BTN must teach world citizenship for M’sians to survive

The National Civics Bureau (BTN) is an agency under the Prime Minister’s Department established in 1974 and tasked with promoting patriotism, but has drawn criticism for allegedly spreading racism.

Despite denials by the government and the agency, sporadic leaks of closed-door events conducted by the BTN or featuring its staff have continued to entrench suspicions that the bureau is a hotbed of racism and ‘brainwashing’, which need to be eradicated and eliminated once for all with the attempt to revive, refresh and rebrand so to regenerate BTN to fulfill the actual goals for its initial creation.

Now as BTN is going to be revived after the Hari Raya as stated by Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid by sending 20.293 teachers nationwide to attend a nation-building course for three days course titled ‘Teachers: The nation’s builders to instill the spirit of nation-building among teachers so they can pass along their knowledge to students based on the Rukunegara, Malaysia’s five fundamental principles,it has also need to act locally and think globally.

‘The Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens’ needs to be instilled, too,to create the awareness that world is moving towards world citizenship which is inevitable.

According to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said, the joint-venture with the Education Ministry was part of BTN’s “re-branding” programme, to change the perception that BTN is a racist organisation. According to her, the rebranding was led by a multi-racial panel formed between the BTN, the National Professors Council, and parliamentarians, including an opposition member.

Though the panel seem to be well-represented to draw out the course content, processes and procedures, but the implementation of its noble intentions does not really happen at ground zero level.

As the key performance index (KPI) have not been identified to keep track of BTN’s success rate in instilling patriotism in the past, we hope this time around it is identified and the success rate in instilling patriotism is made public and not just be a waste of taxpayers’ money.

The three-decade-old agency under the Prime Minister’s Department supposed to have instilled patriotism does not reflect the present state of the Malaysian scenario, I mean to say, in the past the taxpayers’ money was wasted and we remain in an illusion that patriotism is being instilled through BTN but it did not, from what we see today of Malaysia.Though the intention of the ministries concerned is noble, yet due to the past perception of BTN, it is only wise to be transparent at what really transpires during the course. As we know, participants are not suppose to divulge or tell others what happened during the course under oath, if not they may be reprimanded.

Why don’t the ministries concerned release video clips of the process and manner in which it is conducted, the interaction, deliberation and consultation, so that the public can be the judge as well as they can learn, as not all are given the opportunities to attend. It should not be only for civil servant and not the public at large, which will create a dichotomy between the public servant and the private sector.

I don’t think it is a confidential matter which the public themselves will be able to judge for themselves whether the ‘rebranding’ as supposed to take place really happens or is it an an eyewash. Let us be transparent in the course content and in the actual manner of its implementation of the course, day to day, to walk the talk.

I hope this time around it really benefits all Malaysians directly, indirectly, visibly and invisibly, not again be a waste of taxpayers’ money with our present economic situation.

The ministries must also look into the present BTN structure to decentralise BTN in a manner to reduce cost in conducting such courses. The present emphasis on just patriotism is not sufficient, it must go beyond to incorporate world citizenship so that the future Malaysian will be able to collaborate and cooperate on the global platform.

Tamil Maran (KT Maran)

“Dear PMX, would you implement Agenda 33.4 mil for the salvation of Malaysia?”

MALAYSIA has progressed since independence with different Malaysia Plans focusing on the requirements of the time as Malaysia progressed from one stage to the next.

The plans were generic in nature, targeting certain sections of the population or community but not each individual citizen, as we can see from the outcomes of the growth and development, which are lopsided and bring up diverse social and economic issues and problems.

It should have been a precise and satisfactory trajectory with steps taken successively for all Malaysians, but it was not so. All homo sapiens are creations of the creator, regardless of race, religion, or any other diverse differences.

Just look at an individual, his or her growth and development from birth are subjected to various elements, right from genetics to environment to the educational level and resources of parents and the commitments to make the family unit successful. These elements must be present for an individual raised in a family to be successful spiritually, economically, and socially, regardless of their race or religion.

If a country’s family unit is stable and prosperous, the spiritual, social, and economical life of the country will take an upward trend with less money to be spent on health, social, and internal security. In Malaysia, that is not the case. We are spending billions on areas that can best be utilised to develop our human resources in skills and education, thus bringing about economic growth.

The reasons are glaring and visible to all. We must bring about an inclusive society where each individual citizen takes ownership of the country and contributes positively according to Rukun Negara’s five principles, an emblem we proudly display and recite but do not practice in action.

What is the intrinsic asset of a country?

To me or many, it is the trained human resources with skills, knowledge, intelligence and character who are proud to be Malaysians, not while abroad but in Malaysia itself.

