June 18 2006
Weapon training not the priority
The move to compel all National Service(NS) trainees to use M16 rifles is move in the wrong direction and should be reconsidered.
To my mind the aim of NS at the age of 17 is to instill good values and discipline in order to foster better understanding and tolerance among the various communities in our country. I for one am skeptical that a 3- month stint with school leavers after 11 years of segregation in schools would ever achieve this aim. On the contrary we had witnessed all forms ugly incidents in our NS camps since its inception, from racial fights, rape and even murder.
I fail to see how firearm training can foster these aims. In general firearms symbolize hatred and violence and should be kept away especially from youngsters. I have undergone military training before and it is the playing, eating, living and even praying together that brings about comradeship and goodwill among the young men and women not firearm training.
We are reassured that proper safety measures would be taken at all times during the training and that the majority of trainees wanted firearms training. Whatever safety measures are taken mishaps can and do occur and many parents are not convinced by these reassurances, as grievous hurt and even deaths have taken place in our NS camps. Moreover it is ridiculous to introduce firearms training just because these youngsters want that, instead parents should be given a choice to decide not their under aged children.
Training to use weapons certainly should not be a priority in NS and definitely not at an impressionable age of 17. This could be done at a later age in the armed forces. I am sure there are many youngsters who are keen to join the forces if only given the chance.
No doubt firearms training are a useful additional skill but it is being taught to the wrong people at the wrong place. Instead we should channel all our energy and resources to actively promote and inculcate ethnic and religious integration in our national schools.
If we succeed in promoting this in schools, there would never be a need for the controversial and hazardous national service for our school leavers.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Monday, June 19, 2006
National Service (NS)
June 19, 2006
Reconsider NS
Two years into the National Service (NS) programme, five deaths had occurred in different training camps throughout the country. Two of the trainees succumbed to some bizarre illness, two drowned and one beaten to death. Apart from these there have been many lesser untoward incidents.
This scenario has prompted concerned citizens and parents to request the government to re-think this national plan of getting young Malaysians together for the purpose of racial integration, instilling discipline and a sense of patriotism in them. All these deaths among the young are unfortunate and are unwarranted and it would be grievous fault on the part of the authorities to brush aside as isolated mishaps. It is a tragic loss to the families. Imagine the hopes and aspirations the parents would have had after toiling 17-18 years to bring them up only to result in their sudden tragic deaths in the form of national service that is not aimed to defend the nation.
As for trainees Nurul Ashikin Karino and S.Theresa Pauline who died of illness, the treatment provided in the initial phases were of questionable standards. It appeared that the authorities were not really fully prepared to handle such medical emergencies and took them rather lightly.
There must be more discussion and planning involving the public on the implementation of the NS programme. In fact many rights groups have cast doubts on the quality of the trainers, saying that they may not be professional nor capable enough to carry out their NS duties.
The government should seriously address these inadequacies. It should consider the feedback from parents and public seriously, not those of the trainees who are just 17 years old.
The need for the NS as it is implemented now should be reconsidered and stopped if possible before more of our children lose their lives.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Reconsider NS
Two years into the National Service (NS) programme, five deaths had occurred in different training camps throughout the country. Two of the trainees succumbed to some bizarre illness, two drowned and one beaten to death. Apart from these there have been many lesser untoward incidents.
This scenario has prompted concerned citizens and parents to request the government to re-think this national plan of getting young Malaysians together for the purpose of racial integration, instilling discipline and a sense of patriotism in them. All these deaths among the young are unfortunate and are unwarranted and it would be grievous fault on the part of the authorities to brush aside as isolated mishaps. It is a tragic loss to the families. Imagine the hopes and aspirations the parents would have had after toiling 17-18 years to bring them up only to result in their sudden tragic deaths in the form of national service that is not aimed to defend the nation.
As for trainees Nurul Ashikin Karino and S.Theresa Pauline who died of illness, the treatment provided in the initial phases were of questionable standards. It appeared that the authorities were not really fully prepared to handle such medical emergencies and took them rather lightly.
There must be more discussion and planning involving the public on the implementation of the NS programme. In fact many rights groups have cast doubts on the quality of the trainers, saying that they may not be professional nor capable enough to carry out their NS duties.
The government should seriously address these inadequacies. It should consider the feedback from parents and public seriously, not those of the trainees who are just 17 years old.
