The Hari Raya holiday was "very long" this year. It was not because of the uncertain Umno power transition plan but because of other problems.

I thought I had coincidently driven to Pakistan or Bangladesh when I drove into the Petaling Jaya on the first day of Raya. Some foreign workers were lingering around on the streets. It is such a pity that the success or failure of Malaysian manufacturing industry depends on these foreign workers.

A notice read "out of stock" was found when I drove into a petrol station. Regardless what were the reasons given by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and petrol station operators, the fact is a long festive holidays seems to have almost stopped the operation of the country.

Meanwhile, many vehicles could be seen outside shopping malls as car parks were full. Many people spent their long holiday on shopping or just hanging out in a shopping mall. They did not take the opportunity to spend time with their families or in more wholistic activities.

When I when back home, I could see garbage were left at the front gate as all workers were off. It was not surprising that listed post office was off for five and a half days.

News about people complaining about ferry stoppages to Langkawi could be seen on newspapers. I could not help but sigh that those working in the service industry were so lucky. Malaysians have got used to the situation when ferry services will be reduced and tourism spots will be closed during long holidays. But I am afraid that foreign tourists will not dare to come back next time.

Another news story was about the request to delay the year-end examination to a week after Deepavali as the original schedule of the exam on the next day of Deepavali might affect their mood to celebrate the festival.

Politicians and parents should be concerned about students' progress of learning instead of how many days they can enjoy during festive seasons. Learning is always more important than having fun.

In addition, more and more countries have found tainted food but how many tainted food could we find as our civil servants were not working? The people's health is more important that a holiday.

After a long vacation Malaysians have lost balance between work and play. It does not mean that we cannot enjoy a festive holiday. But can we afford to have fun for a long period of time? Do we still have a holiday mood when we think about the country's reform which has stalled?

Under the U.S. financial crisis and the shadow of the global economic recession, Malaysians were still having a long vacation. Hopefully this is a good fortune instead of the start of another plight. (By LIM SUE GOAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)