Estate Life

The Human Resources Minister Datuk S. Subramaniam said that he wants to make living and working in plantation as attractive as possible in order to attract Malaysians to work in estates. I always feel that the most neglected segment of the working community in Malaysia are:

1) Fishermen

2) Estate workers

3) Certain selected service sectors like waiters and waitresses

In the early 70s, living condition in the estate would be the envy of many people. It has its own housing quarters, electricity supply ‘for limited hours’, water supply, schools within its vicinity, temples, mosques and kuils and healthcare provided by the estate clinic. Foreign workers were unheard of. There are also provision shops run by the Chinese. In short, it was a self-substaining community. Estate managers then would go around their estates so that any complain can be handled personally. I used to be a visiting medical officer to a rubber estate and also a pineapple estate in Johor for many years.

Over the years, there have been rapid developments in the country, both in infrastructure and public amenities. However, the estates under private management have not kept up with the pace of development in the country. Most labour quarters are today in a dilapidated condition. The health clinic provides only very basic healthcare.

Today, most estate workers would avail themselves of the health clinic run by MOH. Most of the Tamil schools or Chinese schools are under-enrolled and basic conditions of the classrooms are much to be desired. Since estate land are privately owned, they are not given allocation by the government for improvement of infrastructure. We have a new breed of estate manager who may be better educated but often more aloof. The management often adopts the attitude that they are the boss and the manager at the estate level is only a representative of the establishment. Even very basic matter needs to be referred to the headquarters.

My personal experience in dealing with estate management has been one of frustration and disappointment. My former constituency, both at state and parliament level have estates with substantial numbers of Malaysian workers. Of course over the years, I can see that their numbers are gradually replaced by foreigners - Indonesians and Southern Indians. Generally, since conditions in estate has not improved in the last 30 years while the country has moved on, any abled-bodied Malaysians would choose jobs in estates when there is no other choice. The basic salary has not increased very much over the years. Even when the prices of commodity were at its highest level, the estate workers do not benefited very much in terms of better pay and better working conditions. Most estate management do not make any attempt to improve the quarters and the health clinics. 

As a wakil rakyat, it is common that I have to give allocations yearly to the estate workers, mostly to repair their places of worship and also grants to the schools for basic facilities like buying books. The management will not entertain even small allocations to help to repair places of worship and schools even though they are situated within the estates. They feel that this is the responsibility of the government.

If we want to improve the living condition in the estate, we need the cooperation of the estate management. The government needs to use the big stick:

1)   The time has come for the implementation of basic minimum wage for estate workers. Even in time of recession, public listed plantation companies do not lose money. In boom time, when they make super profit, the benefits to its workers is minimum. Hence, beside the basic pay, there should be an incentive allowance, which is tied to the productivity of the worker and the prices of the commodity. Most estate workers, even in boom time in 2006 and 2007 do not earn more than RM1,200. Most Malaysians today would not work in an estate with a remuneration of RM1,200.

2)   The estate management must be compelled to improve the quarters (what they call the labour line within the estate), improve health condition, water and electricity supply. Provisions must be made to carry their estate workers’ children to school. The lack of public transportation within the estate is a big obstacle to the children going to schools.

3)  The labour union representing the estate workers should show more democracy and transparency in dealing with the management of workers. There should be more discussion with the workers when the union signed any agreement with estate management since the agreement is binding on workers.

I would not agree that government should give peruntukan for the upgrading of the amenities in the estates as suggested by Datuk S. Subramaniam. Most of the bigger estates in this country have market value of billions and there is no reason for the government to subsidize them. We have to bear in mind that in bad times, estates still make money. Money given to the estate for upgrading of infrastructure should be given to rural areas and new villages. The management of the estate should bear the burden of improving the infrastructure within the estate.

《东方日报》专访

蔡细历：时间换取空间　不会闪电大选

转载自《东方日报》，16/4/2009

（吉隆坡15日讯）马华署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历认为，在政治氛围不利时刻上台的首相拿督斯里纳吉，不会以闪电大选来巩固政权，反之会以时间换取空间，推行利民政策，来赢得人民的支持。

他指出，目前国阵处于弱势，各国阵成员党都面对各自的内部问题，加上人民对国阵存有刻板的负面观念，国阵尚需要2至3年的时间进行改革，才有望在大选中突破。

「前任首相敦阿都拉在2004年上任时，国阵气势一时无两，解散国会闪电大选是巩固力量的上策；但是现在政治氛围不同，延后大选才是巩固力量之道。」

他接受《东方日报》专访时表示，纳吉应以时间换取空间，积极落实国家政策，以期营造一个更有利的局势，才能让国阵挽回民心。

他坦言，人民普遍上对国阵已失去信心，国阵需要时间作出更多的努力，才有望修复江山。

询及首相与副揆的合作，蔡细历正面看待纳慕组合。他说，两名领袖若能密切配合，这将是非常理想的梦幻组合。

这也是第一次出现首相与副揆皆曾经担任州务大臣，兼备丰富的州与中央行政经验；我国之前未有州务大臣出任首相的记录。

纳吉慕尤丁经验丰富

「在马来西亚行政府政架构下，政府组织分成3个层次，即地方政府、州政府和中央政府，而中央政府的决定的政策还需要靠州政府去落实。因此，拥有州行政经验的领袖会了解州政府的困境、强项与弱点。」

他指出，从掌执州政权到进入中央政府，纳吉和慕尤丁兼备了丰富地方行政经验，他们能清楚了解何为「国阵精神」。

「两人都有丰富的经验、皆是开明的领导人、也是很好的聆听者、守时、记忆力强和讲求效率的英明领袖。超强的组织能力是慕尤丁的特质，他是个外冷内热型的领袖，笑容虽不多，实际上却是个非常亲民的好领袖。」

蔡细历在慕尤丁任柔州大臣时行政议员，有一段相当时间的合作经验，非常了解慕尤丁。

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担心败将入阁　带来负面反弹 

（吉隆坡15日讯）马华署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历担心，国阵透过委任大选落败者为上议员，来进入内阁，将带来深远的负面影响。

他接受《东方日报》访问时认同外界观点，即大选落败的候选人不应透过受委上议员入阁，因为这也是一般年轻知识分子的普遍看法。

「他们明显认为，输掉的人不应该入阁，因为人民已经否决了你，就没有权利代表人民在内阁里讲话。」

他表示，大选失败受委比党内选举失败受委入阁的争议性来得大。「因为在政党，你是代表党内，不是全民，争议性没有那么强烈。」

首相纳吉委任6名上议员入阁，包括民政党主席兼首相署部长丹斯里许子根、巫统妇女组主席兼妇女、家庭及社会发展部部长拿督斯里莎丽扎、马华妇女组主席兼妇女、家庭及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬、财政部副部长拿督阿旺阿迪、首相署部长拿督加米尔基尔和联邦直辖区部长拿督拉惹侬仄。除了加米尔与拉惹侬仄以外，其余4人皆是去年308大选的败将。

