ONE TRILLION
by Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad on Saturday, 06 August 2011 at 05:43
1. Obama, according to their own news reports, is trying to raise the ceiling for borrowing by the US Government.
2. The US Government is in debt to the tune of US$14 trillion. He wants to borrow more in order to repay the loans. If he cannot repay he will be in default. When a country fails to repay loans, it will be declared bankrupt just like anyone else.
3. What is one trillion dollars? We write it down as one billion with three additional zeros after it. Thus 1,000,000,000,000. It is not such a big figure. You add three zeros or three nothings and the figure increases by 1,000 times. But if we write down one billion as 1,000,000,000 one thousand times, we will have a better idea of what one trillion means. We would be horrified at the size of one trillion if we write the figure 1, one trillion times, which really is what one trillion means.
4. We now talk about these huge sums of money without really appreciating the real amount. Even in Malaysia we talk of billionaires now, not millionaires who are dime a dozen. We are losing our sense of proportion.
5. Just consider $14 trillion in Rupiahs or even in Yen. The figure would spill over the edge of a million sheets of A4-sized paper.
6. Malaysia is one of the countries which lent money to the US. When we buy US bonds we are in fact lending money to the US. Now the US dollar has depreciated from 3.8 Ringgit to one US Dollar to 3 Ringgit per US Dollar. We have lost 80 Malaysian sen for each dollar we lent to the US, if we redeem our bonds. Incidentally we will not be allowed to redeem all our bonds as the US has no money.
7. However, if we keep gold we would be rolling in wealth. Gold was fixed at US$35 per ounce by Bretton Woods in 1943. Now it is US$1,400 per ounce. Even at the depreciated US Dollar of 3 Ringgit we would have 4,200 Ringgit worth of gold for every ounce. Even if we had bought gold say 10 years ago we would have made a pile.
8. A US report says that the US war in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan has cost the US more than US$3 trillion. This is being financed by the loans given by other countries through buying US bonds.
9. The US shows no signs of cutting back on military expenditure. Billions of Dollars are spent on researching, developing and producing more efficient means of killing people. Some 60 military bases are maintained all over the world.
10. By all accounts the US is a debtor nation which will never be able to settle its US$14 trillion debt. In other words the US is a poor debtor country, unable to discharge its loans. And it will remain a poor debtor country unless it is willing to cut back massively on its expenditure, particularly its military budget. When one is poor one lives like a poor men.
11. I remember reciting Humpty Dumpty when I was a child. That is the US today. And not all the Nobel laureates in finance, economics and accounting can put it back together once it falls.
12. Far better to admit you are poor and behave like a poor man than to wear flashy suits and throw your weight around. People will soon learn what you really are.
Aziz Fikry Mohammad:
Of course, it is high time for us to take a cool hard look at our 'investment' in US bonds.The assessment must be objective; it should not be unduly influenced by the diplomatic 'understanding' between the two leaders.It has been said that in politics, Longterm loyalty is risky business.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Kemasukan UiTM: Quality versus Quantity?
Dato' Prof. Ir. Dr. Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar VC UiTM 31 July 2011 17.29 pm
Ada yg menanggap dgn kuantiti kurang kualiti.Org tak faham urusan kualiti menganggap kuantiti tidak berkualiti.Kualiti uitm sejak 55 thn terjamin.Ada MqA & pemereksa luar negara utk setiap program dan badan2 professional yg mengawal kualiti.Setiap Fakulti berasingan. Uitm mendahuli univ2 lain keboleh pasaran. Univ termuka dunia k/sama dgn uitm.Ini menunjukan kualiti.Jangan ragu2 lagi & buat andaian yg kurang pintar.
Aziz Fikry Mohammad
Saya amat bersetuju dengan ketegasan perjuangan Dato' untuk tidak mengurangkan pelajar Uitm. Dengan menghadkan kemasukan hanya kepada yang cemerlang melepasi syarat kemasukan, seperti disarankan oleh pihak-pihak tertentu, kita menafikan pel...uang kepada yang mengalami handicap atau kurang bernasib baik di peringkat awal. Jika di perhatikan latarbelakang tokoh korporat dan profesyenal berjaya yang di hasilkan oleh UiTM(dulu ITM), kita akan dapati bahawa kebanyakannya mempunyai pencapaian akademik persekolahan yang sederhana sebelum di beri 'second chance' oleh Uitm. Resipi kejayaan ini adalah kekuatan UiTM, yang membezakannya dari IPTA lain.
Ada yg menanggap dgn kuantiti kurang kualiti.Org tak faham urusan kualiti menganggap kuantiti tidak berkualiti.Kualiti uitm sejak 55 thn terjamin.Ada MqA & pemereksa luar negara utk setiap program dan badan2 professional yg mengawal kualiti.Setiap Fakulti berasingan. Uitm mendahuli univ2 lain keboleh pasaran. Univ termuka dunia k/sama dgn uitm.Ini menunjukan kualiti.Jangan ragu2 lagi & buat andaian yg kurang pintar.
Aziz Fikry Mohammad
Saya amat bersetuju dengan ketegasan perjuangan Dato' untuk tidak mengurangkan pelajar Uitm. Dengan menghadkan kemasukan hanya kepada yang cemerlang melepasi syarat kemasukan, seperti disarankan oleh pihak-pihak tertentu, kita menafikan pel...uang kepada yang mengalami handicap atau kurang bernasib baik di peringkat awal. Jika di perhatikan latarbelakang tokoh korporat dan profesyenal berjaya yang di hasilkan oleh UiTM(dulu ITM), kita akan dapati bahawa kebanyakannya mempunyai pencapaian akademik persekolahan yang sederhana sebelum di beri 'second chance' oleh Uitm. Resipi kejayaan ini adalah kekuatan UiTM, yang membezakannya dari IPTA lain.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Are we doing enough to address poverty and marginalized communities?
yayasan1malaysia's Poll:
Are we doing enough to address poverty and marginalized communities?
Comments (1)
AZIZ FIKRY MOHAMMAD says:
2011/07/19 at 5:09 pm
ARTICULATING THE CONCEPTS
Abject poverty is demoralizing, while relative poverty motivates the target group to keep running to be ahead of the moving poverty line.
IDENTIFYING THE POOR
I suppose, with available technology(e.g GIS) and by integrating various sources of data (e.g. surveys, censuses, registration) the government machinery could easily identify and locate the pockets of poverty across the nation.
DRASTIC ACTIONS
A more drastic approach is to round-up the beggars; their population is expected to swell during the fasting month, particularly around the mosques. Keep and feed them for the duration of the fasting month. While in ‘captivity’ (they should be allowed and encouraged to perform their religious duties, guided by government approved religious teachers), an intensive study could be conducted to determine whether they should be included under the ‘hard-core’ poor category. The genuine should be assisted, and their particulars recorded in a proper database for follow-up programmes.
On the other hand, the imposters who are spoiling our image (portraying us as a nation of beggars) and eroding confidence in our statistics (their presence in droves in public places could induce scepticisms of our poverty figures among journalists, social activists and foreigners) shoud be remanded and blacklisted from government assistance. If they have been wrongly classified in our previous data collection exercises, then adjustments should be made to our national poverty statistics.
A MATTER OF INTERPRETATIONS
Maybe, the imposters are adopting the relative measure, while the authorities are intent on using the absolute measure.
Are we doing enough to address poverty and marginalized communities?
Comments (1)
AZIZ FIKRY MOHAMMAD says:
2011/07/19 at 5:09 pm
ARTICULATING THE CONCEPTS
Abject poverty is demoralizing, while relative poverty motivates the target group to keep running to be ahead of the moving poverty line.
IDENTIFYING THE POOR
I suppose, with available technology(e.g GIS) and by integrating various sources of data (e.g. surveys, censuses, registration) the government machinery could easily identify and locate the pockets of poverty across the nation.
DRASTIC ACTIONS
A more drastic approach is to round-up the beggars; their population is expected to swell during the fasting month, particularly around the mosques. Keep and feed them for the duration of the fasting month. While in ‘captivity’ (they should be allowed and encouraged to perform their religious duties, guided by government approved religious teachers), an intensive study could be conducted to determine whether they should be included under the ‘hard-core’ poor category. The genuine should be assisted, and their particulars recorded in a proper database for follow-up programmes.
On the other hand, the imposters who are spoiling our image (portraying us as a nation of beggars) and eroding confidence in our statistics (their presence in droves in public places could induce scepticisms of our poverty figures among journalists, social activists and foreigners) shoud be remanded and blacklisted from government assistance. If they have been wrongly classified in our previous data collection exercises, then adjustments should be made to our national poverty statistics.
A MATTER OF INTERPRETATIONS
Maybe, the imposters are adopting the relative measure, while the authorities are intent on using the absolute measure.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Budget 2011 QUICK COMMENTS
From PM's 1Malaysia Blog
Follow the Tabling of the 2011 Budget Live
Posted in Blog • Economy • Government/Policy • News/updates on October 15th, 2010 by Najib Razak | View Comments
As many of you are aware, my office has recently joined Twitter to interact with Malaysians and provide regular updates on government policies and development. Today, @PMOMalaysia will be live-tweeting as I table the 2011 Budget in Parliament. You can follow the tweets at http://twitter.com/PMOMalaysia.
You can also follow the highlights of the Budget here in my blog post, which will be updated regularly during the session.
SOROTAN BAJET NEGARA 2011
With the theme “Transformation Towards a Developed and High-Income Nation”, the 2011 Budget amounting RM212 billion will centre on the following key strategies:
First : Reinvigorating Private Investment;
Second : Intensifying Human Capital Development;
Third : Enhancing Quality of Life of the Rakyat; and
Fourth : Strengthening Public Service Delivery
Reinvigorating Private Investment
1. Intensifying Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects.
a) Several PPP projects identified under the 10MP will be implemented in 2011 through private investment of RM12.5 billion.
b) A PPP Project identified is the Academic Medical Centre involving private investment of RM2 billion.
2. Strategic high-impact projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Greater KL (Klang Valley) will be implemented beginning 2011, with an estimated private investment of RM40 billion.
3. Revitalising capital market. Among these:
a) Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLICs) will divest their shareholdings in major companies listed on Bursa Malaysia.
b) GLICs will be allowed to increase investment in overseas markets.
c) Bursa Malaysia will launch sukuk and retail bonds.
d) The Securities Commission will offer 3 new stock brokering licences to local, foreign and joint venture companies.
4. To strengthen leadership in Islamic capital market, Bursa Malaysia will develop an international board to enable the listing of foreign securities including syariah-compliant products.
