malaysians.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 16:36:57
Dr Hsu
DAP has been hammering for years about the brain drain and freedom whereby either the leaders have been charged under Sedition acts, ISA and even thrown out of the parliament without pay. But what has Gerakan been doing for more than 30 years when they are in power with BN. When they are in power, LKY wanted to silence the opposition and undermine what are the rubber tappers doing behind the trees? Is’nt it too late to reverse the trend?
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 16:48:51
klm,
I don’t agree with your statement ” In fact, the country is to small to support all the talent we can generate and we would waste these talents.”
The thing is that, Malaysia is lacking of talent due to these brain drains.
I agree, let the world be the stage for talented young Malaysians. But, they can use Malaysia as the base for them instead of using other country like Singapore, Hong Kong, London, Sydney, New York, Silicon Valley and so on.
The problem of brain drain is indeed very crucial for leadership to solve it.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 17:13:32
Brain drain is not only a national issue, it is also an issue confronting Gerakan. Just imagine the way its leaders ignored the 60% voice of dissent and concluded that the best option is still stay in BN. This alone already made a mockery of democracy. What equality, justice are we shouting about. Seems ordinary members opinion only equals to 5% of leaders opinion in terms importance or relevance. You have been given a rough ride by the top brains who consider themselves smarter.
Qualification and profession does not equal to wisdom. I have to reemphasize on this as Lee San Choon has proven this when compare to other leaders. Don’t ignore the grassroots opinion, they are the one really feel the curse of life. Not the leader who already have a comfortable life. One who touches the pulse of the “man on the street” is the one who really understand the community or the nation for that matter.
Don’t worry about migration of young talents. The scenario is just like capital flow. If we can attract more capital inflow compare to capital outflow, then we are safe. Even though this analogy is slightly simplified and over optimistic, it is a fact. The question is are we capable to attract foreign talent like Singapore did ? Perhaps this is the task for our smart and brainy politicians to accomplish.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 17:35:44
Talents are the nation builder well as the destroyer. And very often overused brain will ruin the world. Just look at the financial fiasco in Wall Street. Professional Accountants, Financial Analysts, Lawyers, Fund Managers etc virtually collapsed the world financial market due to greed and self imposed cleverness. Similarly, politicians also often destroy the world through corruption, wars, ill treat their subjects etc due to greed and ego primarily.
Brain drain is but only a phenomenon not a disease, it come and fade away dependent on what do. Like to water flows through river to ocean, once evaporated will turn into rain and fall back to river again. In this case, i tend to agree with klm. Just look at China, many of their young talents who left to the States were back to China after years of experience gained from every sectors as the country has progress to a stage where their talent can be used fruitfully. The same may happen to Malaysia if we start to nurture the nation and build the suitable platform for their return some day in the future.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 19:25:03
I would like to explain why the world should be the stage for young Malaysian.
I dont know about London or New York, but for a technology person, Silicon Valley is an exciting person to work. The free wheeling stimulation, knowledge exchange and the general excitement ( in a boring place). Of course there is loads of venture capital money (even in this meltdown) .
That is why talent will have to flow to these centers. No matter how, Malaysia will not be able to create these centers. We tried win MSC and Cyberjaya and screwed up. In true Malaysian style, Cyberjaya is a monopoly property developer.
I would like to suggest a radical proposal. That is we increase the brain drain. We talent spot the brilliant and mentor them to enter the best universities in the world. We get our students certified with global credentials (e.g. ACCA).
If we flood the world with ur talent, then more world class companies will come to malaysia.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 22:22:18
It is disheartening that I can count 70% of my childhood friends who have migrated.
Last year, my best friend and Indian guy also migrated to Australia, saying that at least for the Chinese, you still have some clout in economy, that there is nothing for the Indians.
Look how Gerakan President, is begging again on the Hindraf ban
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/91382
For the benefit of those who did not subscribe, here is a snippet
Koh: Listen to their woes
In a related development, Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon expressed hope that despite the ban on Hindraf, the cause of the movement will be given due attention by the authorities.
“The issues affecting the Indian community brought up by Hindraf and other NGOs should be quickly and properly addressed,” he told a press conference at Parliament House today.
He said a cabinet committee on the Indian Malaysian community chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has already implemented a few policies, although the outcome will take time to be seen.
“We hope this (ban) will not stifle the freedom of expression by individuals, groups and legally registered organisations. It is an important hallmark for the society to allow for freedom of expression and association” stressed Koh.
Ya… keep up the begging… and Koh Tsu Koon actually believes that he will win more votes.
