Things Change vs Change Things

Have you seen the re-print of the historical pre-Merdeka Straits Times newspaper?

Thats right. In the run-up to Merdeka Day, the NST is re-printing its pre-Merdeka editions (beginning 25th August to 31 August, 1957). They are given free of charge to readers of the NST.

I think it's a novel idea.

It provides for an interesting read, allowing for present-day Malaysians to catch a glimpse of the times gone by. In this particular case, the times when we were preparing to announce to the world that - after a long struggle - we are at last a fee nation.

My daughter, Sakinah, noted that the advertisements are interesting. But it was "kinda' weired", she observed.

The reason for her remark was because currently un-heard of products like Walpamur paint, Fraser & Neave drinks, and Doug's Clotted Cream were featured quite prominently. And so were Campbell's Frozen Soup and Vitacup chocolate drink (but for me, the pictures and illustrations that go with ads are so interesting and classics to my eyes).

No doubt, fifty years ago these products must have been the 'in-thing' and the 'must-haves'. Today, they are almost alien to the current generation like my daughter.

After fifty-odd years, things have changed in Malaysia too; socio-economically, culturally, and politically.

But the question is: what influence have we exerted to change things for the better?

As time passes by, whether we are ready for it or not, things WILL change. Sometimes - if we were lucky - for the better. But sometimes, far from it.

Those who are winners and the leaders amongst us change things. They take charge. And they make things happen. They are not ones to just sit back and let things pass by aimlessly, and left to luck alone.

End