Rude People Will Not Be Successful in Life!

 

There are at least 5 reasons why rude people will not be successful in life.  These five compelling reasons suggest why rudeness and success simply do not go hand in hand:

1. Deterioration of Relationships

One of the main reasons why rude people will face countless hurdles in life is because of "burnt bridges". Rude behaviour often leads to strained relationships, both personally and professionally. People naturally gravitate towards positivity and kindness, while rudeness pushes them away. When individuals consistently display rude behaviour, they alienate themselves from potential allies, mentors, and collaborators. The deterioration of relationships inhibits growth opportunities, limits networking prospects, and ultimately hampers success.

A study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that individuals who consistently displayed rude behaviour experienced significant negative impacts on their professional relationships, leading to decreased productivity and lower career advancement opportunities. 

Source: https://www.wikihow.com

2. Lack of Cooperation and Teamwork

Success in any field often requires effective cooperation and teamwork. Rude individuals struggle to foster positive working environments and are unable to inspire collaboration among their peers. Their disrespectful demeanour creates a hostile atmosphere that hinders creativity, innovation, and productivity. Consequently, their inability to work well with others impedes their progress and limits their chances of achieving success.

Research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology highlighted that employees who experienced rude behaviour from their superiors or colleagues were less likely to engage in helpful behaviours or provide support to others within the organization.

3. Negative Reputation

One of the main reasons why rude people will fail is because they choose to be "notorious". In today’s interconnected world, reputation is everything. Rude individuals often develop a negative reputation that precedes them in both personal and professional settings. Word spreads quickly, and potential employers, clients, or partners are likely to think twice before engaging with someone known for their rudeness. A tarnished reputation can significantly hinder career prospects and limit success in various aspects of life.

A study conducted by the University of California found that individuals with a negative reputation due to rude behaviour faced substantial difficulties in securing job offers and forming successful business partnerships.

4. Emotional Intelligence Deficiency

Rude people commonly lack emotional intelligence, which is crucial for effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Emotional intelligence entails understanding and managing emotions, both their own and those of others. Individuals who struggle in this area find it challenging to build meaningful connections or resolve conflicts peacefully. This deficiency hampers personal growth and limits success in various social and professional domains.

Multiple studies have shown a strong positive correlation between emotional intelligence and job performance, indicating that individuals with higher emotional intelligence tend to achieve greater success in their careers.

5. Self-Sabotage

Ultimately, rude people often engage in self-sabotaging behaviour that impedes their own progress. This is one of the main reasons why they find it difficult to be successful in whatever they do. Their inability to control their temper or communicate respectfully undermines their potential for success. Whether it be missed opportunities, damaged relationships, or lost credibility, their actions consistently hinder their own advancement.

In conclusion, the negative consequences of rudeness on personal and professional success are undeniable. From deteriorating relationships to a damaged reputation, rude individuals face significant barriers in their pursuit of success. As we strive for personal growth and fulfilment, it is crucial to distance ourselves from rude people and surround ourselves with positivity instead. By embracing kindness, empathy, and respect, we enhance our chances of achieving long-lasting success. 

Reference:

5 Reasons Why Rude People Will Not Be Successful in Life, Tekkaus, 10 August 2023

Structural Issues and the 13th Malaysia Plan (“Plan”)

 

Amidst the “old wine in a new bottle”, Malaysia faces structural issues not addressed in the Plan. Malaysia’s GDP was RM 1.8 trillion in 2023, Sarawak’s GDP was RM 142.35 billion, and Sabah’s GDP was RM 111.9 billion. 

 

A major part of Malaysia’s formal economy is controlled by the government through government linked companies or GLCs. These GLCs control around 55 percent of the market economy.  GLCs are primarily rent-seeking and profit orientated organizations. GLC operations are aided by regulated monopolies, oligopolies, or restricted markets based upon legislated barriers of entry to other competitors. The primary objective of GLCs is to provide the maximum dividends as possible to the government to assist in financing the annual budget.

