Those Who Knows the Best.

The “heat” of 13^th General Election is on as political parties have finalized their candidates list. In some towns, there are talk and gatherings by the political parties. Some “candidates” have gone to villages to give speech and inspiration of their party’s foundation and causes. The Bidayuh’s “organizations” is also making their preparation for a “dinner” functions with their representative as a channel for political campaign. I’ve been to two dinners which were patronized by the Bidayuh politicians. They were fun and interesting as there are many Bidayuh gathered around with delicious kind of food served. Listening to politician speech and promises is such a pampered evening as money allocation are declared and given in cash.

An opposition candidate invited me to his talk in several villages but I cannot make it due to parenting obligation as kids need me a lot during weekend. I politely informed him and wished him good luck to pledge my support to him. I wish I can be there for him although there is no food and drink provided. I like to listen to people’s inspiration and so to the political propaganda as they are quite interesting in the making.

This year will be a crucial election for the Bidayuh in all constituencies as there are few issues that might stern the support of the Bidayuh. Barisan Nasioanal politic of development might be their subject of loyalty with many Bidayuh have benefited from them; such as Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia and infrastructure projects. Nevertheless, there is a challenge for them to win the Bidayuh young generation as they are more “aggressive” in their thinking and behavior toward current political “theater” in Malaysia. They are the generation of change since they are aware of current issue in politic. They read independent news and like to express their opinion in social media, blogs and SMS.

There is a “clash” between the elders and youngsters in Bidayuh political understandings. The elders normally prefer the current government as minor “development” are seen in their villages. They are electricity supply, fresh water supply, community halls and not least; money hand-outs from the current government. For them, changing the ruling parties might be hazardous to the Bidayuh’s future. As a hardcore audience to the mainstream media, they are convinced by what they watched and listened to. The power of media has overcome their fear and curiosity towards the political uncertainties. Most of them read local news paper as they are not familiar to social media and alternatives independent news.

Somehow, the Bidayuh youngsters are IT savvy and hardly influenced by the mainstream media. They are connected with other people in the virtual world where information are shared with no boundary. The independent news is their alternative to “seek” the truth of the mainstream media. Their curiosity toward political uncertainties is answered by their knowledge and thought of the current political events. They are not the ‘easily influenced” group especially by the opposition, but they are aware by the current government’s “flaws” in policies implementation. These Bidayuh youngsters believe in good governance, equality and justice. They are normally live in town area and working as professionals, government servants and entrepreneurs.

Their representative also plays a crucial role to convince the Bidayuh’s vote. There are hate-and-love relationship between the representative and the colony of Bidayuh. Favoritism seems to be the disadvantages if the representatives to win the youngsters vote. In several rural project implementations, they are less Bidayuh contractors involved. Their representative already have their own “team” to get project nevertheless they are qualify or not.  There are some breeches in minor projects implementation but seems to be ignored by their representatives. Those who are connected to the representatives directly will always get their project with some amount of incentives pocketed to the politicians and high positioned officers. This “tradition” has been practiced by the “parties” to strengthen the influences of the politician in some Bidayuh constituencies by “patronization” for support. It is not only a corrupted practices but it affects a quality of services and products by the contractors. To simplify that; let say there is a RM 1 million funds allocated for 7 km Kampung Padawan road. The 7 km road is completed but after 5 month, the road is dented due to thin asphalt. A RM 1million project is not equivalent quality of finished product; the road. Why it is so? In every awarded project, there is some amount has to be paid to the representatives as a favor of their approval. Then the remaining amount is distributed among the main contractors and sub-contractors. In some cases, incentives are given to the district officers for their approval of work progress.    

The government always in delusion to understand the people needs. They always claim that they know and care buy giving incentives and money. But, the fact is that we need a better future especially the Bidayuh who is always caught-in-between by their dilemma. They have to support the Barisan Nasional hoping that their future will be brighter but they have to support the opposition seem their representatives are fail to carry out their duty; to listen to their struggle.

Politic of intimidation is not relevant to the Bidayuh as they are getting wiser in the sense of politic. There is always substation to a lost. No development is anything to lose or to gain as they are aware of current issue of politic. Their perception to the politician has change since they are not awarded by the political stability but their hard work. There is no more master-slave relationship between their representative and the Bidayuh. In fact, the Bidayuh politician must equipped themselves with the best skill to win the people as they are not the slave to the politicians but the power to decide. The People are the one who knows the best for the future and not a single politician.        

