An eye-opening conversation with Wong Nai Chee ( PM Political Secretary)

Today is one of the most memorable days in my life. I was invited for futsal game by Mr Wong. What didnt cross my mind is that Mr Wong Nai Chee, the newly appointed Political Secretary for Prime Minister come along for the games. We chatted for over 40 minutes after the game. Frankly speaking, even though he is not superbly good at the games, he definitely has some very interesting political perspectives. Below is the summary for the conversation. ( Tan - Me, Mr Wong ( lawyer) , W.N.C ( Wong Nai Chee)

Tan : Hi, nice to meet you today. Quite a good games.

Mr Wong : Haha... i wish to introduced this young man to you. He is an aspiring politician, currently studying law in australia under jpa scolarship ....

Tan :....... ( a bit flattered and flustered)

W.N.C : good for you...you definitely has an impressive track record

Tan : Thank you..( fly up the roof d...haha)

Tan: So ...( hesitate a bit)..how life in putrajaya as PM's political secretary....

W.N.C : Its good...in terms of race relation, the malay people in putrajaya is quite amicable..They are open to suggestion and willing to listen...

Tan ( thinking ) :...( LOL)...: (i didnt ask about race relation leh....)....( maybe he manage to guess what i am goign to ask later)...haha

Tan : Good to hear that...i tend to agree that malay people are nice and easy -going...

W.N.C : ya...Except that there are some extremist and ultra-nationalists..this is what dragging the Prime Minister from going all the way for reformation..But we cannot deny that among chinese and Indian , there are also extremist.

Tan : But there are certainly many pressing issue that has been affecting the chinese for over 40 years..such as the lack of teacher in chinese primary school and not recognising independent chinese school...

W.N.C : Sometime i pity the prime minister...he seems to be getting criticism for whatever he had done. The Malay are conplaining that he has gone too far with the reformation at the expense of Malay's right while the chinese are complaining that he has not done enough. It is never an easy job...the higher you climb up the ladder of governance, the more constraints you will feel.

Tan : But the issue still remain unresolved...

W.N.C : Yes..sometimes our officer has mis-perception about the issue plaguing the chinese ...They seems to think that chinese school need more donation from the government whereas the real is more fundamental- recognition for chinese education system and independent chinese school...

Tan : is this what we called small Napoleon ?

W.N.C : YES...it is never the policy of the government to have discrimination against other races...it is the problem with the implementation and delivery process

Tan : BUt ...how do you explain the propagation of racial hatred in BTN camps ( birotatanegara camp)..that happens since the reign of Mahathir...isn't that evidently show that government intentionally trying to infuse racial sentiments and create gap among races?



W.N.C : I have heard of that ..but the government have changed the BTN policy and now focusing on racial harmony ..And it is impractical to have the government to monitor every of the speaker..

Tan : But isnt it a form of discrimination that chinese independent school is not recognised ?

W.N.C : Actually the government has taken a lot of steps to help students form Chinese independent school..such as the 1 malaysia scholarship for the top 50 students in the National Chinese Independent school examination ...

Tan : But is that enough ? How about the rest of the students who did not score well in the exam..where are they going to further their study?

W.N.V : well, they can apply for PTPTN Loan...

Tan : BUt the fact remains that they cannot enter local university

W.N.C : It is hard for the government to go to far as to fully recognise the Chinese independent school.....It wills stir the hornet nest and rish infuriating the conservative and ultra-nationalist..but we can see that the government has taken concrete step to address this issue..for example, government is in the process of recognising taiwan university and Ching Hwa University, one of the world top university situated in china is planning to have its branch in malaysia....and malaysia government will approve it soon..this show that the government has done much ....

Tan (Thinking) : ( sien..i have heard this kind of thing from mca for the past few years....haizzzzzzzzz)

W.N.C : It is never easy to manage the demand from each of the races in malaysia. We have to be sensitive and make sure no one is left behind...there will always be criticism from the people..For example, the Bersih Issue, the demonsrator want freedom of expression without thinking of the consequences such as burglary of the shops and chaotic situation....there is one person who run away from police and die of heart attack..and then they blame the police....

Tan : But if the police did not go against the demonstrator in the first place and shoot water cannon and tear gases, he will not have to run for his life and will not die of heart attack...why cant the government allow peaceful demonstration .....

W.N.C : previously people have to apply for permit to demonstrate....but now we have the peaceful assembly act....we allow peacful demonstration...

Tan : But dont you think some of the sections in the peacful assembly act is unreasonable...for example confining demonstration in stadium ...where got shock.? no oomph ad lo....hahaha


Mr Wong : laugh...haha

W.N.C:.......haha...this is to ensure that chaos will not happen...

Tan: what about the 30 days application period....isnt that a but draconian? Myanmar only need 5 days leh...

W.N.C ....(confess) ...sometimes there lack proper consultation with the Bar council and the people....