Although a major part of the private sector is over-run by GLCs, banking, finance, and communications, much of the private sector is based upon long established firms that have grown up over the last 70 years. Most of these firms are in service industries, although there is some manufacturing, construction and agriculture enterprises. Many firms that participate in construction and utilities are politically connected.

 

Foreign investment is primarily focused upon labour-intensive industries, although Penang has successfully developed a chip manufacturing cluster. Overall, very few firms are innovative. Issues of equity/ownership also surface. NEP is still an on-going exercise, which provides the brakes for any growth initiative.

 

Economists insufficiently pay attention to Malaysia’s informal sector. Most of the workforce are either self-employed sole proprietorships or work in MSMEs employing between 2-5 people in agriculture, small manufacturing, or retail activities. These ventures are not sufficiently capitalized, run on ‘hand to mouth’ finance. These firms are based upon low technology, low levels of innovation and think only in the short term. 

 

Malaysia’s formal workforce is made up of approximately 15 million people. According to statistics in 2019, 15.5 percent or 1.7 million worked in government. GLCs employed around 1.3 million people. Wage improvements are pegged to government announcements for the public sector, rather than competitive pressures.

 

As a result of the clearly divided economic sectors in Malaysia, there is a three-tier labour market. Dirty and dangerous low paying jobs done by foreign guest workers, which Malaysians will not work in. The second sector of the labour market is where Malaysians primarily occupy. This runs from semi-skilled right up to corporate managerial positions.

 

The second professional tier is now coming under threat from computerisation, automations, and now artificial intelligence (AI), which is rapidly taking away jobs. This can be seen within the banking sector, and even fast-food outlets where ordering and e-payment systems allows for the reduction of staff at outlet level.

 

The third sector is within the informal sector, where there are no minimum wages and conditions. Those under-employed or not working are not counted in official figures. 

 

Education in general is hindered by the focus upon religious studies, where recent surveys have shown that students spend up to 67 percent of their school time on religious studies. Students in Malaysia are falling behind other countries in the region which focus firmly on STEM subjects.

 

Bank lending practices prevent many MSMEs from obtaining loans to commence or expand their businesses. Lack of collateral is a major issue. Sourcing raw materials for many types of manufacturing, especially where firms develop their own unique products (innovation) is often very difficult where it is required to import large quantities of materials firms can’t finance. This is a major hinderance to the ability of firms to innovate, due to lack of resources.

 

Malaysia’s Cabotage Policy restricts foreign vessels participating in domestic shipping activities in Malaysia, means that firms in Sabah and Sarawak must first send their goods to a port in peninsula Malaysia before shipments can be exported. This makes the cost of potential products cultivated or manufactured in Borneo prohibitive internationally, and vice versa. This prevents Sabah and Sarawak exporting competitively to South-East Asia, especially the coast of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This prohibits the growth of export based agricultural industries.

 

GLCs have a management problem. There is a public service culture within many GLCs, where there is little passion for the business by employees. Great enterprises are built on passion, which is sorely absent in some GLCs. This prevents innovation and improvements in productivity.

 

The level of corruption within the Malaysian economy is still high, due to the large number of government-driven business. Connections and favoured clients/suppliers/contractors prevent open and competitive market practices. This also increases the cost of products and services.

 

Wages are in real decline leading to a greater divide between the rich and poor. This is putting pressure on the middle class that grew from the 1990s onwards. The growth of the middle class is slowing due to real wage stagnation.

 

So, there are structural issues like equity holdings, productivity, innovation, pre-ponderance of GLCs and endemic corruption which are not fully addressed. And finally, implementation or execution of plans. It is easier to set targets than to implement them. There is need for an annual review rather than mid-term (review) as practised currently.  Course correction is necessary with growing uncertainties in the marketplace globally. But of course, it is better to plan than not to plan at all!

