National Service: Has the Public Judged?

(text of tan Sri Lee Lam Thye's letter reproduced at the bottom of this post)

Dear Tan Sri,

I read the letter written by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye on the National Service published in the NST on Mar 16, 2007. I have this thought that spring into my mind "the public has judged and the verdict it........."

Confidence level is really at rock bottom with regards to National Services - besides the usual knee-jerk reaction, the is still NO CLEAR AND CONCLUSIVE ACTION PLAN.

Politicians and politicians-wanna-be have each given non-coordinated, unrelated responses saying a lot but nothing at all. One said that medical screening will be done before entering camp. I ask: How will it be done? What are the procedures? What kind of medical test will be conducted? What will we be looking for? If a medical condition is detected how will the camp manage it? What will be the precautions? Who will be at the camp monitoring such cases? What will be his of her qualification? What is the process in the event of an emergency?

On the matter of hygiene, what is being done at the camps that had the canteen closed for observing the lowest level of hygiene? We heard that the canteen was closed - that's all. What's the action plan to ensure the problem is not repeated? What will be the continuous monitoring processes?

Most importantly, who is responsible and who is accountable? Can you tell us? Too many questions, too few answers.

There is too much (useless) information out there - not enough knowledge. If, I may suggest Tan Sri, fix the communication and build confidence in us parents again. Be clear, resolved and one-mind to address the problems.

One suggestion is to put up in the National Service website CLEAR action plans, target completions, milestones and let us see them. Give us parents that transparency. Provide feedback columns for us to share our thoughts and feedback and suggestions. Our children's lives are ours as well - It's time to involve the parents!

For those who do not have access to the internet, have such information to the press to be published verbatim. Say, do and show!

Give us the confidence that things are being done. Not mere "press conference fixes" when everything is forgotten after the nice press conference food has been digested. There is no necessity as well to put a spin in the local media - showing happy faces. I think it is really time to go beyond them.

With all due respect Tan Sri, we know you are doing your best. However, I feel you need to do more and involve more people to help you. I support the National Service Program. However, the way it is conducted, the manner problems are managed (or mismanaged), the lack of transparency of the activities during the camp give the noble ideas a very bad name.

Tan Sri, I firmly believe you are the position to drive change in the management of the program, give us that confidence. Demonstrate that as Chairman you can drive transparency and re-instill confidence in the program. The public is the judge, I think the jury is still out, there is time to change for the better.

K V Soon

Source: http://www.nst.com.my

National Service: Let the public be the judge
By TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Chairman National Service Training Council

18 March, 2007

I WISH to clarify a number of matters pertaining to my role as the chairman of the National Service Training Council. I am making this statement in the wake of a number of comments taking me to task for any failure or untoward incidents involving NS trainees. One letter sent to me even stated that I must be made "solely responsible and accountable for any death" in an NS training camp. The writer questioned whether I had a conscience and alleged that for the sake of my "rice bowl" I had not spoken out.

Another fax from overseas, questioned whether I had the courage to admit that National Service was a failure and that it should be scrapped.

All this makes me wonder whether I deserve these criticisms, considering that I do not have executive powers and that the implementation of the entire programme rests with the director-general of the NS Training Department under the purview of the Ministry of Defence.

I do not propose to reply to all these unjustified criticisms against me. I leave it to all rational-minded Malay- sians to judge whether such criticisms are justified.

The NS Training Council performs a number of duties under the National Service Training Act 2003. These include advising the minister on all matters related to NS training.

When I accepted the appointment as chairman of the NS Training Council in July 2005, I was fully aware of its difficulties and challenges. I accepted the appointment for three reasons:
First, I regarded it as another call for national service as I have been doing national service for the past 40 years.

Second, I believe NS training is a noble programme which will benefit our youth in terms of, among other things, character-building and making them more patriotic.

Third, as chairman, though non-executive, I felt I would be in a position to convey the problems and concerns of the trainees, parents and others and help to make suggestions and policy changes for improvement.

This is precisely what I have been doing. I have always brought to the attention of the director-general and the department the grievances of the trainees and other suggestions to improve the programme.

