Dependable Person means someone who is a reliable and responsible. You can ask for help and he is there to assist you in resolving your problem. Sometimes, as a boss you ask your subordinate to make sure that the given task is completed within a specified time period. You won't be disappointed as this guy will deliver whatever task given to him on time. On the other hand, there are guys who are not dependable and most often they dont complete their work and ask for extension.
There are guys who won't reject whatever job given to them. They are adventurous and take-up the challenges to complete difficult tasks and even willing to do new things assigned to them. As opposed there are guys who will reject tasks even before you complete explaining the whole issue. There also guys with negative attitude. Whenever you open your mouth, they will say the opposite. These contradictory and negative characters are liability to the organization.
We need to instill positive attitude among officers especially the young ones. The old ones are difficult to change because either they are mentally blocked or they have their own perception of things which is always the opposite of your views. Some may even simply try to find faults and make unnecessary remarks which hurts you.
Thank god, there are still some left whom you can depend upon 100 percent. They wont reject anything and even try to accomodate you. This kind of characters are very valuable to the organization.
Note: Are you dependable?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Merdeka ! Merdeka ! Merdeka !
Merdeka day means independence day in Malaysia. It was 31st August 1957 when Tunku Abdul Rahman shouted Merdeka ! Merdeka ! Merdeka ! after coming back from UK getting the consent to declare Malaysia free from British rule. Although 52 years have passed, the three major races, Malay, Chinese and Indian have yet to form a solid bond among them. Even the ruling party, Barisan Nasional is the consolidation of major race-based parties.
Schools, restaurants and hang-out places are still race-based. In the city u will clearly notice the distinction between the kind of businesses the Malay owns, the Chinese operate and the Indians do. Identification of race with business activity still persist. Though the New Economic Policy stated that this will be overcome but after more than 38 years, this phenomenon still exist. How long will this go on.
Najib introduced the 1Malaysia concept. According to him racial unity is utmost important. Actually, Malaysia is lucky for having such a diverse culture which can be tapped to bring economic prosperity. However, we are not using this to our advantage but instead it became a liability (more disadvantages than benefits).
We need to change our mindset. Come on guys; its already 52 years. We should work together and stand by each other when in need. Together we can make Malaysia one of the most successful countries in the world and can set as an example for others to follow.
My officers used to say : Unity in Diversity; Leveraging on our diversity.
For me: the color of skin may be different but we are one human race.
Schools, restaurants and hang-out places are still race-based. In the city u will clearly notice the distinction between the kind of businesses the Malay owns, the Chinese operate and the Indians do. Identification of race with business activity still persist. Though the New Economic Policy stated that this will be overcome but after more than 38 years, this phenomenon still exist. How long will this go on.
Najib introduced the 1Malaysia concept. According to him racial unity is utmost important. Actually, Malaysia is lucky for having such a diverse culture which can be tapped to bring economic prosperity. However, we are not using this to our advantage but instead it became a liability (more disadvantages than benefits).
We need to change our mindset. Come on guys; its already 52 years. We should work together and stand by each other when in need. Together we can make Malaysia one of the most successful countries in the world and can set as an example for others to follow.
My officers used to say : Unity in Diversity; Leveraging on our diversity.
For me: the color of skin may be different but we are one human race.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Rationality vs Irrationality
Rationality is used to analyze the data and facts gathered through systematic reasoning. In other words, rationality is the habit of acting by reason in accordance with the facts of reality.
The only alternative is acting by whim or notion which may result in undesired consequences. This is because an action based on a belief in a particular cause-effect relationship will not occur if that relationship is invalid. Irrational behavior often not accepted by the society.
In organizations, leaders and senior management may ask you to analyze things rationally supported by facts and figures as well as past evidences.
Having said the above, the world is fast changing. We are in a dynamic world. What occurred in the past may reoccur again but the solution required may not be the same. The older generation may think the same medicine will cure the same disease. But this may not be true. The virus mutates themselves and requires different medicine. Similarly, in managing the economy, the current issues and crisis require different solutions and cannot be based on past theories.
That’s why before accepting or rejecting any proposals whether it is rational or irrational ideas we need to carefully analyze. Thinking way out of the box will lead to some saying it is foolish idea but in reality that idea may resolve the problems we face.
Note: Me - will try to think from all angles and some may say even say that
I am crazy
The only alternative is acting by whim or notion which may result in undesired consequences. This is because an action based on a belief in a particular cause-effect relationship will not occur if that relationship is invalid. Irrational behavior often not accepted by the society.
In organizations, leaders and senior management may ask you to analyze things rationally supported by facts and figures as well as past evidences.