            

The Orang Asli Child Malnutrition Epidemic

Written by: Jennifer Lewis
Email: jennifer.lewis-at-acrotray.net

Life is difficult for your average aboriginal Malaysian. Despite being the original inhabitants of the land, they are now a socio-economically deprived minority group. The effects of this transition have been devastating. Their self-esteem has been sapped as a result, with social problems such as teenage pregnancy increasing and ill health taking hold. One of the groups that has suffered significantly in recent times is the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia. They have been identified as one of the poorest groups in the nation, which the percentage of their population classed as living in ‘hardcore poverty’ being twice that of the general population. Disturbingly, a report published in Tribes and Tribals suggests that they have particularly poorly nourished children, which could be putting infants’ lives at risk.

The Extent of the Problem

The rate of childhood malnutrition amongst the Orang Asli is considerably higher than that of other rural Malaysian communities. Up to a third of Orang Asli infants are thought to be stunted or underweight. This shocking degree of malnutrition is not only witnessed in less accessible locations; it is also present in communities that are found near to towns. A study cited by Tribes and Tribals indicates that half of Orang Asli children have iron, calcium and energy levels that are less than sixty-six percent of the recommended levels. Why is this the case? Research suggests that it is due to a plurality of different factors.

Lack of Dietary Knowledge

"Tribes and Tribals states that lack of knowledge about nutrition is partly responsible for the levels of childhood malnutrition that exist within the Orang Asli population. This figures, as forty-three percent of Orang Asli men and thirty-five percent of Orang Asli women have received no formal education. Without access to medical textbooks and lessons about following a balanced diet, many of these people will be left oblivious to the need for certain nutrients within their children’s meals. Medical literature cited in Tribes and Tribals states that helminithic infestations are also widespread in Orang Asli infants. In a study of Orang Asli children between the ages of two and five, sixty-two percent were found to be infested with ascariasis, ninety-eight percent had trichuriasis and thirty-seven percent had hookworm infestations. This is likely to have led to malnutrition in many cases and again, one of the causes is a lack of education. The Orang Asli need to be taught how to effectively ward off these parasites in order to protect the health of their children."

The Effects of Resettlement

Another contributing factor is resettlement. A study of three hundred and five Temiar families who were resettled concluded that their nutritional status and dietary habits had deteriorated significantly as a result of the move. A report published by the International Institute for Asian Studies has criticized attempts by the Malaysian government to resettle and modernize the Orang Asli. Attempting to alter their traditional way of life despite the fact that they were the original inhabitants of the region must surely have had a negative effect upon their collective state of mind and consequently impaired their ability to adhere to a healthy diet.

Poverty

The main reason for the Orang Asli’s high levels of childhood malnutrition is obvious though: it is a result of the poverty that blights their communities. The US State Department Human Rights Report indicates that fifty percent of Orang Asli exist below the poverty line. With such a large percentage of the population lacking enough money to get by, it is little wonder their children are failing to get the correct levels of nourishment. Until the disparity between the living conditions of the Orang Asli and the rest of the Malaysian population are addressed, their young will continue to suffer from shocking levels of malnutrition. It is a symptom of their treatment at the hands of the authorities ever since other people came to their land and has been made worse by the fact that they are now socio-economically deprived. The lack of education that exists is also partly due to poverty. Alleviate these social problems and perhaps the next generation of Orang Asli children will be healthy and grow up in an environment where they will not face as many obstacles that they need to overcome in order to progress.

The Smoking Rate Among Malaysian Aborigines

By: Jeniffer Lewis.

email: jennifer.lewis@acrotray.net

Despite legislation introduced in 1976, which requires warning labels on all cigarette packages sold in Malaysia and a ban on smoking in all public facilities, which went into effect in 2010, smoking continues to plague the population. In fact, the smoking rate among the aborigine population is double the rate of the rest of the population. This has led to smoking as a major cause of death among aboriginal people.

There are several reasons for this alarming statistic. In the past, smoking played an important role in religious rituals. As aboriginal cultures are becoming increasingly westernized, many try to cling to ancient practices so as to not lose their cultural identity.

Another reason is a lack of education about the dangers of smoking. A study conducted in 2009, among university students at Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, surveyed students regarding social demographics, knowledge, attitudes and practices of smoking. This study found that nearly thirty percent had been influenced at a young age by friends to smoke. They also demonstrated a low level of knowledge regarding the negative effects of cigarettes and had a negative attitude towards efforts to legislate smoking.

