Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Of Education and the Educated

So, there has been hoo-ha (or is it spelled brouhaha?) amongst the internet community in Malaysia these few days. It is about this one "smart" fella talking down to an undergrad in a local university. You see, the scenario was actually like this:

University holds a forum and invited a few panelists to speak about the role of undergrads in Malaysia in regards to politics (or somewhere along these lines). In the midst of the forum, students were invited for a Q&A session with the panelists as it is quite a normal practice in any forums of academic purposes. So, a brave undergrad brought up the issue of free education in Malaysia and compared this country to other countries (but of course, what else can you compare it to?).

In the midst of the undergrad questioning the panelists about what is so wrong about "Bersih" (the Coalition of Free and Fair Elections Committee or Bersih which also means Clean) and why can't this oil rich country provide free education, this undergrad was interrupted. On top of that, she was reading out statistics and findings which leaves no doubt to everyone listening was researched extensively. And then this lady panelist decides to walk towards the undergrad and tells her to "Listen!" for God knows how many times and grabs the microphone away after failing to shut the undergrad up.

Lo and behold! This crazy lady demanded for respect. And continued so on and so forth about animals have problems without really addressing the issues or questions asked. At one point, another panelist tried to calm things down or explain the undergrad's stand and was brushed off rudely by this lady.

Okay, so that is about the summary I can give. The video is up on Youtube and Facebook. Haha. Go browse and watch. But only if you understand the Malay language.

Just watching it made me feel disgusted with the way this lady panelist behaved. So uncouth, so demeaning. Demands to be listened to but will not listen. Demands respect but puts up a mask of so-called respect by sneering and ridiculing the undergrad at the same time. Says to not compare to other countries in terms of education especially Cuba but is okay with world ranking and shit like that I presume.

The thing is, this forum was supposed to be an intelligent discourse of current issues with the undergrads. By shushing the undergrads because what he or she says do not fit into the panelists' ideology or thoughts are just plain un-intelligent. And then goes on to compare the thoughts of one with an 'O' level certificate and Degree level. First of all, Cik Sharifah, in Malaysia, we don't use 'O' levels okay? It is called SPM, but if you come from wherever it is that you came from except Malaysia, then it is a forgivable mistake.

Next, you said that Malaysians like to complain, complain, complain and you don't see animals complaining because cats got problems, dogs got problems, fish got problems, cow and goats got problems and sharks have the biggest problem of all! *cricket sounds* Uhm...were you guys having a discourse in an agricultural forum? I fail to see how Malaysians complain has anything to do with the problems of animals. Unless of course you were actually labeling all Malaysians animals...so, by association you are one too. Again, unless of course you are not Malaysian so you are perfectly human, not animal at all.




However, judging by the way you speak the Malay language like a "pro", I assume you are quite Malaysian. And then of course you go on and blab about why there exists a hierarchy. Go on yada-yada-ing that the undergrad must learn respect and how to speak to an elder. O...kay. But, Cik Sharifah, in what way was she rude to you or to the panel of panelists during the forum? Was she considered rude because she questioned your logic and your way of thinking? So, I dunno what you are trying to speaking-speaking here Cik Sharifah.

And you oh-so not-very-subtly end this discussion by asking the hall who wants a free Samsung smartphone. Hahahaha. Wow. Bravo! You just behaved exactly like how the ruling coalition government has been behaving these past few years. How so?

First: You will not accept any kind of dissent even though it is civilised and logical.
Second: You change the topic of discussion into some kind of non-existent problem such as those in the animal kingdom like dogs barking and shit like that.
Third: You show how shallow and uncouth your behaviour and thinking is.
Fourth: You try to cover it all up at the end of it by handing out "goodies" to those present there.

A true blue Malaysian government tactic! Especially during the election period. Way to go on causing the ire of the Malaysian public. Especially those who has received education, be it UPSR, PMR or SPM level up till the Degree, Masters and Doctorate level. For a supposedly educated person, you sure talk as if you received no education Cik Sharifah.



Educated with love,
MaeQ

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