The need for the NS as it is implemented now should be reconsidered and stopped if possible before more of our children lose their lives.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Judiciary and the rakyat
Judiciary must take care of the rakyat
I read with interest your dramatic front page report “Justice for sale: Are some judges corrupt?” (NST June 2).
Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim had admitted to having received several poison-letters claiming corruption among some judges.
Apart from poison -pen letters, there are coffee-shop gossips and whispers that affirm the presence of corrupt judges in our country. This is a general perception among Malaysians that corruption is rampant at all levels of the administration including some among the judges. The government and judiciary must take drastic measures to change this perception among the people.
While agreeing that in general, poison-pen letters should not be entertained, it must be remembered that some of them may be genuine and written in frustration in being the poor victims of injustice of a corrupt judicial system. They could however provide useful clues into the investigation of such corruption.
Of course it is right that the Chief Justice take appropriate action against corrupt judges as and when proven. The biggest hurdle to rid the system of the errant judges is to prove their guilt.
We are often told that justice must not only be done but it must also be seen to be done. The judiciary must be seen to be clean in the eyes of the rakyat. In this context, it is of utmost importance for the judges to act and behave in a manner appropriate to the responsibility entrusted upon them, which is to safeguard the rule of law at all costs. The rights and welfare of the rakyat must be the only consideration when they deliberate and deliver their judgments.
The ordinary man on the street has nowhere to turn to justice except the judiciary and if that institution, that is established to grant him justice fails, it would be a great tragedy not only to the person who seeks fair play but also the institution itself. This is clearly stated by the Chief Justice himself, "If the judiciary is corrupt, the prosecutors will be frustrated, the defense will be frustrated and everyone will be frustrated. There will be no one to turn to. Only the judiciary can take care of the people”.
Increasing the number of judges to preside over trials to reduce corruption would have limited effect as those who resort to bribery are the rich and powerful and not the poor man on the street. It is more important to choose the right person for the job, one with high integrity and passion to do justice to mankind.
Dr.Chris Anthony
I read with interest your dramatic front page report “Justice for sale: Are some judges corrupt?” (NST June 2).
Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim had admitted to having received several poison-letters claiming corruption among some judges.
Apart from poison -pen letters, there are coffee-shop gossips and whispers that affirm the presence of corrupt judges in our country. This is a general perception among Malaysians that corruption is rampant at all levels of the administration including some among the judges. The government and judiciary must take drastic measures to change this perception among the people.
While agreeing that in general, poison-pen letters should not be entertained, it must be remembered that some of them may be genuine and written in frustration in being the poor victims of injustice of a corrupt judicial system. They could however provide useful clues into the investigation of such corruption.
Of course it is right that the Chief Justice take appropriate action against corrupt judges as and when proven. The biggest hurdle to rid the system of the errant judges is to prove their guilt.
We are often told that justice must not only be done but it must also be seen to be done. The judiciary must be seen to be clean in the eyes of the rakyat. In this context, it is of utmost importance for the judges to act and behave in a manner appropriate to the responsibility entrusted upon them, which is to safeguard the rule of law at all costs. The rights and welfare of the rakyat must be the only consideration when they deliberate and deliver their judgments.
The ordinary man on the street has nowhere to turn to justice except the judiciary and if that institution, that is established to grant him justice fails, it would be a great tragedy not only to the person who seeks fair play but also the institution itself. This is clearly stated by the Chief Justice himself, "If the judiciary is corrupt, the prosecutors will be frustrated, the defense will be frustrated and everyone will be frustrated. There will be no one to turn to. Only the judiciary can take care of the people”.
Increasing the number of judges to preside over trials to reduce corruption would have limited effect as those who resort to bribery are the rich and powerful and not the poor man on the street. It is more important to choose the right person for the job, one with high integrity and passion to do justice to mankind.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Monday, May 29, 2006
Problems of the elderly
Loneliss – man’s greatest fear
Lately I had the opportunity to meet an elderly couple whom I had known since I was young. They are in their eighties and staying all by themselves.
In my conversation with them I realized they have great fear of loneliness. They have everything they need – house, food, and clothing. All they long for is the company of children, grandchildren and friends. This is what they had to say:
“When you grow old nobody cares for you. You are forgotten even by your children. Every now and then I have to make spot checks to find out if all is well with my wife. Every morning I thank the good God for sparing her life for that day”.
