Answers for questions...(part 1)

On Wed, 6th of May, R.AGE came out with questions from adults to the youths. Being one of them, this is my personal perspective on the answers.

Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir: What do you really think of your parents (and no need to be politically correct and only say nice things!)?
- At this point of age, I feel that they are just trying their best with their own resources.

Shebby Singh: There are many things that can motivate us, but that is different from what our own motivation is. What is your motivation, and why?
- Hope. I do things with a hope, that I could do it with the best of my strength, a hope that I could have looked back and said I didn't regret it. Without hope, and without putting it in God, I don't think the world can move. Everything else would fade away. People around us would go away, not to mention material things too.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin: How would you like to see Malaysia in the future?
-I would like to see it filled with leaders who are responsible and transparent towards the people. I would like to see minority groups, the indigenous, the special ability, the women be empowered and given opportunities to be the best that they can be. We are all God's creation. Each and every one of us. Oh, and if possible, the 'race' column doesn't exist forms, I'm a human, that's it.

Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan: Do you feel disconnected from the politics of Malaysia and in this regard how much do you value your right to vote?
-I feel disconnected as there seems to be no proper channel that discusses our views or allows us to participate in civil society without the stigma or fear. It is a big challenge to come out from apathy and into active participation. I believe that it is also the same for a lot of us. I value my right to vote, although I feel that I can do more than just vote. Proper channels of discourses should exist.

Jit Murad: What things about us (adults) seem unfair to you?
- How some seemingly got out of being responsible for the wrong things they have done. Those that abandon their children, hurt their family, squander their life away, and yet, there seems to be nothing that can be done. On a lighter side, it has to be the acknowledgment of being someone whose views and opinions are heard. With great power, comes great responsibility, eh?

Khalid Samad: What are the characteristics of good governance and what is your role in ensuring that these characteristics are truly embodied by the government of the day?
- Governing a country is a tough job for a single individual, so the characteristics of good governance is connecting to the people and everyone. That would translate into transparency and accountability. When the people know what is happening to the very place they are, the resources, the economy, the lives around them, then the nation can grow better. If there is any human above the law, above reproach, then good governance would definitely be impossible. My role is keeping accountability and transparency where it is needed. But checking and double-checking facts. By thinking critically. BY seeing deeper. By having an open mind, but a good argument.

Jo Kukathas: When you close your eyes and see yourself, what do you dream you are and what do you dream you can become?
- I am a creation of God. The possibilities are endless. I dream to be someone different every time. Anyone, different depending on emotions, outward motivation and everything else.

Thought scribble: Whose history is it?

Based on what Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said in a news report by Bernama, taken from The Edge Malaysia,

On the suggestion by his deputy, Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, for the contents of History textbooks to be reviewed, Muhyiddin said history which was something that happened in the past, could not be altered or added.

"It can be improved from time to time but you cannot add something that wasn't there. Maybe what Wee meant was you need to evaluate whether it qualifies to be considered as history or not," he said.

Wee had suggested that the contents of History textbooks be reviewed on the ground that it did not touch on the struggle and contributions of other races towards national development. — Bernama

I wonder whether he understood what he said by saying history can be 'improved' from time to time. On the more critical side, what defines something to be considered as history or not? Is it only defined by the powers that be? Or is it defined by the good results (as in opposing colonization)or made obsolete because of it's impressions (racial riots & protest rallies)?

réfléchir un moment

Returning to his roots....

The young apprentice has finally returned. His journey of learning has brought him far and wide. His tired and weary figure, slowly travel the tracks leading to his town. The wide green plains were easing his sore eyes. He could sense the core's power rejuvenating his soul. With each step he took, he grew stronger. The town he left, was a sleepy one. Now, towers loomed and crowds were seen everywhere.

So much has changed. The knowledge he acquired, the friends he knew, and the adventures he experienced were irreplaceable. And yet, he was still the same person on the inside. With a new chapter of life now in front of him, he summons his strength and makes way to his dwellings.