Comments on: We Do Not Own, Nor Are We Owned By History

By: princessayra

princessayra — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 08:27:18 +0000

Well, I dont really agree with the final point that says our our personal history begins with our birth. Its not as simple as that. I think even as individuals living in the ‘immediate present’, we still are very much linked to our past - the history that is our forefathers and before that. Its not as if our being on earth begins from the second we are born. Especially in culturally-rich societies, and where cultural customs and traditions are still strongly adhered to. We can never be detached from that. True, we may not own history, but surely we should acknowledge that we are still very much linked to our past, warts and all.

By: Din Merican

Din Merican — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 03:22:22 +0000

Mika,

Interesting observations on the Kallis and Deroses. KJs and Mat Tysons of our country are also in the same boat.

By: Shrek

Shrek — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 17:06:59 +0000

Excellent article. Should start people thinking and I do hope they comprehend the message.

Dr Bakri
since you have the flying Jalur Gemilang maybe you should add the 50th Merdeka Logo. They go together well.

By: Mika Angel-0

Mika Angel-0 — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 00:28:13 +0000

Cool take on C.H.E. Det Muncul Selepas 60 Tahun Cool flag, cool dude! Contrary to C.H.E. Det’s assertion, Third World countries like Malaysia CAN afford to pay globally competitive salaries to their talented citizens. In fact I would argue otherwise; these countries cannot afford NOT to pay them competitive salaries (pardon the double negatives). This does not mean these countries should match exactly what the First World is offering. After all a US $100,000 annual pay would get you a luxurious bungalow in Malaysia but only a modest condo if at all in America. There is the matter of what economists call comparative purchasing power. Besides, whatever generous pay the local talent would be getting, the country would recoup most of it back through taxes and other local expenditures. Again contrary to C.H.E. Det’s claim, Third World countries are already paying First World remunerations; it is just that they are rewarding the wrong talents. Consider Malaysia with its Mat Deroses and Kalimullah Hassans. In America the Mat Deroses would at best be paid as a janitor to cleanup those mansions, while Kalimullah would be lucky to get his “Letter to the Editor” published in the free local neighborhood tabloid. USD100,000@annum is not a bit tin by any means, SYABAS!