ReMag – 2#

Invisible yet noticeable

Do you sense it?

A topic that has been much debated regardless of geographic location whether in parliament, in
newspapers, in normal café or even in mamak stalls – Brain Drain.

The history of brain drain started in Spain during the 16 th Century, where the Jews and Moors were
expelled due to their domination over the country’s financial service. This “brain migration” slowly
followed by the Huguenot exodus from France in the 17th century, Antisemitism in pre-WWII in Europe,
Eastern Bloc brain drain crisis and many more. The list will continue to roll on and on. However, let’s
put this aside, what about Malaysia?

What will you say?

So much can be say, but nonetheless, examples will be the best evidence. Recently, the newly
appointed Australia Finance Minister, Penny Wong is a Malaysian. Shocking? No, not at all. Statistics
have proved that approximately 140, 000 Malaysian left the country in 2007. Between March 2008 and
August 2009 itself, the figure doubled the initial number to 305,000. Well, if you have time, take a look
in Wikipedia. Malaysia stands proudly as the only country listed in the Asia Pacific region for heavy brain
drain.

Don’t blame me!

When this happened, most of the Malaysians abroad will often be labeled as “traitors” to the nation,
“takde patriotism” by many parties, but the most significant is probably by the ruling government. Have
we ever asked ourselves why? Why it happened? Do we know why we stay in a country?

It is the sense of being wanted, needed and appreciated that make people stay in foreign lands. Back
here, the unfair treatment, the mindset of the country and the various constraints in advancement pull
the talented Malaysian off. They feel they are discriminated as compare in overseas, they are judged by
their capabilities and abilities, not their skin color or religion. They do not feel needed and valued in
their own motherland, so why remain here?

We have heard many stories of successful Malaysian, creating names for themselves in the eyes of the
world. For example, the renowned fashion designer Jimmy Choo and his son Danny Choo in the anime
industry. That is not all. The Star newspaper even featured successful Malaysian living abroad. Many
have found fame, financial independence and satisfactions in another land. Do we provide that? Tepuk
dada, tanye selera.

A young bud’s perspective

Sometimes, I think that students should be given a chance to speak in the parliament. We will be the
energy source that will power the nation in years to come but we are deprived the freedom to speak out
and to share our views. In most cases, new policies implemented are decided by the older generation,
where they might not fully understand the current demands and conditions of today’s world.

If I am in the parliament now, I will say:

“ Good morning to all the honorable senators. I feel really blessed to have a chance to be here to present
my thoughts on Brain Drain. I believe that all of us, the youngsters, have a small seed in our hearts that
one day; we will use back all that we have learned and contribute back to the society. Sadly, this seed is
often not watered and nurtured, due to many external and internal reasons. There are many factors
contributing to this and perhaps the most prominent reason will be education.

Arguments always arise in distribution of scholarships, especially the JPA scholarships. Heated debates
arise every year and have become a common phenomenon in newspapers. Transparency of scholarship
allocation often been questioned by many parties. Brilliant students who failed to obtain the scholarship
tend to resolve by blaming and claiming that unjustification present in selection of scholars. The opaque
process combine with the lack of clear explanations cause these bright students to doubt the
government. This can further result in anger and hatred toward the government. The poor little seed
could not bloom and blossom into a big tree; instead it is cruelly stripped off its precious life.

I hope that someday, the tiny seed can grow into love – love for the country…… “