It just goes to show that BN is a farce, that Gerakan was never part of the Government but beggars waiting for scraps from UMNO.
It is for this reason Penangites overwhelmingly rejected Gerakan.
I can count amongst my colleagues, close to 100% voted against BN, and we represents the younger generation (as I am the oldest, just near mid age).
Do Gerakan actually think they have any chance for the next decade, if they keep up the BEGGING and LOOKING FOR SCRAPS FROM UMNO.
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 22:24:31
Koh Tsu Koon, you are part of the BN government, so start acting like one !!
Instead of I hope…. I hope…. I hope…. that UMNO will throw some scraps at you.
You DISGUST ME !!
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Oct 16, 2008 @ 22:38:07
It’s ok. Just remember to ask them to lobby for international communities intervention. Tyrants are not brought to justice from the inside. It’s from the outside.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 10:22:00
It is easy to manipulate the ignorant. When the majority are ignorant the manipulators will win the day. No reasoning or logic will prevail when the ignorant are flame by emotion and uses violence and threats to settle issues and arguments. It’s no wonder there is a brain drain. The present government promote race before citizenship. We should be thinking as Malaysian first than our race.
Whenever I travel and people asked me where I’m from, I reply that I’m Malaysian. I will encourage them to visit Malaysia and explain to them that we are multi-cultural and we live in harmony and we are friendly and we have diversity and we are all Malaysian and ………….
However the recent call of Pendatang, Penumbang, corruption, ISA, NEP, racial politics, unreasonable, stupid and idiotic remarks by our leaders….my hope and aspiration for this country dash.
Today my teenage children are thinking and planning to study abroad and not returning to Malaysia. Sad really, as I cannot defend the country I so much love when debating with my children. I will probably die and will be buried in Malaysia but my next generation will be making a new life in another country.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 10:29:37
Malaysia with a population of 26 million people can hardly nurture enough talent for itself, much less export to, or flood the rest of the world, with its ‘brains’. India and China with populations exceeding 1 billion are repositories of human brain power in most fields of human endeavor and are major suppliers of Silicon Valley talent. Cheaper, smarter and better, compared to Malaysians on the average. Let us not fool ourselves we are somehow imbued with superior genes.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 11:02:03
This is the first time I drop a comment. I usually read the article in the blogs and others’ comments. However, after reading your article and some of the comments, I feel comple to submit my comment.
It is good and wonderful to hear and to know a friend or a relative migrating to foreign land like Australia.
I have been to Australia and traveled extensively. I have met and spoke to the people there and have to state that Australia is one of the most racist country I have come across. A man’s colur of the skin is the most inportant crriteria in Australia not his level of education, knowledge and professionalism. Just because you are not of thier skin colour, you are not entiled to their equal weekly salary or benefit enjoyed by them.
When you stepped into thier land at the immigation check point and custom, you are bombarded with questions and their unfriendly and devlish glare. Those looks really make one sick.
By the way, I am an educated person having doctorate in Law but it means nothing in Australia because of my skin colour. I say that Malaysia with all its flaws and negative perception and flip flop and poor administration and management, this is still my motherland and I would rather be marginalised in my motherland then by some white man.
I wish the best to your relatives if there are not white.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 11:20:04
Jackchin, welcome to the blog. I share your views that no everything is well overseas.
I have written an article: a little story of myself. I could have worked in SIngapore or Australia, but I chose to come back.
You are right again to say that : I say that Malaysia with all its flaws and negative perception and flip flop and poor administration and management, this is still my motherland and I would rather be marginalised in my motherland then by some white man.
I will stay put here and fight for my right, even though some of my children may not agree and wants to work overseas… I leave it to them since they have their own views. But to me, this is my home land and i should do eveything to improve it.
But what i am trying to tell the authorities is the they should improve on the policies to change people’s mindsets to come back here, since human resources are the most important asset of a country.
I hope to see more of your views.:)
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 11:34:35
Read your response to “Kongkor” and I’m totally floored.
Look man, you supported UMNO and you STILL SUPPORT UMNO through your support of Gerakan.
Stop talking cock, dear doctor.
The “FEAR” you talked about comes from those who support that DEVIL (umno) you guys are still supporting.
Go back to your own workshop and straighten out your own logic, before you come out and whine to the world again !!
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 11:56:02
Dr Hsu,
Am I being moderated and ban by you to post further comments?
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 12:42:32
Sooner or later, dear KongKor, you and I, and many others, would be banned by the fine doctor here.
There are two types of blind people — those born blind, but can see with their heart, and those born with perfect eyesight, but blinded by their own greed.
