Since joining AWAM my mailbox has been full and the opportunities to explore what KL has to offer keeps growing. The invitation to hear Francis Loh Kok Wah speak was especially welcome. Francis teaches political science at USM, where I first met him. I admire him for his scholarly productivity, his involvement in Malaysian social justice efforts, his insights, wisdom, and his congeniality.
For over two hours he sat and talked about Malaysian politics. I cannot do justice to his talk, and in the following I may have misrepresented his ideas. You can get an unadulterated taste of his work, his engaging manner, and the ethnic/racial/political climate in Malaysia by click in this article.
Overall he was guardedly optimistic about Malaysia's future as a nation. He pointed out that in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, which are prospering, the races mix at work, in housing complexes, and at the malls. This is certainly was we have observed, but Francis' optimistic conclusion may not be widely held. He also noted that the newspaper headlines may focus on racial issues the other pages focus on citizen versus government issues without regard to race.
He noted the role of NGOs, specifically those addressing gender equity, environmental issues, persons with disabilities, and human rights, in trying to influence the political agenda. These groups work independently of political party, ideology, and race. His mention of these groups confirmed that I had chosen the "right" issue-groups to study. He also stimulated my intention to resume this research - probably in July when I return from Italy.
He mentioned that the hot button issues have been around for a long time. In the past the issue would disappear. Now the discussion and debates continue. His comment brought to mind a joke that Singaporeans would rate public services with the comment "no complaint" and the Malaysians complained about everything. The difference allegedly was not in the quality of services but in the opportunities to complain about them. For those who have been schooled in incremental change (as Francis and I were) the future looks promising. As is true in the Middle East what will happen rests with the younger generation.
As we left Francis said that we had made the right decision to move to Malaysia. We think that he is right.
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| Francis Loh Kok Wah |
Overall he was guardedly optimistic about Malaysia's future as a nation. He pointed out that in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, which are prospering, the races mix at work, in housing complexes, and at the malls. This is certainly was we have observed, but Francis' optimistic conclusion may not be widely held. He also noted that the newspaper headlines may focus on racial issues the other pages focus on citizen versus government issues without regard to race.
He noted the role of NGOs, specifically those addressing gender equity, environmental issues, persons with disabilities, and human rights, in trying to influence the political agenda. These groups work independently of political party, ideology, and race. His mention of these groups confirmed that I had chosen the "right" issue-groups to study. He also stimulated my intention to resume this research - probably in July when I return from Italy.
He mentioned that the hot button issues have been around for a long time. In the past the issue would disappear. Now the discussion and debates continue. His comment brought to mind a joke that Singaporeans would rate public services with the comment "no complaint" and the Malaysians complained about everything. The difference allegedly was not in the quality of services but in the opportunities to complain about them. For those who have been schooled in incremental change (as Francis and I were) the future looks promising. As is true in the Middle East what will happen rests with the younger generation.
As we left Francis said that we had made the right decision to move to Malaysia. We think that he is right.
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