Do the poor in the countries like Malaysia need help individually to progress in life?(The write-up is not finalized; feedback welcomed).
- This articles shall focus on individual's effort, though Politics & Govt support are touched on initially in general.
- Politically, the poor & weak definitely needs help. Its the responsibility of the Govt of the day. But all these assistance will be on general terms due to structural changes or at national level that an individual or group cannot handle on its own. The kind of problems are like Covid, natural disaster (flood, landslide), increase in taxes, inflation, etc.
- The country also offers uplifting & motivating programs for the public on a going concern. This may include like farm subsidy, training programs, education support & scholarship, business incentives, etc The state need to observe minimal or no discrimination. All provision of assistance by Govt & NGO should get to the needy & the right party. Unfortunately I'm not an expert here to venture into the details.
- For the unexpected incidents cases like accident & medical operations, help is urgent & a must from all parties; Govt, NGO, Donors, Business, etc. But, the individuals could still mitigate these problems to a great extend if he had planned well like having Insurance coverage.
- However, the govt engagement (para 2), merely mitigate the cost of the public and do not make anyone richer. Its for the person himself to seize it, work for it, discipline himself to succeed in life over time.
- Progressing & success in life couldn't be precisely defined but generally means better off both financially and otherwise. Generally, only a portion of the weak & poor will really need & also utilise the given help well to succeed in life. The others don't, and may even render continuous expectation on hand-outs to survive. Many of the weak & poor will remain where they are, unless they do something about themselves to become better and richer. The fundamental areas of progress are through education, skills, career, income happening gradually, not by overnight. If any, its called luck which is not our subject of discussion.
- Examples are abundant; within Malaysia vis a vis NEP. Thousands of Malays have made good use of it becoming super rich and millions have done better than average and yet millions are still poor or not rich. The program is going on for 50 years. So what does the poor Malays lacked compared to those progressed within Malays itself?
- The Chinese was hard hit during WWII Japanese time; but they progressed economically very well within 2 generations to the extend that very poor Chinese are minimal. The Sikhs (also an Indian Community) made it big too despite, being a minority with population (<1%) and having a humble beginning primarily as mere security guards during 1940-60's. Currently, they made it to successful vibrant community having Ministers, professionals & business owners and even lesser poor among them. Many Tamil Indians have also made it big; including Malaysian Indian national leaders themselves; who came from estate. In fact, Indians in general were top salary earners community a generation ago (pre-2000). But, unfortunately, even more Indians are relatively poor & weak now. Why?
- Off course, if the Federal Govt could assist, the Indian political leaders unites and the general Indian public themselves upgrade with better education; then, the community could progress faster than one could imagine. However, at this juncture, the Indians lack both political and economics muscle that the other communities have and politically they are not not united either. Thus, while seeking solutions on these, the individual Indians can upgrade themselves with education, skills and small businesses; its within themselves. Its a tough battle initially but surely can be overcome1 by every individuals.
- We also have seen many foreigners from 3rd world country making big in Malaysia. There could be 2-3millions of foreigners from refugees, illegal, tourist, foreign workers to temporary residence seeking opportunities. Some of them have succeeded too; to the extend that the successful ones are employing the local Malaysian in their business.
- So, what's the difference between those who succeed and the locals who remains poor & weak that keep wanting assistance. Putting aside the Govt policies, its simply the individuals hard-work & dedication. Hard-work never fails and with better planning & smartness, the person can even make it bigger & more successful. Thus, primarily, progressing to succeed comes from the individual themselves; studying hard, learning, self-discipline, staying focus. working hard and being tactful. The more positive values you put, the faster & bigger he will progress.
- Unfortunately, many of the poor just do not want to work hard; instead they want easy life from the start; just wants hand-outs! But, those who are lazy cannot be helped. They will remain poor. They may work, but may not commit, or work hard enough or unreliable. And when the employer sacks them or keeps them at the lowest level, they complaint, and for them its always the other party's fault for the problem.
- Some may even go further to criticise others for not donating to these poor people. While its generous and most welcoming to donate; especially in emergency cases. Most donors also wishes that that their help for the general poor offers a long term solution and not to be taken for a ride. Pls note that those who donate are those who feels for the poor and wish to lift them up doing their bit. But donors themselves came to this position now only after they succeeded by saving enough to share with others from the sacrifice they did all along. They came up in life having toiled for it; doing 2-3 jobs, giving up luxury time, not watching TV, missed parties, celebration, spending only on basic and very necessity; eat very simple cheap meals, sacrificed many things before they succeed and save more. The struggle would have been more painful, tedious and greater for those who came on their own, without the help any other people, organization, NGO or Govt support.
- Thus, how is it fair if the recipient wants donation but not willing to sacrifice much to succeed? What if the recipient only wants to work simple, 5 days a week, just enough to feed, wants to watch TV, go for functions, use smart phones, drive cars, eat in shops, etc. It looks normal but these are not the signs that the poor wants to come up in life. Instead, he should- work the max hours he can, if his main job have no overtime, he can do 2nd job- if a car is a necessity, he can be a part time uber driver after his FT job.- also strives to learn in his job, work longer hours if needed, and earn the trust of the owner. if you are doing these, U are a wanted employee and the career progression is assured if the employer don't compensate enough, he will be the loser; - U can always make your own breakfast, lunch be brought from home and dinner be taken at home- Or work in FnB outlets to get pay and eat and take home food after work (at lower cost)- etc
- Another valid evidence? Have your poor friend returned your money timely when he pleaded and you assisted him? If he does, he would have succeeded in his life and would have been always grateful to you. Those who don't, would have accuse you or had run away despite all the promises they made in returning the funds. Thus, who wants to come up will come up when assisted and those don't will not even U helped them.
- While you strive for progress, don't be greedy or live beyond your means. And remember, life is a journey & success is a relative measure. When U take charge & be responsible for your act, there's not much to be complained about others. Progress is assured from your own hard-work help from others or Govt is a bonus! You can make your own destiny, your future!
Regards,
KESH