Chin Peng in 21st Century

Dear THE STAR Editor,

Hi to all readers, there is at times where we tend to speak out aloud what is in our mind without seeing what is happening around us. I am just another regular reader to my all time favorites The Star since young. Lately there are articles popped out of this “great” man named Chin Peng, famously to be known during the communist time in Malaya.

Our Malaysian Government spoke out that Chin Peng is an unforgiving icon for Malaysian history, based on what he has done to us.
In this article I will not stand firm either on Chin Peng application case or even our Malaysia Government since I am not born in that era. Its very unfair for me to judge.

What I wanted to comment in this matter will be based on our 21st century mindset.
Apart from this, in all the religions in the world, the most basic fundamental is FORGIVE. I believe not many people aware of that.

Next, we need to look at a bigger picture when putting criticism into a matter. If Chin Peng case is consider a totally No-No case, then we need to reconsider about JAPAN and GERMANY. The two monsters during World War Two kill countless of people inconsiderable. But Today, we Malaysia are one of the closest country to Japan. Mobile and technologies speaks louder now. For examples to the laymen, Honda cars are importing to Malaysia, Nokia are using nationwide. For Petronas, Japan signed 25 years of contract for LNG shipping transportation with Malaysia.
Kindly seek the Malaysian Government to cancel off Japan business, telling them that they are unforgiving during World War Two. Let us be the next big childish joker charted in the world map. Mercedes cars are using by executives levels in government departments. What say now?

We need to think before we speak. Just because Chin Peng is still alive, he is not to be forgiven? Then what about Japan and Germany sinners? They are not to be remembered?

We need to change our mindset to move forward, not backward.
We cannot achieve Vision 2020 with this childish mindset.
To live the future, we need the mindset of future.
History is important too. They are to be remembered and forgiven, not to be condemned.
I hope this article could be publish out, so the readers can be aware what they are talking.

Just another ordinary reader,

James Foong, Georgetown, Penang
 
p/s:
my article is out.

Date: 26th November 2009
Page: N61
 

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F11%2F26%2Ffocus%2F5184592&sec=focus

give seamen their due

give seamen their due

I refer to an article "Local seaman not up to the mark" in one of the THE STAR MARITIME section which will project a negative image of Malaysian seamen in the minds of our family and friends.

The reason not many Malaysians sail is because the country's economic state is strong (used to) and there are many job opportunities ashore where people can have better quality time with their families.

The reason why the Philippines and India have ample manpower at sea is due to their poor economy and the difficulty in getting employment ashore. Both of these countries also have a big population.

The general statement that Malaysian crew are lazy is nowhere near accurate and very unfair to the seamen's community in Malaysia

If you read the papers of have any idea about oil and gas, you would know that our national shipping line (MISC Berhad) which owned by Petronas is currently the world largest LNG tanker operator and 95% of men who run these ships are so-called lazy Malaysian seamen.

We do our job with the great deal of national pride. Our ships ply with the globe, and if everyone were lazy, these ships would have a very slim chance of passing any Port State Control, United States Coast Guard (USCG) or vetting inspections which are of very high standard.

The mere fact that our ships are trading smoothly around the world is evidence enough that we are of international standard.

In today's world, everything is fast. Ships load and discharge their cargo within 24hours, sailors rarely have the chance to sightsee, what more get drunk and then get into fights. When they get back on the ship they have to be ready for the next voyage.

In every basket there will be a few spoilt apples. it is surprising why when a small fraction of seamen cause some trouble at a pub, the world looks at it like it was a big deal, blows it out with proportion and comes up with general statements like all seamen get in brawls at pubs.

Does it mean that no accountants or engineers get drink and cause trouble?

The article also mentions that CEO of ALAM would like to encourage more Malaysian students to join the academy, but after being misled by the article, i wonder how many parents are going to allow their beloved sons and daughters to get involved in such a bad career.

Every day, tonnes of goods are being imported and exported from our shores by sea. But people never appreciate seamen.

The next time you put fuel into your car, think about how the fuel got there, the next time you eat bread, and think about where the flour came from.

These sailors are out at sea facing gale force winds and waves as high as buildings to bring cargo in and out of our country and also around the world.

Our job is a noble one that not many might have the courage to do.