Guess which group our fine doctor belongs to?
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 13:17:27
kongkor, my stand is clear if you read the posts i have posted and the comments i have made.
I have since the beginning of this blog advocated gerakan to go out of BN and be a third force .
In a case of marriage, if I am telling the wife to leave the husband and be independent, am I supporting the husband? In fact, the husband has marked me out and sent agent provocateur to disturb my blog.
Being in the CC and being a grassroots make no difference to me. My stand is still clear. If the husband cannot change, the wife will have to leave and get a divorce.
I have not banned anyone except one agent provocateur, whom i politely asked him to leave, and even that agent i did not ban. He is nowback again here using another name. I know . Even the cyber world will leave some print.
Pls feel free to comment , kongkor as long as you dont resort to personal attacks and attacks on race and religion and use foul languages, as stated in the rules of this blog.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 13:20:14
Yes!!!bcoz of those uncivilized act like ISA many of us feel FEAR to talk about politics that happen in M’sia..like me I don’t care..I feel it is my duty as rakyat Malaysia to educate them..what is right and what is wrong..we as a citizen to practice..It is so …wrong if we can’t say anything to the rulers..if they misused their power..I am so sad…some of us still has the third world mentality whereby they think if we speak against KErajaan..BN UMNO we r not a good citizen..some of the makcik pakcik abang kakak,adik they feel that “Kerajaan BN UMNO” wont do such a bad behavior to rakyat..coz they r “KERajaan”..We still “cukup makan” compare to other poor country..that’s why we as a new generation need to educate surrounding us..don’t b like our neighbor such as Indonesia,Philippines etc..rich resources but the people so..poor..Malay proverb say nasi telah menjadi bubur..baru nak menyesal..its too late my fren..Wake up!!Malaysian..this is our country and we love this country so…much..Let’s together change our mentality..towards a better place that we call HOME..Do not migrate to other country if we don’t agree..let’s fight together PEOPLE POWER..Hancurkan Barisan Najis!!!Petualang Negara..
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 14:11:26
Dear Jackchin,
Looking at the way you express your experience in Australia and yourself, I have no doubt at all that you wont fit into the culture of Australia. The racism and prejudice elements rooted too deeply in you, it blinds you from seeing the whole picture.
I currently reside in Australia. And unlike the impression that you got from Australia, I find it a very nice place to live.
It’s truly multicultural here. Aussies are friendly too. And the government here is truly efficient and really takes care of its people.
I do not doubt that there are racists in this country, as in every place in the world. Probably the people you bumped into were ones from that group. But generally, people here embrace multiculturalism and very migrant friendly.
Have you ever wonder why do Aussies embrace multiculturalism? It’s because Aussies are not whitemen as you said. Aussies are actually made up of people from all over the world – Europeans eg Brits, Irish, Italians, French; Mid-Easterns eg Turkish, Lebanese; Africans eg Sudanese; Asians eg Indians, Indonesians, Koreans, Japs, Vietnamese, Chinese.
There’s a huge Malaysian community in all major cities here – especially Melbourne, Sydney, Perth. Mainly Malaysian Chinese and Indians, few Malays. You can look it up yourself from the Aust Statistic Dept website. Last time I checked, Aussie citizens who originally came from Malaysia were more than 60000 people between 2000-2006 if not mistaken. Remember that this doesnt take into account Malaysian students and their children that were born here. (As for Aussies originally from Mainland China, the figure is more than 200k. Wow!)
I really cant imagine what kind of people that you bumped into. I feel sorry for you. (Not intend to generalise, but probably racism is more serious in Queensland. Then again, as I said, it’s everywhere)
Also, do I have to remind you that the 3rd highest raking senior federal minister is actually one born in Malaysia? And the mayor of Melbourne is actually an ethnic Chinese from Hong Kong?
See?
Cheers.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 14:29:27
I am one of those that have left Malaysia, and will never come back. Although in Malaysia I am classified as a bumiputra, I feel marginalized since only umnoputras or people close to these racist types (regardless of race) get all opportunities. It took a long while, but I finally left, and now my child get better schooling (the Malaysian education system really sucks), and my spouse and I have better paying jobs with more quality work. My next step is to change my citizenship and throw away my Malaysian passport.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 15:32:49
Dear Cubi76,
I agree racism is everywhere. Yes, I have met friently and non racist Aussies and have met Malaysians migrated to Australia residing in the major cities mentioned by you. As a matter of fact, my wife, her parents (my in laws) and siblings are Australian PRs. Yet, I conclude that be the Aussies (I mean the Whites) or the Australian Government are the most racist people or government I have came across even though most of their or all of their ancestors were migrant.