Having said the above, the world is fast changing. We are in a dynamic world. What occurred in the past may reoccur again but the solution required may not be the same. The older generation may think the same medicine will cure the same disease. But this may not be true. The virus mutates themselves and requires different medicine. Similarly, in managing the economy, the current issues and crisis require different solutions and cannot be based on past theories.
That’s why before accepting or rejecting any proposals whether it is rational or irrational ideas we need to carefully analyze. Thinking way out of the box will lead to some saying it is foolish idea but in reality that idea may resolve the problems we face.
Note: Me - will try to think from all angles and some may say even say that
I am crazy
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Really clever or trying to act clever
Clever means you are mentally bright, having sharp or quick intelligence and able to understand things fast. A clever person will be able to solve problems and act smart in any environment including meetings or gatherings. This kind of person will talk when necessary and will only open his mouth to say sensible things. Usually, when a clever person speaks people will concentrate and listen to what he has to say. We will learn lots of things from this category of people.
On the other hand, there is another category of people who are really not that clever but try to act clever. In meetings, they will say all kind of things and ask all kind of questions. Sometimes they try to explain certain things that are not clear although they themselves have little knowledge about those things. They think other people like when they speak (in reality people hate (pissed-off) when they open their mouth). Sometimes they try to act clever especially in front of bosses.
what are you?
A clever person or
Acting to be clever
Anyway, it is others who determine whether you are clever and not you
On the other hand, there is another category of people who are really not that clever but try to act clever. In meetings, they will say all kind of things and ask all kind of questions. Sometimes they try to explain certain things that are not clear although they themselves have little knowledge about those things. They think other people like when they speak (in reality people hate (pissed-off) when they open their mouth). Sometimes they try to act clever especially in front of bosses.
what are you?
A clever person or
Acting to be clever
Anyway, it is others who determine whether you are clever and not you
BEAconomics II
This bulletin became so popular. Even Tan Sri KSP commented positively and requested space for him for the next edition. So BEAconomicsII must be more interesting and attractive. The front page looks professional but the content must be more intellectual and mind probing. The bulletin have been circulated to all government department and university libraries. BEA must always be different from others. I always tell you guys (my officers) that if u manage to work and survive in BEA u can survive anywhere in the world. You can take up any challenge and more importantly be able to overcome any problem. You can do wonders and excel in your career. Only those who are weak and incapable will not survive in BEA. BEA is a class of its own.
If you are in BEA you are the Best, Excellent and Amazing (BEA).
If you are in BEA you are the Best, Excellent and Amazing (BEA).
Sunday, August 23, 2009
BEAconomics
I asked my officers to produce the Economics and International Division's Bulletin titled BEAconomics. Congratulation to those who really worked hard to produce the bulletin on time. The layout looks professional compared to the earlier version of Bulletin KBE. The articles are of better quality. I hope the editorial group will not end with first edition but continue to produce every quarter and there on. I hope the future edition will be even better with more interesting and original articles from their own thoughts rather then other people's ideas or just news of the courses they attended. I prefer mentally challenging articles. But having said that i feel more creative sajak and poems from the officers should be published. Younger officers should contribute more. I would like to congratulate newcommers like Aqram and Sallehuddin (b4 always confuse who is who) and Harzi. i dont know who is Syafi..an article contributed by her (surely she must be a woman). Of course, i know thurga, lim, siva and jessica. I wanna see more contributions by different people.
Once again...Congrats to the Editorial Committee
Once again...Congrats to the Editorial Committee
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
H1N1 - confusion and cure
When H1N1 first originated in Mexico and started to spread to other countries, people take it lightly. Governments all over the world took it lightly as it is just a flu. However, when more and more people are dying this prompted to be a serious matter.Lots of confusion about the H1N1 flu. A friend of mine was furious about H1N1 flu, especially blaming the Government for not being able to curb the spread of the disease. As of 18/8/2009 the killer flu has caused 67 deaths in Malaysia. He said the Government is not serious and allowing the pig rearing in the country. He even said Malaysia is the largest exporter of pigs in Asia (not sure whether its true). Government need to do something to stop confusion and curb public fear. Prices of mask going up, number new cases increasing, flu vaccine not available in certain areas and so on.
A bit on H1N1. Influenza A(H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006.[1] Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).In June 2009, World Health Organization declared that flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic.
