IS MALAYSIA THE NEW PHILIPINES & INDONESIA?

Now we start to worry.

Recently, a viral picture featuring screenshots from Free Malaysia Today highlighted Johor's struggle with a shortage of 15,000 nurses. The reported reason? Many nurses are lured to work in Singapore due to higher pay and favorable exchange rates.

The immediate thought that crosses my mind is, "What's wrong if nurses seek higher earnings?" In fact, why should Malaysians not aspire to increase their income? The depreciation of the Ringgit against the Singapore Dollar since independence raises questions about the government's sincere efforts to boost the economy. Often, economic initiatives lead to projects benefiting cronies rather than addressing the root issues.

As the nursing shortage raises concerns, we must ponder: Is it so terrible if Malaysia becomes an exporter of skilled and unskilled labor? Migration for economic opportunities is not a new phenomenon. Malaysian nurses have sought better prospects in the Middle East, Australia, and the United Kingdom, while unskilled workers have ventured to the UK, Japan, Taiwan, and the US since the 70s.

In Malaysia, the ongoing debate on minimum wage reveals a lack of resolve from the Human Resource Minister. Flip-flopping in response to employer and trade association concerns undermines efforts to address the rising cost of living. Claims that RM1,500 is a good wage overlook the challenges of responsibilities, burdens, and children's needs in today's economic climate.

Our purported low inflation rate may be a misleading statistic. Outdated methodologies mask the true impact of inflation, creating a facade of economic stability. The closure of nursing colleges in the past decade has further limited the supply of nurses, with many former students burdened by PTPN loans.

It's disheartening to witness power-holders prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of the nation. Scandals and abuses across ministries paint a grim picture. As Malaysians seek opportunities abroad for a decent living, it raises concerns about the nation's future. While this situation is worrying, it is the leaders, not the people, who bear responsibility for the consequences.

If we are not careful, Malaysia may follow in the footsteps of the Philippines or Indonesia. It's a stark reality that Malaysians might become overseas workers, a fate none deserve but one that may become inevitable if meaningful changes are not implemented

IS CARING WITHOUT COMPASSION POSSIBLE?

"Balancing Compassion and Business in Aged Care Centers: A Reflection on Caregiver Dynamics"

In the realm of aged care, it's not uncommon to encounter caregivers who, while providing essential services, may lack a deep sense of compassion. These individuals, whom I refer to as 'Incidental Carers and Professionals,' are not inherently bad people, and their motivations often stem from pragmatic reasons rather than malice. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon can shed light on potential solutions for fostering a more compassionate care environment.

Reasons for Care Without Compassion:

1. Need to Put Food on the Table:
   Many caregivers fall into the caregiving profession out of economic necessity. Foreign maids, constrained by their job descriptions, and individuals bound by socio-economic constraints often find themselves in caregiving roles. These circumstances limit their choices and job options.

2. Limited Job Options:
   Some individuals, especially those not academically inclined or seeking higher education opportunities, may enter the aged care industry due to limited job options or parental influence.

Solving the Compassion Issue:

Building Systemic Compassion Structure:

1. Build Systems with Compassion as a Foundation:
   Integrate compassion into the core of caregiving systems. Establish schedules ensuring care activities are performed, and implement Well-Being programs for residents. Recognize that compassion and systematic care are interconnected; both must be prioritized for an effective caregiving environment.

2. 
   

3. Build Your Business on the Foundation of Love:
   Business owners of care centers must infuse compassion into their core beliefs. While profits are essential, prioritizing the greater good and genuinely believing in the positive impact on the community is paramount. Aged care is an embodiment of economics, love, and compassion.

4. 
   

5. Build Your System on a Higher Moral Ground:
   Make decisions and establish processes on a higher moral ground. Ask the question, "Do I have no regrets?" and ensure that your actions align with sound philosophies and solid moral values. Strive to do your best, even in challenging circumstances.