I have never failed to take up issues concerning the welfare of the trainees and the improvement of the NS programme. These issues are also brought up at all council meetings. When decisions are made, it is the department that implements them, not the council, which is only an advisory body.

Although my position is not a full time job, I go to the office almost daily to provide feedback to the department and offer advice to them.
Let me state clearly that I have no pecuniary interests in the NS programme other than a monthly allowance which I am entitled to as chairman.

I realise that as chairman of the NS Training Council, I am seen as the "face" of the National Service. This is because in carrying out my duties, I have been active, constantly promoting the National Service and obliging the media for comments when necessary.

My level of commitment to the National Service is a reflection of my passion for the NS programme and within the confines of the role and functions of the council, I have done my utmost best. And I have always acted according to my conscience.

Just SUSPEND it!

Just suspend the National Service program!

Can someone make a decision on this matter. Everyone seems to have their views and comments but NOBODY makes any decision.

There is no shame in suspending the service to get things fixed. I mean really get things fixed! Fix the camp conditions, fix the food, fix the health screening, fix the program, fix it so that no one else dies! Just fix it. I have children and at this rate, I can say that I have NO CONFIDENCE in the National (dis)Service.

Although I support the idea, I do not support the implementation and the way the program is being handled. Lim Kit Siang gives a good summary of the situation here. Wiki has an entry here , FamilyPlace asked for your feedback here and more commentaries here. To find out more about Khidmat Negara, you could check this out.

Too many complains have fallen onto deaf ears. Too many young people have been injured and far too many people have died - totally unnecessary! Yes, the local print media can spin all sorts of stories from the student but reality is too much to ignore. Don't spin people's lives. So, are we going to wait for the National Service Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye to cry again before the next action? All is all he going to do is to cry?

So, I say it again SUSPEND THE NATION SERVICE, AND GO FIX THINGS!

Once done, tell us, show us, give us confidence - don't just bulldoze through!

How was your New Year Celebration?

Mine was a period of joy, grief, reflection and renewal. On Feb 18, we began with a Prayer for renewal and blessings for the new year. We traveled to Seremban to celebrate with my parents. In Seremban, we took the opportunity of celebrate Amrita's 11th birthday. After lunch we rushed to Ipoh upon hearing that my father-in-law's health had suddenly taken a turn for the worst.

Celebrating Amrita's Birthday

At about 4.30pm when we were approaching Tapah, Wai Leng received an SMS to inform us that her father had left us. The rest of the journey back became was quiet and solemn. Our daughters who were singing most of the journey, remained quiet until we reached Ipoh about 6pm. The following days were quiet and reflective, filled with prayers.

Wake of the Late Chong Sow Voon

My father-in-law leaving was a lesson to us that Chinese New Year was just celebrating, having fun, seeing long lost relatives, eating, eating and eating. He sent us a reminder that health is wealth and prayer and reflection is equally important, if not, more important than wealth.


more later...

Gong XI Fa Cai!

I am happy to announce SMART - art and design initiative by Amrita and Samanta, if you have not noticed the logo at the bottom right. Here it is...

Today is Valentine's Day - what's that again?

Today's Valentine's Day.... what day??? This morning at the basketball court fellow not-so-old old players, a wise one gave this advice to the younger basketball players:

"If you have love, every day is Valentine's Day"

"If you have money, everyday is Chinese New Year"

Great advise! Guess what.......? We lost to the youngsters today ;0(

Have a great valentine celebration (however you want to celebrate it)!

Tea Ceremony @ KKBCSDS

This morning, at the KKBC Sunday Dharma School, we had for the first time organized a tea ceremony in conjunction with the Chinese New Year Celebration on Feb 18. In this event, the students of the Sunday School, took turns to offer tea to the teachers (as their elders). When the students have completed offering tea to the teachers, parents who were present were invited to "receive" offering of tea from their children. This is a practice of respect for the elders. A grandmother was also present was invited to receive tea. She reluctantly agreed to join in and received tea from her grandchildren. I could not understand half of what she was trying to say but going by the expression, she was happy. I wish I had time (and the ability to converse in Hokkien) to ask her more about how she felt? Was it a practice during her younger days... etc.



