To Scratch or Not to Scratch

Cikgu, "You have a lot of dandruff on you shirt."

Student, "I know. Its my psoriasis."

Cikgu, "What is psoriasis?"

Student, "Its a kind of skin problem. Just like eczema, except that its not treatable."

Cikgu, "Modern medicine has cure for almost everything, except the terminal one like cancer."

Student, "Well, its because modern medicine has not figure out what causes psoriasis. Once they are able to find that our, they will find a cure. Right now I am trying some chinese medicine to see if it will help. Its herbal so its should be quite safe. If Cikgu like to find out more about psoriasis, cikgu can go to Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis website. This website explain about the symptoms and what sort of treatment available."

KLCI Drop Below 1000

Cikgu, "This is very bad news!"

Student, "What, Cikgu?"

Cikgu, "I read from ProTradeShares.com that the Bursa Malaysia KLCI has dropped below 1,000 points."

Student, "What does that mean?"

Cikgu, "It is the lowest in the last 2 years. Although I don't buy any shares, I am concern."

Student, "How will the drop in Bursa KLCI affect us, Cikgu?"

Cikgu, "Generally foreign investors look at how well a country economy is by looking at how well the country's stock exchange perform. If the KLCI continue to drop, it will send the wrong signal that out country's economy is bad. Its a chicken and egg situation. Eventhough our country economy at this moment is not down, the effect of foreign perception on our economy can cause a drop in foreign investment. This drop in investment will eventually lead to a down turn in our economy."

Student, "If our economy is doing well, then why has the KLCI drop so much?"

Cikgu, "There are many factors. One of them is of course due to US problem with Lehman and AIG. Lehman Brothers, one of the largest investment bank in US has filed for bankruptcy. As for AIG, US government has to bail out AIG. When US government do that, it is to save the country from further economic problem. When our country take the same kind of action, its because to help some cronies. Well that's another story. The other reason our KLCI is doing badly is because of the local political instability due to the bickering of a few political leaders. "

Student, "When will all this end."

Cikgu, "Hopefully soon."

Expensive Nasi Lemak

Student, "I didn't see Cikgu around the last few days. Where did Cikgu went?"

Cikgu, "I brought my family to the theme parks in Genting."

Student, "Did Cikgu have a good time?"

Cikgu, "I only enjoy the cool weather. I have many complaints for the others."

Student, "Such as?"

Cikgu, "Well, the First World Hotel's room are too small. Very cramp. The food price is way too expensive. A packet of plain nasi lemak with some sambal caused RM4.00! You can get it in Klang Valley for the same portion at the max RM1.50. The 500ml filtered water caused RM3.30 when it is only at RM1.20 in KL. The food cost are way to much. The cost of transport cannot be an excuse to raise the price that high."

Student, "Wow! Those prices are 100% more than in KL."

Cikgu, "I believe the prices have reference to the US dollar. To foreign tourists, a USD1.00 water bottle is not that expensive nor a USD1.20 nasi lemak. Even the fast food there starts from RM9.00 (about USD3.00). "

Student, "How was the theme parks?"

Cikgu, "The kids loved them but I don't like the section on indoor simulated games. They are like gambling. Each game cost about RM3.00 to play. One can easily finished RM100 in just under one hour. Way too expensive. Better not let kids to there. The rides and attractions in the indoor and outdoor theme parks are ok. They have a one day pass which cost around RM24 for children. The day pass is worth it because each ride cost RM8.00. "

Level Playing Field

Student, "Cikgu, I am still disappointed with the calling from some politicians to revert the teaching of Mathematics and Science to Bahasa Malaysia."

Cikgu, "Why?"

Student, "Some of these politicians are themselves educated overseas or went to private school in Malaysia sent by their rich parents. They have the money advantage to learn all subjects in English. Why are they depriving us poor students from gaining knowledge just like them?"

Cikgu, "Maybe they wanted you all to continue to be 'backward' or remain as 'kampung' people so that they will continue to rule over you. You are right. Those who had the advantage of studying in English medium should shut their mouth and not make any comment. Its like the rich telling the poor that eating caviar is bad for their health."

To English or not To English

Student, "Why are Malaysian politicians messing with us students."

Cikgu, "What do you mean?"

Student, "A few years ago, they decided that we must learn Mathematics and Science in English. It took us a few years to adjust from learning in Bahasa to English. Now they want us to go back learning the subjects in Bahasa. We are confused."

Cikgu, "Politicians are always like that. They are like the grass which will bend according to the wind. Changing their directions based on other people request."

Student, "But we are the one who will suffer. Especially us who have studied and have become comfortable in learning the subjects in English. Why don't they ask for our opinion?"

Cikgu, "It seems that the majority of the rural students can't manage to learn the subjects in English. Mainly due to the lack of qualified teachers. I think to change the policy half way is not very smart. The policy should be allowed to run it full cycle to allow the first batch of students learning the subjects in English to finish upto Form 5."

Cikgu, "If the government must reverse their policy, they should start with the new standard One students and allow those from standard two onwards to continue to learn in English until Form 5."