The loyalty and ownership to this beloved country must be exemplary in words and action, as the citizens are the country’s resources. Is it reflected in each Malaysian of today? It is a big no. The very fact that Malaysians are migrating to other countries—a brain drain—and the reflection of our economic, social, political, unity, corruption, etc. tells all.

How are we going to rectify the past missteps to make Malaysia glorious again?

It is nothing less than an agenda of inclusiveness for the 33.4 million Malaysians, whether they are illiterate, literate, skilled or unskilled, Bumiputra, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, or members of any ethnic group.

If Agenda 33.4 is carried out meticulously, without fear or favour developing the potential of each Malaysian citizen with policies of inclusiveness in place, the potentiality of all will be developed, thus contributing to the country’s growth and development.

The main culprits are politicians who with their hidden agenda of selfishness and narrow-mindedness combined with fanatical and racial sentiments, have brought the country to the edge of bankruptcy economically and disunity.

Can we carry on after a few decades of independence relying on politicians to set the tone and the trajectory for the future?  The guiding magna carta should be the Constitution of the country, correctly interpreted, and Rukun Negara, not the whims and fancies of the politicians.

Malaysia must become a melting pot of various races, religions, and ethnicities to blend into a mosaic tapestry, colorful in its diversity, bright and dynamic, dictated by the wisdom of the principle-minded. Enough is enough for politicians to direct the trajectory, which has become the laughing stock of the world.

The economy of a country can only be built on hard work, creativity, and inclusiveness for all, not on exclusivity.

By not allowing one race to develop more than the other, these policies resulted in 1.4 trillion dollars in debt for the country. Barking at the wrong trees as the issue for our disunity and economic imbalance is the art of the politician to influence the innocent public.

We find answers in nature. We should pay attention and focus on the flora and fauna, immaterial of its significance. Tinkering or tweeting must be done fairly, without creating imbalance.

The present natural disaster is due to human greed and short sightedness for short-term gains, for which we are paying the price. So it is in the economic, social, and political arenas, where the agents are human beings that need to be handled by the sciences available, not by the rhetoric of the vain imaginations of politicians.

We can forgive the politicians of yesteryears who led the country through disinformation because there was no internet. Today it is a world of transparency where “the Earth is but one country and mankind it’s citizens” a clarion call made a century ago.

Can we still move forward with the same energy as in the past?

We need calibration of the highest order in our thoughts, words and action, failing which there will be an exodus of people leaving the country or Malaysians becoming maids and workers in neighbouring countries, which is emerging.

I call upon the 10th Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to direct the ‘titanic’ after its disaster in hitting the icebergs, to emerge again prosperous and glorious, even if you need to proclaim an emergency until you complete your term, as done by the former PM during the pandemic.

This time around it is worse than before, to safe the country from fanatics, bigots, and racists, which may bring the economy to disaster. — March 17, 2023

K. Tamil Maran (KT Maran)
Seremban

Communication: Choose and use our words wisely

R ECENTLY, we have been hearing and reading about words uttered by politicians from both sides of the divide — negative remarks that are draining the energy out of all Malaysians.

Politicians and Malaysians who write and utter words must first know the negative impact they have on the country’s peace, unity and stability. What effect could such words have on world peace and unity?

“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace,” said Buddha. His quote encourages deep thoughts on our daily use of words.

Could a word actually bring about world peace? Was Buddha referring to the intention and genuineness behind words? Do our words impact our relationships with others? I believe the single, resounding word, “yes”, answers all three questions.

Words play a significant role in our daily lives. We use words to talk to each other. We read words in books, on our Kindles or Nooks, on Facebook posts and Twitter feeds, and emails. We see words on restaurant menus, on arrival/departure boards at the airports and on store displays. We can find words everywhere in our daily existence.

The words we use with each other impact our relationships because they let others know who we are and what we believe in.

Words let others know what we think about them, too. When we use kind words with each other and do not fall prey to gossip, idle talk or name-calling, our words can bring us closer to each other by promoting loving and positive connections.

Our words not only impact our relationships with fellow humans, but also affect how nations relate to each other. We have often seen, throughout history, how hurtful words and bitter disagreements start wars and result in the destruction of not only relationships between nations, but human lives.

On a personal level, we all know that negative words can gravely harm those around us and obliterate relationships. But, they can also impact our own spiritual development, as we can surmise from this quote from the Bible:

“But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” — Matthew 12:36.

Spiritual writings also discuss the detrimental effects of idle words:

“He must never seek to exalt himself above anyone, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vainglory,
must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence and refrain from idle talk.