 

References:

Structural Issues Within the Malaysian Economy: Vital Issues For The 13th Malaysian Plan – Analysis, Murray Hunter, Eurasia Review, 5 July 2025

 

Malaysia aims for 4.5%-5.5% GDP growth under 13th Malaysia Plan 2026-2030; allocates RM430b for development projects, Luqman Amin, theedgemalaysia.com, 31 July 2025

How Does US Trade Tariff Affect Us?

Tariff imposed by the United States on most Malaysian exports could soon pinch Malaysian consumers, not just exporters. From rubber gloves to furniture, palm oil and solar panels, Malaysian-made products that are shipped to the US and later re-exported under global brands, could return with nearly triple the original price tag. 

A rubber glove made in Klang costs RM1 at the factory. Once it enters the US, it is hit with the 19 per cent tariff, bumping the landed price to RM1.19. By the time it goes through importers, distributors and retailers, it could retail for RM2.49 in the US. If that same glove is repackaged or sold as part of a medical kit by a multinational and shipped back to Malaysia, the price might climb to RM2.89 – nearly three times what it originally cost. 

According to The New Straits Times, five key sectors are likely to be affected by the US tariff, despite being revised down to 19 per cent from an initial 25 per cent.

 

·        Gloves: Used worldwide in healthcare; made by companies like Top Glove Corp Bhd

·        Furniture: Major Malaysian export to US retailers

·        Solar panels: Manufactured here, often re-exported

·        Machinery components: Integral to multinational supply chains

·        Palm oil-based products: Common in foods, cosmetics, and industrial goods 

The US has been Malaysia’s third largest trade partner since 2015, according to data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation. 

Last year, total trade went up almost 30 per cent to RM324.91 billion compared to 2023. Exports to the US also went up 23.2 per cent to a record RM198.65 billion in Electric and Electronic products (these include microchips, TVs, phones, refrigerators, air-conditioners, circuit boards, and switchboards), machinery, equipment, and parts as well as rubber products. Imports from the US went up by 42.1 per cent to RM126.26 billion last year. Three key imports of 2024 were E&E products; machinery, equipment, and parts; and chemicals and chemical products.  

The 19 per cent US tariff isn’t just a trade statistic; it’s a global price hike in disguise as part of the global trade route that goes from Malaysia to the US and back to Malaysia at a cost you won’t see coming. That’s why we need a global movement to drop US tariffs to zero! 

References:
Made in Malaysia, taxed in America, sold back at triple the price: Here’s how the US trade tariff could affect us, Malay Mail, 2 Aug 2025 

Hours before trade deal deadline, Trump orders new tariffs for dozens of economies

Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia now face a reduced tariff rate of 19 per cent, CNA,
1 August 2025

Who Will Be Malaysia’ s Next PM?

 

There are several potential Prime Ministers — each one a fascinating species in the zoo of Putrajaya and these may include:

 

1. Dr Mahathir Mohamad – The Maverick

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is like that recurring nightmare you can’t quite shake. At 100, he has defied not just age but logic. Having already been Prime Minister twice, he now seems to think Malaysia is his unfinished chess game!

 

If you believe in ghosts, then yes — and he will haunt Anwar’s premiership till the end of time.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

 

2. Anwar Ibrahim – The Incumbent “Reformist”

After waiting 25 years, getting jailed, betrayed, Anwar finally became PM — only to find out that power doesn’t come with a magic wand. Between Rafizi’s economic spreadsheets, Zahid’s political life insurance, and PAS screaming “liberal” at everything, his Madani government is less “Reformasi” and more “Kita Cuba.”

 

Will he survive a full term? Or will he become yet another interim PM with good speeches and bad karma? As always, Anwar remains the nation’s most eloquent “maybe.”

 

3. Khairy Jamaluddin – The Politician in Self-imposed Exile

KJ, Malaysia’s most telegenic un-elected leader, has done everything — run ministries, fight pandemics, lift weights, wear tailored batik, and now, hosts a podcast.