5. Venture capital, especially high technology sectors.
a) the Government will provide Entrepreneurship Enhancement Training programme to train 500 new technopreneurs.
b) Start-up fund amounting to RM100 million to provide soft loans.
6. A syariah-compliant Bumiputera Property Trust Scheme Skim will be launched under the the Bumiputera Property Trust Foundation, valued at RM1 billion.
7. A Private Pension Fund will be launched in 2011 to benefit private sector employees and the self-employed.
8. An allocation of RM857 million will be set for local companies investing in high-value activities in the Electric & Electronic industry (E&E).
9. Oil, gas and energy industry:
a) An allocation of RM146 million to develop the industry, in downstream activities.
b) Petronas will implement a regasification project with an investment of RM3 bilion in Melaka, which will be operational in 2012.
10. Advancing green technology including:
a) Extending Pioneer status and Investment Tax Allowance for the generation of energy from renewable sources and energy efficiency activities until 31 December 2015.
b) 100% import duty and sales tax exemption on hybrid cars.
11. Invigorating agricultural sector including:
a) Allocating RM252 million to develop large-scale integrated Aquaculture Zones in Sabah and Sarawak.
b) RM235 million allocation to enhance paddy productivity.
c) Encouraging farmers to participate in high-value agriculture activities, with RM135 million allocated for basic infrastructure.
d) RM80 million allocated to foster partnership between small-scale fruit and vegetable farmers with anchor companies.
e) Building an International Centre for the Crops of the Future.
12. Energising tourism industry, which includes:
a) Allocating RM80 million for infrastructure facilities to attract tourists to remote areas.
b) Constructing several shaded pedestrian walkways in the KLCC-Bukit Bintang vicinity.
c) Abolishing 5% – 30% import duty on 300 goods preferred by tourists and locals.
13. Revitalisng palm oil and related industries:
a) Encouraging replanting activity with high quality palm oil clones.
b) Allocating RM127 million to support domestic oleo derivatives and RM23 million for downstream palm oil industries.
14. Creating an innovative digital economy.
a) Implementing a MY Creative Content programme with an allocation of RM119 million.
b) Extending the investment allowance period for last mile broadband service providers, and exemption of import duty and sales tax on broadband equipment to 2012.
c) Exemption of sales tax on all types of mobile phones.
15. The business services industry will be developed to meet the increasing demand for repair and maintenance of aircraft and helicopters, with an allocation of RM91 million.
16. Corridor and regional development:
a) RM339 million allocated for the Iskandar Development Region.
b) RM133 million for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) and RM178 million for the East Coast Economic Region.
c) RM93 million for the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and RM110 million for the Sabah Development Corridor.
17. Research, development and commercialisation (R&D&C) activity will be intensified with an allocation of RM411 million.
18. A new Insolvency Act will introduce a provision relating to relief mechanism for companies and individuals facing financial difficulties, including reviewing the current minimum bankruptcy limit of RM30,000.
19. An allocation of RM200 million to acquire high quality locally-produced content from the creative industry covering animation, advertising, films and others.
20. Increasing the rate of service tax to 6%, including paid television broadcast services.
21. Reinforcing the nation’s financial position by strengthening the revenue collection system.
Intensifying Human Capital Development
1. Increasing the number of talented and quality workforce by establishing a Talent Corporation in early 2011.
2. Revamping the national education system, including:
a) Allocating RM6.4 billion to construct and upgrade schools, hostels, facilities and equipment, a well as uphold the status of the teaching profession.
b) Allocating RM213 million as reward to high-performance schools and as remuneration to Principles, head Teachers and Excellent Teachers.
c) Providing an additional 1,700 classes, strengthening the curriculum and appointing 800 graduate teachers for pre-schools.
d) Allocating RM111 million for the PERMATA programme.
e) Providing allocation of RM250 milion as development expenditure for religious schools, Chinese-type schools, Tamil schools, missionary schools and Government-assisted schools nationwide.
f) Providing assistance per capita to praimary and secondary rakyat religious schools through an allocation of RM95 million.
g) Scholarships worth RM576 million provided to teachers to further their study and enhance their skills.
h) Allocated RM213 million to enhance proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, strengthen the English language, and streamline the Standard Curriculum for Primary Schools, including recruiting native-speakers from English-speaking countries.
3. Strengthening institutions of higher education such as:
a) Increasing the percentage of PhD qualified academic staff to 75% in research universities and 60% in other public institutions of higher learning.
b) Improving opportunities for promotion of lecturers in public institutions of higher learning to the highest grade of Staff III, II and I as well as conferred Premier Professors.
4. Enhancing the skills of graduates including:
a) Intensifying Industrial Skill Enhancement Programme in State Skills Development Training Centres for engineering graduates and technical employees.
b) Allocation of RM50 million to train ICT graduates.
c) Allocation of RM200 million for a variety of programmes to develop the competency and employability of graduates in other fields.
5. A provision of RM474 million to enhance productivity and skills of non-graduates.
6. Implementing a 1Malaysia Training Programme to enhance knowledge through upskilling and reskilling, with an allocation of RM500 million.
7. Enhancing productivity of Employees which include:
a) Establishing the National Wage Consultation Council as the main platform for wage determination and the introduction of a minimum wage plan beginning January 2011.
b) A gradual increase of levy by sector on all foreign worker intake, as well as imposing mandatory ruling for employers to procure health insurance for their foreign workers.
8. Women:
a) Allocated RM30 million to encourage participation of women in entrepreneurship.
b) Implementing a pioneer Small Office Home Office programme for disabled women for 3 months.
c) Rebranding 40 1Malaysia TASKA for women to obtain quality childcare and early childhood education for their children.
d) Provide flexibility for female civil servants to self-determine fully-paid maternity leave up to 90 days, subject to the current total of 300 days.
9. Sports development and management will receive an allocation of RM365 million and RM20 million allocated to establish a Football Academy.
Enhancing Quality of Life of the Rakyat
1. The less fortunate will be looked after with an allocation of RM1.2 billion, which includes:
a) RM166 milion for welfare programmes for senior citizens.
b) RM121 million for assistance programmes to benefit 97,000 children.
c) RM218 million for assistance programmes to benefit 80,000 disabled individuals.
d) 100% sales tax exemption on the purchase of one national vehicle for disabled individuals.
e) Construction of an intervention centre for the homeless by providing employment opportunities, housing facilities and counselling.
2. The electricity bill rebate programme will be continued for those with monthly consumption of below RM20.
3. Extending tax relief on medical expenses for parents to a maximum of RM5,000.
4. Housing facilities, including:
a) A provision of RM568 million to build homes under Projek Bantuan Perumahan Bandar, Program Perumahan Rakyat Bandar and Projek Bantuan Sewa Rumah.
b) Skim Pembiayaan Perumahan Kos Rendah will be provided for estate workers through Bank Simpanan Nasional.
c) Introducing Skim Rumah Pertamaku with the Government guarantee on the 10% downpayment for first-time house buyers on property below RM220,000.
d) Exemption of 50% stamp duty for first-time house buyers on instruments of transfer on a house price not exceeding RM350,000.
5. For the rural population, a sum of RM6.9 billion is provided to implement basic infrastructure development, including:
a) Building and upgrading rural roads in Sabah and Sarawak at RM2.1 billion dan Peninsula Malaysia at RM696 million.
b) Providing water and electricity supply with an allocation of RM1.5 billion in Sabah, RM1.2 billion in Sarawak and RM556 million in Peninsula Malaysia.
c) Housing assistance programme consisting of 12,000 units for the poor and hardcore poor in rural areas with a sum of RM300 million.
d) Providing a Unit Khas Bergerak by the National Registration Department to register the citizenship of the rakyat in remote areas.
6. Allocation of RM974 million for paddy subsidies and RM230 million for incentives to increase paddy production and yield. A sum of RM170 million is provided as incentive to increase fish landing.
7. Consumers
a) Allocating RM200 million for the Distribution of Essential Goods Programme to standardise prices of goods.
b) Establishing a “1Malaysia Smart Consumer” interactive portal for the rakyat to track price movement of goods in almost 7,000 business premises nationwide.
c) Introducing the Retail Shop Transformation Programme, Automotive Workshop and Community Market projects.
8. Contiuing the implementation of PIA and PIAS projects with an allocation of RM500 million.
9. The contribution of community leaders are recognised by:
a) Increasing allowances for Chairpersons of JKKK and JKKP, Tok Batin dan Chairpersons of JKKK Orang Asli, and Chairpersons of JK Kampung Baru to RM800 from RM450.
b) Increasing meeting attendance allowance for all committee members from RM30 to RM50.
c) Increasing the monthly allowance of Imam to RM750.
d) Increasing the monthly allowance of KAFA teachers to RM800.
10. To enhance the socioeconomic status of the Orang Asli and Pribumi, a sum of RM100 million is provided to formulate a new development model for Orang Asli. Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli will be transformed into Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli.
11. Toll rates at 4 highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next 5 years with immediate effect.
12. To ensure quality health:
a) An allocation of RM15.2 billion to build new hospitals, increase the number of doctors and nurses as well as medical supplies and equipment.
b) Adding another 25 1Malaysia Clinics.
13. A sum of RM350 million is allocated to implement various programmes for public safety.
14. The role of NGOs is recognised with a provision of RM70million to implement integrated social programmes with Government agencies.
15. An allocation of RM1.9 billion to fund environmental conservation projects.
16. To assist in implementing Corporate Social Responsibility:
a) 10 Trust Schools will be given established and receive financial contributions from Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
b) Primary school students nationwide will receive a supply of multi-vitamins.
c) A 1Malaysia Youth Fund will be established with RM20 million start-up.
d) 4 1Malaysia Mobile Clinics will be provided for the rakyat.
Strengthening Public Service Delivery
1. The MyCoID Gateway initiative will be expanded to more ministries and Government agencies.
2. Application for Permanent Resident (PR) status can be submitted after 5 years.
3. The Stamp Act 1949 is amended to enable the valuation of properties after the payment of stamp duty.
4. For civil servants:
a) The Government abolishes the Competency Level Assessment (PTK).
b) Special financial assistance amounting to RM500 is granted to civil servants from Grade 54 and below, contract officers and retirees.
c) Increasing the rate for Funeral Arrangement Assistance to RM3,000.
d) Extending the services of Pegawai Khidmat Singkat ending 31 December 2010 by 1 year.
e) Allowing the purchase of properties from parents, children and siblings.
f) Raised the loan amount to RM20,000 for additional works on low cost houses for Support Group II.
g) Raising the maximum housing loan eligibility to RM450,000.