Although, I am third generation Chinese in Malaysia with limited Chinese language capability, I think it is important to understand and appreciate in our roots. Our roots forms our culture and defines who we are. It also tell us where we heading by reinforcing positive values. In the practise of Buddha Dharma, cultural roots are even more important as culture, being the nasis of positive social interaction is the door of which experience the Dharma. This is the rational behind the tea ceremony and the vision I hope it will lead towards. Once experienced in the cultural (social level), the practice of Sila, only will we be able to transcend it to samadhi and ultimately achieve panna.

Overall, I felt the event went well - thanks to all the Teachers - I hope this will be a tradition for our children to follow. May you all be well and happy!

More thoughts and feeback on the NEB

I picked this up from M Bakri Musa's blog. I found this as one of the more critical and articulate feedback of the NEB I have read. Check out A Blueprint or Continued Mediocrity. M Bakri Musa is a Malaysian-born surgeon in private practice in Silicon Valley, California He writes frequently on issues affecting his native land, Malaysia. He also wrote a book entitled "AN Education System Worthy of Malaysia".

More Thoughts on Thoughts on the National Education Blueprint

I was browsing through the net to see what the other people and the alternative media (aka blogs and the internet) are saying about the National Education Blueprint. Here are a few.

1. The STAR too reactions from ALL the former DGs of Education and obviously gave their thumbs up. Also, the NUTP was concern about performance, implementation and did talk about moving away from the exam-orientated system and to cater for ALL students
2. The NST took the articles out after one week but you can still get feedback and comments from NST's Monsterblog. In the NST Prof Khoo Kay Kim did comment that the NEB was not necessary, instead it needed to back to the system of the pre-independence days.
3. The SUN posed questions which needed to be answered.
3. There was nothing on the Barisan Nasional Website (search function malfunctioned)
4. The official UMNO Site did not carry any commentary, while I did discover an "alternate" UMNO site which offer much more commentary - including those on other topics.
5. The MCA website did however, carry an article that talked about the sustainability of the Chinese Schools
6. On the opposition front, DAP issues a press statement here. Keadilan had no comments published while PAS Website was under maintenance.
7. Kian Ming and Tony P gave their initial impressions here.
8. Dr Bakri Musa gave his thoughts on Malaysian Unplug and on his blog.

What are your comments and feedback?

Thoughts on the National Education Blueprint

The much hyped National Education Blueprint was finally released on January 16, 2007. I pulled a copy from the MOE website (http://www.moe.gov.my) and started reading through the text which is only available in Bahasa Malaysia.

While there were very strong direction and vision of what needed to be done with our schools - overall I felt that plan lacked details of implementation and more importantly, it does not offer any thing really concrete to change or improve the education system in the country. This plan is at best, in my opinion, a great plan to change the schools in Malaysia, if the plan works. If one is looking at something different or even revolutionary, you better read something else.

I noticed there was a lot of emphasis on the development of the so-called “cluster” schools. I found nothing else really innovating and exciting - again it is about innovating the schools - not the system. It seems to me that it is a repeat of all the policies put out together over the years yet offering nothing new.

Over the past decade, we saw the introduction of "Smart Schools" (Sekolah Pintar)- what happened? Was there critical analysis of its success and failures? Later came the "Vision Schools" (Sekolah Wawasan). Again, before we understand where its going and how its doing - we now will have have "Cluster Schools". It seems to me that each Education Minister wants to make a mark to say that "I have been here". Sadly, no one really care about making the mark in our education system to be world class (except to talk about making the mark). How can we really create a generation of progressive and intellectual Malaysians.

The success of such initiatives is usually determined when the Education Minister who implemented it is no longer the Education Minister. By that time - if the plan did not go the right way - I am sure as a politician, he will have all the answers. Above all, it's not his problem anymore. So much for performance or accountability.


The Blueprint also gave a lot of focus and emphases on integration of races beginning in schools as one of its core objectives. What I cannot understand is why we need to write such a documents to tell us what we already know and what needs to be done. Assuming if we follow closely to the implementation of the blueprint, we will only see results at least after 4 years (the time-from of this blueprint - 2006-2010). If we screw-up on the implementation or a new minister takes over and decides to implement a new "whatever" school, we will more than 4 years - we will lose an entire generation of our future. I have always wondered WHY, if the Hon Education Minister is so passionate about racial unity - does nothing to change this by way of policy and directive and instead had to resort to writing an elaborate blueprint.

