The differences between North Korea and Malaysia

Malaysia is a democracy. North Korea is a communist state. So what is the difference?

Propaganda songs

Motivational propaganda songs are sung with religious zeal or blasted-out on construction sites, to boost worker productivity.

Older Malaysians recall that during the 80s, nationalist songs were constantly played on TV and radio.

Lavish displays of food

While many North Koreans go hungry, the communist élite dine on imported delicacies and drink.

Think politician’s open houses where the lavish display of food, gives the impression of wealth and excess. For those who don’t know, food is often served in a government department, when the tender requirements for a contract are being discussed. Food paid for by you, the taxpayer. 

Education

Children of the North Korean élite can afford to study overseas. The pampered child knows little about the sufferings of poorer children.

In Malaysia, good education is guaranteed to children of the élite Umno-Baruputras, many of whom are not aware that children in rural areas have no proper schools and are starving.

Playing games

While most children enjoy playing war games with Playstation, Dr Kim Jong-un (honorary doctorate awarded by HELP university)  toys around with live missiles, from his massive arsenal of weaponry, which includes nuclear weapons. 

At least North Korea’s submarines can dive. We had massive problems with our Scorpene submarines. Does anyone know what has happened to the Scorpenes?

Siege mentality

The sense of isolation in North Korea is heightened when its citizens are told that they are surrounded by enemies and they must give their utmost loyalty and obedience to their Supreme Leader, to protect them.

Malays are told that their race is under siege, their culture and religion need defending, and the underlying theme is that only Umno-Baru (and PAS!) can protect the Malays.

Workforce

The workforce of communist North Korea has limited production capability, because its workers have no real incentives to work harder.

With the New Economic Policy (NEP) and Ketuanan Melayu, there are few incentives for Malays to be productive.

State provision from cradle to grave

All that a North Korean could possibly want, is provided for him by the state; from cradle to grave. His schooling, the food he eats, and his job are provided. As long as he accepts what the system offers and is not critical, he is fine.

At a petty traders and small business owners’ gathering at Dataran Merdeka, in 2012, Najib Abdul Razak reminded petty traders of BN’s role and said, “Ask yourself, who has been defending you all this while? Who gave you microcredit? Who gave infrastructure for small-time traders? None other than the Barisan Nasional (BN).

Uniforms

The grey, drab uniforms of the high ranking officials of North Korea, reminds us that they belong to an élite group of people.

At special occasions, members of Umno-Baru wear identical shirts, reminding us that they are also a cut above the rest.

Elections

Malaysia is a democracy but the top two positions in Umno-Baru are not contestable. Cheating in the country’s general election returns the same party every five years, so how different is this to the one party system of the communist countries?

Dynasties 

Three generations of the Kim family have ruled North Korea with an iron fist.

Some Malaysian politicians aim to emulate this success.

Mistresses

The men in the Kim dynasty are infamous for their mistresses and recently, Dr Kim is alleged to have ordered the execution of his mistress, to assuage his wife’s anger. Malaysian mistresses? Good Muslim men don’t  have mistresses, right?

Punishment for corruption

The parallels between communism and Umno-Baruism are obvious., but the one lesson at which the communists excel, which Umno-Baru is unable to learn, is the manner in which corrupt politicians and party officials are punished.