 

Addicted to nicotine

The simplest reason is addiction. When parents smoke, their children grow up in an atmosphere where it is acceptable. They are most likely to experiment with smoking and become addicted to nicotine. Although smoking cessation aids are widely available in Malaysia, the use of them among the aboriginal population is very low. This is due, in part to the fact that smoking cessation aids are expensive and are not subsidized by the government. There is also a reluctance to use them unless directed by a physician. Rural areas present many challenges to education and health care.

Efforts to educate smokers about the dangers of smoking have been effective in the urban areas of Malaysia. In 2004, a five year campaign called, “Tak Nak” (say no) was launched by the Ministry of Health and reached over 92 % percent of the population. Legislators have also tried to discourage smoking by increasing the sales tax on cigarettes. When government and health care professionals partner together they often are able to produce this kind of multi-level approach which is found to be the most effective way to promote smoking cessation.

While these efforts have worked well, most aboriginal people live in rural areas and have agricultural jobs. This seems to be the major reason that their smoking rate is double that of other populations. If there is to be any change, these methods, which have been successful elsewhere, must penetrate the aboriginal community. Government subsidies can make smoking cessation aids available and affordable. Community groups can be formed in rural areas to educate and provide support for those who wish to quit smoking. 

 

Health issues

Improvements in education and health care can also have a positive effect on reducing smoking. A better educated person has access to jobs in professional settings where smoking is banned. Education about proper health practices leads to better decisions regarding personal health. Educating parents about the dangers of smoking during pregnancy as well as second hand smoke to their children can motivate them to quit.
Education about smoking should be in the classroom as well. When children are educated at a young age about the dangers of smoking and the long term impacts on health such as cancer and heart problems, they are less likely to begin. Teachers can encourage children to sign smoke-free pledges and raise awareness with their parents about the dangers of smoking.

There is hope for reducing the smoking rate in the aboriginal community of Malaysia; however it requires a high level of commitment on the part of legislators, health care professionals and educators. Rural areas can be difficult to access and the population is more widespread than in urban areas. As the internet becomes more accessible in Malaysia, it can be a powerful tool to reach people with education and smoking cessation support. The National Cancer Society Malaysia website is an excellent resource for materials on smoking cessation and cancer prevention.

Malaysia has no shortage of help available for those who wish to quit smoking. The challenge is to reach the aboriginal community with these resources. Increased awareness of this challenge is the key to overcome it.    

Master Sifu and Kungfu Moves

Listen and Talking Schools. 
(With Bahasa Malaysia Translation after). 

1. I like Chinese action movie when it is about Kung Fu fights. The learners will find a great master to learn the great martial art (Kung Fu).  

2. During the training with the great Sifu Master, the students are thought to be tough, decent, and tolerant and respect the lesson.  What more? They are thought to preserve their school and clans good name.

3. At the end of the lesson, they are tested and each of them will go o their own way either to spread the Kung Fu lesson at their villages and some get their vengeance of what they have suffered and died for.

4. Somehow, not all of the Kung Fu lessons are inherited to the students and some are kept for safety and to avoid any revolt to the clan and school (Kung Fu Panda).

5. That is why, in some cases in the movie there are some student get revolt and even kill the master (Ninja 2009).

6. There some students who open a new school and teaches Kung Fu as well and become Sifu Master.

7. That is quite dangerous if the new Master defies what he has learnt from his great Master and try to uphold his new school instead following of the original lesson of Kung Fu doctrine and its guidance. That is why these kinds of school are easily influence by enemy and easily revolt against the government and emperor.

8. This happened because the great Master only teaches people how to fight and to follow the teachings without question.

9. That is why, when the students want to talk and give new idea how to make a combination of Kung Fu moves, they will get punishment and expelled from the schools. They get punished because they try to challenge the doctrine of the teaching. So the students never learn but to obey or get expelled and get back to farm or sea.

10. This is a great confusion to those who will only learn and never talk and think.

11. It is good if the school allow the students to create new combination of Kung Fu moves such as tiger claws with snake bites. It is not only benefit the clan or school but the new chapter of the bible will be added and more lessons will be added for better Kung Fu.

12. Master Sifu and the students should have that kind of learning so that Kung Fu will be more fun and the mouth and ears will be equal. New kind of moves, new kind of knowledge and wisdom for better Kung Fu.