I was very touched by the love and care the elderly gentleman had for his sickly wife of 60 years. He has cherished and preserved his sacred matrimonial wows faithfully all these years in good and hard times. This virtue of fidelity is a rare commodity nowadays where divorce is becoming the norm.
This fear of loneliness is not peculiar to this couple. I realize that many other elderly couples also share similar sentiments. The strange thing is that this fear is also a feature when we were children. As a child when we were fearful to be alone, our parents were there to console and reassure us. They did that willingly and with great love and passion.
But when they are in living in fear at the twilight of their lives, we as children are not there to comfort them. We are too busy with our jobs and families. We blame the fast moving and competitive society we live in.
It is true that life has become highly competitive these days and we have to spend a large part of our energy and time to make ends meet. At the same time we have to also give some importance to two great virtues called gratitude and sacrifice, only them can we can justify calling ourselves human.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Lately I had the opportunity to meet an elderly couple whom I had known since I was young. They are in their eighties and staying all by themselves.
In my conversation with them I realized they have great fear of loneliness. They have everything they need – house, food, and clothing. All they long for is the company of children, grandchildren and friends. This is what they had to say:
“When you grow old nobody cares for you. You are forgotten even by your children. Every now and then I have to make spot checks to find out if all is well with my wife. Every morning I thank the good God for sparing her life for that day”.
I was very touched by the love and care the elderly gentleman had for his sickly wife of 60 years. He has cherished and preserved his sacred matrimonial wows faithfully all these years in good and hard times. This virtue of fidelity is a rare commodity nowadays where divorce is becoming the norm.
This fear of loneliness is not peculiar to this couple. I realize that many other elderly couples also share similar sentiments. The strange thing is that this fear is also a feature when we were children. As a child when we were fearful to be alone, our parents were there to console and reassure us. They did that willingly and with great love and passion.
But when they are in living in fear at the twilight of their lives, we as children are not there to comfort them. We are too busy with our jobs and families. We blame the fast moving and competitive society we live in.
It is true that life has become highly competitive these days and we have to spend a large part of our energy and time to make ends meet. At the same time we have to also give some importance to two great virtues called gratitude and sacrifice, only them can we can justify calling ourselves human.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Tradional and complementary medicine
Accept only scientifically proven treatment
It was indeed gratifying for Director General of Health,Datuk Dr.Ismail Marican to publicly reassure the public at large on the care taken to introduce traditional and complementary medicine(TCM) in government hospitals, “Care taken on TCM” (Star May 24).
While agreeing that TCM is fast gaining popularity worldwide, this alone should not be the reason for introducing it in our hospitals. While commending the ministry of health for taking measures to ensure only safe, proven and high-quality practices will be allowed to operate, it is pertinent to stress that TCM should not be mixed up with the services of modern medicine in our hospitals. This would only complicate treatment for the unwary public especially those from the lower income group.
Who is going to advice patients on the choice of treatment especially for critical illnesses?. Will traditional practitioners recognize the limitations in their treatment?. As far as we know most of them claim that they have a cure for all ailments and they are immune from litigation for complications from their treatment unlike practicing clinicians of modern medicine. Can we, practicing doctors of modern medicine refuse to treat their complications for fear of litigation?
Enacting legislation, like the TCM Act, is good but it alone will not significantly ensure safety and quality of TCM practices. This has been shown by the numerous cases fraud and cheating employed by so called qualified traditional medical practitioners who in fact turn out to be “sinsehs” and “bomohs” who just resort to witchcraft, trickery and scams in the pretext of curing ailments.
The ministry should embark on extensive campaigns to educate the public to accept treatment based on scientifically proven principles and not succumb to unproven methods that may be fatal. We had spent much time, energy and money to bring modern evidence-based medicine to our people in the sixties and seventies.
By doing so we have eradicated deadly diseases like TB, malaria, syphilis, typhoid, leprosy, dysenteries and so on. We have greatly reduced our infant and maternal mortality rates. We have succeeded to a great deal in encouraging our people especially in rural areas to accept surgical treatment for cancers.
We did all these by introducing modern scientifically proven medical practices not by magic and witchcraft. We need to progress from here and not slide back in time and development thereby rendering futile all our efforts in the past. Modern medicine has advanced so rapidly that unless we focus all our energy and wealth to strive hard to keep up, we will be left behind.