新选民造王者

蔡细历指出，内阁拥有29位部长，40名副部长，其中11名成员是上议员，占内阁整体的20%。

「我原以为新内阁会是较年轻的内阁，或是设立一个纯青年部门，以针对年轻一代不支持国阵的问题下药。」

他指出，去年308大选，全国拥有1090万名新选民，未注册的年轻选民还有超过300万人，估计下一届大选，还会增加150万至200万适龄的新选民；换句话说，总共将增加约500万名年轻选民。

蔡细历认为，这些新选民的投票趋势，将成为决定中央政权的关键。

以目前年轻选民情况来看，对国阵包括马华是非常不利。他说，未来2年将是国阵的关键时刻，国阵各成员党必须确保党内的团结与稳定、透过领袖表现去突出党形象、与民同在，以及致力于改变人民的刻板印象。

「我也不必讳言，国阵政府的确有脱节迹象，他们必须言而有信，绝对不能再讲一套，做一套，如果言行一致，能够满足人民基本需求，最终人民将会回流支持国阵。」

他强调，若说2004大选诺言没有兑现也不对，但改革力道不足，加上致命的经济问题，导致酿成了大海啸。

####

官员擅长写报告 KPI难作准

（吉隆坡15日讯）马华署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历不客气抨击，大马官员都非常擅长「写报告」，因此即将在内阁推行的关键绩效指标（KPI）不能作为部门表现的最终标准。

他指出，这项关键绩效指标过去已存在于政府部门内，但是政府不能单靠这项报告，因为政府是否有做事，人民自然看在眼里，人民心中有一把尺。

「大马官员写报告是第一流的，但是实际执行能力则是另外一回事，我们必须要知道，这项关键绩效指标所要衡量的到底是什么？」

人民强调「实效价值」

他表示，人民强调「实效价值」，因此这项关键绩效指标的执行方式与评估范围必须与民一致。

他提醒说，政府不能把是否发放完开支预算作为评估标准；花5令吉来做1令吉的事，不能被人民所接受，人民要求物有所值、讲究绩效。

他也举例，一般上医院救护车设施的完善与数量足够，是关键绩效指标报告的重要衡量，但是对人民而言，救护车是否能及时赶到紧急现场才是最关键的。

「设立关键绩效机制是好的，大原则没有错，我也绝对支持，但问题在于怎样去诠释和落实？况且，要监督25个部门并不是一个简单的工作。」

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若华裔票难以回流　巫统火箭可能合作

（吉隆坡15日讯）马华署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历认为，若华裔选票一直难以回流，不排除巫统未来会更直接与华社互动，甚至与行动党合作，也不会令人惊讶。

他反问，基于「政治是没有不可能的事」，巫统与回教党过去已有合作的先例，而不排除巫统与行动党合作的可能性。

他指出，过去首相与副揆没有直接与华社互动的先例，并透过马华及民政深入华社，目前马华依然会扮演与华社互动的主要政党。

但是，他认为，国家领袖或开先例，为赢取华社的支持，直接与华社接洽。

同时，蔡细历在针对国家副揆丹斯里慕尤丁发表「马华不比行动党受华裔支持」的言论不置可否，但他强调，政治是没有不可能的事。

他表示，马华无法提出完整的看法，常打出已成老调的发展牌；这种爱唱发展、稳定和分享政权的老调也是国阵领袖的弊病。「我们成功得太久，加上国阵依然存在著自满的态度，认为还是会胜利。」

回顾3场补选，蔡细历表示，补选成绩显示华人对国阵包括马华缺乏信心，人民对地方性课题的不满情绪远比国家大事来得重。

他指出，朝野局势也显得颠倒，民联特别是回教党比国阵更有组织性，参与工作的人士，都是40岁以下的年轻一代。

参与瓜拉登嘉楼、武吉干当和武吉士南卯补选工作后，蔡细历引述选民的回应——「不是我们支持回教党，我们不支持国阵是因为地方问题，你们（国阵）都无法解决，所以我们就换人来看。」

因此，他认为，国阵成员党巫统、马华、国大党甚至民政党对外发表时应该摒弃种族议题，体现全民的马来西亚。

「华人认为国阵的决策是以种族为主，他们希望看到一个跨越种族的政策；但是华人本身却常爱谈华小、神庙等问题。」

他指出，在克服这些难题，马华与巫统必须要以全民马来西亚的角度出发，确保所执行的政策是以民为本、公平及体恤人民的困境。

Interview by Oriental Daily Press on 13.04.09 at 3.30p.m.

Oriental Daily interviewed me yesterday (13.04.09) regarding Najib’s leadership and the BN's future. The interview was conducted in Mandarin and the following is the English translation. There was no prepared question.

On the New Cabinet line up

On the new Cabinet line up, I am sure Najib has to consider many issues.

1)   Component parties’ representation

2)   Representation from the state

3)   The winners and the losers in the various component parties

4)   Political consideration which is his prerogative as the Prime Minister

Majority are supportive of the new Cabinet line up. However, many felt that there are too many appointed senators who made their way into the Cabinet. There are 28 Cabinet Ministers and 40 Deputy Ministers but 11 of them are senators. Generally, the public feels that if they are rejected in the general election, they lose their credibility to represent the rakyat in the Cabinet.

In view of the fact that the younger generation is not supportive of the BN, I thought Najib would have created a Youth Ministry to reach out to the younger generation. The Sports Ministry could be easily converted to a Sports Council. In the 308 election, there were 10.9 million voters. There were at least 3 million eligible young voters who did not register. Coming election, there will be another 1.5 million of new eligible young voters. This scenario is not favourable to BN.

The 3 By-Elections

During the 3 by-elections, I campaigned for the BN candidate in 2 constituencies. I went from house-to-house to campaign. I have stated in my blog about my feelings on 2 the by-elections.

1)   PR is more organized although it is PAS dominated;

2)   PR campaigning team is make up of younger generation below 40 while BN campaign workers are generally older except for Puteri.

3)   National issues are important but the local issues are also at play. The dissatisfaction from voters about local issues, especially in Bukit Gantang were where the Chinese are frustrated that the government have not resolved their land issue and land title. 

The feedback I had was “It’s not that we support PAS, it’s that we do not trust BN. BN has been in power for so long but local issues have not been solved. This is a problem of confidence and trust”.

Many people said that the by-election result is a referendum of the leadership of Najib but I beg to differ. The 3 by-elections were held on the 7^th April but Najib was only appointed as Prime Minister on the 3^rd April. It’s too short a time to evaluate his leadership. Most of the voters have not even heard of One Malaysia. Today’s voters are more critical and they want to see our leaders walk the talk. They want to see our leaders fulfill what they have said.

Can BN change?