Tags: Budget
________________________________________________________________________________
AZIZFIKRY Today 08:59 AM 12 July 2011
QUICK COMMENTS
First : Reinvigorating Private Investment
Encourage growth of IPTS. Instead of stifling them with stringent MQA requirements at an early stage, allow them pioneer status to produce their first batch of graduates, irrespective of the number of students graduating.All IPTS under the state governments, including those in opposition controlled states, should be assisted to facilitate adherence to MQA requirements. No students should be victimized in the process.
Second : Intensifying Human Capital Development
Allocation for MYBRAIN15 should be increased to rm30,000 per year per masters student. It is hard to live and study fulltime on the present rm10,000 per year.
Third : Enhancing Quality of Life of the Rakyat
1).Facilitate land subdivision for building houses on individual plots, especially in the rural areas. 2).Give incentives to provide access roads in kampungs.3) Resolve the Taxi & Toilet(public) problems in KL.
Fourth : Strengthening Public Service Delivery
1)Make heads of departments answerable/accountable to complaints from the public, including those conveyed through the website/internet. A copy of each response should be displayed on the website of the public complaints bureau.
2)Regular inspection raids (for corruption, cleanliness, safety, discipline and efficiency) should be made to district level (e.g district office, welfare office,clinics,schools) offices.
Follow the Tabling of the 2011 Budget Live
Posted in Blog • Economy • Government/Policy • News/updates on October 15th, 2010 by Najib Razak | View Comments
As many of you are aware, my office has recently joined Twitter to interact with Malaysians and provide regular updates on government policies and development. Today, @PMOMalaysia will be live-tweeting as I table the 2011 Budget in Parliament. You can follow the tweets at http://twitter.com/PMOMalaysia.
You can also follow the highlights of the Budget here in my blog post, which will be updated regularly during the session.
SOROTAN BAJET NEGARA 2011
With the theme “Transformation Towards a Developed and High-Income Nation”, the 2011 Budget amounting RM212 billion will centre on the following key strategies:
First : Reinvigorating Private Investment;
Second : Intensifying Human Capital Development;
Third : Enhancing Quality of Life of the Rakyat; and
Fourth : Strengthening Public Service Delivery
Reinvigorating Private Investment
1. Intensifying Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects.
a) Several PPP projects identified under the 10MP will be implemented in 2011 through private investment of RM12.5 billion.
b) A PPP Project identified is the Academic Medical Centre involving private investment of RM2 billion.
2. Strategic high-impact projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Greater KL (Klang Valley) will be implemented beginning 2011, with an estimated private investment of RM40 billion.
3. Revitalising capital market. Among these:
a) Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLICs) will divest their shareholdings in major companies listed on Bursa Malaysia.
b) GLICs will be allowed to increase investment in overseas markets.
c) Bursa Malaysia will launch sukuk and retail bonds.
d) The Securities Commission will offer 3 new stock brokering licences to local, foreign and joint venture companies.
4. To strengthen leadership in Islamic capital market, Bursa Malaysia will develop an international board to enable the listing of foreign securities including syariah-compliant products.
5. Venture capital, especially high technology sectors.
a) the Government will provide Entrepreneurship Enhancement Training programme to train 500 new technopreneurs.
b) Start-up fund amounting to RM100 million to provide soft loans.
6. A syariah-compliant Bumiputera Property Trust Scheme Skim will be launched under the the Bumiputera Property Trust Foundation, valued at RM1 billion.
7. A Private Pension Fund will be launched in 2011 to benefit private sector employees and the self-employed.
8. An allocation of RM857 million will be set for local companies investing in high-value activities in the Electric & Electronic industry (E&E).
9. Oil, gas and energy industry:
a) An allocation of RM146 million to develop the industry, in downstream activities.
b) Petronas will implement a regasification project with an investment of RM3 bilion in Melaka, which will be operational in 2012.
10. Advancing green technology including:
a) Extending Pioneer status and Investment Tax Allowance for the generation of energy from renewable sources and energy efficiency activities until 31 December 2015.
b) 100% import duty and sales tax exemption on hybrid cars.
11. Invigorating agricultural sector including:
a) Allocating RM252 million to develop large-scale integrated Aquaculture Zones in Sabah and Sarawak.
b) RM235 million allocation to enhance paddy productivity.
c) Encouraging farmers to participate in high-value agriculture activities, with RM135 million allocated for basic infrastructure.
d) RM80 million allocated to foster partnership between small-scale fruit and vegetable farmers with anchor companies.
e) Building an International Centre for the Crops of the Future.
12. Energising tourism industry, which includes:
a) Allocating RM80 million for infrastructure facilities to attract tourists to remote areas.
b) Constructing several shaded pedestrian walkways in the KLCC-Bukit Bintang vicinity.
c) Abolishing 5% – 30% import duty on 300 goods preferred by tourists and locals.
13. Revitalisng palm oil and related industries:
a) Encouraging replanting activity with high quality palm oil clones.
b) Allocating RM127 million to support domestic oleo derivatives and RM23 million for downstream palm oil industries.
14. Creating an innovative digital economy.
a) Implementing a MY Creative Content programme with an allocation of RM119 million.
b) Extending the investment allowance period for last mile broadband service providers, and exemption of import duty and sales tax on broadband equipment to 2012.
c) Exemption of sales tax on all types of mobile phones.
15. The business services industry will be developed to meet the increasing demand for repair and maintenance of aircraft and helicopters, with an allocation of RM91 million.
16. Corridor and regional development:
a) RM339 million allocated for the Iskandar Development Region.
b) RM133 million for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) and RM178 million for the East Coast Economic Region.
c) RM93 million for the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and RM110 million for the Sabah Development Corridor.
17. Research, development and commercialisation (R&D&C) activity will be intensified with an allocation of RM411 million.
18. A new Insolvency Act will introduce a provision relating to relief mechanism for companies and individuals facing financial difficulties, including reviewing the current minimum bankruptcy limit of RM30,000.
19. An allocation of RM200 million to acquire high quality locally-produced content from the creative industry covering animation, advertising, films and others.
20. Increasing the rate of service tax to 6%, including paid television broadcast services.
21. Reinforcing the nation’s financial position by strengthening the revenue collection system.
Intensifying Human Capital Development
1. Increasing the number of talented and quality workforce by establishing a Talent Corporation in early 2011.
2. Revamping the national education system, including:
a) Allocating RM6.4 billion to construct and upgrade schools, hostels, facilities and equipment, a well as uphold the status of the teaching profession.
b) Allocating RM213 million as reward to high-performance schools and as remuneration to Principles, head Teachers and Excellent Teachers.
c) Providing an additional 1,700 classes, strengthening the curriculum and appointing 800 graduate teachers for pre-schools.
d) Allocating RM111 million for the PERMATA programme.
e) Providing allocation of RM250 milion as development expenditure for religious schools, Chinese-type schools, Tamil schools, missionary schools and Government-assisted schools nationwide.
f) Providing assistance per capita to praimary and secondary rakyat religious schools through an allocation of RM95 million.
g) Scholarships worth RM576 million provided to teachers to further their study and enhance their skills.
h) Allocated RM213 million to enhance proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, strengthen the English language, and streamline the Standard Curriculum for Primary Schools, including recruiting native-speakers from English-speaking countries.
3. Strengthening institutions of higher education such as:
a) Increasing the percentage of PhD qualified academic staff to 75% in research universities and 60% in other public institutions of higher learning.
b) Improving opportunities for promotion of lecturers in public institutions of higher learning to the highest grade of Staff III, II and I as well as conferred Premier Professors.
4. Enhancing the skills of graduates including:
a) Intensifying Industrial Skill Enhancement Programme in State Skills Development Training Centres for engineering graduates and technical employees.
b) Allocation of RM50 million to train ICT graduates.
c) Allocation of RM200 million for a variety of programmes to develop the competency and employability of graduates in other fields.
5. A provision of RM474 million to enhance productivity and skills of non-graduates.
6. Implementing a 1Malaysia Training Programme to enhance knowledge through upskilling and reskilling, with an allocation of RM500 million.
7. Enhancing productivity of Employees which include:
a) Establishing the National Wage Consultation Council as the main platform for wage determination and the introduction of a minimum wage plan beginning January 2011.
b) A gradual increase of levy by sector on all foreign worker intake, as well as imposing mandatory ruling for employers to procure health insurance for their foreign workers.
8. Women:
a) Allocated RM30 million to encourage participation of women in entrepreneurship.
b) Implementing a pioneer Small Office Home Office programme for disabled women for 3 months.
c) Rebranding 40 1Malaysia TASKA for women to obtain quality childcare and early childhood education for their children.
d) Provide flexibility for female civil servants to self-determine fully-paid maternity leave up to 90 days, subject to the current total of 300 days.
9. Sports development and management will receive an allocation of RM365 million and RM20 million allocated to establish a Football Academy.
Enhancing Quality of Life of the Rakyat
1. The less fortunate will be looked after with an allocation of RM1.2 billion, which includes:
a) RM166 milion for welfare programmes for senior citizens.
b) RM121 million for assistance programmes to benefit 97,000 children.
c) RM218 million for assistance programmes to benefit 80,000 disabled individuals.
d) 100% sales tax exemption on the purchase of one national vehicle for disabled individuals.
e) Construction of an intervention centre for the homeless by providing employment opportunities, housing facilities and counselling.
2. The electricity bill rebate programme will be continued for those with monthly consumption of below RM20.
3. Extending tax relief on medical expenses for parents to a maximum of RM5,000.
4. Housing facilities, including:
a) A provision of RM568 million to build homes under Projek Bantuan Perumahan Bandar, Program Perumahan Rakyat Bandar and Projek Bantuan Sewa Rumah.
b) Skim Pembiayaan Perumahan Kos Rendah will be provided for estate workers through Bank Simpanan Nasional.
c) Introducing Skim Rumah Pertamaku with the Government guarantee on the 10% downpayment for first-time house buyers on property below RM220,000.
d) Exemption of 50% stamp duty for first-time house buyers on instruments of transfer on a house price not exceeding RM350,000.
5. For the rural population, a sum of RM6.9 billion is provided to implement basic infrastructure development, including:
a) Building and upgrading rural roads in Sabah and Sarawak at RM2.1 billion dan Peninsula Malaysia at RM696 million.
b) Providing water and electricity supply with an allocation of RM1.5 billion in Sabah, RM1.2 billion in Sarawak and RM556 million in Peninsula Malaysia.
c) Housing assistance programme consisting of 12,000 units for the poor and hardcore poor in rural areas with a sum of RM300 million.
d) Providing a Unit Khas Bergerak by the National Registration Department to register the citizenship of the rakyat in remote areas.