Knowing the polarization of races in schools in schools, could he have written a directive to the state education department and to the schools to STOP marginalizing the minor races and instead give them opportunity to speak and be understood. Could he have easily instruct the schools to have "unity corner" in every national school where minor races could express their culture and faith? Could our Hon education minister instruct the schools that that at least once a month, offer minority races in schools to publicly express their faith - as a way to understand and appreciate each others' cultures? I am unsure why it is so difficult not getting it done. If anyone can enlightenment me, I would appreciate it?

While, another aspect of emphasis is language - especially Bahasa Malaysia. Little is mention about the value of English and its direction where it heading. What's the plan I wonder.

Is it because, the edition I am currently reading is the "Edisi Pelancaran" what are the other "Edisi" which will be coming out? Are they already out?

It seems pretty clear to me, this proposal is not about improving education its about reorganizing the schools. It does not reflect any "out of the box" initiative, but instead its an attempt to bring more boxes closer together - in a cluster. Nothing really interesting or innovative from what I read.

What next? Another edition? More bright new ideas beyond cluster schools? What about something for children with learning disabilities etc.

What are your thoughts?

20,000 Year Six Pupils Can't Read or Write Well: Part 3

Following my posting on this here it is heartening to know that there is real follow through when I read the article 6,000 ‘special’ students identified in the NST Jan 14, 2006 (reproduced below). In the report, Education director-general Datuk Dr Ahamad Sipon acknowledged the presence of special needs students - "clear signal that they either had learning disabilities or special needs". It is now up to the Ministry to continue this initiative of early intervention rightly pointed out that the next step should be to "determine if they were dyslexic, hearing impaired, or had other health problems".

I hope this effort will continue with greater effort. Of course the real issue is what do we do with students who have already been diagnosed with one learning disability or another - parents still have a lot of effort to put in.

While, the current effort is good, its a reminder that ineffective education policies takes away two generations of our Malaysians.

Eagerly looking forward to the new Education Blueprint to be released tomorrow.

________________________________________

6,000 ‘special’ students identified

By Koh Lay Chin

15 January, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: An unexpected result emerged from a remedial programme aimed at ensuring Year One pupils could read and write. Besides halving the number of students nationwide who had trouble reading and writing, the Education Ministry also managed to identify 6,000 children who had learning disabilities and required special needs education.

These children had scored zero to nine marks out of a full 60 marks in their final exit test for the remedial programme, a clear signal that they either had learning disabilities or special needs, Education director-general Datuk Dr Ahamad Sipon said.

Around 163,835 Year One pupils who had trouble reading and writing were entered into the Early Intervention Programme for Reading and Writing (KIA2M) last year, later taking "exit tests" to determine who could re-enter normal classes.

After the second and final exit test was conducted at the end of last year, the ministry studied the numbers.

A total of 50,253 pupils had not passed the test, therefore requiring further attention to ensure they could follow the classes throughout their primary school life.

Out of that number, the 6,000 had scored such low marks that the ministry put them under their Special Education Department to determine if they were dyslexic, hearing impaired, or had other health problems.

Sipon said that although not 100 per cent of the KIA2M students passed the programme, he regarded the initiative as a success which would be continued and improved over the years.

Out of the total 469,038 Year One students nationwide, the number represented less than 10 per cent, which was an acceptable figure considering that even some developed countries had percentages of children who could not read and write of up to 15 per cent, he said.

"It must also be remembered that the number does not mean the students cannot read and write at all, just that they are experiencing various levels of difficulty. Some, for example, scored 44 or 43 out of 60, where the passing mark is 45," he said.

The KIA2M classes began last April, where teachers focused on using more creative and interactive ways to help the children in reading and writing in Bahasa Melayu, Physical Education, Music and Art subjects.

This year, the KIA2M will be enhanced and will see three exit tests carried out instead of two to allow faster "filtering" and, therefore, more time to concentrate on slow learners.

Sipon said some states had also taken the initiative to help their charges after they did not pass the programme, therefore ensuring the students were better prepared for Year Two.