Dr.Chris Anthony
It was indeed gratifying for Director General of Health,Datuk Dr.Ismail Marican to publicly reassure the public at large on the care taken to introduce traditional and complementary medicine(TCM) in government hospitals, “Care taken on TCM” (Star May 24).
While agreeing that TCM is fast gaining popularity worldwide, this alone should not be the reason for introducing it in our hospitals. While commending the ministry of health for taking measures to ensure only safe, proven and high-quality practices will be allowed to operate, it is pertinent to stress that TCM should not be mixed up with the services of modern medicine in our hospitals. This would only complicate treatment for the unwary public especially those from the lower income group.
Who is going to advice patients on the choice of treatment especially for critical illnesses?. Will traditional practitioners recognize the limitations in their treatment?. As far as we know most of them claim that they have a cure for all ailments and they are immune from litigation for complications from their treatment unlike practicing clinicians of modern medicine. Can we, practicing doctors of modern medicine refuse to treat their complications for fear of litigation?
Enacting legislation, like the TCM Act, is good but it alone will not significantly ensure safety and quality of TCM practices. This has been shown by the numerous cases fraud and cheating employed by so called qualified traditional medical practitioners who in fact turn out to be “sinsehs” and “bomohs” who just resort to witchcraft, trickery and scams in the pretext of curing ailments.
The ministry should embark on extensive campaigns to educate the public to accept treatment based on scientifically proven principles and not succumb to unproven methods that may be fatal. We had spent much time, energy and money to bring modern evidence-based medicine to our people in the sixties and seventies.
By doing so we have eradicated deadly diseases like TB, malaria, syphilis, typhoid, leprosy, dysenteries and so on. We have greatly reduced our infant and maternal mortality rates. We have succeeded to a great deal in encouraging our people especially in rural areas to accept surgical treatment for cancers.
We did all these by introducing modern scientifically proven medical practices not by magic and witchcraft. We need to progress from here and not slide back in time and development thereby rendering futile all our efforts in the past. Modern medicine has advanced so rapidly that unless we focus all our energy and wealth to strive hard to keep up, we will be left behind.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Monday, May 22, 2006
Constitutional protection for minority
Mob rule must be checked at all costs
I refer to your report “Stupid act! Protest against minority rights forum condemned”(NST May 16).
Although the strong condemnation by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Nazri Aziz was reassuring, nevertheless it is not enough to quell the fears of ordinary peace loving citizens.
Indeed it is very distressing to know that a legitimate forum by law abiding citizens can be interrupted by mob rule in the very presence of the police who should provide the necessary protection.
Is this type of mob rule going to be the norm in the future? The thought of mob rule taking over the country sends shivers and fears among citizens who love peace and want to solve problems by negotiations and discussion in a civilized manner.
The federal constitution is the document that guarantees the rights of all citizens. If that itself is blatantly trampled upon by brutal means how can we expect to be given our legitimate rights as citizens of this country? There has been lot of talk of nationalism and patriotism, but are that only for certain groups?
The majority of Malaysians are sensible and law abiding and would engage in dialogue to solve whatever problems that surface from time to time. We should not allow a small group to upset the peace and harmony we have today. They should not be allowed to use the threat of violence to suppress the problems facing us.
The government, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, should come out strongly against these people who resort to mob rule. The government must do more to stop the country sliding into lawlessness.The Royal Malaysian Police too should act firmly and fairly to protect the citizens against mob rule.
Dr.Chris Anthony
I refer to your report “Stupid act! Protest against minority rights forum condemned”(NST May 16).
Although the strong condemnation by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Nazri Aziz was reassuring, nevertheless it is not enough to quell the fears of ordinary peace loving citizens.
Indeed it is very distressing to know that a legitimate forum by law abiding citizens can be interrupted by mob rule in the very presence of the police who should provide the necessary protection.
Is this type of mob rule going to be the norm in the future? The thought of mob rule taking over the country sends shivers and fears among citizens who love peace and want to solve problems by negotiations and discussion in a civilized manner.
The federal constitution is the document that guarantees the rights of all citizens. If that itself is blatantly trampled upon by brutal means how can we expect to be given our legitimate rights as citizens of this country? There has been lot of talk of nationalism and patriotism, but are that only for certain groups?