I agree with the PM and DPM that the coming 2 years are critical to BN. Out of the 5 by-elections, BN only managed to win 1, failed to regain from PR 3 seats and failed to defend the Kuala Terengganu Parliamentary seat.  To BN, especially UMNO, MIC and MCA, this is a crucial time to:

1)   Reinvent, reorganize, unite and stabilize the party;

2)   Review the performance of leaders and party;

3)   Change the perception of the public towards BN government because the public feels that BN has lost touch with the rakyat and that BN government do not fulfill their promises. It is not true to say that BN government has not changed since 308 election. Setting up MACC, JAC, and strengthening the security are some of the changes initiated by the government. However, this may be small changes since the rakyat wants more.

Another challenge is the state of the nation’s economy. No one is sure how the economy will perform during this crisis. So, the economy is the key issue that the BN government should focus on. BN should implement policies that will reduce the burden of the rakyat. I still feel that the direct cash aid to families with income of less than RM2500 a month is important. It shows that the government cares at this crucial time.

A lot of the younger generation feels that BN is race-based. They want to see policies that cut across racial line. However, at the same breath, the same group of people will talk about Chinese education, Chinese temple, Chinese new villages and etc. If we look at BN’s ceramah, we always see UMNO ceramah will be Malay leaders speaking, MCA ceramah with MCA leaders and a sprinkling of invited UMNO leaders. On the other hand, we see PR’s ceramah represent a more united front with leaders from PAS, DAP and PKR speaking in different languages. Singing the old tune doesn’t work anymore. BN leaders are still singing the old tune of power sharing and vote for development and stability. We are under the delusion that development will bring votes. Voters want more.

Key Performance Indicators

The Key Performance Indicators (KPI) is often evaluated based on reports. Malaysia officers are best in writing reports but whether they are implemented or not is questionable. People are able to see whether a leader is performing or not. It is of no use if your KPI is good but the rakyat says differently. What is KPI based on? How is it measured? KPI is viewed differently by the government and the rakyat. Let me give you an example. In the hospital, there are adequate ambulance with excellence facilities but in the event of emergency and the ambulance arrive one hour later. To the rakyat, this is lousy service but in the KPI report, since there are adequate ambulance with facilities and man power, the report may in fact be good. In principle, the KPI is good, but how it is reported and evaluated could make a lot of difference. After all, a report is man-made. It is good to have a mechanism to monitor the performance but we should not think that the KPI is the ‘be all and the end all’ of evaluation. In politics, perception if often important and this is difficult to be measured by the KPI.

The One Malaysia

BN must implement the One Malaysia concept as raised by Najib. This is important. We must see MCA speak up like One Malaysia. In the same way, we expect UMNO leaders to speak like One Malaysia leaders. Leaders like Najib and Muhyiddin should go down to the grassroots and have dialogues with the locals to understand their problems and issues. Walkabout generates a lot of publicity but it is not going to win rakyat’s heart and support. Leaders must not only say the right thing, but also be seen to be doing the right thing as well. The government must make sure that the policies are rakyat based and fair. It must show that it not only knows and understand the rakyat’s problem but also care for their needs.

If Najib and Muhyiddin could complement each other, then it will be a good combination. Both Najib and Muhyiddin have extensive experience in the 3 tiers of the government - local, state and federal government since both leaders have served as Menteri Besar and Federal Ministers. Both of them know the state’s strength and weaknesses. Najib once asked me, “do you think it is better to have a federal leader that has served in the state before?” Both of them are open-minded, good brains, good listeners and punctual.

BN is now very weak and the coming 2-3 years are crucial for it to reform and change in order to regain confidence of the rakyat. 

Express Bus Tragedy: History Repeats Itself

Malaysia has one of the best roads systems in the world. However, our roads system has turned into a war zone where on an average, we have more than 18 deaths a day on Malaysia roads. The human factor of course plays an important role.

The express bus accident near Rawang is a classical example of history repeating itself. It demonstrates clearly that we never learn. The enforcement agency of JPJ is full of thunder but signifying nothing. Every time after an express bus crash with many deaths, we are promised that an enquiry will be conducted. The results of these enquiries have never been revealed to us.

What is appalling is that every time when there is a crash, we find that either the bus company or the bus driver have outstanding summons which have not been settled. The question is is there no enforcement or is there so much of hanky panky that enforcement only remains in name? In the last accident near Rawang, I read that the driver has 8 summons and the co-driver has 6 summons and 5 arrests, all for speeding. I am sure that the relevant authorities from the police to the JPJ must be aware of this. Why no action was taken?

After every accident, some senior officials or even politicians will promise action but often I have come to learn that in most of these cases, it is words that speak louder than action. I am sure punitive action can be taken against the bus company and the bus driver. Maybe it has been done and I don’t know.

The authority should revamp the whole system of licensing and enforcement. If the authorities are firm towards errant driver, I am sure our roads will be a safer one. In New Zealand and Australia and even great part of Europe, the bus driver is also the tour guide, he not only drives, as he drives, he has to do running commentary. To prevent speeding, they have to report at designated centre on their journey. From there, the authorities will know whether they are speeding or not.

I had the opportunity to travel in UK, New Zealand and part of Europe by bus and it was a pleasant drive. I observe that they drive carefully with no speeding since they know authorities will come down hard on them if they are caught violating traffic rules.

The authority should look at bus companies operating bus services. This may include drivers’ remuneration and benefits, hours of driving and frequency of trip. To pack the drivers’ remuneration to the frequency of trip without consideration for the welfare of the driver and the passengers should be condemned. There should be a more enlightened system of reward and punishment.

马来西亚的道路系统堪称全球最完善之一。然而，它同时也犹如战区，交通事故频频，平均每日夺走18条人命，一般上人为因素是首要肇因。

最近在万挠发生的长途巴士车祸是历史再重演的典型例子，显示人们未吸取前车之鉴。陆路交通局执法组行动再雷厉，情况仍没有显著改善。每当发生长途巴士夺命车祸，有关当局都信誓旦旦全面彻查，但却从未向人民公布调查结果。


让人惊骇的是，交通意外往往揭发肇祸的长巴或该巴士公司都有不少未缴还的传票，让我们不禁怀疑，究竟是有关当局执法不力，还是背后有另有内情。根据报导，万挠那场车祸的肇祸巴士司机和副司机过去皆因超速被罚多张传票：司机8张、副司机6张，至今尚未缴还，后者还另有5张逮捕通知。我相信警方和陆路交通局的相关单位皆知情，为何没有采取进一步行动则不得而知。

通常车祸发生后，一些高级官员甚至有政治人物会承诺采取行动。但雷大雨小，据了解大部分个案最终都不了了之。我相信当局能以法制严惩涉案的巴士公司和司机。也许他们确实有这么做而我们却不知情。

有关当局有必要修该现有的执照发放和执法系统。我坚信，如果执法当局对付鲁莽司机的态度坚定，必能提高国内的道路安全。在纽西兰、澳洲及部分欧洲国家，巴士司机同时也兼任导游。他除了开车还得现场为游客解说。为防止超速驾驶，司机必须在既定的地点向有关当局报告，当局则能根据报告的位置和时间，鉴定对方是否违规超速。司机很清楚一旦违规将面对严厉的制裁，因此驾驶时很谨慎，也严守交通规则。

