Same old story

Not many of us know who he is. But the story has the habit of being stuck in the same old groove, and nobody wants to do anything about it. They hope by ignoring the person's plight, it will be forgotten soon enough.

A letter in the Star  on 8th May 2008 from a young person by the name of Keng Wei Jin from Kuala Lipis, Pahang has the usual ingredients of what's not right with this country of ours.

A top student, Keng has to practically beg in his letter to be given a scholarship to study at  university. Not only he shines academically, he also scored 9.2 out of 10 marks for his co-curricular activities.

Knowing that many non-Bumis are not interested in a career with the armed forces, he tried the Defence University (UPNM), to his horror he was not even called for an interview. After the usual running around, he was told he failed because he was too young. He was born on 1.1.1991!

It is heart breaking to hear stories such as this, we should not be teaching our young people despair so early,  instead  we should be focusing on hope. Our children are our hope, and if they are talented and deserve to be helped, we must help  them to realise their potential so that in return they feel appreciated and contribute to society.

To me, it's sinful to waste talent, as it is a gift from God. 

But, the truth of the matter is that our public service is unimaginative and lacks compassion, when they should be serving the public who pay their salaries, we have to run around kissing their hands instead.

No wonder many people want to go into politics, not so much as a form of public service, but,  for what they can do with power.That is why, those in the public sector are generally self serving, and they amplify the saying it's" not what you know, but who you know".

Until the mind set improves, many people will be disenchanted with the government. This cuts across the racial divide in the country.

While waiting , expect  many of our gifted young people to be enticed by lurking poachers.  Who can blame them?