OP Batch Co-Operation: Achievable or False Hope?

The Royal Military College, like other boarding schools in Malaysia, often boasts of its vast network among Old Boys or Old Puteras. Within the large segment of OP network, the old boys tend to gravitate towards their batch mates, particularly because of their shared experience back at Boy's Wing.

My attention was diverted just recently to an email written by a friend in our batch E-List about the need to strengthen the mold and face the challenges of the future together, taking advantage of each member's unique skill set and experience. A noble gesture, one that we've heard too often. Not necessarily unattainable, but requires shear determination and outstanding co-operation, and a modicum of coordination.

It simply means this: that historically budak boys have been given the privileges to lead the Armed Forces, the Civil Service and many corporations through out the rich history of our country. Given the plethora of experiences and career exposures that us individuals would accumulate through out the years ahead, it is only logical to harness this energy for the greater good of the nation, therefore fulfilling our sacred charter.

No doubt I have calculated several concerns. The one that sticks out like a sore thumb is whether we would reach the level we dream of. The next in line is whether all 79 of us would agree to a common theme or plan. It is difficult enough to get 10 to agree on a location for the next teh tarik session, let alone to reach a common ground on national issues or business propositions.

The interesting aspect of the OP network I find is that once you meet someone of similar wavelength, irrespective of batch, it is extremely trouble free to work with that person, no matter the slight differences in opinions. That I think is a better formula.

Let's not forget the many feuds and quarrels within the network itself. Although the Old Putera Association renders no authority whatsoever in RMC, Ministry of Defense or elsewhere, it is amazing to witness the level of animosity and intense hatred towards each other especially when dealing with posts and positions in the organization. I am merely stating this not to expose ourselves, but because a reform should be in order. It is also something to be avoided if a collective plan is to be formulated.

Notwithstanding the fact above, we have also witnessed tremendous aid and support for each other during trials and tribulation. This is the real criteria and the true spirit of being a budak boy.

At any rate, most of us would rather attend to our priorities especially family & career than be bothered with sharing a common vision with our fellow budak boy.

How do we progress ahead?

The fate of RMC

Now that Dato' Sri Abdullah is the new Minister of Defence, the Old Putera Association Exco led by the President needs to brief AAB on the plan for the new campus and the allocated RM100M for RMC in the 9th Malaysia Plan. The plan must be finalized and executed to meet the dateline of 2010. The plan must incorporate a detailed infrastructure proposal and the implementation of the International Baccalaureate system, hailed as an effective education tool to prepare students for tertiary education.

In times of racial tension, the RMC must be promoted once again as the supreme school model for racial tolerance, eloquently incorporated and indoctrinated in its gruesome military curriculum for high school level education. The strict regime of the school must be re-enforced once again and parents who are faint-hearted to see their kids go through 'hell' must withdraw their kids from the premier school and not mistaken it for next door Sekolah Menengah Sungai Besi or the former Bukit Bintang Girls School.

The introduction of the International Baccalaureate system must be hastened to execute the national agenda of strengthening the command of English for young Malaysians. The RMC is also known as the national factory for high-calibre leaders the likes of Tun Ling Liong Sik, Tan Sri Ghanalingam, Dato' Sri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, Dato' Michael Yam, Tan Sri Halim Ali, scores of 4-star generals, high-ranking civil servants and corporate chiefs.

The Board of Governors must be reconvened and its member must be made responsible for the development of the new campus and its new policies and vision. If the chiefs of all 3 services and Mindef Secretary General take this as low priority, then the RMC shall perish as a successful system, created in 1952 to be part of nation building in producing future leaders. Even the late Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak used to chair the Board of Governors meeting, and such is the importance of RMC in the old days.

RMC Penthouse

There's a big ruckus about the Old Putera Association having their annual Buka Puasa ritual in a different venue than the Penthouse. "The Penthouse", as we call it, is the 3rd floor of the Old Putera Association building located in Saujana, Shah Alam. It is our den where we house our secretariat staff, hold our Exco meetings and conduct events, fully equipped with audio/visual gear, veranda space for about 100 pax. It also has a spacious lounge with soft leather sofas and glass cabinets to exhibit the many trophies and souvenirs received from influential leaders of the land. The walls are full with framed photos of fond memories and newspapers clips of Old Puteras.

A few months ago, the veranda was remodeled and renovated to keep it enclosed and enabled air conditioning. This veranda was also equipped with a bar. Now, there is a heavy discussion and debate on the E-List about the renovation of the segment and specifically the bar. I intend to convince the Executive Council to issue a statement.

The Strength of the Malays, PAS co-operating with UMNO & of Biotech competition in the south

Had an intellectual chat with a senior OP whom I highly respect. When I was 17, he was actually the first person lecturing my peers and I about the history of the Malacca sultanate, the special rights of the Malays and that we should not be ashamed of having that constitutional provision. He also instilled a sense of nationalism in our head and continuously reminded us that we have the responsibility to the nation to serve to lead.

Fast forward to 11 years later, I still see the same spirit in him when talking about the present political landscape. We both agreed that the provision in Article 153 of the Constitution has been opened to abuse by people driven by greed and lust of power. He agreed that race-based politics was by design not intention, that the colonial masters had established the system in such a way that the basis of politics is racial background. I personally think that we would see this trend diminish in the urban areas.

On the sensitivities among the non-Malays about Article 153, he argued that the non-Malays should not feel threatened as long as the policy is administered well. The Malays should be the ones protecting not only their interests but also ensuring that the entitlement for others is not compromised (with power comes great responsibility).