Tan : how about the cow's issue?

W.N.C : This is clearly a scandal..i believe the PM will make a decision very soon...

Tan : our country's deficit now is over 4000 billion.isn't this a worrying sign ?

W.N.C..i think the public misunderstood what Idris jala said...he mentioned that if our income did not increase in proportion to our expenses, our country will go bankrupt...and our country's income has increased by around 15 % .....The opposition only highlight the bankruptcy issue without referring to the possibility of increase in income....

Tan : do you heard about the race relation act proposed by the government?

W.N.C ...yes...in UK there is also a race relation act...there are generally two form of racial relation act : educational and penalising...and i think that educational form of legislation is more viable...Race issue is a very contentious issue...we have to respect other's races just like how we expect them to respect us....for example, NAMEWEE's song negarakuku has gone too far in demonising other races and religion....we should be respectful....i have interviewed two group of people..the younger and older generation....The older generation is more cautious when come to race issue while the younger generation is more daring ..perhaps this is because the older generation has gone through MAy 13 race riots....

W.N.C : it is always easier for the opposition to criticise....anyone can do so..we have to come up with solution to the problem..not just pointing fingers....

Tan ( Thinking).........( silent is the best defence...i better diam diam....haha)....

W.N.C then take his bag and signalling that he is going back...on his way to the carpark...i suggest that he tried his best to convey message of the rakyat...particularly the chinese's sentiments to the prime minister........he said he will try his best....i wish him all the best and he said : " all the best to you too..young man..take care..."..............

I Have Learned.....

I have learned that life could be unpredictable and every bad things happened to me has hidden blessing in disguise.

I have learned than when one door close, another door opened and we have to shut the previous door before a new one will open.

I have learned to forget the past and never lose hopes in spite of many challenges and failures. Letting go is more blissful than clinging .

I have learned the need to be courageous in the face of life’s obstacles and never give up trying. Our greatest fear is not to fail, but lay down after failure.

I have learned that positive thinking is the catalyst for a more successful, contended, joyous and meaningful life. We could choose how we interpret what happened to us. We could choose to look forward to a better future or brooding over the past.

I have learned that optimism is certainly better than pessimism but unrestrained optimism will hinder us from being cautious in treading our often treacherous life path. I think that we have to anticipate trouble and take precaution against it but assume a positive and optimistic outlook at the same time

I have learned that worry is useless and more often than not meaningless as what we worry will never manifest .

I have learned that what we think we become and it is imperative that we filled our mind with good thought

I have learned that law of attraction work best when we have the believe that what we wish for will always manifest and we are in the process of attaining them. I believe that when we sent out a good wave of thought filled with positive message, love, hopes and courages, we will alter the nature of event occurring around us.

I have learned that within us are untapped potential and the best way to unleash our potential is to know our talents and what we want in life, set goals and challenge ourselves to walk out of comfort zones and try new things that we never dare to try before , eluded by fear.

I have learned that we need to concentrate our mind and do a thing at a time. More often than not we let our mind wander and we find ourselves hard to focus at our tasks. The best way to concentrate the mind is through meditation , whether it is chanting or breathing meditation.


I have learned that dreams and visions are powerful. We become what we dream of and what we see ourselves becoming in the future. Dare to dream big . The more we envision and imagine what we will have in the future, the clearer our vision of the future will be, and the closer we are to attain them

I have learned that we are all unique and equal . Hence , there is no need to try to impress other or emulate them or humbled by others perceived greatness. I believe that we have our own’s talent and strength and we all walk a different path in lives. However , as all road lead to Rome, so our path of life will lead to the same end: death. And I have learned that in the end, each of us will be judged by our standard of life, not by our standard of living; by our measure of giving, not by our measure of wealth; and by our simple goodness, not by our seeming greatness.

I have learned that by giving and helping others selflessly, we are not only making the world and better place, we make our lives better and more meaningful as well. But I have also learned that there is a need to restrain ourselves from rushing to help others when they do not need them or when they prefer to do things themselves. Overzealousness can often backfire.

I have learned that love is the essence of life and we should care and be kind to each other. It is love that keep the world moving . Instead of confining love to your life partners, why not extend your love to everyone?

I have learned that before you love others, you have to love yourselves; before you want others to respect you, you have to respect yourself; before you want to be successful, you have to equipped yourself with all the virtues and character of a successful person. Everything start with you and you yourself is the center of universe

I have learned that walking the middle path and moderateness is definitely more beneficial than extremeness and overzealousness. Always be mindful of not overstretching the boundaries and not being too cowardice.

I have learned that success come from true faith and believe in your capabilities. The confidence in yourself will be the compass that guide you.

I have learned than success come from courageous to be different from others and try something new

I have learned that fear keep us small. However, the absence of fear will be disastrous .Only by striking a balance between fear to try something new and fearless of dire consequences can we live a fruitful life.