因此，有关当局应该认真检讨国内的巴士公司服务，包括司机的薪酬、福利、工作时间和上路频率等。仅以上路的频率来决定司机的薪酬，罔顾司机福利及乘客安全的巴士公司应该被对付。反之，公司应该设定更开明发性具启迪性的薪酬，鼓励从业者更认真负责地对待这份职业。

Riot in Perak

I was shocked when I read that one of the PAS leaders who wrote that if the Perak issue is not resolved, it might degenerate into the exact situation in Bangkok. This is uncalled for and an irresponsible threat. More so coming from a PAS leader, when PAS has always advocate that Islam do not promote violence.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know the vast difference between the political situation in Thailand and that of Perak. In Perak, both BN and PR have gone to the court to resolve what is essentially a state constitutional crisis. In Thailand, they have taken politics to the street and Malaysia of all political divide should not try to be a copycat of the Thailand’s model whereby street politics have replaced the ballot box. Obviously, there are powerful people behind the opposing forces. I will not try to go into details since I am not privileged to detail and accurate informations to people who are actors behind the scene directing the street demonstration. You can never be a street demonstrator for weeks if you do not have the financial resources.

The fall of the PR state government in Perak do not call for street demonstration and violence for the problem to be resolved. It is only through a peaceful means of the ballot box that we can resolve the issue. The BN leadership feels that it has a simple majority and will continue to cling to power. The PR leaders felt cheated of their victory. I find it difficult to accept that when the BN wakil rakyat leaped frog to PR, it is because of justice and democracy, but when the PR wakil rakyat switched camp to BN, it is because of money. One must not forget who started these games and gimmick of ‘katak’ politics right after the 308 election.

Malaysians are generally peace-loving people. We value the racial harmony and stability that we have. Nobody in his right mind would want to turn our political struggle into violence in order to achieve their objectives. We can have our differences of opinions and political outlook but it should never be settled by street demonstration and violence. We should condemn anybody who advocates such means to achieve their ends. I am confident that common sense and love for the country will prevail among our rakyat.

我惊闻一名回教党领袖在其党报中写道，如果不解散霹雳州议会，可能会上演类似曼谷芭堤雅的流血示威事件。向来以反暴力自居的回教党，它的领袖竟然发表如此不负责和具煽动意味的言论。

任何人都能分辨泰国和霹雳州政局的广大差异。在霹雳，国阵和民联已通过法院处理该州的政宪危机。而泰国却相反，人们走上街抗议，要以示威取代选票来推翻政权，这是我国任何一个政党都不该仿效的做法。敌对势力的背后明显有权势之士支撑，在幕后指挥的主角是谁，我没有详细资料佐证，也不想多谈。如果没有经济上的资助，谁可以搁下饭碗，整整一星期上街示威？

霹雳州民联倒台并没有上演街头示威和暴力事件。我们都相信和平选举能解决一切危机。掌握简单多数议席的国阵领导层深信他们将会继续执政。当初胜选的民联领袖觉得被骗。舆论总把跳槽民联的国阵议员正义化和、民主化，民联议员跳槽国阵却一概论为金钱政治。这样的论述无法说服我。别忘记308后，谁是“政治青蛙”游戏的始作俑者。

马来西亚人民热爱和平。我们珍惜现有的种族和谐与稳定。明智的人绝不会愿意把政治角力转化为暴力斗争来达到目的。虽然我们的政见及展望各异，但绝不应透过示威和暴力解决分歧。反之，我们应严谴倡导暴力来实现目标的人。我深信，人民坚爱我们的国家，也愿共同肩负爱国的责任。

文告

（吉隆坡14日讯）马华署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生说，国阵政府必须以实际行动和绩效向人民证明改革的决心，才能挽回流失的民心。

他说，国阵在多场选举失利，人民对国阵政府的支持率迅速下跌，当务之急必须加紧落实利惠全民的政策，公平对待各族需求，透明和有效地拯救经济、检讨恶法、打击舞弊和罪案等。

他今日发表文告说，国阵政府要贴近选民、坐言起行，摒弃华而不实的宣言口号，体现改革的政治决心，成为谦虚、亲民，对全民一视同仁的政府，以改变选民对国阵的负面观念。

蔡细历说，根据他在瓜登、武吉士南卯和武吉干当补选期间的民访回馈，非马来选民并非完全否决国阵的贡献和角色，而是对国阵政府失去信心和信任。

他说，上述3个选区积累了不少长期悬而未决的问题，包括土地、地方基建发展等。地方、州和中央政府必须紧密配合，短期内把它解决。

他补充，选民也认为国阵领袖言行不一，施政偏袒特定族群，过度强调和重视一小撮土著的利益，导致非马来选民对国阵的议员怨声载道，而转投民联表示不满。

“此外，国阵政府也要制度化处理非马来社群的教育、土地、民生和文化发展问题。选民已通过选票清楚表达，国阵政府在选前大量派糖果的策略让他们反感。”

他强调，华裔选民是个开明的族群，也了解政府无法解决所有民困，但只要我们有诚意解决问题，华裔选民必会感恩。

另一方面，蔡细历认为，争取年轻选票是国阵未来的最大挑战。

“下一届全国大选预计有200万新选民，大部分为年轻选民。如果无法取得他们信任和认同，国阵将危如累卵。”

他说，国阵的领袖要纠正传统思维，要体现为民解决问题的诚意。一味谈论过去的荣耀和成就已无法引起年轻一代的共鸣，他们讨厌政治领袖玩弄种族情绪，渴望一位高瞻远瞩、公信廉洁的从政者领导国家。

他期望新内阁能大刀阔斧进行改革，以塑造一个有效、公平、廉洁及可信赖的新政府，协助首相落实“一个马来西亚”的展望。

Response to Blog Comments on Medical Education

I was interviewed by the Al-Jazeera program last Friday at 9.30a.m. Basically it is about the leadership of Najib, the expectation of the rakyat and what Najib needs to do to regain the confidence of the rakyat and the support of the non-Malays.

I was told that the program would be aired on Astro’s Channel 513 on the coming Thursday. The full content of the interview will be uploaded unto the blog after that. 

Apart from that,I like to response to some comments posted in relation to medical education in this country. I left out in my posting that I did have serious discussion with the chairman of MMC that Malaysia should implement a common unified medical examination for all medical graduates, both local or overseas. Of course there was strong objection. To them, it will be unfair to subject graduates from leading overseas universities to a local unified examination. My responses have always be the same, that if you’re good, you should not be worried about examination and the examination conducted properly is the best yardstick to prove that you’re good. However, this idea was not implemented since it has to go through many hurdles. I hope that the Minister of Health would continue what was initiated by me in the year 2007.

