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Received on 30 May 2001 On the 26th May, I attended a talk by Tan Koon Swan, the former MCA leader. He is now a man leading a low profile life and devoted much of his time in church work. The talk was held at Wisma MCA in Ampang Park, Kuala Lumpur. His talk was entitled "Asking Reform For Direction". Here reform refers more to mindset change in the Chinese community. He however touched on a number of other topics. Firstly, he talked about the economy. He noted that Malaysians have endured nearly four years of economic slowdown. His advice is to be patience and keep cool, it never fails to come. It is only a matter of time. He said, if winter is here, can spring be far away! He even offered some of his experiences when he was at the lowest of his fortune, the time when he was jailed in Singapore following the infamous Pan Electric crisis. On political issues, he believes that political instability will bring about chaos and economic upheavals. He reckons that history has a habit of repeating itself. On the present leadership tussle in MCA, he said that the story line is still the same, the only difference is the casts! He also talked about the problem of national unity and how to resolve racial issues in a rational manner. He opined that the reality of a multi-racial, multi-cultural society is a destiny which all of us must accept. It is just like we cannot choose our family members, we must live with them and make the best of it. Again we must use our common sense and wisdom to solve national problems. On Chinese mindset reforms, he mentioned the problem of teacher shortage in Chinese schools to highlight the present Chinese value system dominated by materialism. Although the love for Chinese education is readily proclaimed, very few people are willing to let their children to be trained as teachers. This must change. He then touched on the irony of the situation whereby the more important things in our life turn out to be the least expensive. For instance, we can compare the cost of the following: our jewelry, clothing, bread, water and air in that order. The least important item for our survival is jewelry but the most expensive. In the course of his talk, he interspersed with several anecdotes and stories. Just listen to this: the case of the flying frogs. The frogs in the north had always admired the ability of the swallows to fly south at the change of season. Upon the encouragement of the swallows thaturged the frogs saying that nothing is impossible so long as they have the will, they were determined to emulate! After several attempts and practice, the plan really worked and they were set to begin their great expedition. One group of frogs started to fly and headed east. Once launched, what a magnificent takeoff! The spectators burst out their applause! So elated and proud of their achievement as the applause grew louder, this group could not help and shouted "Hurrah!". And so they fell and perished. The second group set off to the west, Equally successful in their endeavour, they were however greeted by hostile spectators who jeered and ridiculed them. So strong was the criticism and condemnation that this group finally could not stand the pressure, fell and perished. The third group of frogs were determined to proceed with their venture, ignoring the responses of the spectators, all the praises and criticisms that greeted them. And they made it! The moral of the story: if we think we are doing the right thing, we should not weaver but to proceed regardless of all the applause and criticisms and should always keep our big mouths shut. The other story he told was centred around a dream. He said he dreamt of the court of Justice Pao in Kaifeng, ancient capital of China. He saw Dr Ling Liong Sik, Mr Lim Ah Lek, Dr Lim Keng Yaik and Mr Lim Kit Siang, each leading a group of supporters. The four groups were arguing vociferously their cases in front of the Justice Pao. Justice Pao was in a dilemma was because he was at a loss. He did not have an idea of dissolving the dispute. And the aide reminded him that it is quite difficult to adjudge a family dispute. After all they were all from the same family (as you know Ling and Lim are the same surname in Chinese)! While still engrossed in his dream, Mr Tan heard someone calling his name, Koon Swan, Koon Swan! As the calls got louder, he was awaken to see that someone who woke him was none other then Dr Neo Yee Pan! As a devoted Christian, he told of the journey of the Jews. He said God directed Moses to lead the Jews to a tough journey through the desert. Their aim was to establish their own country, squabbling and deriving so much dissent and unhappiness that when they finally arrived, it was to be forty years later! Since Koon Swan is such a controversial and charismatic corporate and political figure who had gone through more than his fair share of ups and downs, his talk attracted a big turnout that filled and spilled the hall. After all this is his first public talk in more than ten years. As it turned out, it was real worthwhile for the audience. It was obvious to me that all of them were well entertained and no less enlightened. Lian Hoosin |