The one about frustrations...

So many things to be frustrated about in this world today. It'll take a thesis long article to cover it all. I'm just going to vent a little and let it simmer...

The Deputy PM said on Friday that the Government may consider censoring the Internet. When the Multimedia Super Corridor was set up, the Government formulated a Bill of Guarantees. One of the points in the Bill is a guarantee of no censorship of the internet. Now the first problem with politicians is that they talk first and think later. He claims that the guarantee is restricted to the MSC areas only. They will not censor access to the internet by corporations in those areas. The second problem with politicians is that they generally lack vision. Malaysia has a bad track record in the area of freedom and human rights. Foreign corporations would hesitate to come into the country and invest mega-bucks if there is no change in the outlook. The Bill of Guarantees is aimed to show a gradual understanding of the need for freedom of expression. I know that the Deputy PM is talking about censoring porn at the moment but once a step back is taken, a step back is taken.

You know what's the biggest problem in this country? Politicians are everywhere! There's no local authority, major association, foundations, charitable organisation, professional body, heck... even school PTAs all have some "politician" or another in it. Universities are being run by politicians (which explains the Edmund Gomez story); Sports bodies are headed by politicians (why is that?); Newspapers are owned by political parties (no wonder the internet is so popular - no one controls the internet) and so on an so forth....

It wouldn't be too big a deal to have politicians running things - if only they were competent. Oh, the wish to have people in charge who are sensible, honest and who are in it to serve the people and not themselves. For now, that may be too much to ask. The PM has sought to rid us of corruption. Problem is, the Government isn't on any Top 10 list of preferred employers. Pay is crap, working conditions terrible and the bosses... don't even get me started! So, the few perks available... cash on the side. I think, better do some housekeeping... make working for the government something people sought after. Then maybe, just maybe... corrupt-free Malaysia.

Anyway, elsewhere I was deeply disturbed to hear on CNN that some benefactors to the Red Cross and other aid agencies were considering pulling their assistance out from Acheh because they were disappointed with the Indonesian court decision in the Schapelle Corby case. Is this what we have become?