I can testify to Tan Yung Chek's observation on toilets in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. I was just there just two weeks ago and had the same thoughts. The stall doors were stained and paint was peeling at the bottom, the urinals were stained and the entire toilet bore no resemblance to a state-of-the-art international airport built in the 21st century.

I arrived at the airport at 10am on Sunday and walked through the automatic gates. Only one of three gates were in operation, the others were as usual ' rosak '. Immigration officers at the counter next to the automated gates were, believe it or not, sleeping. As I walked out, there were touts harassing me for rides into the city, much like when I visit Third World countries. Perhaps the one difference is that there are no beggars.

Unfortunately, the sluggishness and poor maintenance of our state-of-the-art international airport is a reflection of the attitude and condition of our nation. We value bigness and grandeur because this is where the money is. We value mega-projects that fetch quick and easy money as opposed to the maintenance contracts which requires hard work and real earnings.

The government, in dishing out mega-projects seek to enrich the lot of a few chosen ones. No one complains, as the crumbs that fall off the table is enough to keep everyone happy. Nobody asks: at what expense and future of the nation?

Parliament is reduced to a mere rubberstamp and has no real power in questioning the decision of government. As someone once said, there are no longer checks and balance, just cheques and balance.

I recall going to Manila five years ago and observed the state of the nation. There was evidently poverty on the streets, with the government struggling to meet the day-to-day needs of the people.

Then I recall being in Manila 20 years before this and at that time, the Philippines was the shining star of Southeast Asia. New roads, new airport, modern buildings and big American cars. What happened? Was this something to do with then president Ferdinand Marcos and his privatisation plans?