I started replying to a comment made by bantal on JB (http://jasonbiggskills.blogspot.com) about Poisonous Western Media Propaganda. As I was typing away, I realize it got longer than intended to, so I decided to post it here.
Yes it's true, JB is indeed trying to seek attention, however his intention is to bring forward some issues that is worth pointing out, though mind you, I don't agree on all of them, but nevertheless I commend him on having the guts to bring it forward and those who is able to discuss with him.
As for the post, well the Royals certainly have the money and it’s their prerogative to do so, and it's none of my business what they do just like it's none of mine to know what Angelina is doing.
The government, on the other hand, is a different matter. Not to stir things up but it's definitely our business what they are doing and how the conduct themselves. Because the policies they make affects us all. Though I do believe they do it with good intention but accountability should also be adhered to. There are government officers in the past both high ranking and low level that have been reprimand and even taken to court for their misbehavior, so kudos to HM for that.
As for media censorship, everywhere around the world has some sort of media censorship in one way or another. Propaganda is used to manipulate people to believe it something that is not entirely true. Just because everyone does it, doesn’t make it alright though. The way I see it, Brunei is trying to keep its appearance of stability in order to attract more investors, face it, even though with all our complaints, and it is actually just complaints about this and that, Brunei is a stable country environmentally, financially and politically. It’s hidden secret if you will. Hopefully, we do get a lot more investors so the economy can pick up, jobs are created and we can preserve our way of living. However I must stress, some mindset and demeanor have to be change drastically and continuing living the way we live is definitely not sustainable nor is it productive. I just contradict myself there but you know what I mean.
“More investors also mean more foreigners bringing with them their culture” So what, you’re afraid? What culture haven’t we seen or experience; Japanese? Koreans? American? Nigerian? the British? They here already dumbass. Here’s a chance to show them our beautiful culture and bring it to their homeland.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Take a public transport day
I think improving the public transport has more benefits then just accommodating the tourism industry. Not only will tourists be able to find their way around our beloved country easily but also we the public can use it therefore easing the traffic congestions. I for one would love to take the bus to work and back. In addition to that by having proper public transportation with proper routes, timetables and bus stands, the kids can be thought to use them as well thus freeing up the parents from fetching them and hopefully improving their productivity. Then the government can actually get more work done within their “seriously short working hours” (No one seem to there and phones that seem to ring forever). I’m not saying that this is the answer to it but I think it will surely help. And I know there will be problems that’ll arise from that as well, but we should tackle that as they come and should not be a deterrent.
Everyone who are of driving age seem to have a car, not all I know that, Bruneians are not that rich but there again is another problem. They know they can’t afford it but still buys them anyway on hire purchase. Paying huge sum of money every month which in turn, if they realize it or not, causing them stress, coupled that with stress from work and home could potential ruin their personal and professional life.
The degrading image of taking public transport along with foreign workers and who we deem as poor should be wiped out. Instead we should cultivate a much healthier image as those who do take public transport are contributing to save the environment. (I’m doing my part, are you?). I’ll tell you what, I’m not just going to talk the talk but also walk the walk. I’m going to take the bus to… somewhere (haven’t decided yet) when I get back to Brunei. Let’s also initiate a “Take the bus to work or school day”. Who’s with me? Anyone know how we can go about introducing this day to the public? Who to go and see? Which government agency? I predict there will be a lot of resistance. So maybe we should start with car pooling day. Where it’s illegal to drive around with less than 4 occupants? 2 people for 2 seated cars.
Maybe we should also introduce a car pool lane as sort of an incentive to those who do car pool, can use and therefore reach their destination faster.
I’m pretty sure some of this has been suggested before by someone because face it I know I’m not the brightest of the bunch to be the only one who came up with these ideas sitting in my dark and cold room, not the usual place where epiphany occur. Then the question is why was it not introduced? If indeed suggested, why was it unsupported and resisted?
I guess and especially true to guys, a car is a symbol of status, or more realistically, compensating for “something else”. They modify it, “beautified” it, “beef it up” and “strengthen” it. I think Freud might an input in that ;-)
“My car is bigger, better, faster than yours” Yes but do you know how to “use it”? Ha-ha... Male shoveniest good for nothing son of a female dog…
“Angry are we?” Nope just stating the obvious.
Everyone who are of driving age seem to have a car, not all I know that, Bruneians are not that rich but there again is another problem. They know they can’t afford it but still buys them anyway on hire purchase. Paying huge sum of money every month which in turn, if they realize it or not, causing them stress, coupled that with stress from work and home could potential ruin their personal and professional life.
The degrading image of taking public transport along with foreign workers and who we deem as poor should be wiped out. Instead we should cultivate a much healthier image as those who do take public transport are contributing to save the environment. (I’m doing my part, are you?). I’ll tell you what, I’m not just going to talk the talk but also walk the walk. I’m going to take the bus to… somewhere (haven’t decided yet) when I get back to Brunei. Let’s also initiate a “Take the bus to work or school day”. Who’s with me? Anyone know how we can go about introducing this day to the public? Who to go and see? Which government agency? I predict there will be a lot of resistance. So maybe we should start with car pooling day. Where it’s illegal to drive around with less than 4 occupants? 2 people for 2 seated cars.