In Conclusion:

While caring without compassion may be possible, it is often stressful for caregivers and may not be a sustainable approach. Those who endure likely face personal challenges, making it crucial to acknowledge their circumstances. Balancing compassion and business in aged care requires building systemic structures infused with compassion, establishing businesses on the foundation of love, and adhering to higher moral values. By doing so, we create a holistic and sustainable approach to caregiving, ensuring both the well-being of caregivers and the quality of care provided to the elderly.

MY DAD’S WISDOM & FAMILY FEUD OVER ELDERLY PARENTS

My late dad had a heartfelt wish for all four of us siblings: to live in harmony and love. I'm grateful to say that we've managed to fulfill this wish, although keeping such a promise to a parent isn't always an easy feat.

The first week of March wasn't particularly cheerful for me, as I found myself fielding three calls about siblings entangled in disputes over their parents. Whether it was two sisters clashing over parental matters or a larger family, comprising over four siblings and five grandchildren, feuding over a parent and grandparent, the reasons behind the conflicts echoed the drama found in family series.

Reflecting on my dad's wisdom in preventing family feuds, or at least minimizing their impact, here are some key insights:

1. **Taking Responsibility:**

   One of the children should take full responsibility, irrespective of their position in the family. Just as the human body requires distinct parts to function, there's a reason we were given one mouth and one head. Perhaps, two heads aren't necessarily better than one.

2. **Choosing the Right Time:**

   It's crucial to back down, even when you're in the right, and wait for the opportune moment to address the situation as mature adults.

3. **Apologizing for Harmony:**

   Apologize, even if you're in the right. Being right doesn't always trump the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship, as a good relationship can often make wrong things right.

4. **Humble Seeking of Help:**

   The one who assumes responsibility must be humble enough to seek help when necessary. Just as the saying goes, "It takes a village."

5. **Inclusive Support:**

   Allow other siblings to be part of the care support team if they wish to contribute. In unity, strength is found.

6. **Respecting Choices:**

   Don't push those who choose not to be part of the care support team. Everyone may have their reasons, and it's essential to continue maintaining a cordial relationship with them.

7. **Avoiding Bragging:**

   Refrain from bragging to others about taking full responsibility. Humility goes a long way in fostering positive relationships.

I hope sharing these pieces of my dad's advice proves helpful in navigating the complexities of family dynamics.

TWO 99 YEARS OLD PARENTS & 3 SISTERS- WHAT IS THE FIGHT ABOUT?

My friend Jo reached out to me from Singapore, visibly distressed. To provide context, Jo is the youngest among three sisters—Verona being the eldest and Holly the second. Their elderly parents, both 99 years old and grappling with dementia, reside in a care center in Tambun Ipoh. Initially, Jo's father had a joint account with Holly and Jo. However, Verona, during a visit from Canada, presented a form meant for certification in Canada, asserting that her parents were in palliative care. This claim was not true, as the parents were in general good health, albeit dealing with dementia. Verona aimed to use this certification to claim allowances for caring for her parents, whose monthly care expenses in Tambun amounted to RM7,600. When the two retired nurses managing the Tambun center declined to sign the form, Veron threatened to sue the home and decided to relocate her parents to a nursing home near their residence in Kg Simee, citing dissatisfaction with the Tambun facility. Despite Verona's assertion that the new place was more economical, concerns were raised about its quality of care. Here are some crucial points to consider: 1. Jo is the official guardian, as per the signed terms and conditions, giving her exclusive authority or the power to approve anyone discharging the parents.

2. A palliative diagnosis must come from a qualified doctor, making the act of certifying generally healthy parents as palliative a criminal offense.

3. Given the parents' dementia, it is recommended for them to remain in the familiar Tambun nursing home. Veron's concerns about staffing and management may not be valid unless there is concrete evidence of misconduct or care deterioration.