We want to to go to school... but

Just read in the Bangkok Post reported that New education policies state a child must be a Malaysian citizen in order to be enrolled in a public school. Parents who did not register their marriages, are not able to register their children as Malaysian citizens, the Star daily reported.

In the past it was different - when either parent produced (an identity card), the children were allowed to register for school, but not any more. It was reported that Some children who have been going to school previously found themselves not being able to attend school this year. What will happen?

This is pertaining to ID and citizenship, what about if your child has ADD or ADHD or dyslexia or any other learning disabilities - it would depend on your LUCK - if there are teachers trained to handle your children. If there are enough places to accommodate such students (schools with special classes are usually FULL). It will also depend on your wealth - if you have money, you can employ special teachers or go to special private schools. If you are wealthy enough, you can spend time at home with your children - if both parents have to work - well...... back to school - and there is a chance that your child may not be able to read after primary six - as it is so often the case.

If you take you child out of school, you stand the risk of being thrown into jails. What choices do we have?

We are eagerly waiting for Friday - the release of the Education Blue print, the revolutionary blueprint.

Finally, we get to effect some changes............... (or not)

Its up to us and how sincerely our Honourable Education Minister is. Quoted in NST (Jan 5, 2007). Get ready... this Friday (12/Jan/2007) will be release of an revolutionary education blueprint. Please go tell your friends.

Mark you calendars and bookmark http://www.moe.gov.my

Source: New Straits Times (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Friday/National/20070105091536/Article/index_html)

Hishammuddin wants feedback on blueprint

05 Jan 2007

---

KUALA LUMPUR: Got a view or idea about the education system? Bring it on, says the Education Ministry.

Its minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the ministry would set up an email address and a website or blog for the public to provide feedback on the National Education Blueprint 2006- 2010.

He said although the blueprint details the ministry’s plans and strategy for the next four years, it was not set in stone.

"It won’t just stop after it is launched. It is an ongoing plan and can be adjusted and fine-tuned according to the needs. I welcome input from all stakeholders," he said after the ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting yesterday.

Hishammuddin said due to its wide scope, explanation on some aspects of the blueprint would be given more attention by the ministry.

Among these are the educational gap between rural and urban schools, clusters of excellent schools, information and communication technology, Teachers’ Day and uplifting the teaching profession.

"I have also asked for a report on its implementation twice a year," he said.

The blueprint, an A-to-Z guide on the country’s education system, including its weaknesses, future strategies and how funds are disbursed, is expected to be launched on Jan 16 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The blueprint, themed "Pioneering Change — A National Mission", will show how the RM23 billion allocation for education will be distributed under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, as well as allow the ministry to explain its direction in key areas such as the strengthening of national schools, access to education and empowering teachers.

It will also be posted on the ministry’s website.

something......

from a friend in Penang .....


GOD IS AN ATHEIST, WE ARE THE BELIEVERS.





no offence meant, something to think about.

Should we allow God to be in Science class

For most of the work who did not notice - the new school year in Malaysia began with God appearing in Primary 5 science text book. In chapter 1 - first line: "All living things are created by God"
I thought such debate is happening only in other countries. Looks like it is here now.

I cannot understand ........ what value does the statement brings to the whole passage which talks about micro-organisms and the origins of microscope.

In page 52: The passage begins with a praise to God for creating the Sun and then goes to talk about something else which says "We are grateful that God created the Sun" and goes on to talk about light, candles, torches, shadow etc.


When my Primary 5 daughter who is currently reading this book goes to Form 3, what will she learn? That we do not need to learn about the solar systems and biology - God made them all? Will she get full marks if she answers God created.... in questions she cannot answer?

This is not an attack on religions - this is a criticism of the unethical and seemingly cunning insertion of certain religious beliefs into an education subject that is suppose to encourage and recognize empirical observation and logical deduction and to expand the horizon of our knowledge.

I cannot understand..... why and how our school text books are written

I cannot understand.... if this is (what is) the policy pertaining to religion in science, is there a policy.

I cannot understand.... why the ministry of education choose not to reply or respond to the sensitivities of some people.

I cannot understand........should we allow God into Science class?

CAN GOD PLEASE HELP ME?