After being exiled from UMNO, he now roams the corporate wilderness like “John the Baptist” for destiny to call. Still popular, still dangerous to mediocre men in suits, Khairy is one GLC appointment or sudden by-election away from a spectacular comeback.

 

4. Rafizi Ramli – The Spreadsheet Samurai

Rafizi brings Excel to a knife fight. With formulas, models, and a commitment to reality that Malaysian politics finds deeply offensive, Rafizi is the Cassandra of PKR. PM material? Yes — if Malaysians ever decide data is sexier than drama.

 

5. Nurul Izzah – The Reformasi Disciple

Nurul Izzah is a paradox: beloved, capable, but somehow always almost powerful.

She’s the candidate of choice for middle-class liberals who use the phrase “civil society” unironically. But will Malaysia elect its first woman PM, or is she destined to be the nation’s permanent moral compass? Moral compass, more likely.

 

6. Zahid Hamidi – DNAA Expert

Umno’s most resilient man, Zahid Hamidi is living proof that legal entanglements are just performance art in Malaysian politics. He’s gone from facing dozens of charges to being Deputy PM.

 

With a permanent grin and a survival instinct rivalling cockroaches, Zahid’s path to the top is always theoretically open — especially if PMX takes a long lunch and the Agung blinks.

Will Malaysians accept him as PM? No, not for the middle class!

 

 7. Muhyiddin Yassin – The “Sheraton” PM

With Sheraton and COVID, Muhyiddin did the “Abah” dance. He still looms in the background like a retired uncle who might still own a golf course… or a political party. Could he come back? If Bersatu can’t resolve between him and Hamzah, then “yes”!

 

8. Syed Saddiq – The TikTok Candidate

 

Young, handsome, and fluent in both English and Insta filters, Syed Saddiq is still the best thing to happen to Malaysian political aesthetics. Unfortunately, his idealism is matched only by his electoral fragility. As leader of Muda, he speaks passionately on education, climate, and mental health — not the issues for Kelantan! PM one day? Yes — if Malaysia turns into a corrupt-free nation.

 

9. Najib Razak – From Bossku to Boss?

Najib Razak, the dark horse in the PM race? Though currently enjoying a government-funded sabbatical at Kajang Hilton, he may get to serve his sentence from the comfort of his own living home. Redemption is never further than a legal loophole and a forgiving voter base. If “Bossku” returns, it won’t be justice — it’ll be déjà vu. And PMX is really in trouble and Zahid Hamidi is out.

 

In Malaysia, as in some parts of the world including the U.S., the Prime Minister isn’t necessarily the best, the brightest, or the most qualified — just the last person left standing after the musical chairs stop spinning. But current PMX has the best chance yet, if he reverts to implementing Reformasi in any form or shape. And he also has the inside knowledge when the music will stop.

 

However, remember in this zoo, the animals pick the zookeeper. (And I have excluded the likes of Hadi Awang, Ismail Sabri or other personalities from Sabah or Sarawak for various reasons)

 

Reference:

Opinion: Who Will Be Malaysia’s Next PM? Dr D. Ananda, https://newswav.com, 1 Aug 2025

 

Sapura Says Its Future is Uncertain!

 

Financially troubled Malaysian offshore and marine contractor Sapura Energy has sought shareholders’ approval for its proposed regularisation plan (PRP). Sapura had an extraordinary general meeting on 30 July. 

In a circular distributed to shareholders, the contractor outlined the key proposals that constitute the PRP. These include a 99.99% capital reduction to reduce accumulated losses and a proposed debt restructuring exercise that will reduce Sapura’s total borrowing from approximately 10.8 billion ringgit ($2.55 billion) to around 5.6 billion ringgit. Annual interest costs are expected to decrease by more than 500 million ringgit — a reduction of about 60% — enabling Sapura to be in a better position to achieve profitability.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

In tandem, Malaysia Development Holding (MDH) will subscribe up to 1.1 billion ringgit in redeemable convertible loan stocks, earmarked to settle outstanding payments to vendors in the Malaysian oil and gas sector. 