Now I did some internet search on whether there is a cure. Researchers have discovered that certain antioxidants and a blend of antioxidants significantly reduces the duplication of both the H1N1 Swine Flu and the H5N1 Avian Bird Flu. Scientists infected mice with the H5N1 bird flu and then administered high doses of resveratrol to them all. They administered doses just as they were getting infected, 3 hours, 6 hours and 9 hours after. 90% of the mice that were administered resveratrol even 3 hours after getting infected suffered little to no sickness.
Resveratrol is found naturally in red wine, red wine vinegar, grape juice, grapes (not raisins), peanuts, Japanese knotweed, and dark chocolate. Start stocking up on resveratrol this H1N1 Swine Flu Season. Drink grape juice for breakfast, add peanuts to your salad, drink some red wine before you go to bed. And don't forget to put a piece of dark chocolate on your wife's/hubby's pillow.
Having written abit on H1N1, I hope the world health authorities and government agencies willl develop a vaccine to cure this disease. For the man on the street take precautionary measures not to spread the disease and try to contain. Those who have strong immune system may not even contract this disease. Destroying pigs is not the answer and may create disatisfaction among various quarters of the society. I told my friend that humans are spreading the disease now and not pigs. So should we destroy those humans.
Note: New disease will always emerge and man's task to find the cure for human race to survive.
A bit on H1N1. Influenza A(H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006.[1] Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).In June 2009, World Health Organization declared that flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic.
Now I did some internet search on whether there is a cure. Researchers have discovered that certain antioxidants and a blend of antioxidants significantly reduces the duplication of both the H1N1 Swine Flu and the H5N1 Avian Bird Flu. Scientists infected mice with the H5N1 bird flu and then administered high doses of resveratrol to them all. They administered doses just as they were getting infected, 3 hours, 6 hours and 9 hours after. 90% of the mice that were administered resveratrol even 3 hours after getting infected suffered little to no sickness.
Resveratrol is found naturally in red wine, red wine vinegar, grape juice, grapes (not raisins), peanuts, Japanese knotweed, and dark chocolate. Start stocking up on resveratrol this H1N1 Swine Flu Season. Drink grape juice for breakfast, add peanuts to your salad, drink some red wine before you go to bed. And don't forget to put a piece of dark chocolate on your wife's/hubby's pillow.
Having written abit on H1N1, I hope the world health authorities and government agencies willl develop a vaccine to cure this disease. For the man on the street take precautionary measures not to spread the disease and try to contain. Those who have strong immune system may not even contract this disease. Destroying pigs is not the answer and may create disatisfaction among various quarters of the society. I told my friend that humans are spreading the disease now and not pigs. So should we destroy those humans.
Note: New disease will always emerge and man's task to find the cure for human race to survive.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Wishing all Muslim friends - Selamat Berpuasa
It's time again for us to fast the whole month of Ramadhan. Fasting is a must to all muslims. It has many advantages including to rest the stomach which functions relentlessly, to train us to be patient in hunger, to carry out ibadah like prayers and zakat as well as to remember those who are poor and in hunger.
However, there are lots of misunderstanding about puasa. I'm not a Uztaz but as a Muslim i should know what puasa is all about. Parents nowadays buy their requirements for Eid Mubarak even 3 or 4 months before ramadahan begins. Not only food items but also new clothing and house decorations. Ramadhan actually is not a celebaration but an ibadah to Allah. Its worshiping Allah by performing the ibadah of fasting.
Whatever, I hope you all perform this ibadah of fasting in a moderate manner meaning to say don't spend too much on unnecessary things. Spend wisely.
Selamat berpuasa and Selamat Hari Raya Puasa
However, there are lots of misunderstanding about puasa. I'm not a Uztaz but as a Muslim i should know what puasa is all about. Parents nowadays buy their requirements for Eid Mubarak even 3 or 4 months before ramadahan begins. Not only food items but also new clothing and house decorations. Ramadhan actually is not a celebaration but an ibadah to Allah. Its worshiping Allah by performing the ibadah of fasting.
Whatever, I hope you all perform this ibadah of fasting in a moderate manner meaning to say don't spend too much on unnecessary things. Spend wisely.
Selamat berpuasa and Selamat Hari Raya Puasa
Don’t Believe Everything You Think.
This is a title of a book by Thomas Kida. Of course, I am not going to write about the content of this book but rather convey some of these ideas to Treasury officers, in particular BEA officers to trigger their mindset to be critical and creative.
We tend to believe whatever we hear rather than really analyzing statistics. As Treasury officers we must be wary of what we hear and should not come to conclusion based on hearsay. Most often, I come across officers who jump to conclusion on issues without thoroughly analyzing the issues. They usually prefer to listen to stories instead of statistical proof. They tend to believe stories told by friends or colleagues. This can easily deviate one from making the right conclusion. Most of us seek to confirm our own ideas and thinking rather than questioning them. In my case, I usually play the devil’s advocate by provoking and testing my ideas on others. This is merely to seek whether they agree or disagree with my opinion. In the process, I’m able to assess their capability in rationalizing issues and more importantly their mental thinking level.