“For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison.

“Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul.” — Baha’u’llah.

As these quotes imply, words have power. When used for good and not in excess, they can promote peace and improve our spiritual progress. When used to harm, they can obliterate harmony and unity, and affect our spiritual progress.

Perhaps, we also need to consider what we do not say. Do we need to use words in all of our human interactions? Have you ever talked to someone and experienced the so-called “awkward silence”? Why is silence so difficult for us humans?

If we look at other species — like dogs and cats, for example — we notice that words are not integral to their relationships and bonds.

Aren’t animals endearing that way? They snuggle up to you and seem to enjoy your company without saying anything at all. We feel that they want to be near us, yet, they do not tell us so.

We can even see the lack of need for words with our own loved ones, as we know that our spouses, parents or siblings love us even when they do not say: “I love you.”

Perhaps then, the poet and theologian, Rumi, was on to something when he wrote: “Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation.”

World peace could be closer than we realise if we all begin to use words in moderation. We could try to pause and think about the possible impact before updating our Facebook statuses about the detestable food at that restaurant, tweeting about that book we hated or write about that ugly dress someone wore at a wedding.

Let us think about what impact our words could have on someone else.

Spiritual teachings urge people to use kind words, as well as use words in moderation. Sometimes, silence may be the best option.

A kind deed done or a kind word spoken to someone who is having a bad day could make all the difference between them feeling lonely and feeling that they belong.

When people feel that they belong, we start building a strong foundation for peace and unity. Let all Malaysians realise, during Ramadan, the need to change and start afresh for this country that we all call “home”. K.T. Maran, Seremban, Negri Sembilan NST 1 JULY 2014 @ 8:07 AM

Our rapacious greed is destroying nature

MY home is surrounded by views of hills. I was lucky to have such surroundings.

When friends came to visit, they would admire and appreciate the nature surrounding my home.

When I visit the homes of others or while on travel, I used to think how lucky I was when I viewed surroundings affected by development, where the atmosphere was hot and the air was foul and depleted of oxygen.

Recently, one of the hills in my surroundings was affected and left barren.

Nobody could do anything, because, in the name of development, such things happen everywhere.

Nowadays, the atmosphere surrounding my home area has become hot, and when the wind blows, it is stronger than before.

MY home is surrounded by views of hills. I was lucky to have such surroundings.

When friends came to visit, they would admire and appreciate the nature surrounding my home.

When I visit the homes of others or while on travel, I used to think how lucky I was when I viewed surroundings affected by development, where the atmosphere was hot and the air was foul and depleted of oxygen.

Recently, one of the hills in my surroundings was affected and left barren.

Nobody could do anything, because, in the name of development, such things happen everywhere.

Nowadays, the atmosphere surrounding my home area has become hot, and when the wind blows, it is stronger than before.

The creator blessed the planet with vegetation for our survival, but mankind is doing the opposite, against the desire of the creator. Where are we leading the world in the name of economic development?

A disastrous consequence is waiting for mankind, which may be too late for reversal, though many may claim otherwise.

This brings me to an interview with Martin Luther King Jr, who was once asked what he would do if he was going to die the next day.

His reply was: “I would plant a tree.”

The tree is a symbol of life. One generation plants the tree, under whose cool shade another generation takes its ease. Trees are part of nature and a source of nourishment.

Nature, however, is more than trees.

The universe houses the sun, the moon and the stars, the seas, the lakes, streams and waterfalls, the mountains and the hills, the land we live in, the air we breathe, the wildlife in our midst as well as the flora and fauna that make us live and continue to live.

To love life and preserve nature is similar to preserving our lives and that of the future generation.

Unfortunately, people, on the pretext of development, have changed the environment more quickly
than we know how to change ourselves.

Nature does not need our help to be beautiful. It is we who need nature’s help.

Like the creator does not need our help, we need the creator for our guidance, assistance and protection. Ironically, the reverse or opposite is the rule of the day.

Whatever befalls the earth, befalls mankind.

We need to protect nature for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born as well as those who cannot speak: flora and fauna, birds, animals, fish, trees and atoms in the air.

Our survival as a human species depends on our caring, sharing, protecting and working together,
failing which, the whole Earth will be destroyed.

“The Earth is but one country, and mankind, its citizen.”

Let us not waste our opportunity in a blame game.

The biology and chemistry behind a natural ecology takes thousands of years to evolve, but in a few weeks, people have destroyed what God wrought by lying to the public.

 I remember the joke where a politician tells a prostitute that he will never lie.

In return, the prostitute tells the politician that she is a virgin.

K.T. MARAN,