I fully agreed because of the rapid increase of private hospitals in our country, the government finds it difficult to retain senior doctors. Often the good ones will leave for greener pasture where working conditions are very much better besides a better remuneration. So, in the government healthcare system, you will find doctors who are not very senior training junior doctors.

When I said the MMC should review some of the degrees from some of the countries including Russia, I am not trying to paint everything black with a stroke of brush. It is a general statement where senior doctors have observed that some of the most poorly trained doctors come from Russia. Like any other system of education and training, there will always be people who are good, even when you place them anywhere. Hence, in any country, there will be great variation of standards.

I will not talk about perennial shortage of medical personnels in the government healthcare system. I will do some posting on it at some other time.

I have to attend a press interview with the Oriental Daily press. I hope to do some posting in late afternoon. 

Medical Education and Houseman Training

Houseman training is the most crucial part of the medical training. However, this is often poorly structured and it is very dependent on their immediate senior MOs, registrars and consultants and finally, the houseman’s own initiatives and commitment.

The standard of medical education has dropped dramatically over the last 20 years and this is due to host of reasons. Parental pressure for their children to do medicine is always there. Just a week ago, I received a call from an educated parents who was very insistent on his son doing medical course, either in India or even in Russia as long as he is a medical doctor. The reason is that medical profession is a money churning profession. I told him frankly this might be the case 30 years ago but not now anymore. If his son has no interest or passion to look after the sick, he would soon be sick of the profession and he will be a failure as a medical doctor. He was equally shocked to hear that in the Malaysia context on the average, about 5% of the houseman is not signed up because of poor competence and total lack of interest and commitment. Some just opted out to pursue other  job that they have interest, ranging from being a chef to medical sales representatives. I just hope that parents should have more confidence in their children to allow them to choose their own profession.

Over the years, MMC have recognized more than 300 over medical degrees all over the world. I did call for a review of all the degrees recognized by the MMC so that the list of recognition could be updated. Some of the universities have obviously passed their prime of life, for example the university of Iraq is also recognized for medical training. I generally support that there should be a total review of medical degree from Indonesia, Middle-East countries, Russia and  Ukranian countries.

Medical training requires you to take patience’s history and sending our students to foreign countries when English is hardly spoken, for example in Prague and Russia, Malaysia students have to struggle like hell to learn the language and then communicate with the patients. Back home, they have to translate these into Bahasa and English and local dialect and this is not going to be easy. Often, the student becomes an incompetent houseman. A lot of these houseman are often clueless about the pattern of medical diseases in a tropical country like Malaysia. A lot do not even know how to take proper medical history. Even a simple medical examination of a pregnant woman is beyond some of these young interns.

I used to hear how incompetent the housemen could be from senior doctors. When I was a minister, I decided to pay a surprise visit to the General Hospital KL. I had the opportunity to directly question 3 different housemen about 3 different patients under their care. Initially, I was hesitant since I had not practice actively since 1990. I left the ward convinced they were not up to mark. They just do not know how to manage a patient under their care from history taking, physical examination and further examination. They were too dependent on their senior doctors. What I asked was very basic question since I myself cannot claim to be updated about medical knowledge. I was shocked after my interaction with the 3 housemen.

Subsequently, I had the opportunity to talk to first year MOs that is one year after their internship in Sabah and Penang. That’s when I started further discussion with senior doctors and DG who is also the chairman of MMC that the time has come for the housemanship to be extended to 2 years. The 2^nd year of the housemanship, they will be paid as MOs and also regarded as part of the compulsory service so that they would not lose out in their seniority. Hopefully, with the one additional year of supervision, they become more competent doctors. Of course a lot of parents and housemen were highly critical of my decision then.

There’s a need for more hospitals to be gazetted as training centre for houseman. This may not be easy since the hospitals selected for houseman training must have adequate basic specialty services, adequate mixture of cases, and enough specialists to ensure proper supervision. Otherwise, we will be training incompetent doctors. Private hospitals would be most unwilling to be used as training for houseman. As part of the training, houseman needs to undertake procedure and this often become not practical in paying patients in private hospitals. They are also legal complications when houseman under government service undergoes training in private hospitals.

The MMC need to totally review and update:

1)   The list of medical universities recognized currently. It should be brave enough to recommend to the Minister of Health to deregister some of these as I did to the Crimea Medical University.

2)   The program training for housemen should be more structured with adequate supervision.

3)   Signing up housemen at the end of their two years should not be “fait acompli” so that housemen become more committed in undergoing 2 years of vigorous training.

I have to admit that the housemanship training everywhere in the world is the most frustrating, the most difficult period of training before one is allowed to practice as a doctor independently.

Parents should not have the impression and the public should not perpetuate erroneous impression that the medical profession is a highly lucrative profession. A frustrated doctor is a danger to his patient and the society. I have the unfortunate experience in meeting some of them and I can only sympathize with the patients under their care.

PRESS STATEMENT FROM DATUK SERI DR. CHUA SOI LEK / 拿督斯里蔡细历医生文告

I would like to thank Prime Minister Dato Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak for maintaining the size of MCA’s representation in the Cabinet despite the move to streamline the number of ministries. I believe this is an indication of his support and confidence in the party as well as his willingness to embrace all communities in Malaysia.

I am confident that MCA will work hard to support the Prime Minister and help him realize his vision of “One Malaysia’’, a vision which everyone of us who yearns for a just and united country should embrace.

I contested the party election last year out of my desire to continue to serve the community and the party. I must thank all MCA central delegates who have given me this opportunity to serve and who continue to support me in every way possible.

Now that the Cabinet has been named, I hope MCA members remain calm and united. Our duty at this challenging time - as shown by the results of the Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang by-elections – is to ensure that the MCA and Barisan Nasional is relevant to the Malaysian electorate.

It is my fervent hope that the MCA representatives in the Cabinet speak without fear and favour and carry with them the unvarnished views from the community.

I would like to congratulate Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister as well as the Education Minister and all appointed Ministers.

-------------------------

我要感谢首相拿督斯里纳吉为内阁瘦身同时，仍保持马华4个部长的位额。我认为，这象征着首相对马华的支持和信心，也显示他愿意聆听各社群的声音。

我也在此至诚恭贺新任副首相丹斯里慕尤丁，以及全体内阁部长。

我深信，马华必将全力支持新首相，协助他实践“全民的马来西亚”展望，为人民打造一个公平和团结的国家。

去年，我秉着继续为民服务的意愿参加了马华党选。我要特别感谢给我这个机会继续为党和人民效力，以及竭尽所能支持我的全体马华中央代表。

如今新内阁已经诞生，我希望马华党员继续冷静和团结面对一切新发展。武吉士南卯及武吉干当败选使国阵面对更艰巨的挑战，我们的任务是确保马华和国阵在未来继续贴近民意，能够达到大马选民的期望。

我殷切希望马华的部长能在内阁秉公发言，持平而论，勇敢地为民请愿。

Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau By-Elections

In both the by-elections, BN failed to win both seats. In the case of Bukit Gantang, PAS candidate won with an increased majority of 1845 votes as compared with the 308 General Election. In Bukit Selambau seat, the PKR candidate won the election also with the increased majority of 41 votes.