6. Allocation of RM974 million for paddy subsidies and RM230 million for incentives to increase paddy production and yield. A sum of RM170 million is provided as incentive to increase fish landing.
7. Consumers
a) Allocating RM200 million for the Distribution of Essential Goods Programme to standardise prices of goods.
b) Establishing a “1Malaysia Smart Consumer” interactive portal for the rakyat to track price movement of goods in almost 7,000 business premises nationwide.
c) Introducing the Retail Shop Transformation Programme, Automotive Workshop and Community Market projects.
8. Contiuing the implementation of PIA and PIAS projects with an allocation of RM500 million.
9. The contribution of community leaders are recognised by:
a) Increasing allowances for Chairpersons of JKKK and JKKP, Tok Batin dan Chairpersons of JKKK Orang Asli, and Chairpersons of JK Kampung Baru to RM800 from RM450.
b) Increasing meeting attendance allowance for all committee members from RM30 to RM50.
c) Increasing the monthly allowance of Imam to RM750.
d) Increasing the monthly allowance of KAFA teachers to RM800.
10. To enhance the socioeconomic status of the Orang Asli and Pribumi, a sum of RM100 million is provided to formulate a new development model for Orang Asli. Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli will be transformed into Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli.
11. Toll rates at 4 highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next 5 years with immediate effect.
12. To ensure quality health:
a) An allocation of RM15.2 billion to build new hospitals, increase the number of doctors and nurses as well as medical supplies and equipment.
b) Adding another 25 1Malaysia Clinics.
13. A sum of RM350 million is allocated to implement various programmes for public safety.
14. The role of NGOs is recognised with a provision of RM70million to implement integrated social programmes with Government agencies.
15. An allocation of RM1.9 billion to fund environmental conservation projects.
16. To assist in implementing Corporate Social Responsibility:
a) 10 Trust Schools will be given established and receive financial contributions from Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
b) Primary school students nationwide will receive a supply of multi-vitamins.
c) A 1Malaysia Youth Fund will be established with RM20 million start-up.
d) 4 1Malaysia Mobile Clinics will be provided for the rakyat.
Strengthening Public Service Delivery
1. The MyCoID Gateway initiative will be expanded to more ministries and Government agencies.
2. Application for Permanent Resident (PR) status can be submitted after 5 years.
3. The Stamp Act 1949 is amended to enable the valuation of properties after the payment of stamp duty.
4. For civil servants:
a) The Government abolishes the Competency Level Assessment (PTK).
b) Special financial assistance amounting to RM500 is granted to civil servants from Grade 54 and below, contract officers and retirees.
c) Increasing the rate for Funeral Arrangement Assistance to RM3,000.
d) Extending the services of Pegawai Khidmat Singkat ending 31 December 2010 by 1 year.
e) Allowing the purchase of properties from parents, children and siblings.
f) Raised the loan amount to RM20,000 for additional works on low cost houses for Support Group II.
g) Raising the maximum housing loan eligibility to RM450,000.
Tags: Budget
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AZIZFIKRY Today 08:59 AM 12 July 2011
QUICK COMMENTS
First : Reinvigorating Private Investment
Encourage growth of IPTS. Instead of stifling them with stringent MQA requirements at an early stage, allow them pioneer status to produce their first batch of graduates, irrespective of the number of students graduating.All IPTS under the state governments, including those in opposition controlled states, should be assisted to facilitate adherence to MQA requirements. No students should be victimized in the process.
Second : Intensifying Human Capital Development
Allocation for MYBRAIN15 should be increased to rm30,000 per year per masters student. It is hard to live and study fulltime on the present rm10,000 per year.
Third : Enhancing Quality of Life of the Rakyat
1).Facilitate land subdivision for building houses on individual plots, especially in the rural areas. 2).Give incentives to provide access roads in kampungs.3) Resolve the Taxi & Toilet(public) problems in KL.
Fourth : Strengthening Public Service Delivery
1)Make heads of departments answerable/accountable to complaints from the public, including those conveyed through the website/internet. A copy of each response should be displayed on the website of the public complaints bureau.
2)Regular inspection raids (for corruption, cleanliness, safety, discipline and efficiency) should be made to district level (e.g district office, welfare office,clinics,schools) offices.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Do you think that income inequality is widening in Malaysia?
http://yayasan1malaysia.org Poll of the Week:
Do you think that income inequality is widening in Malaysia?
July 5, 2011
aziz fikry mohammad says:
2011/07/08 at 3:02 am
Income equality is an ideal – trying to please everyone could result in pleasing no one. Unless everyone is willing to be equally poor, this requires enormous government intervention, at the expense of democracy. Often, equity is at loggerheads with growth. Growth thrives on competition, which, in the secular sense, is motivated by greed. A popular trade-off growth strategy is to ensure(or assure) basic needs (with the controversial poverty level as the yardstick) for everyone, after which laissez-faire market justice is deemed legitimate. Of course, as much as the healthy athletes would require illegal drugs to beat their opponents, those who are well-off too would resort to the hidden crutch (as opposed to the invisible hand of the free market) to be ahead of their competitors.
Do you think that income inequality is widening in Malaysia?
July 5, 2011
aziz fikry mohammad says:
2011/07/08 at 3:02 am
Income equality is an ideal – trying to please everyone could result in pleasing no one. Unless everyone is willing to be equally poor, this requires enormous government intervention, at the expense of democracy. Often, equity is at loggerheads with growth. Growth thrives on competition, which, in the secular sense, is motivated by greed. A popular trade-off growth strategy is to ensure(or assure) basic needs (with the controversial poverty level as the yardstick) for everyone, after which laissez-faire market justice is deemed legitimate. Of course, as much as the healthy athletes would require illegal drugs to beat their opponents, those who are well-off too would resort to the hidden crutch (as opposed to the invisible hand of the free market) to be ahead of their competitors.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
How can we achieve greater national unity and pride in Malaysia?
Yayasan1malaysia.org June 21,2011 Poll of the week:
How can we achieve greater national unity and pride in Malaysia?
AZIZ FIKRY MOHAMMAD says:
2011/06/28 at 2:17 pm
What about imposing the gender quota for decision makers? Unless there is an explicit policy statement to the contrary, there is no compelling reason to succumb to external pressures for the 30% female share of decision makers in both the public and private sector.
Politicians are definitely decision makers. Fielding at least 30% female candidates in the next general election would give them sufficient opportunity and justification to stake their subsequent claim for 30% of the political decision makers’ posts (MBs, TMBs at the state level and parliamentary secretaries, deputy ministers, ministers & above at the federal level). 30% is a good starting point, based on the population composition, 50% would be more equitable.
How can we achieve greater national unity and pride in Malaysia?
AZIZ FIKRY MOHAMMAD says:
2011/06/28 at 2:17 pm
What about imposing the gender quota for decision makers? Unless there is an explicit policy statement to the contrary, there is no compelling reason to succumb to external pressures for the 30% female share of decision makers in both the public and private sector.
Politicians are definitely decision makers. Fielding at least 30% female candidates in the next general election would give them sufficient opportunity and justification to stake their subsequent claim for 30% of the political decision makers’ posts (MBs, TMBs at the state level and parliamentary secretaries, deputy ministers, ministers & above at the federal level). 30% is a good starting point, based on the population composition, 50% would be more equitable.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Student exchange programme between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah/Sarawak
Student exchange programme between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah/Sarawak
From http://yayasan1malaysia.org/blog/poll/2011/06/14
Poll of the week(14 June 2011):
Do you think that a programme of school exchange/attachment between students in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah/Sarawak, is a good way to encourage national unity? why?
AZIZ FIKRY MOHAMMAD says:
2011/06/19 at 7:50 pm
Of course, it should be encouraged. It could de-sensitize controversial issues and strengthen the sense of belonging to the wider Malaysian community. For this purpose, the private sector should be nudged to exercise their corporate responsibility e.g. provide discounted/subsidized airfare for the exchange programme.Later on, the programme could be extended to community leaders and NGOs.
From http://yayasan1malaysia.org/blog/poll/2011/06/14
Poll of the week(14 June 2011):
Do you think that a programme of school exchange/attachment between students in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah/Sarawak, is a good way to encourage national unity? why?
AZIZ FIKRY MOHAMMAD says:
2011/06/19 at 7:50 pm
Of course, it should be encouraged. It could de-sensitize controversial issues and strengthen the sense of belonging to the wider Malaysian community. For this purpose, the private sector should be nudged to exercise their corporate responsibility e.g. provide discounted/subsidized airfare for the exchange programme.Later on, the programme could be extended to community leaders and NGOs.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
What Is Needed to Build Up Inclusive Environmental Governance?
What Is Needed to Build Up Inclusive Environmental Governance?
Posted by Mari Clark on May 11, 2011 at 3:59pm in Discussion on Links between Gender, Poverty and Environment http://genderinevaluation.ning.com/
Reply by AZIZ FIKRY MOHAMMAD on May 19, 2011 at 12:16am
In Malaysia, besides gender, ethnicicity is often associated with environmental related practices. Forest clearing and open burning activities have often been attributed to the minority ethnic groups in the remote rural areas.
In the towns, majority of the Malay food stalls and small businesses are either managed or operated by women, while the Mamak (Indian Muslim) restaurants are dominated by the males. The Malay foodstalls are less organized, prefering to engage relatives and friends as helpers, and sad to say, adherence to cleanliness and waste disposal standards does not seem to be a priority.
Besides ensuring adequate representation of women in the business sector and non-discriminatory enforcement of environment related practices, an effective training programme should be made specifically mandatory for operators of small & medium scale enterprises(SMEs). For the sake of the future generation, appropriate environment conservation skills should also be imparted through mothers(including those who are not economically employed) and teachers (most of whom are women).
Posted by Mari Clark on May 11, 2011 at 3:59pm in Discussion on Links between Gender, Poverty and Environment http://genderinevaluation.ning.com/
Reply by AZIZ FIKRY MOHAMMAD on May 19, 2011 at 12:16am
In Malaysia, besides gender, ethnicicity is often associated with environmental related practices. Forest clearing and open burning activities have often been attributed to the minority ethnic groups in the remote rural areas.
