Malaysiana - Doing It Right, Doing It Wrong Poem by john tiong chunghoo

are they doing right?
or are they doing it wrong?
yes educate them
make them thinkers
and after that make them fighters
throw them into the ring
and see how they fend for themselves
and help expand the economic cake
the nep works
in the number of brains it helps to develop
the number of fighters it helps to mould
it should stop after one gets the degree
the chinese dad always tells the child
'That's my best gift for you. Now
go and fend for yourself.'
help the farmers
help the less privileged
but stops at those who have
gotten the best education
jail those who refuse to pay back for
what they have gotten out of their education
the money they have taken from the taxpayers pockets
for they have forgotten why they have been
enjoying the special privilege
- to make sure they advance
- and that others too have the opportunity to advance

(this is basically a Malaysian poem written for Malaysians)