As Dr Hsu’s stated in his reply to my comment above, he could have worked in Australia but he chose to come back. This is the same situation with me. I could have remained, get my PR or even citizenship but … Malaysia is my Motherland.
It is my opinion and the way I perceived that those Malaysians (including my in laws) and other migrants in Australia are merely economic migrants and economic oppurtunists.
People having such mentality and the total lack of aspiration to toil and fight in their own Motherland for a better tomorrow definately brain drain this nation or in fact any nation.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 15:38:36
Dr. Hsu,
Your blog has become so popular. The fact that you managed to get elected into CC of Gerakan had proven its popularity.
At the same time, it attracts comments that trying to implicate you in one way or another for the purpose(s) or motive(s) that they know best. For readers who follow your postings frequently would know what kind of person you are and such dubious comments would have no effect at all, as we can see the ‘missing link’ in such comments.
The only thing I am worried is new visitors to your blog may ‘fall victim’ at such comments that attack your good image. Just a suggestion to you, maybe you can put a ‘tag’ on certain postings for the benefit of such new visitors which you think can let them to better understand you better, especially on your stand that “YOU WANT GERAKAN TO BE OUT OF BN”.
I hope you won’t be discouraged to write further. Your genuine visitors are intelligent enough to ‘diagnose’ who is (are) the ‘real sick’ devil(s) around.
Stop writing or commenting will only fall into the booby trap of such people.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 15:42:33
Good on you yip.
That’s exactly what the umnoputeras want, the more of you who are not of their type go the better. There was a time when the non bumi outnumbered the bumi that must have caused a lot worries in the elite circle. So policies are created to encourage you to leave. Call it racial discriminations if you want that’s their policy now.
No amount of complain and whinging is going to change their stand. They want only their kind to flood the country even if the country goes to the dogs. They don’t care and it’s so apparent for all to see.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 16:02:56
I am a Malay bumi and have been working oversea for the last 7 years. Seeing what is happening in Msia for the last couple of years, I decided to migrate. I got my Autsralian PR and will move there early next year..
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 16:14:35
Dear readers, i am temporarily out from the web for a few hours. Iam putting on the moderation mode but i will be back to the web tonight.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 17:16:16
Dear fellow citizens, pls do x think tt Malays have benefited a lot fm NEP. It’s x, the ppl in my village r still very poor, only those ppl connected to the racist politicians r benefitting fm this so called NEP. FYI, I am M’sian Malay married to Canadian, n had migrated to C’da 4 the past 12 yrs. We cdn’t live in M’sia b’cos it was difficult 4 my husband to get a suitable job. He is so damn smart n intelligent, but M’sia did x offer the job environment that can stimulate his brain. Thank God 4 this migration, it totally changed the way I think about ppl. E/though I married a foreigner n have LLM in International Business Law, the UMNO/BN had successfully brainwashed me n all of us, they had successfully played a racial card. That was their agenda, divide n rule. I was one of those who always had prejudice towards the Chinese n Indians. So do Chinese or Indians towards other races. To the Malays, ppl in power said NEP is good b’cos without it the Chinese will take over the country b’cos they r smart, blah, blah….They made us malays think tt we r x smart enough n then the Malays started thinking bad abt other races. To other races they fear them with something else using MCA n MIC as their vehicles. In C’da, for the first time, I felt connected to my fellow citizens of other races. For some reasons, both sides got excited when they found out tt they r M’sians n can relate to each other so well without having the prejudice feelings at the back of their minds. During my 2nd yr of migration, I met Howard (M’sian Chinese) who owns Restoran M’sia. Naturally, I wanted to promote his restaurant n M’sia. I ordered the seafood dishes from him n invited my Muslim friends who are somebody in the Muslim Communities to my house for lunch, they loved the food, from there almost every Muslim in Toronto knew abt his restaurant. I suggested to him may be he should go halal, he said, he was thinking abt tt. Now, he is the only Halal M’sian restaurant in Toronto. We not only dine at his restaurant or take out once a week, we also cater fm him whenever we have parties. It’s x tt I do x know how to cook, but why shd I waste my time, if I can just buy fm Howard n introduce his food n restaurant to my guests. He just expanded his restaurant 1 1/2 yrs ago n I am so proud of him n will never stop telling ppl abt his restaurant. This past summer, I went back to M’sia n took my son for a haircut at a Chinese hair Salon, I gave her a tip the same amount as the cost of the hair cut. she was totally shocked. Fellow M’sians, if I were still to live in M’sia, do u think I wd support other races. The answer wd be NO!!!!, b’cos the culprit UMNO/BN have been continuously brainwashing me n others with the racial issues. Even though I am entitled to apply 4 Cdian ctzen n very happy here except 4 the brutal winter, I decided to keep M’sian ctzenship b,cos I love my country dearly. Those who decided to change their ctzenship sh. think twice. As much as you hate the ppl in power or have had bad experience in M’sia, I think u shd keep the ctzenship. Don’t you love your parents or Aunts, Uncles and cousins who are x able to migrate. Are u going to let them suffer under this regime. M’sia is yours, no matter which ethnic groups you are. It does not belong to those people in power. Fight for the change, let us all plan and save money to go back during the next GE n cast the vote to throw out the gov. May be, we can all go back to M’sia n make it a prosperous country tt we all dream of. To the Malays, you no need to worry abt other races, it’s better to have racial harmony than prejudice thinking. Trust me you’ll be happier n more productive.
