First things first, e-hailing is not a bad job or a measure of options. It’s a legitimate and respectable means of an income, governed by your own hard work.
However, when someone like Karamjit Singh, a World Champion in Motorsports has been pushed to e-hailing, then somewhere the system we have in our country has failed in recognizing and rewarding talent.
In an earlier article, we cited that Malaysian’s too were to be blamed too for not treasuring a national champion like Karamjit Singh, which you can read here. This time, we showcase how the system has been letting him and countless other possible champions down.
Why he should not be e-hailing?
Karamjit Singh is empirically the best professional racing driver in our countries history thus far. The man was the first Asian to become a world champion in motorsports. Why is he not in any panel advising the relevant legislative bodies on road safety? He’s a big advocate on road safety and we at Route Hunters are all too familiar of this side of Karamjit.
Shouldn’t he be the best person to consult in training our Emergency services? A precinct in Japan employed their local champion, Drift King Keiichi Tsuchiya to train their police force; couldn’t we do the same here?
It’s an utter waste of resource to have a home grown champion, a man whose clearly the best in his game, and his talents are not utilized for the benefit of the nation.
Is Motorsports the stepchild of Malaysia’s sports arena?
While we have produced world champions one or two sports, has motorsports become the unwanted stepchild? Two of the most iconic tracks in Malaysia has been demolished. While one may have a far better replacement, the Batu Tiga Speedway remains lost, under the parking lot of a supermarket.
Even the pension plan promised for Karamjit Singh was never fulfilled until he made the headlines recently. Although we wait for the respective parties to settle this matter, the truth is no final decision has been made. At this point we can only hope.
Even by the private sector
The hilarious part here is that Malaysia is a country with 2 national car brands, and is a net petroleum exporter. In other words, two lucrative sectors which require an involvement in Motorsports at some point has more than one homegrown brand. Yet, Proton decided to field a foreign driver Alister McRae for the S2000 Satria Neo cars, while Petronas continues to fund millions for a completely foreign team.
While we cannot decide what a private entity decides on how its platform needs to move, nor would we want to, we can’t help but wonder why not even 20% of that amount can’t be allocated for things locally? Is there no sense of national pride? Why is the government not seeking a policy to ensure these organizations contribute something to the development of the local motorsports scene?
What message does this send to the aspiring Malaysian?
Karamjit Singh has a consistent record of punching far ahead of his weight, and if you had watched both parts of the Karamjit Singh Untold series, you know this guy is self-made and is a hard worker. The best idol the aspiring Malaysian needs.
Yet if he is not taken care off by the nation whose flag he’s flown on countless podiums around the world, what kind of a message does it send to the others? Why even bother making any form of effort?
The passion is still alive
Yet despite this you do have skilled and highly motivated youngsters who still aspire to make a mark in Motorsports. There are lots of grass root activities that help them get into the space. But how will the sector progress in any capacity if it seemingly results in a dead end.
Karamjit Singh is more than just the person. He represents the entire field of Motorsports. He is the most recognizable Malaysian in motorsports outside our boarders. This man’s remuneration and recognition will be the yardstick on which Malaysia will be measured on how it rewards talent. If the best is not recognized, then what’s the point of trying?
Still a proud Malaysian
Our countries identity is made of the countless Malaysians who’ve flown the Jalur Gemilang on various world stages. Each and every one of them need to be recognize, to inspire the next generation.
Karamjit Singh was scouted and offered opportunities by outside entities, but he always stayed true to his country being the proud Malaysian he is. Which is why we at Route Hunters, wanted to tell his story, a story of Malaysians rocking the international motorsports arena.
We really hope to see the ‘Flying Sikh’ take flight once more and continue to inspire more Malaysians.