The plan requires a significant share capital reduction, share consolidation, and debt restructuring, which could leave existing shareholders with a much smaller stake in the company. The restructuring plan has been criticized for potentially benefiting new investors and creditors more than existing shareholders.  

Why is the Government involved? Isn’t this a private sector, public listed company? To save bumiputera suppliers? Would the Government do the same for other private sector companies? Do we have guarantees for bumiputera entrepreneurs? Is public funds for private use? Where are the questions in Parliament about this? And why did so many banks lend so much to so few?  And after all this, Sapura says its future is uncertain! Actually, everyone’s future is uncertain. More so, I guess for Sapura! 

Reference:

Sapura Energy says its future is 'uncertain' without shareholder approval, Amanda Battersby, UPSTREAM, 9 July 2025

 

The Misuse of “Dr” Title in Malaysia

 

In recent years, Malaysia has seen a significant rise in individuals publicly adopting the prestigious title “Dr” before their names. This honorific is reserved for those who have earned a doctorate (PhD or equivalent) from accredited and recognised institutions. Medical professionals – including doctors, dentists and veterinarians – also rightfully use the title.

For honorary doctorates – awards given in recognition of distinguished service or contributions to society – the ethical convention is to present the designation in parentheses, as “(Dr)”.

Source: https://www.wikihow.com

Individuals who obtain so-called “doctorates” from dubious or unaccredited institutions – often referred to as diploma mills – are increasingly adopting both the formal “Dr” and honorary “(Dr)” titles without restraint or scrutiny. These entities often operate online, charging fees for non-rigorous, unverified, or entirely fictitious programmes. Degrees from such sources carry no academic credibility, yet recipients freely use the title in professional, political and social contexts.

This is more than a harmless vanity project – it is a serious ethical violation. The misuse of the “Dr” title erodes the integrity of Malaysia’s academic and professional landscapes, diminishes genuine scholarly achievements, and undermines public trust in institutions and individuals alike.

The title “Dr” is not a decorative label. It symbolises years of disciplined research, critical inquiry and intellectual rigour. Falsely adopting this title constitutes a form of intellectual fraud and identity misappropriation. It confers unearned credibility, unjust influence and undeserved respect.

When unqualified individuals introduce themselves as “Dr”, they engage in a form of deception that distorts public perception. In critical sectors such as medicine, education, policymaking and public administration, misrepresented qualifications can have real-world consequences.

At present, Malaysia lacks a comprehensive legal framework to criminalise the fraudulent use of academic titles. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) maintains lists of accredited institutions and recognised programmes, but enforcement is weak. There is little deterrence for those who purchase fake degrees or self-style themselves as “Dr” using dubious foreign credentials or honorary doctorates from unrecognised bodies. By contrast, many democratic nations have implemented robust laws to regulate academic titles and penalise imposters.

In Germany, the misuse of academic titles is a criminal offence under Section 132a of the Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch), which forbids the unauthorised use of titles, degrees or academic designations. Offenders can face fines or imprisonment of up to one year. Germany also strictly governs the recognition of foreign degrees – only doctorates from universities listed by state authorities may be used with the “Dr” title.

In Australia, academic title misuse falls under consumer and professional misrepresentation laws, particularly under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010). Misleading claims about qualifications can incur civil penalties of up to A$2.5 million for companies and A$500,000 for individuals. Some professional bodies may also impose disciplinary actions, including deregistration or professional bans.

In the United Kingdom, while the title “Dr” is not legally restricted, the Misrepresentation Act 1967 and the Fraud Act 2006 apply when individuals use false titles for financial gain, professional advancement or deception. Offenders found guilty of fraud by misrepresentation face up to 10 years’ imprisonment, depending on the context and severity.

Singapore’s Private Education Act mandates the registration and quality assurance of all private institutions. Misrepresenting qualifications can lead to criminal prosecution under Section 36(1), with penalties including fines, revocation of licences or imprisonment – particularly when the deception influences public or professional trust.