The majority of Malaysians are sensible and law abiding and would engage in dialogue to solve whatever problems that surface from time to time. We should not allow a small group to upset the peace and harmony we have today. They should not be allowed to use the threat of violence to suppress the problems facing us.
The government, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, should come out strongly against these people who resort to mob rule. The government must do more to stop the country sliding into lawlessness.The Royal Malaysian Police too should act firmly and fairly to protect the citizens against mob rule.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Our Florence Nightingales
Appreciate contribution of nurses
Nurses Day was celebrated on May 16, 2006.It passed quietly without any pomp and fanfare unlike Teachers Day.
To commemorate the occasion Health Minister Datuk Chua Soi Lek talks about the poor standard of nursing care in public hospitals and the measures he would take to remedy the pathetic situation.
Undeniably there is a decline in the quality of nursing care over the years. This is mainly due to the loss of vocation in the profession. Nursing the sick and the dying with empathy is not glamorous and unless one has the vocation she will not be able to emulate Florence Nightingale.
From the time our children step into school they are taught just to excel in studies and nothing else as becoming rich is the ultimate goal in life. Good virtues are not emphasized as they are irrelevant to present day success. In fact good values are a hindrance to material success today. In such an environment we cannot expect to cultivate the right attitudes for becoming a nurse.
Whatever their shortcomings, our nurses in general need to be praised and appreciated for their invaluable services to the community. There are still many nurses with a passion for helping the sick and we must salute them. We hope they can act as a catalyst to stimulate others in the profession.
All of us would need their services at some time or another. Even the richest and most powerful could be suddenly reduced to a helpless invalid by disease and become totally dependent on these poor nurses. They may not be our relatives or friends but are the ones always with us day and night, not only carrying strict medical treatment but also attending our calls of nature. To an extent we surrender our pride and dignity to them. Their nursing care contributes a great deal to our speedy physical and mental recovery.
Most of our nurses work under very adverse, unfriendly and stressful conditions. Very often they are managed in a regimental manner where dissent is very not tolerated by the superiors. They are forced to accept unfair decisions regarding work shifts, leave and overtime without protest.
The hospital management must realize that if they want their nurses to be patients-caring they too should care for their nurses. It’s always a mutual undertaking. In this respect I fully agree that making nurses more patient-friendly also means that hospitals will have to become more nurse-friendly.
Dr.Chris Anthony
Nurses Day was celebrated on May 16, 2006.It passed quietly without any pomp and fanfare unlike Teachers Day.
To commemorate the occasion Health Minister Datuk Chua Soi Lek talks about the poor standard of nursing care in public hospitals and the measures he would take to remedy the pathetic situation.
Undeniably there is a decline in the quality of nursing care over the years. This is mainly due to the loss of vocation in the profession. Nursing the sick and the dying with empathy is not glamorous and unless one has the vocation she will not be able to emulate Florence Nightingale.
From the time our children step into school they are taught just to excel in studies and nothing else as becoming rich is the ultimate goal in life. Good virtues are not emphasized as they are irrelevant to present day success. In fact good values are a hindrance to material success today. In such an environment we cannot expect to cultivate the right attitudes for becoming a nurse.
Whatever their shortcomings, our nurses in general need to be praised and appreciated for their invaluable services to the community. There are still many nurses with a passion for helping the sick and we must salute them. We hope they can act as a catalyst to stimulate others in the profession.
All of us would need their services at some time or another. Even the richest and most powerful could be suddenly reduced to a helpless invalid by disease and become totally dependent on these poor nurses. They may not be our relatives or friends but are the ones always with us day and night, not only carrying strict medical treatment but also attending our calls of nature. To an extent we surrender our pride and dignity to them. Their nursing care contributes a great deal to our speedy physical and mental recovery.
Most of our nurses work under very adverse, unfriendly and stressful conditions. Very often they are managed in a regimental manner where dissent is very not tolerated by the superiors. They are forced to accept unfair decisions regarding work shifts, leave and overtime without protest.
The hospital management must realize that if they want their nurses to be patients-caring they too should care for their nurses. It’s always a mutual undertaking. In this respect I fully agree that making nurses more patient-friendly also means that hospitals will have to become more nurse-friendly.
Dr.Chris Anthony
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