People often tend to over simplify things. Most officers limit their thinking to whatever they believe in. They create boundaries and tend move around that restrictive circle. This is thinking within the box as opposed to thinking out of the box. This sometimes leads us to misperceive the world around us. Seeing is not tantamount to believing. According to an Indian proverb, “what you see with your eyes; what you hear with your ears and what you feel with your hands is not the truth”. Your eyes can deceive you. Your ears can trick you. Your hands can cheat you. So the ultimate truth can only be derived through careful scientific analysis. However, human by nature are impatient creatures and very quick to draw conclusion. This implies to most of us.
We have faulty memories. We are forgetful. We don’t even remember everything that happened day before. In that case, how could we retrace those things that occurred over the years to refresh our memories. That’s why people tend to make the same mistakes over and over again. In order to avoid this, organization must have proper minutes or documents of previous decisions and outcomes. The failure of past should no be repeated in the future. Having said that, history still does repeat itself or is it rather man who does not learn from his own mistakes.
We tend to believe whatever we hear rather than really analyzing statistics. As Treasury officers we must be wary of what we hear and should not come to conclusion based on hearsay. Most often, I come across officers who jump to conclusion on issues without thoroughly analyzing the issues. They usually prefer to listen to stories instead of statistical proof. They tend to believe stories told by friends or colleagues. This can easily deviate one from making the right conclusion. Most of us seek to confirm our own ideas and thinking rather than questioning them. In my case, I usually play the devil’s advocate by provoking and testing my ideas on others. This is merely to seek whether they agree or disagree with my opinion. In the process, I’m able to assess their capability in rationalizing issues and more importantly their mental thinking level.
People often tend to over simplify things. Most officers limit their thinking to whatever they believe in. They create boundaries and tend move around that restrictive circle. This is thinking within the box as opposed to thinking out of the box. This sometimes leads us to misperceive the world around us. Seeing is not tantamount to believing. According to an Indian proverb, “what you see with your eyes; what you hear with your ears and what you feel with your hands is not the truth”. Your eyes can deceive you. Your ears can trick you. Your hands can cheat you. So the ultimate truth can only be derived through careful scientific analysis. However, human by nature are impatient creatures and very quick to draw conclusion. This implies to most of us.
We have faulty memories. We are forgetful. We don’t even remember everything that happened day before. In that case, how could we retrace those things that occurred over the years to refresh our memories. That’s why people tend to make the same mistakes over and over again. In order to avoid this, organization must have proper minutes or documents of previous decisions and outcomes. The failure of past should no be repeated in the future. Having said that, history still does repeat itself or is it rather man who does not learn from his own mistakes.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Quantum Leap
The country is trapped in the middle-income regime for so long. Other countries which were even below us before have now overtaken us. We need to do some thing urgently and make a giant leap to be a high-income nation. Its not impossible because we have done it before and we can do it again. I say we have done it before..during Mahathir regime we manage to transform from an agriculture based economy to manufacturing based economy. Now during the Najib regime we need to make a quantum leap from manufacturing to creative, innovative and high-value added economy. I think Najib is trying his best by annoucing many new things including the new economic model, the NKRAs, liberalization and most of all the 1Malaysia concept. He is trying to make ppl buy his ideas and concepts to break the country away from the middle income trap.
As always theories,concepts and plans are good only in paper unless translated into action and implementation. The only problem is slow implementation. We are always lacking in implementation. People talk a lot but not aggresive in carrying out the real work on the ground. The other hurdle is that there are lots of manipulation in implementation which deviates the original intention. At last, all quarters blame the government.. the government always become the `scape goat' for failures.
Come Malaysians. We need to move. We need to be one in heart to make this Quantum Leap a reality.
As i said ..we did it b4 and we can do it again.
As always theories,concepts and plans are good only in paper unless translated into action and implementation. The only problem is slow implementation. We are always lacking in implementation. People talk a lot but not aggresive in carrying out the real work on the ground. The other hurdle is that there are lots of manipulation in implementation which deviates the original intention. At last, all quarters blame the government.. the government always become the `scape goat' for failures.
Come Malaysians. We need to move. We need to be one in heart to make this Quantum Leap a reality.