In the towns, majority of the Malay food stalls and small businesses are either managed or operated by women, while the Mamak (Indian Muslim) restaurants are dominated by the males. The Malay foodstalls are less organized, prefering to engage relatives and friends as helpers, and sad to say, adherence to cleanliness and waste disposal standards does not seem to be a priority.
Besides ensuring adequate representation of women in the business sector and non-discriminatory enforcement of environment related practices, an effective training programme should be made specifically mandatory for operators of small & medium scale enterprises(SMEs). For the sake of the future generation, appropriate environment conservation skills should also be imparted through mothers(including those who are not economically employed) and teachers (most of whom are women).
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Do you think religion causes more divisions than unity?
From http://yayasan1Malaysia.org/blog/poll/ on 31 May 2011
Poll of the week: Do you think religion causes more divisions than unity?
AZIZ MOHAMMAD says:
2011/06/06 at 12:24 pm
Of course, religion causes division. So does political affiliation, and gender for that matter. Previously it was economic status (demarcated by meticulously determined income/poverty/ownership criteria).
Taken together, a combination of the above ‘divisions’ ( e.g. ethnicity & economic status) could develop into a serious national unity issue.
A relatively recent issue concerns gender and educationional achievement. I believe, a substantial portion of the 1 million youths who congregated at Putra Jaya to meet the PM recently were males who, for one reason or another, have been detracted from pursuing their degrees at the IPTs. As previously reported by the media, less than 30% of students at institutions of higher learning in Malaysia are males whereas the males, even in the relevant age group, constitute half of the population. I hope, with particulars of the 1 million youths registered at a proper database, the appropriate agency could conduct a follow-up study to gather the profile and perception of the above mentioned target group, from which programs could be launched for their benefits. If they are more inclined towards vocational or skill related training, then such opportunities could be expanded with the establishment of more of such technical institutions from which they could proceed to acquire degree level qualifications, and hence catch-up with members of the supposedly ‘softer’ gender. Of course, considering their handicap, the entry qualification should be flexible enough, with provisions for preparatory programs for poor performers based on their SPM results. That should effectively reduce the number of delinquents, mostly males, from our streets. On the other hand, if the present trend is allowed to persist, unemployment or employment related grievances could indeed develop into a serious threat to national unity.
Poll of the week: Do you think religion causes more divisions than unity?
AZIZ MOHAMMAD says:
2011/06/06 at 12:24 pm
Of course, religion causes division. So does political affiliation, and gender for that matter. Previously it was economic status (demarcated by meticulously determined income/poverty/ownership criteria).
Taken together, a combination of the above ‘divisions’ ( e.g. ethnicity & economic status) could develop into a serious national unity issue.
A relatively recent issue concerns gender and educationional achievement. I believe, a substantial portion of the 1 million youths who congregated at Putra Jaya to meet the PM recently were males who, for one reason or another, have been detracted from pursuing their degrees at the IPTs. As previously reported by the media, less than 30% of students at institutions of higher learning in Malaysia are males whereas the males, even in the relevant age group, constitute half of the population. I hope, with particulars of the 1 million youths registered at a proper database, the appropriate agency could conduct a follow-up study to gather the profile and perception of the above mentioned target group, from which programs could be launched for their benefits. If they are more inclined towards vocational or skill related training, then such opportunities could be expanded with the establishment of more of such technical institutions from which they could proceed to acquire degree level qualifications, and hence catch-up with members of the supposedly ‘softer’ gender. Of course, considering their handicap, the entry qualification should be flexible enough, with provisions for preparatory programs for poor performers based on their SPM results. That should effectively reduce the number of delinquents, mostly males, from our streets. On the other hand, if the present trend is allowed to persist, unemployment or employment related grievances could indeed develop into a serious threat to national unity.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
UNIVERSITY TOWNS
UNIVERSITY TOWNS
By Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on March 28, 2011 8:00 AM 1.
I had often wondered why university towns like Cambridge and Oxford do not develop in Malaysia after we build universities in places far from the towns.
2. After much study and thinking things over I have concluded that it is because universities, particularly Government universities, build all the shops within the campus and probably operate them as well. The residences for the students and staff are all built by the University.
3. Developers find no opportunity for developing the surrounding land through building shops and residences for staff and students. There will only be university campuses and no university towns.
4. Universities can be catalysts for new growth areas. That was how Cambridge and Oxford towns were founded. With clever planning these university towns can be very attractive and can attract visitors, especially relatives of the students coming to visit them.
5. Maybe those in charge of university funding and development should think about this.
Comments
By aziz fikry on March 31, 2011 10:09 PM
Dear Tun,
Bukan tak ada lansung Tun. Beberapa Univ telah menjadi catalyst kepada pertumbuhan setempat - UKM & Bangi, UPM & Serdang, UiTM & Shah Alam. Kemungkinan identiti univ. town telah hilang apabila bandar2 tersebut telah berkembang lebih pesat dari pertambahan warga univ., dan ekonomi setempat telah kurang bergantung kepada permintaan dan perbelanjaan dari univ.
We can go a step ahead by building transportation networks linking the universities. As a start the proposed lrt/commuter train from Kajang to Sg Buloh could be extended to link UKM & UPM with UIA & UiTM. That could facilitate the sharing of academic staff(besides through the electronics media)and encourage cross-registration among universities.
By Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on March 28, 2011 8:00 AM 1.
I had often wondered why university towns like Cambridge and Oxford do not develop in Malaysia after we build universities in places far from the towns.
2. After much study and thinking things over I have concluded that it is because universities, particularly Government universities, build all the shops within the campus and probably operate them as well. The residences for the students and staff are all built by the University.
3. Developers find no opportunity for developing the surrounding land through building shops and residences for staff and students. There will only be university campuses and no university towns.
4. Universities can be catalysts for new growth areas. That was how Cambridge and Oxford towns were founded. With clever planning these university towns can be very attractive and can attract visitors, especially relatives of the students coming to visit them.
5. Maybe those in charge of university funding and development should think about this.
Comments
By aziz fikry on March 31, 2011 10:09 PM
Dear Tun,
Bukan tak ada lansung Tun. Beberapa Univ telah menjadi catalyst kepada pertumbuhan setempat - UKM & Bangi, UPM & Serdang, UiTM & Shah Alam. Kemungkinan identiti univ. town telah hilang apabila bandar2 tersebut telah berkembang lebih pesat dari pertambahan warga univ., dan ekonomi setempat telah kurang bergantung kepada permintaan dan perbelanjaan dari univ.
We can go a step ahead by building transportation networks linking the universities. As a start the proposed lrt/commuter train from Kajang to Sg Buloh could be extended to link UKM & UPM with UIA & UiTM. That could facilitate the sharing of academic staff(besides through the electronics media)and encourage cross-registration among universities.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Egypt's Hosni Mubarak: The Domino Effect
By aziz fikry on February 4, 2011 11:03 PM on http://chedet.co.cc/2011/02 regarding Dr Mahathir's post on the Domino Effect of the down fall of Egypt's Mubarrak.
____________________________________________________________________________
If I remember correctly, after the fall of Saigon to the Vietcong Mr Lee Kuan Yew (the most outspoken asian leader at the time, definitely the darling of the western media then)was asked whether he (i.e. Singapore)felt threatened by the Domino Effect. In response, he equated Singapore's fear (if any) to what the Americans felt with Cuba as a neighbour.
Nowadays, we are proud to note that the international media would rather print your words rather than LKY's 'clever' quips. Neither will those in the currently affected countries find LKY's statement amusing.
____________________________________________________________________________
If I remember correctly, after the fall of Saigon to the Vietcong Mr Lee Kuan Yew (the most outspoken asian leader at the time, definitely the darling of the western media then)was asked whether he (i.e. Singapore)felt threatened by the Domino Effect. In response, he equated Singapore's fear (if any) to what the Americans felt with Cuba as a neighbour.
Nowadays, we are proud to note that the international media would rather print your words rather than LKY's 'clever' quips. Neither will those in the currently affected countries find LKY's statement amusing.
Better-Access-To-Healthcare: 1Malaysia Clinic
Aziz Fikry Mohammad 03 Feb 2011 07:12 PM Commented on www.1Malaysia.com.my regarding the recently launched 1Malaysia Clinic, a PM's initiative in providing Better-Access-To-Healthcare
_________________________________________________________________________________
A longer term solution should take the form of a national health insurance scheme for all citizens, starting with the more organized (hence more manageable) target groups such as the FELDA & FELCRA participants, Amanah Ikhtiar & relevant Zakat beneficiaries, fisherman association NEKMAT members, registered students, pensioners of public service, PNB & Tabung Haji account holders, OKUs, as well as all those who have registered with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat.
Funding - joint contributions from Perkeso/Socso, KWSP, FELDA, FELCRA, PNB, and the relevant GLCS and multinational corporations (as corporate citizens of 1MALAYSIA) + a nominal sum from members of the target groups.
Administration: through a takaful scheme to be jointly managed by several insurance conglomerates
This should remove pressures on the presently overloaded public (govt.) health service since treatments for outpatients could be obtained for FREE from virtually all govt. (including medical faculties of universities) and registered private clinics & hospitals (including 1Malaysia clinics), while the prescriptions (not a major portion of the health expenditure) could be purchased from any pharmacy - not unlike the British National Health Service. The critical coverage is for admissions to hospitals (govt. or private as deemed fit by the relevant panel). To the private/commercial medical service providers (including pharmacies), this could rejuvenate the industry.
_________________________________________________________________________________
A longer term solution should take the form of a national health insurance scheme for all citizens, starting with the more organized (hence more manageable) target groups such as the FELDA & FELCRA participants, Amanah Ikhtiar & relevant Zakat beneficiaries, fisherman association NEKMAT members, registered students, pensioners of public service, PNB & Tabung Haji account holders, OKUs, as well as all those who have registered with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat.
Funding - joint contributions from Perkeso/Socso, KWSP, FELDA, FELCRA, PNB, and the relevant GLCS and multinational corporations (as corporate citizens of 1MALAYSIA) + a nominal sum from members of the target groups.
Administration: through a takaful scheme to be jointly managed by several insurance conglomerates
This should remove pressures on the presently overloaded public (govt.) health service since treatments for outpatients could be obtained for FREE from virtually all govt. (including medical faculties of universities) and registered private clinics & hospitals (including 1Malaysia clinics), while the prescriptions (not a major portion of the health expenditure) could be purchased from any pharmacy - not unlike the British National Health Service. The critical coverage is for admissions to hospitals (govt. or private as deemed fit by the relevant panel). To the private/commercial medical service providers (including pharmacies), this could rejuvenate the industry.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Water Aggreements
WATER AGREEMENTS
by Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad on Wednesday, 10 November 2010 at 10:53
1. Next year, 2011, one of the agreements to supply up to 86 million gallons of water per day (mgd) from Johore to Singapore at 3 sen per 1,000 gallons will end.
