BN Youth Lab

When the term laboratory is used, the first thing that cross our mind is the science laboratory. In Science laboratory, all sort of experiment can be conducted. Hypothesis is formulated and tested; chemicals are mixed. Having said that, the BN youth lab is analogous to the science lab, except that the chemicals are being replaced by feedback and ideas from the youth; and the process of scientific discovery is being substituted with the process of identifying the aspirations of the people, particularly in this context, the youth.

The political tsunami that swept across the whole country has certainly sound an alarm bell to the leader of Barisan National.It represent a cornerstone and milestone for our country as for the first time in history , the rakyat dare to voice their dissatisfaction toward the ruling coalition which in previously perceied to be impregnable and invincible; resulting in the downfall of bn in 5 states.It signifies the rejection of the people toward the playing of racial card to score brownie point and the demand for more transparent and efficient governance.

It is certainly a bitter pill to swallow for all the leaders of barisan national. Not only did they lost their stranglehold on 5 states, they now found themselves in a dilemma.They waver between the options of carry on with the old ways of doing things or embrace the new changes. Many choose to stick to the old ways, reminiscing the old glory days where they could manipulate racial sentiments and turn a blind eye to the plights of the people as the proverbs goes: ' you cannot teach an old dog a new trick. Many of them even try to shift the blame to the new media( bloggers, internet ), citing them as bias and distort the truth. Some sore losers even went to the extent of suggesting that the government punish the non-bumi for their lack of gratitute. It is an ironic that the servant(leader) demand to punish the master(rakyet) for pointing out their wrongdoings with good intention.

It is in the midst of uncertainty that a visionary leader emerge , casting a silver lining amidst dark cloud. Datuk Seri Najib take over the tenure as Malaysia fifth prime minister. He introduces the concept of 1 malaysia, which prmote racial unity and live up to his stand admist cynism and scepticism. Undaunted by the opposition from PERKASA and within the parties member, he introduced the New Economic Model ( NEM) to propel malaysia to achieve the status of developed nation in 2020. It is certainly admiring that he has the gut to admit the crippling effect of NEP and promote genuine partnership among races, thereby replacing the ' ALI BABA' business partnerships.

However, it is his willingness to listen to the pligts and concerns of the people that won him most applause. It is awe-inspiring for a prime minister to state in his speech during the youth lab that the era of government know best is over and it is now an era of contest of ideas, in which the parties with the best ideas will prevail. It shift the battle ground from petty racial politicking to the battle of ideas and ideologies. This is certainly beneficial for the country.

All scepticism is dispelled when it is annoucned that all the members of the lab os apolitical and do not involve in any political parties.Listed below are a few important findings by the lab:

1) Approximately 80% of the youth are satisied with the status quo of the countries

2)52% are optimistic that the country will be better in the future

3)47% Aknowledge the fact that despite the inherent weaknesses in the government, the govenrment members are trying hard to rectify the problems and improve their peformance

Listed below are a few notable suggestions by the youth lab:

1) give more emphasis to vocational schools

2) Provide more flexible choice for the combinations of subjects in secondary 4 and 5

3) Provide minumum wage rates for the workers.

4) Baucher for food and other basic necessities, citing MYkasih as an example

5)Contribution of 30% of the overall price of the house by the government for all middle and lower middle earners who wish to purchase houses.

6) Allow the graduate from other cources to practice as teachers for one or two years to fulfill their passions for teaching, and cancel off the ptptn loan for those who wish to be a teacher .

7) Tax exemption for company which hire employers from all races.

8) Financail grants for individual and organisations which wish to promote the concept of racial unity under the banner of 1 malaysia.

9) Amendment to ISA and Auku 1975.

The suggestions by the youth lab is both appropriate and practical.It acknowledge the need to reform the educational system to cater to the need for youngtsers who are not academically inclined and promote holistic education by allowing students to choose a combination of art and science subjects in secondary 4 and 5 to mould them to be more well -rounded.

However, one main concern is the inability of the students to adapt to the teaching of science in english when they further their studies in pre-u or tertiary level as they learn in BM in secondary 4 and 5. Hence, it is suggested that science and mathematic be taught in english for secondary 4 and 5.

The minimum wages rated is timely as many of the workers live below poverty line. However , we need to bear in mind that high wages would deter FDI from coming to our country as the cost of production would be too high. Hence, it is imperative that the government gather feedback from the employers before they set a minimum wages rates.

The intention of the food baucher program is noble. howeber, it is open to exploitation. The government need to set up proper mechanism to ensure that only those who are in dire need of assistance will receive the baucher.

The most distinct suggestion is the amendment to ISA and univesity and univesity act.The amendment will certainly foster better freedom of speech in malaysia and enable youngster to involve in politic since young to enable them to be a better politician in the future.

One very important issue that the youth lab appear to miss is the open tender system. I suggest that all contract is openly tenderd by bumiputera tender as this would help to promote heatly competition among them as well as providing incentive for them to improve.

Another important issus which is not covered is the highways toll rates which is considered to be exorbitant. I propose that the government pruchase the equities of the highways companies of even attemot to gain full control of the company and try to abolish the toll charges gradually. This would certainly reduce transportation cost and help to stimulate business effciency and confidence.

Besides, the youth lab member could have survey the view of the youth PERKASA to gauge whether they support the stand of the NGO. This would certainly give more impetus to the government to sever any link with PERKASA if the youth voice their disregard to it.

Another possible survey is on the view of the youth regarding the combination or all the component party in BN to form a big multiracial party to gauge whether it is feasible and acceptable. This is because the race based party structure give a false impression to the people that all the parties in BN only strive to protect the right of their race, at the expense of other race.I suggest direct membership as an alternative to enable youth who wish to represent malaysian, not just one race, to join BN.

I definitely feel grateful to have the chance to speak to Datuk Seri Koh Tsu Koon, president of GERAKAN. From our fruitful conversation, i learn that it is imperative that a leader serve the people conciesntiously. He mentioned that a leader should focus on delivering his promises to the rakyat, instead of playing up issues and gain popularity. However, he also agree that there is a lack of communication between the leader of GERAKAN with the rakyat, resulting in the rakyat being misguded. He mentinoned his success in keeping the toll rate of penang bridge at 7 dollars, but never appreciated by the people as the government did not announce their success and achievenemt. He also stress that despite all the weaknesses, the room of improvement are there and hence demand our contribution and effort. His humility certainly inspire me to me more humble and his composure teach me to be calm in weathering the storm in my lives.

I definitely learned alot from this experience. I now believe that Malaysia can be more prosperous and harmony. It is my deepest conviction that i will come back to malaysia after i graduated with a law degree from Australia under JPA scholarship to serve my beloved countries.