How should we judge a government?

In Malaysia, if you don't watch television or read newspapers, you are uninformed; but if you do, you are misinformed!

"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." - Malcolm X

Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience - Mark Twain

Why we should be against censorship in a court of law: Publicity is the very soul of justice … it keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial. - Jeremy Bentham

"Our government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no
responsibility at the other. " - Ronald Reagan

Government fed by the people

Government fed by the people

Career options

Career options
I suggest government... because nobody has ever been caught.

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?
Corruption is so prevalent it affects English language?

When there's too much dirt...

When there's too much dirt...
We need better tools... to cover up mega corruptions.

Prevent bullying now!

Prevent bullying now!
If you're not going to speak up, how is the world supposed to know you exist? “Orang boleh pandai setinggi langit, tapi selama ia tidak menulis, ia akan hilang di dalam masyarakat dan dari sejarah.” - Ananta Prameodya Toer (Your intellect may soar to the sky but if you do not write, you will be lost from society and to history.)

Sunday, June 06, 2010

'Money is the root of all evils'

as the saying goes, but looking at the scenario in Malaysia, money seems to able to solve all problems to some, and be a source of all problems to others.

With the backlash from some groups and Pakatan Rakyat since the granting of a football licence to Vincent Tan, his offer to donate his gain to charity (of his choice, mind you) seems like a solution to some, but not to those who are truly against any form of gambling. Those who are pro-licencing, gave reasons like revenues which would otherwise go to the illegal bookmakers. But such logic would invite criticisms like, 'We might as well legalize prostitution for the same reason'!

One of the reasons why some people cannot be businessmen is that they are too law-abiding and conscientious. Some of the most profitable businesses are illegal: drug-trafficking, prostitution, gambling, to name just a few of the better known ones. Take away these, there are still many businesses which require dealings with corrupt government enforcement officers. It is difficult to stay clear of paying bribes in one form or the other when running a business in Malaysia. Even coffee-shop operators have to 'kautim' health inspectors to prevent harassment like closure for a few days for the flimsiest of reasons. Anyway, these are problems affecting conscience of the ordinary folks.

In Malaysia, one of the quickest ways to get filthy rich is to be a crony of the Prime Minister in particular, Umno in general, because of the immense power to grant licences and approvals. It is fairly easy to spot cronies because of their quick way to great successes. If you are not into this kind of dealings, you might still be able to get rich, but definitely slower, though there are exceptions.

We perceive there are nominees acting for politicians, but Raja Petra in his usual daring expose has come up with the following article in Malaysia Today : 'How Vincent Tan became the Gaming King of Malaysia' :


I am sure many people would say, 'I'm not surprised at all' and are likely to believe what he wrote, which is why he is such a pain to the BN leaders, police and other authorities affected by his allegations.

Link

2 comments:

bayi said...

Money is not the root of all evils but the love for money is. :)

Give me all the money I want and I'm sure a lot of deserving people and bodies are going to be happy. Very happy! LOL!

KoSong Cafe said...

You're right. Money seems to be in the hands of the wrong people!

We need money to sustain a certain standard of living, it is the love of money which drives people to make more.

Most people are easily contented with what they have, so without drive, how to make tons of money to be in the position to give them away?

In VT's case, his willingness to give away shows his confidence in making much more from the licence.