2. I understand Johore is still buying treated water from Singapore for 50 sen per 1,000 gallons. The amount purchased should not exceed 12 per cent of the raw water bought by Singapore.
3. The agreement also stipulates that the price of raw water and treated water can be renegotiated and changed if both parties agree. Should the raw water price be revised upwards Singapore would be entitled to revise the price of treated water.
4. If, for example, under the current agreement the water price is increased to 6 sen per 1,000 gallons, i.e. 100 per cent, Singapore can insist on the same percentage price increase by 100 per cent i.e. from 50 sen per 1,000 gallons to one Ringgit per thousand gallons.
5. If both sides agree on this quantum of price increase, Singapore would actually earn more from selling treated water to Johor than Malaysia would earn from selling raw water to Singapore.
6. Almost 10 years ago Johor was allocated sufficient money to build its own treatment plant so as not to buy treated water from Singapore. I am told that for reasons unknown, despite building its own treatment plant Johore is still buying treated water from Singapore.
7. Johore sells raw water to Melaka at 30 sen per 1,000 gallons. It seems that Johore is less generous towards Melaka than it is towards a foreign country. The wisdom of this escapes me.
8. Whatever, in 2011, a new agreement to supply Singapore with raw water from Johore may have to be made, I think that despite Singapore's desalination plant, despite Newater, and new reservoirs, Singapore would still need raw water from Johore. We should be willing to supply the people of Singapore with raw water.
9. The question is whether we should sell at 3 sen per 1,000 gallons and buy at 50 sen per 1,000 gallons of treated water as before or we should extract better terms.
10. Malaysian negotiators are unduly generous and we often provide ourselves with no exit clause. I will not cite the cases.
11. The public, the Johore people in particular, should be assured that we don't make agreements which are indefensible this time.
Aziz Fikry Mohammad:
Just looking from another angle :
1. Look at the bigger picture, the gains and losses of the various bargaining options.
2. Is Singapore condemned to be eternally dependent on our water? Or, will they one day say"We are not going to supply t...reated water to you any more as we no longer need your raw water?"
3.Singapore negotiators (including their PM) are paid much more than ours, hence they deserve the better deal.
4. Of course, it is safer, and maybe more rewarding, to please every one (including Obama, Clinton and Singapore) rather than to be branded as a 'recalcitrant' nuisance.
Wednesday at 19:11
by Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad on Wednesday, 10 November 2010 at 10:53
1. Next year, 2011, one of the agreements to supply up to 86 million gallons of water per day (mgd) from Johore to Singapore at 3 sen per 1,000 gallons will end.
2. I understand Johore is still buying treated water from Singapore for 50 sen per 1,000 gallons. The amount purchased should not exceed 12 per cent of the raw water bought by Singapore.
3. The agreement also stipulates that the price of raw water and treated water can be renegotiated and changed if both parties agree. Should the raw water price be revised upwards Singapore would be entitled to revise the price of treated water.
4. If, for example, under the current agreement the water price is increased to 6 sen per 1,000 gallons, i.e. 100 per cent, Singapore can insist on the same percentage price increase by 100 per cent i.e. from 50 sen per 1,000 gallons to one Ringgit per thousand gallons.
5. If both sides agree on this quantum of price increase, Singapore would actually earn more from selling treated water to Johor than Malaysia would earn from selling raw water to Singapore.
6. Almost 10 years ago Johor was allocated sufficient money to build its own treatment plant so as not to buy treated water from Singapore. I am told that for reasons unknown, despite building its own treatment plant Johore is still buying treated water from Singapore.
7. Johore sells raw water to Melaka at 30 sen per 1,000 gallons. It seems that Johore is less generous towards Melaka than it is towards a foreign country. The wisdom of this escapes me.
8. Whatever, in 2011, a new agreement to supply Singapore with raw water from Johore may have to be made, I think that despite Singapore's desalination plant, despite Newater, and new reservoirs, Singapore would still need raw water from Johore. We should be willing to supply the people of Singapore with raw water.
9. The question is whether we should sell at 3 sen per 1,000 gallons and buy at 50 sen per 1,000 gallons of treated water as before or we should extract better terms.
10. Malaysian negotiators are unduly generous and we often provide ourselves with no exit clause. I will not cite the cases.
11. The public, the Johore people in particular, should be assured that we don't make agreements which are indefensible this time.
Aziz Fikry Mohammad:
Just looking from another angle :
1. Look at the bigger picture, the gains and losses of the various bargaining options.
2. Is Singapore condemned to be eternally dependent on our water? Or, will they one day say"We are not going to supply t...reated water to you any more as we no longer need your raw water?"
3.Singapore negotiators (including their PM) are paid much more than ours, hence they deserve the better deal.
4. Of course, it is safer, and maybe more rewarding, to please every one (including Obama, Clinton and Singapore) rather than to be branded as a 'recalcitrant' nuisance.
Wednesday at 19:11
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Rating Agencies
RATING AGENCIES
By Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on May 12, 2010 9:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (61) | TrackBacks (0)
1. We are not conscious of it but the rating agencies have apparently become a factor in the failures or success of businesses and even whole countries.
2. Their rating can make or break even big corporations. A huge European corporation finds itself unable to invest for fear that it would be downgraded and its shares would plunge. The losses would run into hundreds of millions.
3. Perhaps the rating agencies were only doing their job - letting the investing public know the situation the corporations are in. But they can be wrong or they can be influenced.
4. Time magazine describes the rating agencies as "lap dogs" because they were clearly involved in wrongly rating certain hedge funds so as to hide the misdeeds of the management.
5. On the other hand European leaders are reported by Financial Times to be angry with rating agencies for their role in Europe's debt crisis. They and the United States are now calling for tough measures to curb their influence over markets.
6. These are cherished institutions in the Western financial and business systems. So we must have them as well. And so we do.
7. But like all the systems and institutions conceived by the rich western countries, they are far from perfect. If we must follow them, we should be more circumspect. Rating agencies wield power and as they say power corrupts. We should take their ratings with a grain of salt. We must be told the real basis for their ratings. Otherwise we may suffer the same fate as the European and the Americans.
61 Comments
By aziz fikry on October 26, 2010 1:12 AM
Dear Tun,
Rating agencies and similar 'number merchants' aka consultants are flourishing even in our country. During economic crises or periods of uncertainty, each will pronounce their own set of figures. At any point of time, there will be an array of numbers to represent our GDP growth. Each source will stubbornly defend the superiority of their number. A popular methodology is to get the average of the numbers proclaimed by members of a selected panel of such experts, while in less 'fortunate' countries the political leaders will have the final say on what numbers to reflect the state of their economy - the quality of primary data is of secondary importance. In the UK,the newly established Statistics Authority is entrusted to safeguard the integrity of official statistics.A role for our National Integrity Institute?
By Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on May 12, 2010 9:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (61) | TrackBacks (0)
1. We are not conscious of it but the rating agencies have apparently become a factor in the failures or success of businesses and even whole countries.
2. Their rating can make or break even big corporations. A huge European corporation finds itself unable to invest for fear that it would be downgraded and its shares would plunge. The losses would run into hundreds of millions.
3. Perhaps the rating agencies were only doing their job - letting the investing public know the situation the corporations are in. But they can be wrong or they can be influenced.
4. Time magazine describes the rating agencies as "lap dogs" because they were clearly involved in wrongly rating certain hedge funds so as to hide the misdeeds of the management.
5. On the other hand European leaders are reported by Financial Times to be angry with rating agencies for their role in Europe's debt crisis. They and the United States are now calling for tough measures to curb their influence over markets.
6. These are cherished institutions in the Western financial and business systems. So we must have them as well. And so we do.
7. But like all the systems and institutions conceived by the rich western countries, they are far from perfect. If we must follow them, we should be more circumspect. Rating agencies wield power and as they say power corrupts. We should take their ratings with a grain of salt. We must be told the real basis for their ratings. Otherwise we may suffer the same fate as the European and the Americans.
61 Comments
By aziz fikry on October 26, 2010 1:12 AM
Dear Tun,
Rating agencies and similar 'number merchants' aka consultants are flourishing even in our country. During economic crises or periods of uncertainty, each will pronounce their own set of figures. At any point of time, there will be an array of numbers to represent our GDP growth. Each source will stubbornly defend the superiority of their number. A popular methodology is to get the average of the numbers proclaimed by members of a selected panel of such experts, while in less 'fortunate' countries the political leaders will have the final say on what numbers to reflect the state of their economy - the quality of primary data is of secondary importance. In the UK,the newly established Statistics Authority is entrusted to safeguard the integrity of official statistics.A role for our National Integrity Institute?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Our Fight Against Extremism
(Posted on September 15th, 2010 by Prime Minister Najib Razak on 1Malaysia.com.my)
Our Fight Against Extremism
As we celebrate a landmark in the history of our nation of Malaysia this 16th of September, we have much to be proud of. We are a developing nation that has excelled in many sectors such as tourism, banking and finance, halal, medicine and many more. We are blessed to be able to experience different cultures, food and religions without traveling far and abroad.
While we have achieved so much, it troubles me to see a rise in issues rooted in extremism in the nation. This is not limited to racism. Extremists are groups or inpiduals who subscribe to radical views and actions against others. They treat anyone who is different as an enemy and engineer fear in people who don’t conform to their thoughts or ideologies and, in some cases in people who simply look different. Hence, extremism here applies to a gamut of factors, including racism, arts, culture, way of life, and more. The late U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy once said, “What is objectionable, what is dangerous about extremists is not that they are extreme but that they are intolerant. The evil is not what they say about their cause, but what they say about their opponents.”
I am strongly opposed to these types of behaviour. It saddens me that despite living in an independent multi-cultural nation for over 50 years, there are still those among us who cannot tolerate, much less accept the benefits of a perse society. It saddens me because by rejecting our perse way of life, they reject 1Malaysia.
While these groups are often small in number, their presence is amplified through their extreme sentiments and acts. Nonetheless, the Government continues to keep a watchful eye on such groups. We have dealt effectively with a number of extreme cases in Malaysia, such as militant groups that have instigated conflicts and posed a genuine threat to national security. We will continue to protect the Rakyat and the nation from threats from outside or within, through land, sea, air or cyberspace.
