Malaysians Hope For Zero Corruption, Better Education

By Ali Imran Mohd Noordin KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- On the run up to Aug 31 and Sept 16, when the country celebrates the Merdeka anniversary and Malaysia Day respectively, Malaysians have been sharing their sincere hopes for their beloved country. Bernama analysed the hopes harboured by Malaysians by asking them "What is your hope/hopes for the nation in conjunction with the National Day?" through Facebook. Their response is varied and quite mundane at times! From seeing a country free from corruption to clean public toilets were their reply. However, they were quite optimistic of the country's future. STOP THE CORRUPTION For an Uber driver, Hairul Nizam Mohd Hussin, 43, eradicating the corruption menace that is giving the country a bad name is crucial. Corruption could erode investor confidence and when they close down their operations here it would impact on the employment opportunities available in the country, especially for the professionals. The recent spate of arrest relating to corruption by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission revealed the extent of the menace in the country and brings some hope in fighting corruption. Syariah lawyer Mohd Firdaus Mohd, 35, who shared similar sentiments with Hairul saying; "I hope that the Malaysian currency will appreciate and the economic volatility can be overcome through transparent administration of the nation." "This is in line with the 'good governance' concept clamoured by the country's leaders," he added. For a wedding boutique entrepreneur Wan Muhammad Zafuan Wan Abdul Kudus, 27, he hopes that the society will better understand the meaning of integrity and it will be a topic taught right from the schools. BRINGING UP THE CHILDREN The education system and the environment where the children grow up are also a cause of concern for the respondents. Among them are Dayang Fatin Nurhazziqah Awang Madzelan, 22, from Kuching of east Malaysian state Sarawak. "The early education for children is very child's right. I hope that all children will enjoy early education of quality regardless of their family income," said the undergraduate of University of Malaysia, Sarawak (UNIMAS). Ahmad Saifuddin Yusof, a PhD student from east coast state Terengganu hopes that the children's ingenuity and talents will be unearthed through a more realistic education approach starting from the bottom. This is pertinent in not only producing academically smart students but also in producing 'street smart' students, who are matured and capable of facing the daily challenges. "I hope to have a country that cares for breastfeeding working mothers by providing safe environment for them. Care for the safety and development of the children by providing more nurseries and more playschools at work areas so that parents are always a stone's throw from their kids," commented a career mother, Nur Asiah Mohd Shariff, 33. SOCIAL MATURITY Among the mundane subjects that the respondents delved into are the cleanliness of public toilet. Though it may appear trivial, but in the bigger picture it is the reflection of the level of social maturity of the Malaysian society. "The cleanliness of the surroundings and the toilets call for a change in the community's mentality from a third class mentality to first class mentality," said Mohammad Feroz Mohammad Zaini, an entrepreneur. Some are of the opinion that in promoting cleanliness, it could start right at the venues where the National Day is celebrated. Merdeka means freedom. The psyche of those who litter as they liked is yet to be liberated," he said. Restaurant operator Zulhilmi Baha shared a different idea. He does not want to see people waste food and that the unfortunate segment of the community also get to enjoy better food. There is also some concern over the survival of the Malay language, as voiced out by a Malaysian who is now residing in France. Zikrullah Ismail hopes that the national language's position will be strengthened and not seen as a second class language used just for daily communication. The Malay language should be the language of knowledge for all. FARMING AND LEGAL AID Well known farming portal kebunbandar.com founder Izham Alias wants to see a revival of farming and gardening culture among Malaysians. "My hope is that, the community and leaders return to planting. Start planting to produce more food for the country", he said. The former International Islamic University Malaysia debater Arik Zakri hopes that legal aid will be enhanced for the poor so that they have access to justice and not denied of their rights. A cycling enthusiast, Fakhrul Dahri Ahmad, 37, wants to see more cycling lanes provided throughout the country and that other road users will no longer look at them as second class road users. A 'startup' owner Richard Moh wants more parties to appreciate the creative industry. LOVE YOUR COUNTRY "I hope that Malaysia will forever remain independent," said a Muslim traveler Azzah Abdul Rahman. Her experience in traveling across different lands has helped her appreciate living in a truly independent country. Based on the replies, it is clear the respondents answered right from their heart thinking what is best for their country though some of their hopes or ideas may appear mundane. It is hoped that the country's officialdom and the various level of leaderships will look into their what they have voiced. --BERNAMA