Koon Swan's Talk

(Today's headlines in many Chinese papers is on Mr Tan Koon Swan (陈群川), the charismatic but unfortunate former MCA president. His then prosecutor in Singapore, Glenn Knight confessed that he actually made a mistake when prosecuting him that eventually sent him to Changi jail. Many past memories suddenly come back to me. I intend to write an article on Koon Swan who is one of my most revered and respected Malaysian Chinese leader.  Hoosin, Sept 11, 2012)

Koon Swan's Talk

On the 26th May, I attended a talk by Tan Koon Swan, the disgraced 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 Reforms for direction”. Here reform refers more to mindset change in the Chinese community.  He however touched on a number of topics.

Firstly, he talked about the economy.  He noted that Malaysians have endured nearly four years of economic slowdown. His advice: be patience and keep a cool head.  Let this be am opportunity for us to build up our defence and prepare for the next boom.  He believes that economic recovery will come, 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 fortunes--the time when he was jailed in Singapore following the infamous Pan Electric crisis.

In time of difficulty, he said, we must not be fearful(不怕), not be disturb (不乱) and not be hasty (不急)，but instead using our reason and wisdom to deal with any problems. 

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 Chinese school teacher shortage to highlight the present Chinese value system which is dominated by materialistic  pursuits. We do not respect or value the role of teachers any more.  Parents tend to find faults with teachers.  Every Chinese will readily proclaim his love for the Chinese education but 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 jewellery, clothing, bread,water and air in that order.

The least important item for our survival is jewellery which is 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 who urged the frogs saying that nothing is impossible so long as they have the will, the frogs were determined to emulate the swallows -- to fly to far away destinations. Eventually they devised a plan to fly i.e. using a light piece of stick where the frogs would be positioned at the centre and flanked by the swallows. All of them would have to bite the stick tightly.  Should anyone open his big mouth, he shall fall and perish! After several attempts and practice, the plan really worked and they were set to begin their great expedition.  One group of frogs and accompanying swallows started to fly and headed east. Once launched, what a magnificent take off! The spectators burst out their applause!  So elated and proud of their achievement, as the applause grew louder, this group could not help and they 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 a hostile spectators who jeered and ridiculed them.  So strong was the criticism and condemnation that this group finally could not stand the pressure and they too opened their big mouth to protest.  And they too fell and perished! 
The third group which headed south was successful in their launch and they were oblivious of all the praises and criticisms that greeted them. They were determined to proceed with their venture, ignoring the responses of the spectators.  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.

Or another lesson could be that we should often keep our big mouths shut.

The other story he told was centred around a dream. He said he dreamt he was at the court of Justice Pao in the ancient District of Kaifeng. He saw Dr Ling Liong Sik leading his group of people, he also saw Lim Ah Lek leading his group of supporters, he saw the third group led by Lim Keng Yaik and also the fourth group led by Lim Kit Siang. The four groups were arguing vociferously their case in front of Justice Pao.  Justice Pao was in a dilemma and he consulted one of his advisors.  His advisor said, ”There is difficulty in judging a family affairs.  After all these are all from the Lim family!”  While still engrossed in his dream, he heard someone calling his name,”Koon Swan, Koon Swan!” As the calls got louder, he was awaken to see that that someone who woke him was none other then Dr Neo Yee Pan(his political nemesis)!

As a devoted Christian, he told of the journey of the Jews.  He said God directed Moses to lead them to a tough journey through the desert. Their aim was to establish their own country in Israel.  He said the journey should have taken only 11 days but because the people kept on quarreling and squabbling, deriving so much dissent and unhappiness that when they finally arrived, it was to be 4 hundred 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
29 May, 2001
Penang





















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