It has been awhile since the last I updated my blog, not that I have nothing to say but more because of my busy schedule, downloading materials and all that. Recently I am hooked with downloading reading materials and I like to read more than one books at a time. Having mentioned reading materials, the blogger succinctly remembers how the new book on the 4th PM by one Barry Wain are now being held by Customs simply because the contents do not really portray the images on a Statesman rather the book is more like an expose of his not so exemplary conduct as the longest serving PM of Malaysia. Clearly, he is still a force to reckon with though it has been 6 years since he 'abdicated'.
One good thing about globalisation is the fact that information has become like wind in the sense that it can penetrate even the minutes of hole and that is why I am not really worried about some books being held up or even worse banned by the government. Nonetheless, what about those who have no Internet access or do not even have the resources to get their brains to those 'hot' information? Of course, even the U.S and other developed nations have their own restrictions but we in Malaysia are just like some developing nations who prefer to block any dissenting views particularly if those views go against the authority.
One well-known economist, who by the way is on the opposite side of the present government, Prof. Jomo K. Sundaram has mentioned that Vision 2020 in which we see ourselves joining the likes of Japan and most European nations as developed nations will be delayed by at least 10 years meaning to say that it is no longer Vision 2020 but rather 2030 or even farther. I haven't really read his reasons but looking at our current situation and considering that 2020 is about ten more years then I tend to agree with his 'vision'. Being developed does not mean being merely economically advanced but being developed also reflects being civilly advanced but how could we be advanced if almost every dissenting view is harshly treated to the extent of misusing government arms and agencies by giving the dumbest reason - security.
Look at China, North Korea and Iran on how they strenuously trying to curb freedom of information to see the People tow the line prescribed by the government? We can say that they have failed, thousands have left North Korea since its establishment in 1953. Thousands went to protest at Tienanmen Square in 1989 as well as recently when thousands went to the street protesting against the outcome of the Iran Presidency election. All these serve as reminders to the authority that the best way to curb dissenting views is to give them venues to channel their grievances not just banning them altogether.
One good thing about globalisation is the fact that information has become like wind in the sense that it can penetrate even the minutes of hole and that is why I am not really worried about some books being held up or even worse banned by the government. Nonetheless, what about those who have no Internet access or do not even have the resources to get their brains to those 'hot' information? Of course, even the U.S and other developed nations have their own restrictions but we in Malaysia are just like some developing nations who prefer to block any dissenting views particularly if those views go against the authority.
One well-known economist, who by the way is on the opposite side of the present government, Prof. Jomo K. Sundaram has mentioned that Vision 2020 in which we see ourselves joining the likes of Japan and most European nations as developed nations will be delayed by at least 10 years meaning to say that it is no longer Vision 2020 but rather 2030 or even farther. I haven't really read his reasons but looking at our current situation and considering that 2020 is about ten more years then I tend to agree with his 'vision'. Being developed does not mean being merely economically advanced but being developed also reflects being civilly advanced but how could we be advanced if almost every dissenting view is harshly treated to the extent of misusing government arms and agencies by giving the dumbest reason - security.
Look at China, North Korea and Iran on how they strenuously trying to curb freedom of information to see the People tow the line prescribed by the government? We can say that they have failed, thousands have left North Korea since its establishment in 1953. Thousands went to protest at Tienanmen Square in 1989 as well as recently when thousands went to the street protesting against the outcome of the Iran Presidency election. All these serve as reminders to the authority that the best way to curb dissenting views is to give them venues to channel their grievances not just banning them altogether.
Let the People hear them and decide freely
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