Maybe we should also introduce a car pool lane as sort of an incentive to those who do car pool, can use and therefore reach their destination faster.
I’m pretty sure some of this has been suggested before by someone because face it I know I’m not the brightest of the bunch to be the only one who came up with these ideas sitting in my dark and cold room, not the usual place where epiphany occur. Then the question is why was it not introduced? If indeed suggested, why was it unsupported and resisted?
I guess and especially true to guys, a car is a symbol of status, or more realistically, compensating for “something else”. They modify it, “beautified” it, “beef it up” and “strengthen” it. I think Freud might an input in that ;-)
“My car is bigger, better, faster than yours” Yes but do you know how to “use it”? Ha-ha... Male shoveniest good for nothing son of a female dog…
“Angry are we?” Nope just stating the obvious.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I'll fly thank you very much
The previous post was supposed to be light hearted break from the discussion. It was meant to be amusing to the few that knows who we are. Sort of an inside joke. Though we should have taken a break after a more relevant post.
I personally am going through a dry spell on topics to discuss. I asked a few people for advice and have been reading news online, but the inspiration it just not there.
The thing is Brunei has many issues to talk about. But not to paint a grim view of our nation, Brunei does have a lot of other qualities that makes it a great nation. The country is full of talented, educated, beautiful, kind hearted people. There are people who will go out of their way to help others and some who don’t give a damn. Coming back to Brunei during the semester breaks, if I spot a tourist that seems to be lost or having a difficult time finding their way around, I would offer them a ride and take them to where they intended to go. If they don’t know where to go I would suggest to them where depending on their interest (I know it’s the messiah complex in me, the need to help people).
After doing this for quite a few times now, I come to realize that Brunei is not really geared up for tourism. The transport infrastructure is just not there or not up to par to western nations. I have to admit I have never taken a taxi or a bus ride in Brunei (does the school bus count?)
I’ve seen a few bus stand here and there, but they are few a far between. Taxi stands are even fewer. I know we are trying to make the tourism industry one of the driving forces of the economy but is it sustainable? I mean is it sustainable in the context of Brunei? With close proximity to places like Singapore, KL, KK, Thailand, Jakarta, Bali and others which are tourist magnets, how are we suppose to compete with them in order to boost our economy? With their years of service industries experience, Brunei still has a lot to catch up. The Bruneian currently working in this industry is still having the same mentality as government servant, that the employers owe them certain privileges and benefits. Then there are those who look down at people who work in the field. It’s an honest day work even though the pay might not be the same to what the government is offering, the work itself should be considered as important.
I think the country is improving at quite a good rate in relation to the population. Maybe we just lack the expertise in ratio to our development needs. But as more people are getting educated and the population increases, we should see further development especially when we reach a 1 million people. Hopefully by then, people would still have good buying power so the economy will pick up and gets bigger.
I’ll leave you with this video I stumble upon on youtube. It’s actually quite good; music, perform and produce by Bruneians.
“1 Million People? That’s a lot of cars on the road” Yea I know, it’s a great excuse to finally use my Green Lantern ring to fly to the office.
I personally am going through a dry spell on topics to discuss. I asked a few people for advice and have been reading news online, but the inspiration it just not there.
The thing is Brunei has many issues to talk about. But not to paint a grim view of our nation, Brunei does have a lot of other qualities that makes it a great nation. The country is full of talented, educated, beautiful, kind hearted people. There are people who will go out of their way to help others and some who don’t give a damn. Coming back to Brunei during the semester breaks, if I spot a tourist that seems to be lost or having a difficult time finding their way around, I would offer them a ride and take them to where they intended to go. If they don’t know where to go I would suggest to them where depending on their interest (I know it’s the messiah complex in me, the need to help people).
After doing this for quite a few times now, I come to realize that Brunei is not really geared up for tourism. The transport infrastructure is just not there or not up to par to western nations. I have to admit I have never taken a taxi or a bus ride in Brunei (does the school bus count?)
I’ve seen a few bus stand here and there, but they are few a far between. Taxi stands are even fewer. I know we are trying to make the tourism industry one of the driving forces of the economy but is it sustainable? I mean is it sustainable in the context of Brunei? With close proximity to places like Singapore, KL, KK, Thailand, Jakarta, Bali and others which are tourist magnets, how are we suppose to compete with them in order to boost our economy? With their years of service industries experience, Brunei still has a lot to catch up. The Bruneian currently working in this industry is still having the same mentality as government servant, that the employers owe them certain privileges and benefits. Then there are those who look down at people who work in the field. It’s an honest day work even though the pay might not be the same to what the government is offering, the work itself should be considered as important.
I think the country is improving at quite a good rate in relation to the population. Maybe we just lack the expertise in ratio to our development needs. But as more people are getting educated and the population increases, we should see further development especially when we reach a 1 million people. Hopefully by then, people would still have good buying power so the economy will pick up and gets bigger.
I’ll leave you with this video I stumble upon on youtube. It’s actually quite good; music, perform and produce by Bruneians.
“1 Million People? That’s a lot of cars on the road” Yea I know, it’s a great excuse to finally use my Green Lantern ring to fly to the office.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)