10 questions… with Din Merican

Din Merican reminds me of Don Quixote – a chivalrous gentlemen out to right wrongs, and bring justice to the world. But Din, as he prefers to be called, does it a bit differently – he blogs.

Born in Alor Setar, Kedah in 1940, Din received his early education from Penang Free School and pursued his studies in economics at the University of Malaya. Later, armed with scholarships from the Kedah State and Bank Negara Malaysia, Din graduated from the George Washington School of Business and later on from George Washington University in the US.

Upon his return, Din served the Malaysian government as a Foreign Service Officer and in the Central Bank before making a move to industry and commerce.

Many may not be aware that Din was among the many unsung heroes who made Bersih back in 2007 such a success. He is still involved in the political scene today, advocating the universal values of fairness and justice, sharing his thoughts and incisive views through his blog.

Attached to the University of Cambodia, Din currently resides in Phnom Penh, while his lovely wife, Dr Kamsiah Haider lives in Malaysia. At 76, he may be thousands of miles away in a foreign land, but his heart has never left home.

I thank Din Merican for taking time to entertain my ten random questions.

Question 1: What are the three things that make you instantly happy?

Reading books on Politics, Economics and Political Science

Music

Blogging

 Question 2. As a child, what were your most challenging moments?

Studying for examinations; beating a tough football team; pleasing my mom.

Question 3. If you could enjoy unlimited storage for one thing, what would it be?

Books (economics, philosophy, politics and great novels).

Question 4. What is your definition of a perfect day?

One where I was able to accomplish everything I set out to do for that day well.

Question 5. Do you think Malaysian Muslims are undergoing Arabisation? If yes, why?

Yes. Because we are confused about who we are as a people.

Question 6. What are your thoughts about Malaysia’s dependence on foreign labour?

I think we should stop importing labour and make sure Malaysians work hard.

Question 7. What are the three biggest problems associated with Malaysian politics?
Corruption

An incompetent civil service

Lack of quality leadership

Question 8. Personally, who do you think would make a good Prime Minister of Malaysia?

No one. We need a man of integrity and honour like Tunku Abdul Rahman. We have a leadership crisis today. Why? Because we have no one with character to lead us.

Question 9. If you were trapped in a lift with Prime Minister Najib Razak, what would you do?

I would lecture and scold him. Maybe even say to his face that he is corrupt and a liar.

Question 10. What would you do if given a chance to lead Malaysia for one month?

I will put Najib and his corrupt cronies in jail and replace all incompetent civil servants and judges.


Source :  http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2016/02/26/10-questions-with-din-merican/