As i said ..we did it b4 and we can do it again.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Chicken chicken chicken
Please read the comments on my entry on `Are you on half day today?' This guy uses anonymous and comments my blog. A real chicken fellow. I know he is my officer works under me but pretend to be somebody else. The english he writes is exactly like when he speaks. HE THINKS I DONT KNOW HIM. But the point here is - how shallow the thinking of young officers. I'm not generalizing that all young officers falls under this category. I know preety well in my organization who works and who dont like to work and who spends time sleeping or sitting at the canteen with friends even during working hours. This kind of officers have the guts to write in my blog commenting about my way of thinking. You know there a few officers in my organization who spend almost half a day at the hospital without even taking leave. There are officers who are fond of taking urgent or medical leave, when they feel like not coming to work. How do you categorize this kind of officers. When I say sarcasm joke, I don't know wheteher this particular officer understands what sarcasm joke means.
He is telling in an efficient organization people only work for 8 hours. Is this true? That's why the government service is in a mess because we have many of this kind of officers. This kind of officers join public service with the aim to come and relax. They think public service today is like public service 20 or 30 years ago. That's why we have many who wants to join PTD even at the expense of leaving good jobs in the private sector with the intention to come and relax in the public sector. MIND YOU OFFICERS WITH THIS KIND OF THINKING AND ATTITUDE - YOU ARE NOT FIT TO BE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. The more officers we have with this kind of thinking and perception, the civil service is going to further deteriorate. They often postpone urgent work at the expense of their own interest.
Another thing, he was telling that I follow my frens opinion and I dont have my own opinion. What's wrong in following others opinion. After all most theories are developed by others and we are following them. Does that means that all the economist and planners are stupid because they follow the opinions and theories of others. How childish the comments are and its shows the level of thinking of these officers. Can you call these officers execellent? These kind of officers will be getting promotions and awards? Mind you, if these ooficers were to become bosses in the future, I wonder how the organization is going to function? and what will happen to the nation?
THINK BEFORE YOU COMMENT - TERLAJAK PERAHU BOLEH DIUNDUR TERLAJAK KATA BURUK PADAHNYA.
He is telling in an efficient organization people only work for 8 hours. Is this true? That's why the government service is in a mess because we have many of this kind of officers. This kind of officers join public service with the aim to come and relax. They think public service today is like public service 20 or 30 years ago. That's why we have many who wants to join PTD even at the expense of leaving good jobs in the private sector with the intention to come and relax in the public sector. MIND YOU OFFICERS WITH THIS KIND OF THINKING AND ATTITUDE - YOU ARE NOT FIT TO BE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. The more officers we have with this kind of thinking and perception, the civil service is going to further deteriorate. They often postpone urgent work at the expense of their own interest.
Another thing, he was telling that I follow my frens opinion and I dont have my own opinion. What's wrong in following others opinion. After all most theories are developed by others and we are following them. Does that means that all the economist and planners are stupid because they follow the opinions and theories of others. How childish the comments are and its shows the level of thinking of these officers. Can you call these officers execellent? These kind of officers will be getting promotions and awards? Mind you, if these ooficers were to become bosses in the future, I wonder how the organization is going to function? and what will happen to the nation?
THINK BEFORE YOU COMMENT - TERLAJAK PERAHU BOLEH DIUNDUR TERLAJAK KATA BURUK PADAHNYA.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Making Use of Others
Habit of making use of others has been going on in history till today. Although religion forbids this habit but individual knowingly or unknowingly keeps on practicing it. This occurs among friends, family members and office mates. It ranges from money matters to personal favors and even taking advantage of someone’s position. If it’s a genuine case one should help. However, most cases center on taking advantage of others. Some may think or don’t realize they are not taking advantage of others. They think it’s normal and it’s alright to go on using others.
I had a friend who always likes to borrow money and never returns back. There is a difference between borrowing and giving. Whenever and wherever you out in group, he never offer to pay or treat others. It’s always the other guys who pay. There are also people who claim other peoples work as their own. Sometimes, you do things in a group but one person claim that it belongs to him or the bulk of the work was his and he claims credit for it. Sometimes, there are also family members, like uncle or niece who can be this type of a person.
Have you ever encountered people like this in your life?
I had a friend who always likes to borrow money and never returns back. There is a difference between borrowing and giving. Whenever and wherever you out in group, he never offer to pay or treat others. It’s always the other guys who pay. There are also people who claim other peoples work as their own. Sometimes, you do things in a group but one person claim that it belongs to him or the bulk of the work was his and he claims credit for it. Sometimes, there are also family members, like uncle or niece who can be this type of a person.
Have you ever encountered people like this in your life?
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