Malays who have been offered scholarships and have completed their studies must fulfill their contractual obligations. Those who were offered loans and defaulted should be punished severely for abusing the privilege. Same goes with leaders who flaunt openly with their wealth and mansions. The decline of moral in leaders and the Malaysian citizens is apparent. The respect of law and order has also diminished extensively. Mat rempits should be taken off the streets and forced to conduct community service or be sent to jail for rehab or labor work (this would reduce the need for foreign workers by 5% in the construction industry).

We also talked about our alma mater and the merits of relocation. He did convince me that relocation made some sense. First of all, the buildings that we have were not meant to last long. The walls of the dormitories are made of asbestos and the whole structure is slowly falling apart. The relocation would enable us to build something more resilient and relevant to current times. This should be a permanent feature and we must ensure that the construction is solid to avoid another relocation in 50 years. It should reflect the greatness of RMC but not too much that it pampers the boys too much. I'm just worried about the close proximity of the power lines. The old buildings should remain in the hands of RMC, not NDU. Allocation should also be put aside for the International Baccalaureate program. MCKK and TKC are the other 2 schools intending to implement the same system within the next few years.

On the poor participation among the young ones to give back, he agreed that youths are typically highly-driven and energetic. They should focus their energies and ideas into actions and also listen to wise old men for advice.

Other news:

• PAS cannot be taken lightly. With 83 seats compared to DAP's 73 and PKR's 40, it is the actual backbone of PR with 2 states under its belt. Why is it consulting with UMNO? Another crack in the coalition? Even Selangor PAS youths are giving the subtle hints.
• Meanwhile, is Malaysia Biotech Corp ready to take on Singapore? "One ground-breaking proposal is to let promising biotech firms list even if they do not have a financial track record. The move could make Singapore the first stop for such firms in Asia". That is a very bold and competitive move. How will we counter this and continue to attract investors?
• On food price increase: Even religious ceremonies were not spared.

38th AGM - SOS

For those interested in the developments of the new campus of RMC, it saddens me to announce that there is a good chance we will be moved to a new location. The new location is most probably the big piece of plot owned by the Malaysian Army, behind the hill with the water reservoir. The National Defence University is rumored to take over our present location. Highlights during the AGM:

• The proposal to implement IB program at RMC was accepted with luke warm response from all quarters.
  
• The Ministry has not been authorized to carry on with OPA's proposal although the Minister has, in principle, agreed to the proposal.
• The RM100M allocation for RMC will be mostly spent on construction, instead of man power and academic resources
• The Board of Governors no longer functions as a viable tool to steer the college to greater heights, especially with the fact that half of them are not OPs
  
• There is lack of political will to get the proposal implemented
• The weak leadership at RMC suggests that RMC has been 'maintaining' its status in academic and sports performance, not sliding down as quoted by many.

We will join BBGS, Alam Shah and other prominent schools who have moved to new locations, all in the name of development. Heritage and traditions are no longer virtues in today's society. Many OPs in the past fought hard to get this money approved. I do not wish to see the look on their faces when they find out that the money will be used for 'good' use.

Happy Father's Day and OPA 38th AGM

I didnt realize it was Father's Day today until I had checked my email and had received a lovely note from my beautiful wife and son (yes I'm in the middle of South China Sea and not really up to speed with the ongoings onshore). Happy Father's day to all Fathers out there and here's an article about what Jack Ford thought of his father, the 38th President of the United States.

On a different note, to all OPs (short for Old Puteras, which is a term we use for the Royal Military College graduates), our Annual General Meeting for 2008 will be on Saturday, 21st June 2008, 1030hrs at Shangri-La's Selangor Room, KL. I urge all OPs to attend and participate in the discussion which will encompass the following topics of interest (besides the usual items discussed during AGM):

• the allocation from Mindef for RMC for the construction of a new campus in Sg Besi
• the proposal to incorporate the International Baccalaureate program
• the proposal to restructure Board of Governors

Where are the OPs??

The kolek boys, normally ahead of the pack, are so proud of their old boys that they closely keep track of the ones elected as Wakil Rakyat. Where are the OPs????

Elected MCOBs - Election 2008
Announcements
Congratulations to the following MCOBs who have won their seats:
PARLIAMENT:
1 Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (BN) P32 GUA MUSANG (Class of 52)
2 Datuk Seri Mohamad Nazri Aziz (BN) P61 PADANG RENGAS (class of 71)
3 Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah(BN) P88 TEMERLOH (Class of 78)
4 Datuk Sri Hishammuddin Hussein (BN) P153 SEMBRONG (Class of 78)
5 Datuk Sharir Samad (BN) P160 JOHOR BAHRU (Class of 65)
6 Dato Kamarul Baharin Abbas, (PKR) P132 TELUK KEMANG (Class of 64)
7 Dato` Rashid Din, (PKR) P14 MERBOK (Class of 64)
8 Dr Mohd Hatta Mat Ramli(PAS) P31 KUALA KRAI (Class of 73)
9 Datuk Kamaruddin Jaafar (PAS) P19 TUMPAT (Class of 68)
STATE SEATS:
1 Zaabar Mohd Adib (BN) N26 Rantau Abang, Dungun (Class of 71)
2 Wan Abdul Hakim W Mokhtar(BN) N32 Air Putih,Kemaman( Class of 85)
3 Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid (BN) N16 Kamunting, Taiping (Class of 85)
4 Dr Nik Mazian Nik Mohamed(PAS) ,N32 Gaal, Pasir Putih(Class of 75)
5 Dr. Mohamad Taslim (PAS) N15 Maharani, Muar (Class of 68)
6 Iskandar Samad (PAS) N21 Chempaka, Pandan (Class of 78)
7 Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR) N32, Seri Setia, Kelana Jaya (Class of 99)
Selamat Berkhidmat

(Taken from MCOBA website).