This is one agency that most of you would not want to mess with, but just succumb to their demands. I however am one who will not stand and be made a fool of, not even by this strong armed agency.
Previously, some time ago these jokers sent me a notice advising me that I owe them a substantial amount of back taxes. I looked at their calculations and purported sums and was disgusted. Either they are desperate for staffs or they choose to hire staffs that are cheap (lowly qualified / not too savvy with calculations / etc).
Simple things such as what to add, and what not to add can also be wrongly done (remember the rules was set by them). I duly prepared my reply, and after searching through the net, found the right people to address my complaints to.
Just so that you all know, the actual amounts that I owe them was zero/ziltch /nada, but in fact there were outstanding amounts owed by them to me instead.
Recently, my wife had one of these forms too, asking her to pay additional taxes. The form mentioned that there were additional assessment of RM71 that she had missed. I was rather skeptical and after double checking all her calculations can only conclude that the joker who was doing the assessment had miscalculated (press wrong digits on computer/calculator, didn't bring brain to work, etc).
I mean what were these people thinking. Who in their right mind would bother with such insignificant sums. Anyway, if I were them, I would have some supervisors go through all calculations of sums below RM1,000, or at least make sure I hire people who knows how to double check their work.
Friday, 22 July 2011
Monday, 4 July 2011
GATHERING INVITATION
Just last week, my wife received an invitation from an internet company for some event at BSC (bangsar shopping centre). She was pretty excited about it and couldn't wait to attend it with very high expectations. This was mainly due to the fact that according to the organisers there will be tapas from La Bodega being served.
However, when we arrive there, we were rather disappointed. Firstly we noted that the trays for these "tapas" were mostly empty. Secondly, these weren't the normal tapas that were served by La Bodega but some cheap party food like sandwiches and drumlets (to me they look like they were those available commercially for self frying).
If was supposed to be some golf thingy but as far as I can tell most of the people there did not know much about golf. Anyhow, we weren't interested and left when we were full with their tapas. Oh, and yes there were drinks served, one cup to be exact of some cheap orange cordial served by the bar.
However, when we arrive there, we were rather disappointed. Firstly we noted that the trays for these "tapas" were mostly empty. Secondly, these weren't the normal tapas that were served by La Bodega but some cheap party food like sandwiches and drumlets (to me they look like they were those available commercially for self frying).
If was supposed to be some golf thingy but as far as I can tell most of the people there did not know much about golf. Anyhow, we weren't interested and left when we were full with their tapas. Oh, and yes there were drinks served, one cup to be exact of some cheap orange cordial served by the bar.
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
WINDFALL
What everyone is hoping and wishing for. When will it come and it what form? Will it come as some great news or a great win in some contest or lottery.
I have been constantly, during my younger days been able to get some windfall. Things like winning contest getting surprised gifts and many more. However nowadays I find especially during my adult years that this had not really happen for quite some time. In fact some of the time it is the opposite, negative windfall if you would have it, and its rather depressing.
Anyway, I am not totally without hope or positive thoughts because as many people say "it ain't over till the fat lady sings". There are also those that are fully committed to the believe that, if you can think or dream it, then it will come true.
I have been constantly, during my younger days been able to get some windfall. Things like winning contest getting surprised gifts and many more. However nowadays I find especially during my adult years that this had not really happen for quite some time. In fact some of the time it is the opposite, negative windfall if you would have it, and its rather depressing.
Anyway, I am not totally without hope or positive thoughts because as many people say "it ain't over till the fat lady sings". There are also those that are fully committed to the believe that, if you can think or dream it, then it will come true.
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
HR APPRAISALS FORMS / CRITERIAS
Alright, lets see, can any one out there tell me he / she does not have an opinion on his/her own performance at the work they are handling. Now imagine this opinion clashes or is in conflict with their superiors / supervisors / managers. What do you think will happen?
Lets have a show of hands those that feel that their appraisal forms are very objective and that their performances have been properly measured. How many of you think that these forms are very objective and that the set criteria are truly measurable objectively without any chance of interference from personal emotions?
KPIs, this is the commonly used measurements that purportedly allows qualitative items to be measured quantitatively. Work done would be quantified and broken into major areas that are important and measured.
A little on the flaws that arises would be, how can the person control external factors affecting his or her work. Another more major one will be, as mentioned above the emotional factor of the person doing the appraisal. Lets say we have two staff, Ms A and Mr. B. Both of them reports to the Manager who is the sole person responsible for them.
All the while the Manager likes Ms A because they have similar character as well as interests / hobbies. Both likes to have their place very tidy and does their work without using short cuts. Both also are very outgoing and loves to chat and have fun shopping or dining. However, on the other hand Mr. B is a totally different person, he is basically and introvert who likes to be alone and would thus normally keep to himself.
Normally at work Ms A will be late because she says she needs her beauty sleep and because she never cuts corner, her work is normally produced slowly and will normally exceed deadlines given. This is further aggravated by the fact that she likes to chat with her colleagues to catch on latest fashions and gossips. She is also not a very careful person and more often then not would make substantial amounts of mistakes in her work.
