generation-X

The Star's R.AGE wants to delve deep into why the older generation don't understand the younger generation and vice versa so what they've done is "invited the “adults” to pose their one question to our youths, the Facebook-Twitter-iPod generation who has never known VHS or cassettes or Atari (and defined them as those below 29)". So now it is up to you (if you are under 29) to answer the questions posed by politicians, artistes, fashion designers, activists etc and prove to them we are not as apathetic as they think we are. And if you're over 29 and feel left out, add in your own questions! Or answer them anyway! Send in your responses to alltherage@thestar.com.my and your answers will be featured on the R.AGE website.

here are few responses given by politicians/celebrities/writers/activists/educationers.

Jit Murad, Playwright and Actor - What things about us seem unfair to you?
That you've got all your stuff figured out - who you are and what you want to continue to be.

Zainal Abidin, Singer - What is the definition of an artiste?
Those who have passion in whatever they do.

Shebby Singh, Football commentator/pundit -There are many things that can motivate us, but that is different from what our own motivation is. What is your motivation, and why?
"Always try your best" because I dont know other motivations thats more right for us/me to do. And chocolates.

Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, CEO Air Asia - What will it take for you as the youth to think ‘Malaysian’ first and Chinese/Malay/Indian next?
What a super question. I think youth will accept that if the older generation dont even use it as scapegoat. Alhamdulillah, I don't think I'm racist. hehe.

Dr. Irene Fernandez, Tenaganita Director/Human Rights Activist - If you were elected into power, what three immediate changes would you make?
1. Have more chocolate shops 2. Make the mamas happy (then whole family happy) - let them go spa and shop 3. Role reversal of typical husband and wife at least one week in a month just for both parties to understand each other more. Nah kidding. Maybe 1. Have harsher punishment on criminals as hard as also having heavy rehabilitation for those in jails for jails not to be only temporary housing for these troubled people 2. Secure employment and have minimal wage for all especially with family to secure their ability to sustain themselves 3. Heavy focus on how teachers and parents impact the kids not only for maths and science but good-will and respecting others.

Datuk Dr Jemilah Mahmood, MERCY Malaysia President - How important is it to you to put aside time for voluntary work in the community, whether locally or globally?
I thought I was doing some of the voluntary work for them then I realised I am actually doing it for me. Selfish, I know. Cause then you are humbled by them, you figure hey I can do something as one tiny person and get to realise whoever you're helping is actually you if you're in their situation.. I don't know, sometimes I need that knock on the insides.

Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Women, Family and Community Development Minister - Are you ready for gender equality?
Just waiting for others to catch up.

Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister -If you were the Penang Chief Minister, what is the one policy action you would take to the people?
To continue promote their food. hehe. It's popular here amongst tourists.

Dr Adeeba Kamaruzzaman, Malaysian AIDS Council President -If there’s one thing you would change about school, what would it be?
Teachers and their passion in teaching and sculpting kids. Do you know how big that is? Super planet big!

Datuk Yasmin Yusuff, Artiste - Do you believe only the young can speak to the young?
Yes. The oldies can only do it if they know how to do it right.

JJ, Hitz FM Radio Announcer - We had games like Chopping, Kunda Kundi, Catching, Five Stone, Galah Panjang, Police and Thief and many more. What games bring you out of the house?
I play kejar kejar with adik adik, we sprint up the hill and run with family. We also feed fishies and bunuh ular that comes to our house cause we're scared. Fun huh :)

Zang Toi, Fashion Designer - What fresh new ideas do the young generation have to help solve global economy crisis and world peace ?
Make fair trade and don't masok campur other country's administation business unless you see genocide/massive killing/violation of human rights.

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, Former De Facto Law Minister - Do you care who your leaders are?
I do, but I don't look it.

Khalid Samad, Shah Alam MP - What are the characteristics of good governance and what is your role in ensuring that these characteristics are truly embodied by the government of the day?
Whoa, need an essay for this one. Transparency and accountability. My role is to gawk at them I suppose.

Camelia, Singer - What do you think is a good age for a young person to leave home?
Age has nothing to do with maturity so I say that would be different for every case.

Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, President Limkowing University of Creative Technology - Do you feel that creativity (or freedom to express oneself creatively) is sufficiently encouraged in this country?
No! It is stunted. Every one cares about being doctors, engineers, teachers, economist (not that this is all bad, of course) but our culture seems to look down on the other side automatically. Why? Here in Australia no matter what you do they don't really care as long as you love your job and you're good at it. That's why there's always innovation on ALL sectors.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister - How would you like to see Malaysia in the future?
Independent, good, stable. Also healthy competition between government and opposing parties.

Patrick Teoh, Actor - Why are so many young Malaysians apparently so apolitical?
They love movies, music and friends more.

Yasmin Ahmad, Film director - What is the best thing about being in a multi-racial country? Surely, this is easy - FOOD !

Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim, Historian - Do you think lecturers in a university should learn to be more effective teachers?
Some of them really already are, those who's innit for the wrong reasons might not be "effective".

Hishamuddin Rais, Writer - Should the young know who is Tun Sri Lanang, A.Samad Ismail, Usman Awang, Victor Hugo, Tagore, Lu Xun or Tolstoy?
I know who A. Samad Ismail, Usman Awang and Tolstoy are. I will read up on the others. So the answer is yes.

Ujang, Cartoonist - What do you understand about the importance of loving rivers and the environment?
Pemanasan global.

Datuk Faridah Merican, Executive Producer KLPAC - What is the most important thing about being a young Malaysian?
That I am not ashamed of being one.



just to list a few. the MALAYSIANS.