Sunday, December 25, 2005

Past Promise to Dictate Future Decision

"My father made me promise not to sell the bullock cart in order to ensure we will have a public transportation system and continuous income," said Awtar.

"But the City Hall authorities no more issue such permits for bullock carts on road?".

"Ya, but that's a promise I made 30 years ago and I have to keep my promise."

"My great grandfather said that HP must be maintained within the Hewlett and Parkard family."

"But the world had evolved and we would not survive?"

"Never mind! That's a promise my grandfather made and I must keep it."

"My chairman made a promise 30 years ago not to sell MAS building."

"But the times had changed and we are near to bankruptcy now?"

"Well, you must keep your promise even if it meant to sustain the bankruptcy. That's what a promise is!"

"Is that true?"

The world had evolved and business today will not be what it had been yesterdecade. Globalization and liberalization had changed the landscape of business behaviors and competition burgeoned to levels that determines the survival of the fittests and leanest. Decide what you want and tell your grandfather about it.

"... the impact of Globalization and Competition is like an incoming tide, flowing our estuaries and up our rivers, which could not be held back."

"No longer is Globalization and Competititon an incoming tide flowing up the estuaries. It is now like a tidal wave bringing down our sea wall and flowing inland over our fields and houses - to the dismay of all."

(Adapted from the speech of Lord Denning, quoted in The Independent & Cossick's "The Ebb & Flow of Lord Denning.)

1 comment:

Howsy said...

Hi Dr. Yeoh (I believe I haven't addressed you once that). Happy Boxing Day and Happy New Year 2006.

Was catching up some local news over whilst on tour here and saw that there was the same denial syndrome for the MAS fiasco. First, the paintings were to 'jaga muka'. Then, the Chairman defended the buyings. And then, some so-called art-lovers defended him (Hello-we're talking about millions of losses here-imagine Ethopia buying those paintings to 'upbring their image' and 'to love art). Then, now their going after the e-mail whistle-blower for exposing the costs of the paintings.
Sigh! Is there a better future for Malaysia in 2006, you reckon?