In both seats, the support of non-Malays for BN has gone down. In Bukit Selambau state seat, the Indian votes may have gone up slightly for the MIC candidate. I do not have the detailed analysis of all the voting trends in the saluran but it is obvious that in Bukit Gantang, where the Chinese voters were concentrated in Simpang and also in Kuala Sepetang, longstanding local issues that were neglected by BN state assemblyman (Gerakan) and MP was a sore point among the Chinese voters.

Two days of walking from house to house in Simpang and Kuala Sepetang, it became obvious that the Chinese voters are disillusioned with promises made by BN ‘s YBs, that remains unfulfilled. In Kg. Baru Kuala Sepetang, the main issue is that they have been squatting on the land without proper land title. Seeing how the houses are constructed, I can understand the technical and the legal difficulty in approving their land title. They were constructed hazardly without the approval of relevant authorities. The only way to regain their support and trust is to grant them the land title without taking into consideration that the building may not fulfill all the building bylaws. Otherwise, come General Election, the voters will still not vote for BN.

BN including MCA needs to relook at its campaign strategy. The young voters seem to avoid BN. Most of the BN election workers including MCA are middle-aged 40 and above with a sprinkling of Youth and Puteri. Most of the election workers in PR are of the younger generation. What is glaring is that I do not see a lot of BN Pemuda working on the ground, other than big groups of UMNO motorcyclists. Often, these group of motorcyclists create noise and traffic obstruction and they have no role to play to convince voters to vote for BN.

In ceramah, most BN leaders talk about development and often, national development, which a lot of voters fail to connect. The opposition ceramah obviously attract more crowd, hammer on BN, especially UMNO for corruption and abuse of power and system of patronage that is practiced at the local level.

Portraying Nizar as pro-Chinese and also as alleged treason to Malay Sultan seems to have very little impact on Malay voters. However, it only serves to drive away the non-Malay voters. At the local level, UMNO leaders are still playing the racial cards while the more educated Malay voters feel that there are more self-serving leaders rather than for their race.

As usual, grants were given to Chinese schools and there was promise of land swapping for squatters on KTM land. It is the lack of trust and confidence by the voters that these last minute gestures don’t seem to work. BN need to seriously look into its campaign strategy. Ceramah speaker should be multiracial rather than UMNO ceramah by Malay speakers, MCA by Chinese leaders with a sprinkling of UMNO leaders. I observe that in all PR ceramah, the speakers come from all races, hence attracting a multiracial crowd. The MCA Wanita needs to work harder to attract younger members who are more committed, more aggressive, more articulate and vocal. The same applied to the Youth in MCA. Somehow, in both the by-elections, I do not see a lot of Youth leaders, both at the branch and division been actively involved at the local level.

Mahathir rejoining UMNO and making a last minute appearance in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau do not have any significant impact on voter’s support on BN.

Nizar obviously won a lot of sympathy after being ousted as Perak MB. He was also backed by PAS’ formidable organization and election machineries. DAP strategy to tell Chinese voter that they have lost a state government which is Chinese dominated to a Malay dominated government has obviously found favours among Chinese voters. PAS Non-Muslim Chinese Supporter Club seems to work tirelessly to convince Chinese that PAS will be a better alternative then UMNO.

After the 308 election, BN has lost 3 Parliamentary by-election-Permatang Pauh, Kuala Terengganu and now Bukit Gantang. This cannot be taken lightly. It is a tell tale sign for BN that it is not business as usual. BN under Najib has to walk the talk. No beautiful slogans and empty promises. Spend more time to interact with the rakyat rather than attending many official functions where only the selected few are invited and hardly any interaction between the leaders and the rakyat. BN has to undergo big change and not small change and small steps. There is a need to review the many weaknesses within the BN machineries. The time has come to overhaul the whole machinery. For MCA, it is not just Chinese schools and Chinese new villages and Chinese temples. The Chinese wants us to do more. Until then, Chinese support for BN seems to be elusive.

国阵连输武吉干当和武吉士南卯两场补选。民联的多数票也明显增加，分别增加了1845（武吉干当）及41（武吉士南卯）张多数票。

两场补选的非马来选票都剧减少。武吉士南卯的印裔选票稍有增加。在武吉干当，华裔选民聚集的新板和十八丁地区因多项长期悬而未决的地方问题进一步发酵，而流失更多选票。

我在新板及十八丁进行了两天的沿户访问，当地选民显然已对国阵议员的口头承诺极度失望。 十八丁新村的居民长期申请地契不果，此问题困扰他们多年。我到新村走过一趟，发现居民盖房时未经有关当局批准，所该的房子有一定风险，我可以理解当局审理地契申请时，面对的技术和法律难题。然而，国阵若要挽回当地居民的支持和信任，务必迅速解决此问题，尽管这些房子不符合建筑条例，当局应考虑网开一面发放地契。否则在来届大选，选民仍会拒投国阵。

我已多次强调，国阵包括马华需要检讨和改变我们的竞选策略。国阵大多数的竞选工作人员都是年届40岁或以上的中年人，青年和女青年则屈指可数，与年轻、有干劲、富活力的民联助选人员形成强烈对比。而让人懊恼的是，巫青团员除了寥寥几人骑着电单车四处窜、制造噪音和交通梗阻以外，我不见有多少人来助选。

在政治演讲中，国阵领袖的发展牌已不受落。民联的讲座更具号召和，尤其当他们谈到巫统的贪污、滥权和朋党文化。描绘尼查亲华人及忤逆苏丹的做法，看来非但无法让马来票全盘回流，反而流失更多非马来票。当地的巫统领袖仍不懈地玩弄种族情绪，此手法让受过高等教育的马来选民更添反感。

像以往的选举一样，政府在补选前为选民带来一些佳讯，包括华小拨款，临时地契、转换土地等。不过，这些最后一分中赶抵的糖果已无法让选民对国阵重燃信心。国阵需要检讨竞选策略。座谈会主讲者应该摆脱种族色彩。民联邀请各族领袖主讲拜票，就成功吸引了各族选民齐聚聆听。

马华妇女组和马青团需要加倍努力招揽更多有冲劲、能言山道的年轻党员。因为我发现在这两场补选中，来自当地区会及支会马青和女青年助选员人数寥寥无数。而重返巫统并赶在补选前为国阵站台的敦马哈迪，也无法激发效应。

霹雳州夺权事件显然为尼查带来不少同情票。他也获得回教党强大的组织和竞选机制支援赴役。行动党控诉国阵夺权使原由华裔主导的州政权再次回到马来人手中的策略也明显对华裔选民奏效。而回教党华裔支持者俱乐部更倾力助选，说服华裔选民投选回教党候选人，这些都是促成国阵落选的因素之一，我们需要正视。

308大选后，国阵已经输了峇东埔、瓜登及双武吉3场补选4个议席，不能再视之闲等。国阵的情势已经很坏。以纳吉为首的国阵必须坐言起行，摒弃华而不实的口号和勿再许空头承诺。与其出席无数活动，国阵的领袖应该用更多时间和心思贴近人民，促进交流。国阵必须要进行大改革，彻底检讨国阵机制的弱点。至于马华，我们的斗争不只是为华小、新村和庙宇。

No posting for the next few days/ 暂休数日

As I’ll be travelling for Cheng Ming and also campaigning for by-election, I’ll not be doing any posting until after the by-election.