In contrast, Mr B is a very punctual person and have never once been late. He is also very thorough in checking that his work is without errors. Efficiency is also one his principal, he does not always follow the rules (conventional way) of completing something when he sees a better way of doing it.
Sometimes when the Manager have functions, he would invite both of them along but generally Mr B would decline as he feels it better to sit home and relax rather than to entertain people with empty talks. Ms A on the other hand would jump at every opportunity to have fun and socialize.
Now its appraisal time and these are the results as appraised by the Manager:-
Ms A - Outgoing, sociable, systematic, friendly, enthusiastic - Very good 90%
Mr B - Introverted, not sociable, haphazard, unfriendly, dull - Below Average 45%
So how, with all her faults hidden or simply ignored, she gets a big bonus and increment, while all Mr A's so called weaknesses (depending on how you judge) are highlighted resulting in no bonuses or increments.
Was the appraisal fair? Are we at the work place to socialize or complete our work? Must we please our bosses or concentrate on our work?
Lets have a show of hands those that feel that their appraisal forms are very objective and that their performances have been properly measured. How many of you think that these forms are very objective and that the set criteria are truly measurable objectively without any chance of interference from personal emotions?
KPIs, this is the commonly used measurements that purportedly allows qualitative items to be measured quantitatively. Work done would be quantified and broken into major areas that are important and measured.
A little on the flaws that arises would be, how can the person control external factors affecting his or her work. Another more major one will be, as mentioned above the emotional factor of the person doing the appraisal. Lets say we have two staff, Ms A and Mr. B. Both of them reports to the Manager who is the sole person responsible for them.
All the while the Manager likes Ms A because they have similar character as well as interests / hobbies. Both likes to have their place very tidy and does their work without using short cuts. Both also are very outgoing and loves to chat and have fun shopping or dining. However, on the other hand Mr. B is a totally different person, he is basically and introvert who likes to be alone and would thus normally keep to himself.
Normally at work Ms A will be late because she says she needs her beauty sleep and because she never cuts corner, her work is normally produced slowly and will normally exceed deadlines given. This is further aggravated by the fact that she likes to chat with her colleagues to catch on latest fashions and gossips. She is also not a very careful person and more often then not would make substantial amounts of mistakes in her work.
In contrast, Mr B is a very punctual person and have never once been late. He is also very thorough in checking that his work is without errors. Efficiency is also one his principal, he does not always follow the rules (conventional way) of completing something when he sees a better way of doing it.
Sometimes when the Manager have functions, he would invite both of them along but generally Mr B would decline as he feels it better to sit home and relax rather than to entertain people with empty talks. Ms A on the other hand would jump at every opportunity to have fun and socialize.
Now its appraisal time and these are the results as appraised by the Manager:-
Ms A - Outgoing, sociable, systematic, friendly, enthusiastic - Very good 90%
Mr B - Introverted, not sociable, haphazard, unfriendly, dull - Below Average 45%
So how, with all her faults hidden or simply ignored, she gets a big bonus and increment, while all Mr A's so called weaknesses (depending on how you judge) are highlighted resulting in no bonuses or increments.
Was the appraisal fair? Are we at the work place to socialize or complete our work? Must we please our bosses or concentrate on our work?
Thursday, 16 June 2011
WORKING HOURS
Hands up, all of you who are afraid to leave the office on time for fear that the bosses will black list you as lazy or not committed to your work. I think I see most hands up, am I right?
Well that's Malaysian culture for you. Never once have any bosses ever thought that the worker goes on time because he is very efficient and finishes his work on time. It is always, "aiyo so lazy wan, not committed at all lah this fellow". Don't these jokers realise that in a lot of the cases, the worker simply stays back and does their own personal things because they are done with their work for the day. Their there to be seen so that the boss perceives them as hardworking.
I belong to the small group that leaves the office on time simply because I manage my time well and does my assignments accordingly within the allocated time. However, I do feel for those that truthfully has to stay back because of being over loaded with work that are meant for 2-3 persons.
What to do want to earn a living have to do, otherwise no money to feed family.
Well that's Malaysian culture for you. Never once have any bosses ever thought that the worker goes on time because he is very efficient and finishes his work on time. It is always, "aiyo so lazy wan, not committed at all lah this fellow". Don't these jokers realise that in a lot of the cases, the worker simply stays back and does their own personal things because they are done with their work for the day. Their there to be seen so that the boss perceives them as hardworking.
I belong to the small group that leaves the office on time simply because I manage my time well and does my assignments accordingly within the allocated time. However, I do feel for those that truthfully has to stay back because of being over loaded with work that are meant for 2-3 persons.
What to do want to earn a living have to do, otherwise no money to feed family.
TEAM PLAYER
Ok, I agree that it is very important to be a team player in any organisation to ensure that goals or objectives are met and synergies created. However, the definition of a team player or team work can have various interpretations or perceptions that generally depends on the emotions of the leader or person in charge.
