Telecast Parliamentary Debates
For some people, the live telecast of a political party’s general assembly last year fuelled with overzealous ethnic pride proved to be too much for some. However, for Adnan, it marked a beginning that the Government would start giving the viewing public a first hand account on what actually transpires with our legislative assemblies and politicians.
“I think they made a mistake but really revealed how ugly they can get and that’s just what we needed to see as there is not enough constructive public scrutiny of the Government,” he observed.
Doulos hopes that this transparency will also eventually extend to live screenings of Parliament sittings.
“Apart from watching what actually transpires there, we will also see firsthand what they are proposing, opposing and supporting. When we are in the know, it is easier to curb useless legislation. Besides, at least MPs will now know how to behave and not act like rednecks,” he said.
Another student Aaron Hee, on the other hand believes that this will eventually help the people put pressure on the number of laws that can be proposed every year.
“They come up with many every year and a lot of taxpayer’s money is spent but what for, when there is no enforcement?” he asked.
Education
Education is an issue of national interest, which garners much passion from Aaron, Adnan, and Doulos as they are all products of the national education system. However, having been exposed to other forms of education, they can easily tell you that Malaysian education needs more than just a 5 year education blueprint.
For one, Aaron hopes to see a more holistic education.
“We need to break away from the exam culture and not just focus on academic achievements. We cannot forget that there are talents waiting to be unleashed as everyone has a special gift,” he said.
For that to happen, Doulos believes that the syllabus must be revamped.
“Textbooks and course content need to be updated from time to time and frequent consultation dialogue must ensue between academics and industry professionals to ensure that what students study will be relevant to their work and to their lives. At the same time, the study plan given must be made to ensure that students get the best out of everything,” he suggested.
Adnan concurs but adds that at the same time, that the education provided must be a thinking one as he believes that the current system has affected the Malaysian capability to deliver.
“Whats the point of studying when you can’t think analytically? Spoon-feeding and rote memorising is not studying,” he argued.
21 year old intern Mary Tan agrees and believes that spoon-feeding is a continuing factor in mediocrity which needs to stop.
“Malaysians have this tidak apa [apathetic] attitude, and are very lazy to go that extra mile. Some are very slow and very incompetent. Do you blame it all on the mentality. Partially, but where does it come from? Definitely not upbringing,” she said.
For one, Aaron believes that a methodology emphasising talent development alongside academic achievement will somehow improve our sportspersons namely the national football team.
Clueless Youth
When asked how the proposed suggestions would materialise in the next 50 years, Adnan could only answer that it all depends on how aware the public is of the situation.
“Reconstruction requires collective brainstorming over time coupled with well-informed and like-minded peers,” he suggested.
“However, therein lies the obstacle: private college students are really unaware of what transpires in our nation and are pretty much leading life in a cocoon, only interested in fashion, socialising and pop culture – oblivious to a lot of what’s really happening in this country. Until they get involved with the concerns of the nation, I dare say nothing will move,” he argued.
from the Catholic Asian News 