Malaysia must act swiftly to introduce similar legislation to prevent the misuse of academic and professional titles. This includes enacting specific laws to criminalise the unauthorised or fraudulent use of the “Dr” title; establishing a National Register of Accredited Doctorate Holders, accessible to employers, the media and the public; penalising institutions – local or foreign – that operate without accreditation yet issue pseudo-doctorates; and requiring political candidates and public figures to verify their academic credentials through the MQA or the Ministry of Higher Education.

Malaysia is not immune to “title culture” – a socio-political phenomenon in which honorifics and academic credentials are equated with social status, legitimacy and trust. While recognising achievement is important, an overemphasis on symbolic titles – especially unverified ones – risks fostering a culture of superficial recognition rather than genuine contribution.

This obsession with status has led to individuals aggressively marketing themselves as “Dr”, securing advisory positions, board appointments and even political nominations – all based on questionable qualifications. Such behaviour betrays the principle of meritocracy and further tarnishes Malaysia’s academic and professional credibility.

The misuse of the title “Dr” is not a trivial issue. It is a symptom of ethical decay and institutional complacency. It undermines merit, devalues education and erodes public trust. Without urgent legislative and cultural reform, academic achievement risks becoming a commodity – something that can be bought, not earned.

Personally, I have seen some clients using the “Dr” title and when I engage on details of their research, they are at a loss to explain. Apparently, status outweighs ethics!

Reference:

Misuse of “Dr” title in Malaysia: A threat to integrity, trust, and knowledge-based progress, P. Sundramoorthy, Twentytwo13, 29 July 2025

Is Sabah Quietly Emerging out of Sarawak’s Shadow?

 

For years, Sarawak has been the economic success story of East Malaysia. Its commanding lead in oil and gas (O&G), infrastructure and state autonomy often made it the benchmark others aspired to. But that narrative is beginning to shift. Quietly but steadily, Sabah is emerging as a serious contender. 

 In 1Q2025, about 61% of these investments were foreign direct investment (FDI), indicating strong global confidence in Sabah’s economic trajectory. By contrast, Sarawak’s investment momentum has slowed with over 65% of its 2023 capital inflows coming from domestic sources.

 

Sabah topped Malaysia’s manufacturing investments during 1Q 2025 at RM7.3 bil. This is on the back of major investments prior led by major players such as China’s Kibing Group which pumped in RM950 mil to expand its glass production facility in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. A massive RM31 billion green steel project by Esteel Enterprise is also underway in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park. These moves signal Sabah’s transition from raw commodity dependency to higher-value industrial activities, a transition that Sarawak began earlier but one Sabah is now accelerating with notable speed. 

In terms of tourism, Sabah welcomed 3.1 million tourists in 2024, surpassing its own target and building on its post-pandemic rebound. While Sarawak registered higher total arrivals, Sabah’s aggressive international marketing, direct flight connectivity and nature-based appeal are helping it capture a broader and more resilient tourist mix. 

Crucially, Sabah’s appeal lies in its diversity – from Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan Island to cultural trails and rural homestays. These offerings have been packaged with a more modern marketing push, including social media-driven campaigns, ecotourism showcases and strategic airline partnerships. 

In just over a year, Sabah reduced its number of hardcore poor households from over 22,000 in mid-2023 to just 1,464 by early 2025. By comparison, Sarawak still had over 17,000 such households as of May 2024. Sabah’s targeted aid programmes, affordable housing roll-out and student support schemes have helped deliver tangible results. 

Under the Hajiji administration, Sabah has streamlined investor approvals, set performance timelines and enforced implementation deadlines, even warning civil servants to act swiftly or face removal. However, corruption is still endemic as witnessed in a recent video-based scandal where MACC has not moved speedily as in other cases. Once that can be addressed, Sabah can aspire to be a developed state. 

Reference: 

Sabah’s quiet surge: How the Land Below the Wind is stepping out of Sarawak’s shadow, Focus Malaysia, 29 July 2025