我将出门数日，补选后再聊.

Rising Food Prices

When the prices of petrol was raised before the 308 election, essential food prices went up. The reason was fuel hike sent the food prices higher. Today, the fuel prices has dropped dramatically almost the same as before the hike. However, food prices for vegetable, fruits, and hawker’s foods have not gone down, in fact it has gone up.

When it comes to controlling prices of common food items, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affair is a toothless tiger that can only make noise and virtually impotent to deal with rising food prices, even at the hawker’s level. For controlled food item, there is no problem but this is only a very small item in the total food basket.

It is the basic necessity that is causing a pinch among the consumers and the relentless rice of food even at hawker’s stall shows that consumer are at the mercies of the traders. Even within the country, the prices of basic necessities like vegetables and fruits can varies from one another.

When I was the chairman of domestic trade and consumer affair council in Johor in the early 90s, I found that 70% of the basic food items in Johor Bahru are even higher than that of Kuala Lumpur. This was due to the demand factor from Singapore. Johor Bahru caters to a consumer- base not just confined to JB but also Singapore with population of 4 million, while JB has only a population of 1.2 million.

In Sabah and Sarawak, some of the essential items are more expensive than KL and they blame transportation cost for the price differential.

If we want to bring down prices of essential food items, then we have to look into the distribution system. Today, this system is often controlled by middleman. A good example is fruit and vegetable. You can plant a lot of foods and vegetables but because of inefficient distribution system that is controlled by a few people, there may be a glut of supply but the prices remain the same.

In the mid-90s, I did a simple study of the ex-farm price like kailan and choy sum, it fluctuates from RM0.30 to RM1.00. But what was surprising is that the retail price of these two common vegetables at the market never goes below RM1.00 per kg, even when there was a glut and the ex-farm price was only RM0.30 per kg. In other words, there is a big markup, both at the middleman and the retail level. Farmer is equally impotent to break this cartel of middleman controlling the distribution system.

One should not talk about enforcement since a lot of these food items are not controlled items. At the end, it is the rakyat as consumer that have to take charge. If everybody uses his vacant land within their compound to plant foods and vegetables, then I am sure we will manage to bring prices down more effectively. If you go to North Vietnam or a large part of China and even part of Indonesia, what strike us is that every inch of arable land is planted with vegetables and fruits. Even the roundabouts are not spared.

I had the opportunity to travel from Cheng Du to Chong Ching in China, a distance of about 300km (if I am not mistaken). Besides trees for landscaping, what was noticeable was fruit trees, vegetables and integrated farming been practiced extensively. In these 2 cities, invariably during lunch and dinner, you find varieties of vegetables and I am given to understand that it is inexpensive.

In the same way if you go to North Vietnam, vegetables are planted everywhere and an inexpensive food item. The government started the green revolution many years ago but they have not been very successful. Somehow most Malaysians have no interest in gardening. If they do, they are more interested in planting flowers rather than vegetables and fruits.

In my house in Batu Pahat, I planted a lot of choy sum and lettuce, two trees of dragon fruits, two trees of passion fruits and two papaya trees. You will be surprised that there seems to be continuous supply of papaya and vegetables. These were all planted in front of the house and beside the house in between my neighbours. I should include the photographs of all this in this posting. Imagine if every Malaysian starts growing fruit and vegetables in every available piece of land and I am sure that it will bring down the prices of these two essential food items. There is no need to do a lot of researches about the supply and distribution chain.

Certain popular hawker food can be pricey in strategic location within KL. To ask for a total boycott is not feasible. We may just learn to be discerning about eating out. The time has come maybe for Malaysians to talk about morning breakfast and lunch with packed fruits from home. This habit of packing bread and sandwiches for breakfast and light lunch should be encouraged. Contact YB Chua Tee Yong for information on how he develops this habit since he started work in KL five year ago. I am not trying to promote ‘kedekut’ or being miser. You don’t pay for something that is not value for money.

Malaysian Taxi Driver’s Antic/ 大马德士行业的病态

Any frequent visitors to Kuala Lumpur will tell you that taxi service in KL is ne of the worst in this part of the world.

When I was an EXCO, I used to be very dependent on taxi when I am in KL for meeting. Often, they just refused to use the meter and if you insist, they just refused to accept you as a passenger.

Often in a hurry, it’s money that talks and nothing else. Taxi driver often is the first line of contact with many people, both local and foreigners. Bad taxi service gives a very poor image of the country. A lot of international conferences are held in KL and one of the major complaints is taxi service, which is described as horrendous. Overcharging and being rude is the trademark. Hence, it is not surprising that only 15 out of 627 taxis were found to be following regulations following an undercover operation conducted by the JPJ.

The common complaint by taxi driver is that the meter fare has not been changed since the last 13 years. There are valid reasons for this fare to be increased since in the last 13 years, even the price of char kuey teow has increased from RM2.80 to RM3.80 or even up to RM4.50 depending on the location. It is only fair that the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) should look into this request.

Taxi drivers have to pay a rental of RM40-50 daily since a lot of these taxis are owned by companies. The CVLB should consider giving license to individual drivers so that the cost of operation can be reduced. As part of condition in giving licenses, taxi driver should undergo mandatory course on proper driving, basic manners and knowledge of the town where they operate. Maybe an examination should be conducted, either written or oral. Then only we can expect better service.

A common complaint among taxi driver operating from the KLIA is that they are only allowed to carry passengers to the city and on the journey back, they are not allowed to take in any passengers unless the passenger is going to airport. This will only serve to increase the cost of running the taxi. They should be allowed to pick up passengers on their way back to the airport if the passengers’ destination is on the same route to the airport.

Most of the taxis are in deplorable condition. Renewal of taxi license should be conditional on the taxi been well maintained and clean. Until then, we have to continue to bear with taxi drivers who don’t follow the rules and regulations but operate according to their mood.