We have been exposed to examples of extremist behaviour, regionally and globally. I am glad that we have abstained from such acts, and instead displayed maturity as a people, as 1Malaysia. I urge all Malaysians to be calm and rational in the face of such extremism. To respond like with like only serves to escalate tensions between our countries and becomes a hindrance to our own progress. Economies have faltered because of acts of extremism, and the road to recovery is often long and hard.
As Malaysians, we can do our part to restrict the growth of extremism on our shores. By educating ourselves and participating in mature and rational dialogue, a deeper understanding can be reached between two parties with dissimilar views. We must nurture our intellect to be open to different opinions and ideas. We must train ourselves to apply diplomacy in our daily interactions with others, and to embrace 1Malaysia as our guiding philosophy in resolving conflict. It will serve us well as a people.
Happy Malaysia Day!
Comment by Aziz Fikry Mohammad(with some elaborations)on www.facebook.com/najibrazak http://bit.ly/9a0opZ
1.Whether we like it or not, we are competing in the rat race. The students with their paper chase, the universities with their ratings, the quest for excellence in sports, and to be ahead of our competitors at the global market place. We have to run just to be at par with our competitors, and run even faster to beat them.To be extremely successful, especially to achieve Vision 2020, we need to take extreme measures and work extremely hard.
2.In the rat race, there is always a grey line between the healthy and the unhealthy competition.Hence, the economic virtues and rationality of Profit Maximization/Optimization are often associated with Greed, and Extremism with Intolerance and the evils of Radical Views. Given that Robert F. Kennedy was no saint, we should be in a better position to articulate our stand according to our own national aspiration and development agenda.
3.Extremism for a good cause is definitely commendable - hence Pak Lah's Mantra: 'Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang'. This should be addressed properly in the BTN, INTAN, and PLKN training sessions (thanks to your foresight, PLKN is an effective mechanism to promote patriotism and national unity).Else, we might end up propagating mediocrity, shoddy workmanship, and the 'tidak apa' malaise.
Our Fight Against Extremism
As we celebrate a landmark in the history of our nation of Malaysia this 16th of September, we have much to be proud of. We are a developing nation that has excelled in many sectors such as tourism, banking and finance, halal, medicine and many more. We are blessed to be able to experience different cultures, food and religions without traveling far and abroad.
While we have achieved so much, it troubles me to see a rise in issues rooted in extremism in the nation. This is not limited to racism. Extremists are groups or inpiduals who subscribe to radical views and actions against others. They treat anyone who is different as an enemy and engineer fear in people who don’t conform to their thoughts or ideologies and, in some cases in people who simply look different. Hence, extremism here applies to a gamut of factors, including racism, arts, culture, way of life, and more. The late U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy once said, “What is objectionable, what is dangerous about extremists is not that they are extreme but that they are intolerant. The evil is not what they say about their cause, but what they say about their opponents.”
I am strongly opposed to these types of behaviour. It saddens me that despite living in an independent multi-cultural nation for over 50 years, there are still those among us who cannot tolerate, much less accept the benefits of a perse society. It saddens me because by rejecting our perse way of life, they reject 1Malaysia.
While these groups are often small in number, their presence is amplified through their extreme sentiments and acts. Nonetheless, the Government continues to keep a watchful eye on such groups. We have dealt effectively with a number of extreme cases in Malaysia, such as militant groups that have instigated conflicts and posed a genuine threat to national security. We will continue to protect the Rakyat and the nation from threats from outside or within, through land, sea, air or cyberspace.
We have been exposed to examples of extremist behaviour, regionally and globally. I am glad that we have abstained from such acts, and instead displayed maturity as a people, as 1Malaysia. I urge all Malaysians to be calm and rational in the face of such extremism. To respond like with like only serves to escalate tensions between our countries and becomes a hindrance to our own progress. Economies have faltered because of acts of extremism, and the road to recovery is often long and hard.
As Malaysians, we can do our part to restrict the growth of extremism on our shores. By educating ourselves and participating in mature and rational dialogue, a deeper understanding can be reached between two parties with dissimilar views. We must nurture our intellect to be open to different opinions and ideas. We must train ourselves to apply diplomacy in our daily interactions with others, and to embrace 1Malaysia as our guiding philosophy in resolving conflict. It will serve us well as a people.
Happy Malaysia Day!
Comment by Aziz Fikry Mohammad(with some elaborations)on www.facebook.com/najibrazak http://bit.ly/9a0opZ
1.Whether we like it or not, we are competing in the rat race. The students with their paper chase, the universities with their ratings, the quest for excellence in sports, and to be ahead of our competitors at the global market place. We have to run just to be at par with our competitors, and run even faster to beat them.To be extremely successful, especially to achieve Vision 2020, we need to take extreme measures and work extremely hard.
2.In the rat race, there is always a grey line between the healthy and the unhealthy competition.Hence, the economic virtues and rationality of Profit Maximization/Optimization are often associated with Greed, and Extremism with Intolerance and the evils of Radical Views. Given that Robert F. Kennedy was no saint, we should be in a better position to articulate our stand according to our own national aspiration and development agenda.
3.Extremism for a good cause is definitely commendable - hence Pak Lah's Mantra: 'Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang'. This should be addressed properly in the BTN, INTAN, and PLKN training sessions (thanks to your foresight, PLKN is an effective mechanism to promote patriotism and national unity).Else, we might end up propagating mediocrity, shoddy workmanship, and the 'tidak apa' malaise.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Che Det and PM - Balik Kampung and Payback
By aziz fikry on September 9, 2010 6:44 AM on Che Det's blog
Dear Tun,
It seems that the latest message in your blog has something in common with that from the present PM - reminiscing your roots (balik kampung). While you cherish a revisit to your alma mater SAHOCA and is very keen to pay back (and exhort others to do the same - putting your influence to a good cause) by contributing to the fund for Dewan Centennial, the PM in his 1Malaysia blog, has expressed his indebtedness to the Pekan folks for their long relationship with his family; their simplicity and sincerity, including the small gifts from their orchards, had indeed left an indelible trait in his character and style of leadership, inspite of his years in UK as a student. Hope, such linkage will not be jeopardized by the those from the next layer of leadership, particularly the elite clan who were brought up in times of plenty.
Dear Tun,
It seems that the latest message in your blog has something in common with that from the present PM - reminiscing your roots (balik kampung). While you cherish a revisit to your alma mater SAHOCA and is very keen to pay back (and exhort others to do the same - putting your influence to a good cause) by contributing to the fund for Dewan Centennial, the PM in his 1Malaysia blog, has expressed his indebtedness to the Pekan folks for their long relationship with his family; their simplicity and sincerity, including the small gifts from their orchards, had indeed left an indelible trait in his character and style of leadership, inspite of his years in UK as a student. Hope, such linkage will not be jeopardized by the those from the next layer of leadership, particularly the elite clan who were brought up in times of plenty.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Japanese Success Story - The Secret Recipe
Japanese Success Story - The Secret Recipe
By Aziz Mohammad
The Intergenerational Debt
It takes at least two to start a war, and ideally both the victor and the vanquished are obliged to share the responsibility for the damages inflicted. However, might is always right, and World War II was no exception.
While for the other partners to the crime, namely Japan's former allies and adversaries, retributions had mostly been confined to a handful of individuals been convicted as war criminals, Japan as a nation will continue to literally pay the blood money in perpetuity.
Thus, while no compensations are due to the families of the more than one hundred thousand innocent civilians who had perished in the killing fields of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the Japanese are expected to obediently entertain the seemingly endless stream of claims for the wrongs committed by their ancestors - the latest being from the comfort ladies.
Price of Prosperity
Perhaps as a penalty for Japan's remarkable economic recovery, Japan bashers are always quick to nudge her to shoulder the bulk of the funding for the international Official Development Assistance, as well as for other missions of mercy in the name of fulfilling her global responsibility.
Although Japan, like scores of other countries worldwide, is also adversely affected by the gloomy economic environment, the fact that powerful nations are pestering and cajoling Japan to revitalize her economy is a comforting tribute to Japanese influence on the global scenario.
A Tale of Toils, Tears and Determination
The transition from despair to determination had been agonizingly memorable, and the tougher things get the more creative the Japanese were said to become. The fact that Japanese products are no longer branded as the cheaper substitutes for the real things is a clear testimony of Japanese ingenuity.
National strategies were unanimously accepted and vigorously pursued by all. Maintaining a high propensity to save in order to generate surpluses for investment and for use in times of need had demanded sacrifices, to the extent of the general public having to adopt frugal lifestyles to curb consumer expenditure. Similarly, other strategies such as its anti-crisis response to recession or stagnation by expanding market shares abroad through concerted aggressive sales efforts in high-income countries, and abstaining from dependence on foreign capital to avoid domination by foreign multinational corporations had received the full support and commitment from the business community.
The present day Zaibatsus (giant family concerns) and Sogo Soshas (general trading companies controlling the country's import-export trade; acting also as bankers, insurers, warehousers, distributors and providers of up-to-date market information) should be constantly reminded of their predecessors' age-old winning recipe of profit and patriotism that had made them invincible in global commercial scuffles and had enabled their country to withstand previous onslaughts on their economy.
History acknowledges, and eager young minds should be made to understand, that the corner stone of the Japanese success story was the human factor; the human element had successfully outweighed Japan's lack of natural resources, particularly her dependence on imported raw materials and energy sources.
Their forefathers had placed their trust in traditional close-knit family ties that extended to business circles, a cooperative labour force disciplined by indigenous work ethics, conservative management practices that emphasized seniority-based promotions, loyalty to social superiors and consensus decision-making. These had ensured stability of the organization and security for all concerned.
Their readiness to acquire, adapt and improve new technological advancements, and hence their creativity, was driven by a more lofty sense of purpose among the masses.
A Cautionary Note
However, the slip from success to complacency is but a step away. Downfall is more painful and recovery more difficult for the generation that has been pampered with the good things in life.
Affluence is taking its toll on the Japanese. A particularly disturbing tendency is the prominence of individualistic considerations vis-a-vis the long term interest of the family. Their unwillingness to share with their would be off-springs their love, time and money as well as the common resources of this world, is manifested in the changing perception of the appropriate family size. The total fertility rate has fallen to crisis level, and with a longer life span, the percentage of the elderly is said to constitute a quarter of the total population. The working age population will have to contribute more in the form of taxes to support a growing proportion of those in the older age groups. This situation will continue to worsen if couples keep shirking their responsibility in raising a family.
