Who am I?

Have you ever wondered what to expect from the implementation of the MyKad? Were you very excited to change your IC to the technologically sound MyKad? In the beginning, I thought the government was doing something worth applauding. Then again, does it pave the way for the 'mark of the beast' prophecy to be fulfilled earlier? No, it will not be earlier, it has been predestined but this is not the issue of the day. What caught my attention about MyKad was rather humorous and humiliating. Before I go on, let me stress some issues regarding privacy. Only last semester, did I write a paper on individual's privacy vs. national security and referenced it to a number of other research papers including a thesis on MyKad by a lecturer. Utilising technology to ease our everyday life may seem like the best thing to do. The convergence of technology and practicality seems like the aim of many today. The question is, would it ensure better security on the part of an individual's right to protect his or her personal information? In other words, would it make your life easier?

I personally think that proper utilisation of technology will certainly help make life easier, not to forget make us lazier in a sense. When we saw the government's initiative to bring MyKad into the lives of every citizen, we thought "Wow! now we are an advanced, technology-savvy nation.". Well we may be wrong. After all these years of trying to implement it, the government has failed miserably. Look at the inefficiencies that the system has to offer. The platform is not ready to support such high technology. Another question just popped up in my head, "Is the MyKad that high tech?". Among the many problems that plague the implementation the MyKad, some have been obviously ridiculous. Lately, my relative wanted to change the old IC to a MyKad. Being so eager to kill 2 birds with one stone, Aunt A went back to Sitiawan. The silliest of events concerning the MyKad happened. The officer in charged said something like, "Oh, sini tak boleh buat MyKad jenis ini kerana sistem komputer disini tak secanggih yang di Kuala Lumpur." Silly, if the government is to complete the implementation, I could not understand why the computerised systems are not standardised. Apparently, the most logical explanation would be that since there are no tolls in Sitiawan, there is no need to have a system that could produce MyKads that have a Touch 'n' Go function. We too have read about policemen not accepting the MyKad as a valid driver’s license although it contains the relevant data.

Alright this is the humorous and also humiliating thing. Just today, in the Comments section of The Star, a pastor comments about the inefficiency of the MyKad. The pastor of a Methodist Church is registered as a Buddhist?! This is not acceptable. There are various problems in this one issue. Firstly, if the application form clearly stated the religion as Kristian, there should be no reason his religion is registered as otherwise. The NRD's reason? If your father is registered as a Bhuddist you are also a Bhuddist. I thought we have the rights to practice freedom of religion? Doesn't the constitution says so, does it? It make me feel as if someone in the government is charting out life's plan. Secondly, in order to 'correct' the 'mistake' the pastor had to pay RM20 and was told to make a declaration!? I'm speechless. It a tragedy that we have to pay to correct someone's mistake in Malaysia. Well, you thought all justice have been done? No! After paying and declaring, his MyKad still reads Bhuddist. Sack those lazy bums in the government! He wasn't the only unlucky one. Five persons including him from a group of ten were registered as Buddhist, they are actually practicing Christians.

Thirdly, there should never be such a precedent based system that enlist your personal information based on your father's. Imagine, if your father is a Ayah Pin follower, gosh, what are you now? Agama: Sky Kingdom. That would look cool but you have to play hide-and-seek everyday. I end with a long and rather funny quote from the pastor, "My father died and was buried a Christian. I suppose he registered his religion with God but forgot to do so with the National Registration Department. He died before MyKad was introduced."

Ps:This post does not intend to condemn any persons, religion or parties. It is purely intended to highlight the shortcomings that are prevalent in our society today. Some expressions of the author has been exaggerated, they are in italics.

Are you are who you are?
or
Are you who they say you are?