4. Threatening legal action against the center requires substantial grounds for a lawyer or court to intervene. While there are varying opinions on this situation, the hope is that the sisters can engage in a humble and constructive conversation, motivated not just by love for each other but, more importantly, by love for their parents—central figures in this complex family narrative.

EPILOGUE

• Last night 2 MAR 2022 the sister implicated in this story called me to tell her side of her story. In dealing with feuding family issues and stories, there are more than one side. in fact there are as many sides as the number of people involved. The parents, the children, the carers, the centres, other relatives and friends who each knew both sisters and the family will have their sides too.

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  Muntoh Monti

  I just hope all the sisters can humble themselves and talk it out not out of love for one another but out of love for their parents, the common players in this story.

UNITY, CHOPSTICK AND CULTURAL ASSIMILATION

 

"We are Borg, you will be assimilated, resistant is futile" 
The famous quote from Start Trek

Tun Dr Mahathir's recent statement on Chinese culture and assimilation stirred controversy among the Chinese community, but I remained unfazed. Recognizing Dr. Mahathir as a skilled politician, I understood his strategy to garner majority support, yet I found a deeper message in his words—highlighting "unity" and "assimilation."

Assuming that Dr. Mahathir implied the necessity of assimilation for unity, I delved into the concept. Anthropologically, assimilation refers to the absorption of diverse ethnic groups into a dominant culture. This led me to ponder whether minority cultures could truly become Malay, as our constitution defines Malays based on religious, linguistic, and cultural criteria.

However, historical and global examples contradicted the notion of assimilation as a panacea for unity. China, despite a common language, remains culturally diverse. Similarly, the United States and religious denominations experience internal divisions. Even in Malaysia, political parties aligned with the majority culture witness fragmentation.

Constitutional assimilation does not ensure genuine unity. Minorities retain aspects of their culture, enriching the majority culture. Hence, I argue that true unity lies in diversity, emphasizing the well-being of the "rakyats." Unity is an action—a commitment to care for all, irrespective of race or religion. It transcends assimilation, encouraging unconditional love and understanding.

In conclusion, my perspective rejects assimilation as a path to unity. Instead, I advocate for unity in diversity, recognizing and celebrating the unique contributions of each culture. Unity, as a dynamic concept, requires continuous effort and a genuine embrace of our differences for a harmonious society.

LAND AND THE ISSUE OF LICENSES FOR AGED CARE CENTRES

 

Random pix of property in Malaysia

In the foreseeable future, demographic shifts in Malaysia predict that more than 10% of the population will be over 60 years of age by the year 2030. This aging population will likely necessitate an increased demand for aged care services, prompting concerns about the current state of aged care centers in the country. Presently, over 95% of the approximately 1700 aged care centers are situated in residential housing estates, encompassing various types of dwellings such as terrace houses, semi-detached houses, or bungalows. However, the snag lies in the fact that the land upon which these centers are located is categorized as "residential land," resulting in a staggering 80% of these facilities operating without proper licenses.

The predominant model employed by aged care operators involves leasing residential properties for commercial or charitable purposes, leading to a situation where local councils often require these properties to undergo 'temporary conversion' to operate as aged care centers or other care facilities. Consequently, the licensing dilemma primarily rests with the state and district councils, which regulate land use across various regions. Rather than assigning blame to specific entities for the prevalence of unlicensed centers, it is essential to recognize that the roots of today's licensing challenges extend beyond immediate circumstances. Quoting Albert Einstein, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." The current issues surrounding licensing in the aged care sector have their origins in historical priorities and choices that prioritized economic development, infrastructure, housing, industry, education, and health over specific land allocations for aged care. To comprehend the present licensing issues faced by operators, it is crucial to examine the interface between the aged care industry and the National Land Code of 1965. The requirement for 'temporary conversion' renewal every one or two years, subject to changing guidelines, forms a key aspect of the licensing process. The heart of the matter lies in the absence of a designated land category for aged care in Malaysia, with land use traditionally divided into agriculture, building, and industry, leaving a critical gap in the planning of housing developments.