Take a real life example, something that I have experienced myself. A team, consisting of 6 members, each having their own responsibilities and roles to play. One of them is a very experienced professional, while the others are either certificate, diplomas or normal degree holders with next to zero experiences. Who do you think should lead the so called team? Who do you think deserved to be treated as the senior or supervisor? Who do you think is qualified to train or teach?
Ok, now, imagine being insulted by the so called leader of this team, the manager (without any industry experience) for not doing sufficient (always completes work on time while doing 100% of what is suppose to be done with next to zero mistakes) due to his experience. To add insult to injury the others are praised for their efforts and enthusiasm in doing their work (not necessary correct or completed on schedule). On top of this, these "chicos" are rewarded with extra incentives by management while the experienced fellow gets nothing.
As mentioned above, some of these newbies do not complete their work on time or properly and during meetings the manager tells the rest to help them out. However, the fact is, during working hours these people are not concentrating on their work, they are basically chatting away (I would personally put their concentration level at maybe 50% most of the time). The experienced person on the other hand, does everything well within the allocated time with 100% concentration thus also ensuring that mistakes are seldom. if ever made.
Now that the facts are known, you tell me, firstly if you were the experienced person would you bother to assist or teach those juniors? Secondly, do you think these chatter box "chicos" are team players that warrants assistance? Lastly, would you as the experienced man be motivated to enthusiastically provide anything more than the bare minimal (responsibilities spelt out in contract) for the manager or the management?
You be the judge and decide.
Take a real life example, something that I have experienced myself. A team, consisting of 6 members, each having their own responsibilities and roles to play. One of them is a very experienced professional, while the others are either certificate, diplomas or normal degree holders with next to zero experiences. Who do you think should lead the so called team? Who do you think deserved to be treated as the senior or supervisor? Who do you think is qualified to train or teach?
Ok, now, imagine being insulted by the so called leader of this team, the manager (without any industry experience) for not doing sufficient (always completes work on time while doing 100% of what is suppose to be done with next to zero mistakes) due to his experience. To add insult to injury the others are praised for their efforts and enthusiasm in doing their work (not necessary correct or completed on schedule). On top of this, these "chicos" are rewarded with extra incentives by management while the experienced fellow gets nothing.
As mentioned above, some of these newbies do not complete their work on time or properly and during meetings the manager tells the rest to help them out. However, the fact is, during working hours these people are not concentrating on their work, they are basically chatting away (I would personally put their concentration level at maybe 50% most of the time). The experienced person on the other hand, does everything well within the allocated time with 100% concentration thus also ensuring that mistakes are seldom. if ever made.
Now that the facts are known, you tell me, firstly if you were the experienced person would you bother to assist or teach those juniors? Secondly, do you think these chatter box "chicos" are team players that warrants assistance? Lastly, would you as the experienced man be motivated to enthusiastically provide anything more than the bare minimal (responsibilities spelt out in contract) for the manager or the management?
You be the judge and decide.
SEATING LOCATIONS IN YOUR JOB
Let me tell you about the places where I have sat during my many years of working life. I have generally had the honour of being placed near toilets, facing exits and many more ridiculous and might I say places with bad "fengshui".
I just seem to end up in these places where nobody would really want, and sometimes I believe this could be what is causing major discomforts in the many jobs that I have held. I mean how can u be comfortable with you back facing a door or an entrance with people coming in and out. Hey "bosses",office administrator, or what ever the hell name you go by, do you know what is called privacy and personal space?????
Heck, I just recently was told by one of my colleagues that I am suppose to move again to the original place that I had originally moved out of (in front of the entrance, with my back facing endless traffic (humans of course).
Why move me in the first place, they must think it is great fun moving around getting a new perspective every now and then, but I definitely don't think so. I am not really happy since I was there first, why should I move to accommodate the new comers, but then again "kaki lang, pak si bo siang kan" (own people mah, die die also ok wan).
Well that's CHINAMAN for you. Anyhow, its not something new for me as I have been working for them since day one. I even got played out by one of these A-holes. Sigh, bila mau kena big lottery.
I just seem to end up in these places where nobody would really want, and sometimes I believe this could be what is causing major discomforts in the many jobs that I have held. I mean how can u be comfortable with you back facing a door or an entrance with people coming in and out. Hey "bosses",office administrator, or what ever the hell name you go by, do you know what is called privacy and personal space?????
Heck, I just recently was told by one of my colleagues that I am suppose to move again to the original place that I had originally moved out of (in front of the entrance, with my back facing endless traffic (humans of course).
Why move me in the first place, they must think it is great fun moving around getting a new perspective every now and then, but I definitely don't think so. I am not really happy since I was there first, why should I move to accommodate the new comers, but then again "kaki lang, pak si bo siang kan" (own people mah, die die also ok wan).
Well that's CHINAMAN for you. Anyhow, its not something new for me as I have been working for them since day one. I even got played out by one of these A-holes. Sigh, bila mau kena big lottery.
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