13. If there is this kind of school in China, I will send my kid there so that he will not only learning Kung Fu but respect, fun learning, wisdom and valor.  And the greatest is learning to be wise.

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Bahasa Malaysia. 

Tok Guru dan Pancak Kung Fu.

1. Saya sangat suka menonton wayang Cina aptah lagi ia melibatkan perlawanan Kung Fu. Anak murid akan mencari tok guru yang terbaik untuk belajar Kung Fu yang unggul.

2. Semasa laithan, murid-murid diajar untuk kuat, peka, bersabar dan menghormati. Lebih lagi, mereka diajar untuk mengekalkan nama baik sekolah dan kultus mereka.

3. Selepas tamat pelajaran, mereka akan diuji dan setelaj lulus, meraka akan pulang dan membuka sekolah baru dan ada juga yang pulang untuk mebalas dendam setelah teraniaya.

4. Walaupun begitu, tidak semua ajaran Kung Fu diturunkan kepada anak murid demi keselamatan dan untuk mengelakkan konfrantasi.

5. Sebab itu ada juga ceirta Kung Fu dimana anak murid membunuh tok guru.

6. Terdapat juga anak murid yang membuka sekolah Kung Fu dan menjadi Tok Guru.

7. Adalah amat bahaya sekiranya tok guru yang baru itu menyangkal apa yang telah diajarkan oleh tok guru lamanya dan hanya berniat untuk menempa namanya sendiri lalu tidak mengendahkan doktrin asli dan ajaran Kung Fu. Sebab itulah sekolah-sekolahn yang begitu, senang dipengaruhi untuk memberontak terhadap kerajaan dan maharaja.

8. Ini terjadi kerana murid-muris hanya diajar hanya berkung fu dan untuk mematuhi ajaran tersebut tanpa sebarang soal.

9. Sebab itulah ramai murid akan di denda and dibuang sekolah keran nak member cadangan dan idea baru tentang gerakan pancake Kung Fu dimana ia amat ditegah sama sekali. Maka, mereka tidak akan belajar sesuatu di sebalik Kung Fu dan dihalau dari sekolah dan kembali bercucuk tanam dan tangkap ikan.

10. Ini kan meninbulkan banyak persoalan dan pertanyaan apabila mereka tidak berupaya untuk berfikir dan member idea baru.

11. Alangkah baiknya kalau sekolah itu memberi kelonggaran kepada para murid untuk member idea baru tentang gerakan-gerakan kung fu seperti gerakan cakar harimau dan patukan ular tedung. Ini bukan sahaja member manfaat kepada sekolah tersebut malah member nafas baru dan lebaran baru untuk doktrin kung fu untuk menghasilkan kung fu yang lebih baik.

12. Tok guru dan anak murid seharusnya mempunyai suasana pembelajaran yang lebih menyeronokan dimana semua orang saling bercakap dan mendengar demi gerakan baru, pembelajaran baru dan pengetahuan baru.

13. Saya ingin hantar anak saya ke sekolah kung fu tersebut sekiaranya ia masih ada di China kerana saya tahu dia bukan sahaja akan bekajar kung fu tetapi belajar untuk bijak, menghormati dan berjiwa kental. Apa yang penting itu ialah belajar untuk memperolehi kebijaksanaan.

Malaysia 2013 Budget

The Few, the Lot and The Many

A. Few things that make many people rejoice.

1. Bonus announcement for the government servants

2. Salary revision for government servants

3. Mega projects for opportunist 

4. Financial allocation for Schools, Clinics and Hospitals

B. A lot of things that make few people wondering:

1. How to improve the education system with the increasing budget

2. How to reduce crime rate with new kind of salary 

3. How to improve delivery service in government sectors

4. How to improve productivity to increase GDP

5. How to complete mega project without cheating tax-payers

6. How to achieve KPI,NKRA and GTP

C. Many things that make many people sad:

1. No improvement on minimum wages for private sectors

2. Increasing of GST (good and service tax)

3. Increasing tax of tobacco and liquor

4. Direct tender and cronyism of the mega project 

5. EPF contributions get frozen and only can withdraw after death. 

I am wondering what I will get next year as a small servant of a tawkey. Whatever they are, I will toil even harder. This is Negaraku, with same shape of people’s mentality, attitudes and behaviors.