Addressing this long-standing issue requires a new consciousness in land use planning. While this shift in awareness may not immediately resolve the existing licensing challenges, it paves the way for a more profound and courageous approach. An amendment to the land act, enforced retrospectively to all current residential developments, becomes essential. This amendment should not only silence detractors and opposition but also grant freedom of conversion for the operational tenure of these centers without the need for frequent renewals. Moreover, an amnesty provision for existing unlicensed centers during the legislative transition would provide a pragmatic solution to the pressing issues faced by the aged care sector in Malaysia.

MY MOM, AH TOONG 3 + 1 WISDOM

My mom used to smoked when younger, and this picture from the movie kung fu hustle seems to fit the bill.

In the tapestry of life, parents often weave lessons into the fabric of our being, and my mother, affectionately known as Ah Toong, was no exception. While my earlier blog delved into the wisdom I gleaned from my father, this narrative aims to unravel the unique lessons embedded in the story of Ah Toong.

Unlike my father, who imparted knowledge through spoken words, Ah Toong's teachings were subtly interwoven into the tapestry of her actions and behaviors. Educated and well-versed, she embarked on her career as a State Enrolled Nurse, demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness that would later become emblematic of her character.

The first distinctive trait I observed in Ah Toong was her unwavering frugality. Despite a modest income and a pension of RM1,045, she managed to accumulate savings nearing RM100,000. Her secret? A savvy approach to market shopping. Ah Toong, a familiar face in the wet market of Taman SPPK, Pasir Puteh, knew that the best deals often emerged after 9 am. By negotiating skillfully and opting for second-grade fresh produce, she maximized the quality of her meals while minimizing expenses.

Her approach to the market was a microcosm of her life philosophy: negotiate, adapt, and don't settle for less. In the dance of supply and demand, Ah Toong recognized the sweet spot after 10 am when sellers were more inclined to accommodate buyers. It was a lesson not just in grocery shopping but a metaphor for navigating life - knowing when to press on, negotiate, and secure what you need.

Nature, according to Ah Toong, held the key to many of life's challenges. Her belief in the healing properties of natural ingredients, particularly those derived from pigs, manifested in her culinary remedies. When faced with ailments or challenges, she concocted dishes like pig's stomach with pepper soup for gastric issues or stewed pork trotters with mushrooms and black fungus for tired legs. However, she coupled these remedies with a stern reminder that no supplement could substitute for diligent effort and hard work.

The third distinctive trait was Ah Toong's belief in divine intervention during exams. In a unique negotiation with a temple deity, she promised offerings of a free-range chicken, American apples, and Sunkist oranges if I achieved stellar results. The ritual involved ingesting blessed ashes dissolved in water. While the results were not entirely as anticipated, this experience instilled a valuable lesson - caution in committing to rewards before the task is completed.

Ah Toong's adaptability was evident during Chinese New Year of 1978. Faced with conflicting advice on the orientation of the praying altar for welcoming the god of prosperity, she decided not to put all her faith in one belief. Instead, she divided the offerings, facing altars in both north-east and north-west directions. This scenario unfolded as a metaphorical lesson in diversification and avoiding overcommitment to a single approach.

Lastly, Ah Toong's refusal to accept defeat even in the minutiae of life revealed a resilient spirit. The episode during Chinese New Year, where she set up altars facing multiple directions, showcased her determination not to succumb to losses easily.

In conclusion, Ah Toong, my mother, was a living book, each page filled with lessons waiting to be learned and absorbed. Her life, a narrative of frugality, reliance on nature, negotiation with the divine, adaptability, and an unwavering spirit, continues to resonate in my journey, offering wisdom that transcends time. Every parent, a living book, imparts lessons that become the chapters of our own stories. What were the lessons from your mom and dad?