Monday, October 01, 2007

Looking East with stiff neck......

For more than 2 decades, the previous administration policy is to “Look EAST”. In another word, conducting more business with the Japanese and “learn” from the Japanese culture. With my limited encounters with the Japanese, I do noticed that the Japanese are very loyal to the organization they worked for, punctual for meeting, detailed and meticulate in planning. They are also very good at process reengineering, adding values, and making thing better than before.

But as a nation, what had we learned from the Japanese ? And, what are the positive traits of the Japanese that we imparted into our culture and business practises ? I believe, the single and most fundamental aspect we should learn from the Japanese is, how do we deal with corruption culturally. Eradicating corruptions remained a wish list of the common people. The Director General of Anti Corruption Agency sum it all by saying “there is corruption in society but we are not a corrupted society”. Well, when convincing a customer to buy a product, would it be acceptable to say that there is a minor defect in the product but it does not mean the product is defective ? In order to eliminate corruption, there must be zero tolerances to corrupt practises. As far as the general public is concern, if there is corruption in the society, then morally, we should perceived the whole society as corrupted.

I am not saying that, there are no corruptions in Japan. Corruptions exist in every countries in the world. But when a corrupt practice is detected, how do we deal with the issue shall differentiate us from the rest. Do we allow political decadence and arrogance to continue to redefine morality into accepting corruption as an unavoidable part and parcel of life ?

In Japan, I was told, when a person is implicated or indirectly linked with corruptions, he or she resign, and in some cases, commit suicides to show remorse and shame. Recently in China, corruption is punishable by death. I am not advocating suicides or death sentence. I sincerely believe that life is sacred, and nobody except God is allowed to determine life and death. What I am highlighting here is, the Japanese culture treat corruption as a great shame, and the seriousness of the Chinese government is wanting to eradicate corruptions. Sometimes, I do wonder if we practice the Japanese culture, how many more politicians will be left standing tall in front of our parliament building ? If we will to follow the foot steps of the Chinese government, maybe we might run the risks of shortage of bullets.

As long as the sun continues to rise from the east, there will always be politicians out there seeking ways to carry on with the illegal tradition of corruptions. To these politicians, there is no point shouting prayers to God seeking forgiveness when satiation for illegal wealth and power continue to contaminate the hearts and souls. Some politicians seemed to think that they can fool God and lesser mortal beings with their regular shouting of insincere prayers. But, let's hope God can grace the heart of these corrupt politicians to repent and resign gracefully.

I am sicked and tired of the constant bombarment of political slogans of corrupted politicians in the name of reglion and race to hoodlum their immorality. Would their actions be consistent with their words of righteousness ? Well, what else can I say, no more tears but thorns in my heart. I do sincerely hope that the illegal wealth and power acquired are enough to pay for their future medical treaments, and that of their family members.

Good deed attracts good karma. Om Mani pedme hum....

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