Let us focus on being k-citizens

R.R
New Straits Times
11-08-2000
Let us focus on being k-citizens
Byline: R.R
Edition: Main/Lifestyle; 2*
Section: Letters
Type: Letter

I AM proud to be a citizen of Malaysia, whose country is at peace and practises racial tolerance, has caring families and a Government which tries to help its people reach greater heights of economic success.

Its latest effort is to inculcate the concept of the knowledge- based economy in the mindset of Malaysians.
To do our part, citizens of Malaysia must become k-citizens, or knowledgeable citizens. A k-citizen is literate, able to read, write and use the computer.

Next, he needs to learn his religion - the scriptures, meanings and practices. He should apply his religion in his mannerisms, thoughts and actions. He is then a knowledgeable citizen. Yet, his knowledge is not enough.

He should know his country - its people, history, geography and art. He must mix with other races while being true to his religion, despair at his ancestors' foolishness, be proud of their courage, and appreciative of his and his friends' culture.

Now, he is a k-citizen. To make such a man is a mammoth task, yet his knowledge is still shallow. Initiative is the key to unlocking further knowledge. The tools - libraries, universities and the Internet, for example - are here, and getting cheaper.

With all this knowledge, it is hoped that he can see that others are not so fortunate; some are envious; while others are downright malicious.

This is the beginning of wisdom. (To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe. - Marilyn Vos Savant).

Some of us prefer to be workers of nine-to-five jobs. We are content and realise that there are other things more pleasing than wearing a suit until 10pm - how to bake the perfect cake or how to make a lovelier home.

The younger generation may scorn such at domesticity. However, the sole use of their knowledge to enhance their careers is abusive to their health - mental, emotional, if not physical. In their world, homes become showpieces, and friends are closer than family.

Meanwhile, the fever for, and the envy of, such material success has provoked social unrest - broken relationships - which leads to further mental and physical abuse.

This is the result of partial search and knowledge application. A little knowledge can be harmful. I believe, knowledge, to be at peace with itself inside a being, must encompass many subject matters. A little knowledge can produce an extremist.

An extremist is dangerous to himself and society. The knowledge that he has consumes him and he acts without limit nor caution.

I think that one of the dangers in promoting a knowledge-based economy and globalisation is their implied emphasis on knowledge for work purposes and hence material gain, and their indifference in the pursuit of knowledge for social and emotional gain.

We want to be proud yet humble citizens of a developed country, not selfish ones.

Fortunately, many individuals have begun to realise the importance of a broad-based education system (focusing on overall development of the individual and not exam-orientated).

Basically, parents and teachers have 11 years to instil in their children the 3Ms (manners, morals and morale), a thirst for knowledge, and a craving for wisdom. Easier said than done?

R.R Shah Alam

(Copyright 2000)