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 18:18:45
I don’t think Malaysia is competitive at all. Our wages/salary is far below that of a nation of our development. As such, many Malaysians either have migrated, or work for international companies based elsewhere. In fact, most people i know look for a job locally in which they know they will have the opportunity to move abroad.
This is a shame.
Daniel Chandranayagam
http://pottedplot.com/
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Oct 17, 2008 @ 23:04:09
This is a free country, if anyone wants to leave and looks for greener pasture, he or she should be allowed to do so. Is this not democracy and freedom of movement that proponents of ‘true democracy’ are fighting for ?!
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Oct 18, 2008 @ 00:45:04
to all those confused/surprised and who still see M’sia as hopeful despite the brain drain reasons said … wait till if you have the opportunity to experience for yourself or someone you know close to you go though such an episode…a father’s story… “When my daughter went for scholarship interview and came to the final stage whereby decision of the course to be offered, she was flatly told that medicine was only for bums (Bumis), and that they were prepared to give her the scholarship for any other course. She was so furious that she countered questioned them why at all they bothered to call her for the final interview. The answer was that they hope she would accept what they were willing to offer.She told them to keep the scholarship before walking off.
She got her revenge by flying off the day after her final papers risking a resit if she failed.The mother went to take her scroll and gown.She never appeared on the graduation ceremony and everybody was looking for her as she was announced the the winner of the Dean’s award.2 others who were on the Honours roll were present and nobody knew where she was.During the course and prior to examinations, the bums (Bumis) had special sessions whereby the questions were practically discussed and made known to them, yet they performed miserably and a sizeable number of them failed. Until today, only a few knew where she is and the rest wondered why they never come across her in any part of the country…
So no regrets for leaving this country, as of me too. I only wish those who deserve better would somehow be accorded the same opportunity as my niece or myself away from this “SHITLY” run country.
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Oct 18, 2008 @ 10:37:21
Dr Hsu, thank you very much for your clarification.
In this case, I wish you all the best and I sincerely appreciate your time in engaging the people via your blog.
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Oct 18, 2008 @ 11:22:01
I tell you thye story of why my son contributed to the brain drain. I am sure some of you have the same problem.
After some years, he thought of coming back. But cupid called and he fell in love with a girl from Inodnesia. He checked and found that being chinese, he will fnd it hard to get a Malaysian PR for his new wife.
So he took uo citizenship in the host country – one month. He applied for PR for his wife – two months. Inspite of stories, in many western countries, if one qualify for citizenship, the processes of conversion and getting residence permits are simple. There are no hidden agendas.
In this instance, the rules make malaysian citizens unwanted in their own country. There have been uncounted number of similar cases.
I wonder how many cases of brain drain have cupid contributed?
The flow of our talents is a result of the push and pull factors. There are many causes and we can go on debating these till the cow come home.
One major push factor is te central policy of the BN government to maintain a majority of malay population and this strikes across all policy areas. It makes people feel unwanted in their own country. All it take is a little pull factor to get people to pack their bags.
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Oct 19, 2008 @ 01:58:36
We have a Racist Government that practices race discrimination thus the brain drain. We are the only country in the world that the minority have to support the majority and yet they call themselves bumi and those craps of a social contract that only exist in their imagination. What about the Orang Asal (Asli).. Those that called themselves bumi should realize that they are basically of Indon stocks.
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Oct 27, 2008 @ 14:55:11
They will be begging for ex Msian brains to come back when, natural resource (oil) runs dry.
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