经常到吉隆坡的人都有同感，吉隆坡的德士服务是全球最恶劣的其中一个。

我担任州行政议员时，每回到吉隆坡开会都得依赖德士代步。通常，德士司机都会拒绝使用计程表，遇到坚持用计程表的搭客，他们甚至会拒载。

德士司机是前线的服务工作者，与国内外搭客直接接触。态度恶劣的德士会让搭客对我国留下坏印象。我国,特别是吉隆坡向来承办不少的国际会议和活动，而本地德士司机的服务态度也一直占众投诉之冠，甚至被投诉者以“恐怖”来形容。收费过高及粗鲁对待搭客似乎已成为本地德士服务的商标。所以，陆路交通局日前对627辆德士展开检举，发现只有15辆德士守规的消息公并未让我吃惊。

德士司机普遍上不满计程最低固定收费在过去13年来未获调整。说实在，一盘炒粿条在13年内已从2.80涨至3.80甚至是4.50，要求调整德士最低固定收费也算合情理。我希望商用车辆执照局能接受和认真研究这项要求，公平对待德士行业。

目前，大多数司机向德士公司租车，每天的租车费约40至50令吉。商用车辆局应该考虑发放个人德士准证，以减低德士司机的营运成本。而申请的条件是，德士司机必须接受强制性驾驶、基本礼仪及所营运的地方知识课程。也许，有关当局可以实行笔试或口试评估司机。这样，我们将可期望德士司机者提供更好的服务。

另外，机场德士司机也投诉，他们只允许从机场载送搭客到市中心，但在返途中，除了要往机场去的乘客以外，其他一切不可接载。由于载客受限，导致机场德士的运行成本高涨。其实，他们应被允许接载目的地与前往机场路线顺道的搭客。

此外，当局处理更新准证的申请时，也应考虑德士车辆的维修保养状态，确保路上行驶的德士符合清洁和安全标准。

否则，我们只能继续忍受态度恶劣和违规司机在路上横行了。

Bukit Gantang By-Election Campaign/ 为武吉干当助选

On the 30^th March morning, I arrived in Simpang, a Chinese new village in the constituency of Bukit Gantang. Accompanied by BN candidate Ismail, the MCA Bukit Gantang division chief Datuk Ho Cheng Wang, the former MP and Ketua Wanita Gerakan Datuk Tan Lian Hoe, we started our door-to-door campaign.

Simpang is a prosperous Chinese new village, which is filled with a very busy market and a lot of hawkers. We made our usual rounds of introducing our candidate. I am surprised that almost all the residents and hawkers recognize me and call me in full name. Majority is friendly but some obviously have no warmth in their response to our request to vote for BN.

During our round, we met with PKR and DAP members, mostly young and middle aged Chinese men and women. It was a friendly encounter with exchange of pleasantry.

I was disappointed that the candidate and the MCA and UMNO members who follow us did not bring in a lot of campaign materials. In this respect, the PR group did a better job, at least in campaign materials, which were devoted to criticizing both the state and federal government. Somehow, BN have not done enough to counter a lot of these allegations in written form. Over a period of time, some of these allegations will be made to appear to be the truth. There is this famous saying that ‘if you repeat your lie often enough, it do not become a lie anymore’.

BN machinery needs to brush up in campaign materials. We must not forget that PR after its victory is in high spirit. It now has more motivated members and more resources in waging this election war. From the banners, party flags, t-shirts and badges, it is obvious that PR today have resources that can match BN.

In Bukit Gantang, BN will be facing an uphill battle. Here, we are facing a candidate who is a former MB of Perak. Although he is only MB for 1 year, but the controversy surrounding the fall of the Perak state government have generated so much of interest that he became a well-known personality over a night. Apparently, he is also a popular figure and some command of Chinese dialect and mandarin that he possesses have been also of great help.

I am disappointed that he chose to avoid the press. I can understand how some of the press treats opposition members. One must not also forget how the press selectively treats people from BN. The best is to tolerate them and regard it as occupational hazards. I too, have personal problem with one English media who is out to gun me down. As usual, I take it in my strike.

MCA leaders should be prepared to walk the extra mile by going door-to-door campaigning. While it is time consuming and saps your energy, it is worth the effort. That morning, we walk for 2 ½ hours. Many issues were brought up by the local residents, including a land issue of an Indian temple, which happens to be sited next to the market.

Issues brought up should be followed up so that it then could be resolved. Hence, the walkabout is not just smiling and shaking hands. It needs coordination between local, state and central leaders to effectively resolved issues that are brought up. Then only the rakyat is convinced that you do care and you are genuinely there to serve and not just a political showmanship of vote getting, but no problem solving.

I know some MCA leaders do not like my frankness when it comes to telling the truth to the voters. It’s an old habit that dies hard.

3月30日早上，我到武吉干当国会选区里的一个华人新村－新板。我和国阵候选人依斯迈、马华武吉干当区会主席拿督何章兴，及也是民政党妇女组主席的该区前国会议员拿督陈莲花开始沿户拜访。

新板是一个繁荣的华人新村，触目可见繁忙的小贩和闹市场。我们像往常一样，和选民打招呼及介绍候选人。让我再感惊讶的是，几乎所有居民及小贩对我都不感陌生，甚至喊懂我的全名。大部分居民都很友善，不过，也有一些对国阵的拜票反应冷淡。

在沿户拜票途中，我们遇到了人民公正党及民主行动党的党员，大部分是年届中年和年轻华裔男女。我们彼此友善的互相招呼及交流。

拜票过程中，我非常失望国阵候选人及助选团竟然没有携带足够的宣传品。在这方面，民联确实做得更好。他们的竞选品侧重批评州政府及联邦政府的信息。不知何故，国阵鲜少透过文字反击或驳斥民联的指控。日复一日，部分的指责将被视为事实。诚如一句名言：“重复说的谎，日久成事实。”

国阵需要在增加竞选宣传品。我们不能忽略，民联在州取胜后至今仍士气高昂。它们现有更多志气昂扬的党员，也有更多的资源逐战。从竞选布条、党旗、T 恤和徽章看来，今天的民联有足够的资源打宣传战和国阵较量。

武吉干当补选，国阵正面临一场硬战。我们的对手是霹雳州前大臣尼查。虽然他只当一年的大臣，但之前发生的霹雳政局变天争议已经让他的知名度大升，尼查几乎是一夜成名。他不仅极受欢迎，而且懂得一些华语及华人方言，这令他更占优势。

不过，我对他选择回避媒体感到失望。我可以了解一些媒体对待反对党的态度。不过同时也有特定媒体，同样以此态度对待国阵党员。容忍是最好的方法，把它视为一种职业障碍救行了！我本身也和某英文报章出现类似问题，该报章企图把我轰我下台。不过，我一如既往，懒得理会。

马华领袖应该要更勤劳出外走动及沿户拜票。虽然费时耗力但绝对值得。那天早上，在短短两小时半内，居民就向我们提出了多项地方课题，包括一间坐落新板巴刹旁的印度庙宇地契问题。

问题既已提出，我们务必要跟进才能进一步解决。沿户拜访不只是微笑和握手这么简单。我们需要相关的地方政府、州政府及中央领袖互相协调，才能有效解决问题。而选民也才相信，你是真正关心他们，真诚为他们服务，并非那种只要选票，但不会解决民生问题的政客。

我知道一些马华领袖不喜欢我如此坦率向选民讲真话。没法，这是我无法改掉的老习惯。