…to understand who a person really was, what his or her life really meant, the speaker for the dead would have to explain their self-story – what they meant to do, what they actually did, what they regretted, what they rejoiced in. That’s the story that we never know, the story that we never can know – and yet, at the time of death, it’s the only story truly worth telling…
When I first read the introduction, I realised that there was a tonne of meaning in it. An eulogy is meant to celebrate a person’s life, and that means more than just delivering positive platitudes about the departed’s character. It would be great to know the actual person, warts and all. They shouldn’t mind much since they are already dead.
According to the recently tabled government budget for 2013, amongst the many goodies given out to the young adults is a gem – the discounts being given on PTPTN loans.
PTPTN study loans became a sticking point this year when some groups asked for the writing off of all PTPTN loans and the dismantling of a system that was accused with pushing fresh graduates onto the downward debt spiral. This ensured that the PTPTN issue would become a hot election issue in the coming GE13.
However, I have to tip my hat off to the government for how they chose to handle the issue.
The government announced a one-time 20% discount for those who are able to repay their loans in a lump sum payment and a 10% discount for those who are paying off their loans regularly. When I heard it announced on TV last week, I was shocked by the brazenness of it all.
In one fell swoop, the government ensured that it would collect on a sizeable amount of revenues next year. This much needed income was important as the government was handing out election goodies to almost every segment of the electorate except me. Someone had to pay for it all and PTPTN loans were one way to do it.
According to various numbers, the amount of outstanding PTPTN loans were between RM30-RM48 billion in total. If only a fraction of these people decided to take up the 20% discount to repay their debts in full, we’re talking about collecting billions in revenues next year.
Unfortunately, in the same step, the government has ensured that problems that plague PTPTN in collecting on its loans will continue. Malaysians now know that when the government needs money, they will dole out discounts on everything from traffic summons to student debt. Therefore, there is absolutely no incentive to pay up loans nor debts to the government.
On the other hand, the rakyat are now given the incentive to wait – for Mega Sales! PTPTN defaulters everywhere should learn a lesson from this – to never repay your loans and to force the government to beg for money. This is the wrong message to send. PTPTN can forget about ever collecting any debt again.
What kind of nation are we building up – where one can borrow money from the government, and expect to get huge discounts when the government is in need of cash – a nation of law breakers and free loaders. Personally, I think that this move thoroughly stinks of irresponsible government.
Our PM even had the cheek to comment on the PR’s suggestion to cancel all PTPTN debts. To me, that’s essentially the pot calling the kettle black. Neither action is a responsible one and gives people the incentive to refuse to pay back debts.
I was at the Zon Regency Hotel in Johor Bahru over the last couple of days for the NRC 2012 finals competition. I was appointed as the head judge for the Primary Open category.
I love judging this category due to the kids involved. I love that the kids can come up with some really interesting ideas and designs for their robots.
I have no qualms about getting down on my knees to speak to them at their level and also to inspect the under-side of all their designs. I think that a lot of people miss out on what’s underneath it all.
I asked some really weird questions this year but I received one really weird answer this year.
I asked a 10 year old boy what he did for the project and he replied that he was the ‘Project Coordinator’. I was taken aback initially and so I asked him what that meant. He claimed that he help out with whatever that needed doing – I love that honesty.
Most of them were not shy to admit that they had a lot of help from adults, particularly when it came to things like sawing of wood and also nailing stuff together.
There was one primary team that had rather interesting software and when I asked them what it was, the little boy answered – LabVIEW! I was stunned as most of my undergrads have problems using it. So, I asked him who did the software and he readily admitted that it was too difficult for them to use and it was done by their Mentor.
I asked another boy who helped them with the machining for their robot parts – gears, rivets, etc – and I was surprised that he said that they did it themselves. I repeated my question as I was afraid that he did not understand me but he was adamant about it.
Oh well.
This kind of out-reach programme is the kind of thing that I really like to do. I took note of the fact that there were a number of all-girl teams this year. I like!
Les Misérables (musical) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Oh Emm Gee.. eeeee!
They’re making a big-screen adaptation of Les Misérables – the longest running West End musical! I have to say that I love this musical to tears – literally. I have cried each and every time I watched it and merely watching the trailer and extended preview below, brought me to the verge of tears again.
Oh, I can’t wait to actually catch it on the big-screen. I might even pay a little extra and go premium with this film as I do not want to be disturbed by random audience members, particularly any kids who may not understand the depth of the story and emotions.
There was the Wonder Girls, SNSD, 4Minute, and now I’ve been exposed to 2NE1. Let’s say that I think that this group is a little different from the rest.
I get the notion that there are more singers per capita in 2NE1 than the others.
Sybreon Ones Nought 