I have learned that prevention is certainly better than cure

I have learned that time is precious and we need to treasure them. Setting down time to plan our days and weeks will go a long way in making sure that we manage our time effectively.

I have learned that we need to be calm and still in the face of any challenges life throw to us . Only when we are calm can we think of solution to solves our problems

I have learned that that everything happens for a reason and people come into your life for a reason. Hence, treasure everything that happen to you, reflect and learn the lessons that need to be learned

I have learned that laughter is the best medicine and tonic for a often stressful life. Laugh and the whole world will laugh with you.


I have learned that courtesy Is essential in communicating with others as this maintain a good and respectful relationship

I have learned that tongue is more powerful than poison. We should only speak of nice and encouraging words . NEVER GOSSIP.

I have learned that we need to respect others for their differences , whether in appearance, behavior, custom and perspectives. If we are all the same, the world would be a dull place to live.

I have learned that gentleness is greater than aggression . The gentle wind is more soothing and refreshing than blazing sun . We need to emulate the nature of water, soft , gentle and refreshing at the same time.

I have learned that humour is an important lubricant for creating a good relationship with others. No one like to be with a dull and boring person.

I have learned that nothing is permanent and certain in this world. Everything is conditional upon other thing. A chair could not be a chair without material and the work of a carpenter and how we label it.

I have learned to be flexible and remain open to new ideas . As I said earlier, nothing is certain and permanent. Circumstances change, way of life and doing things need to follow suit.

I have learned to be more humble . If I am great, that is because I am standing on the shoulder of giant before me. We are small before the great and mysterious universe.

I have learned that when things are meant to be , they will bound to happen. Forcing something will only make life miserable. Follow the pace of nature.

I have learned to be grateful to everything around me:from my loving family, caring and helpful friend, opportunities to have good education to beautiful surrounding and still being alive at the moment I am writing this !!

I have learned to slow things down and live in the present moment. More often than not, while we rush to our destination, we missed out the scenary along the way. I have learned that if we live everyday as if it is our last day, we will stop worrying about past and future and live today to the fullest.

I have learned that we need to take responsibility for ourselves , our promise and people around us. Only through taking responsibility , we grow and reach our full potential
I have learned that honesty is always the best policy

I have learned that we have to control our temper as anger only hurts ourselves.

I have learned that girls are the most precious company to guys. Their softness, cares and loving kindness complement guys’ aggressiveness, hostility and ego. If we found a good girlfriend and wife half battle of life is won.

I have learned that guys are different from girls and there is a need to communicate with them in a different way.

I have learned that there is a need to be loyal and keep your promises to the one you love. Instead of giving in to your lust, cherish your loved ones, be loyal to her, respect her, and take care of her till you death. The most precious marriage is the one that last till the end.

I have learned to be sincere and truthful to everyone around me.

I have learned to have faith in others just like how I have faith in myself

I have learned to view the world through a child’s eye. Despite of all evil things around us, I still believe that truth and good will prevail.

I have learned that the ultimate meaning and purpose of life is to serve others and make the world a better place

I have learned when to fight and when to back down, and when to stand firm to my principles and when to compromise. I have learned that win-win situation more important than win-lose.

I have learned that money cannot buy happiness. Contentment and optimism does.

I have learned to accept compliment when someone decide to give me one and not back away from it when I truly deserve it

I have learned that when no one compliment me for my hard work, I can pay myself one.
I have learned to lend an ear to others when they need someone to talk to. More often listening is more important than talking

I have learned to appreciate people around me and make them feel important . The encouragement and praises that we gave to others will help to boost their confidence and in the end ours
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I have learned that justice differ according to circumstances. True justice can only be served when we live up to what we believe and also when we blend it into the current situations . I believe that there is no truly hard and fast rule and everything is relative to other things around it.

I have learned that passion and enthusiasm is the driving force for success. We have to love what we are doing and give our best, even in the smallest thing we are doing. Every small step will lead to big success

I have learned to forgive everyone who hurts me , just like how i forgive myself for me weaknessess and failure.

I have learned not to blame the circumstances and others for what happened and learn to live with what i have]

I have learned to be meticulous in doing anthing, and budget my money well so that i do not overspend

I have learned to treasure health by eating healthy food , take a rest when i feel tired and exercise when i feel lethargic.

I have learned to study hard and play hard at the same time.

I have learned that life is short and we have to enjoy every moment that we have.

I have learned that knowledge is powerful and books are the key to immense knowledge

I have learned to trust in miracles and that miracles can happen if we believe in them.

I have learned to that fate depend on what we do and what we think. If we do and think good things, our fate will reciprocate.

I learned to be patient with circusmtances , myself and people around me

I have learned that the moment I a am writing this, I still have a lot to learn.

( the article is a summary of the lessons I have learned within this two years )