If left unchecked, such uncaring attitude may subsequently be directed towards their parents once the latter ceased to be economically productive. While the majority of the greying population might not have to look forward to spending the rest of their lives in the cardboard homes on the pavements of the Shinjuku station, the possibility of being left in very peaceful and efficiently run, yet pitifully lonely old folks homes, is not an unlikely prospect.
The Big Bang
The Japanese government is serious in imposing the comprehensive Big Bang reform; reminiscent of the more domestic oriented Meiji era reforms. However, if complacency on the part of those involved in its implementation is allowed to persist, the planned deregulation in the form of globalization of money, information and people is not expected to achieve radical effects.
A More Positive Outlook
However, it is still not too late. Family disintegration and the culture of labour unrest are yet to gain acceptance in Japanese society. Although it has been said that after prolonged involvements abroad, the Gaijins 'just want to go home and drink Coke', the same has not been heard about the Japanese and their Sake, neither has their perseverance been found to be lacking inspite of challenging ventures overseas.
In this respect, guidance and inspiration should come from the past, for history tends to repeat itself at different times and places.
Thus, while lamenting and brooding about the past during the annual soul-searching mourning for victims of the atomic bombs may be regarded by some as counter-productive, such seemingly ceremonial rituals have served well in providing the regular emotional boost towards a common goal.
Indeed, the key to sustainable success is the continuous rejuvenation of the will to win. With unwavering unity of purpose, adjustments, particularly in terms of consolidation and concentration, would enable the Japanese people to weather the current economic turbulence.
Should the need arises, Sumo-san would not hesitate to go on diet in order to develop the agility of a Ninja master.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aziz_Mohammad
By Aziz Mohammad
The Intergenerational Debt
It takes at least two to start a war, and ideally both the victor and the vanquished are obliged to share the responsibility for the damages inflicted. However, might is always right, and World War II was no exception.
While for the other partners to the crime, namely Japan's former allies and adversaries, retributions had mostly been confined to a handful of individuals been convicted as war criminals, Japan as a nation will continue to literally pay the blood money in perpetuity.
Thus, while no compensations are due to the families of the more than one hundred thousand innocent civilians who had perished in the killing fields of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the Japanese are expected to obediently entertain the seemingly endless stream of claims for the wrongs committed by their ancestors - the latest being from the comfort ladies.
Price of Prosperity
Perhaps as a penalty for Japan's remarkable economic recovery, Japan bashers are always quick to nudge her to shoulder the bulk of the funding for the international Official Development Assistance, as well as for other missions of mercy in the name of fulfilling her global responsibility.
Although Japan, like scores of other countries worldwide, is also adversely affected by the gloomy economic environment, the fact that powerful nations are pestering and cajoling Japan to revitalize her economy is a comforting tribute to Japanese influence on the global scenario.
A Tale of Toils, Tears and Determination
The transition from despair to determination had been agonizingly memorable, and the tougher things get the more creative the Japanese were said to become. The fact that Japanese products are no longer branded as the cheaper substitutes for the real things is a clear testimony of Japanese ingenuity.
National strategies were unanimously accepted and vigorously pursued by all. Maintaining a high propensity to save in order to generate surpluses for investment and for use in times of need had demanded sacrifices, to the extent of the general public having to adopt frugal lifestyles to curb consumer expenditure. Similarly, other strategies such as its anti-crisis response to recession or stagnation by expanding market shares abroad through concerted aggressive sales efforts in high-income countries, and abstaining from dependence on foreign capital to avoid domination by foreign multinational corporations had received the full support and commitment from the business community.
The present day Zaibatsus (giant family concerns) and Sogo Soshas (general trading companies controlling the country's import-export trade; acting also as bankers, insurers, warehousers, distributors and providers of up-to-date market information) should be constantly reminded of their predecessors' age-old winning recipe of profit and patriotism that had made them invincible in global commercial scuffles and had enabled their country to withstand previous onslaughts on their economy.
History acknowledges, and eager young minds should be made to understand, that the corner stone of the Japanese success story was the human factor; the human element had successfully outweighed Japan's lack of natural resources, particularly her dependence on imported raw materials and energy sources.
Their forefathers had placed their trust in traditional close-knit family ties that extended to business circles, a cooperative labour force disciplined by indigenous work ethics, conservative management practices that emphasized seniority-based promotions, loyalty to social superiors and consensus decision-making. These had ensured stability of the organization and security for all concerned.
Their readiness to acquire, adapt and improve new technological advancements, and hence their creativity, was driven by a more lofty sense of purpose among the masses.
A Cautionary Note
However, the slip from success to complacency is but a step away. Downfall is more painful and recovery more difficult for the generation that has been pampered with the good things in life.
Affluence is taking its toll on the Japanese. A particularly disturbing tendency is the prominence of individualistic considerations vis-a-vis the long term interest of the family. Their unwillingness to share with their would be off-springs their love, time and money as well as the common resources of this world, is manifested in the changing perception of the appropriate family size. The total fertility rate has fallen to crisis level, and with a longer life span, the percentage of the elderly is said to constitute a quarter of the total population. The working age population will have to contribute more in the form of taxes to support a growing proportion of those in the older age groups. This situation will continue to worsen if couples keep shirking their responsibility in raising a family.
If left unchecked, such uncaring attitude may subsequently be directed towards their parents once the latter ceased to be economically productive. While the majority of the greying population might not have to look forward to spending the rest of their lives in the cardboard homes on the pavements of the Shinjuku station, the possibility of being left in very peaceful and efficiently run, yet pitifully lonely old folks homes, is not an unlikely prospect.
The Big Bang
The Japanese government is serious in imposing the comprehensive Big Bang reform; reminiscent of the more domestic oriented Meiji era reforms. However, if complacency on the part of those involved in its implementation is allowed to persist, the planned deregulation in the form of globalization of money, information and people is not expected to achieve radical effects.
A More Positive Outlook
However, it is still not too late. Family disintegration and the culture of labour unrest are yet to gain acceptance in Japanese society. Although it has been said that after prolonged involvements abroad, the Gaijins 'just want to go home and drink Coke', the same has not been heard about the Japanese and their Sake, neither has their perseverance been found to be lacking inspite of challenging ventures overseas.
In this respect, guidance and inspiration should come from the past, for history tends to repeat itself at different times and places.
Thus, while lamenting and brooding about the past during the annual soul-searching mourning for victims of the atomic bombs may be regarded by some as counter-productive, such seemingly ceremonial rituals have served well in providing the regular emotional boost towards a common goal.
Indeed, the key to sustainable success is the continuous rejuvenation of the will to win. With unwavering unity of purpose, adjustments, particularly in terms of consolidation and concentration, would enable the Japanese people to weather the current economic turbulence.
Should the need arises, Sumo-san would not hesitate to go on diet in order to develop the agility of a Ninja master.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aziz_Mohammad
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
An Eye for a Tooth
TIT FOR TAT
By
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
on March 13, 2010 3:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (40) | TrackBacks (0)
1. I heard from someone that a certain Muslim country has disallowed Swiss Airlines to fly there because a cross is on the tail of the aircraft. The Swiss flag has a white cross on a red background. This was to retaliate against Switzerland's ban on building minarets for mosques in that country. There are altogether four mosques in the whole of Switzerland.
2. Intolerance simply invites intolerance.
3. What next?
By AZIZ MOHAMMAD
on March 13, 2010 7:22 AM
Dear Tun,
A more serious issue is the race or competition in the vicious cycle of retaliations - to do worse than the previous act (of violence) by the other party.
Another alternative is to logically (exercise wisdom or Hiqmah) evaluate the costs (including the extent allowed by one's religion) and opportunities at stake (including to the future generations should the cycle of retaliations escalates in intensity).
Should the Arabs learn from the Japanese experience - assess your current strength and QUIETLY work very hard to achieve a long term goal? Better to lose a battle in order to win a War?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Attracting Budget Tourists & Backpackers
While the big hotels are well organized to attract those with big budgets(to attend conferences, meetings) in Malaysia, our budget hotels are not in a position to compete with those in neighbouring countries(eg. Thailand, Philippines). Government's pro-active intervention is required:
1)More of our budget hotels (2-STAR and below OR room rate less than USD 25) should be encouraged(incentives?) to advertise on the web.
2)Those budget accomodations meeting certain criteria set by the ministry(eg.cleanliness,facilities,value for money , customers' feedback to the ministry through the ministry's website/blog)should be rewarded (annual competition ?)
3)Similar promotions should also be given to quality and affordable restaurants and eating stalls.
4.Of course, our general disadvantages in the tourism sector are mainly :
a) Transportation - especially the taxi services
b) Cleanliness - especially toilet facilities , wet markets(Pudu & Chow Kit)
c) Maps & road signs, tips - especially for those with limited budget and time (target specific destinations, eg. in KL - China Town,Twin Tower, JLN Masjid India/Jln. TAR, National Museum, + affordable quick trips to Putra Jaya, Genting,Malacca).
AZIZ MOHAMMAD
http: azizfikrym0.blogspot.com
1)More of our budget hotels (2-STAR and below OR room rate less than USD 25) should be encouraged(incentives?) to advertise on the web.
2)Those budget accomodations meeting certain criteria set by the ministry(eg.cleanliness,facilities,value for money , customers' feedback to the ministry through the ministry's website/blog)should be rewarded (annual competition ?)
3)Similar promotions should also be given to quality and affordable restaurants and eating stalls.
4.Of course, our general disadvantages in the tourism sector are mainly :
a) Transportation - especially the taxi services
b) Cleanliness - especially toilet facilities , wet markets(Pudu & Chow Kit)
c) Maps & road signs, tips - especially for those with limited budget and time (target specific destinations, eg. in KL - China Town,Twin Tower, JLN Masjid India/Jln. TAR, National Museum, + affordable quick trips to Putra Jaya, Genting,Malacca).
AZIZ MOHAMMAD
http: azizfikrym0.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 7, 2010
TOKYO SUBWAY SCENE - Men in Grey Suits
TOKYO SUBWAY SCENE - Men in Grey Suits
At first sight, the Japanese appears to fit the familiar folklore stereotype of a rich but unhappy man. Having leapfrogged to its present position among the affluent industrial heavy weights, Japan is said to be suffering from a serious setback at home - the plight of its people in coping with the inter-related problems of escalating consumer prices and the deteriorating quality of life.
On further reflections, this economics-sociopsychological equation, even if proved to be of critical importance, must have been resolved in their minds. Inspite of the sighs and grumbles in both the local media and the official briefing sessions, the general mood seems resolutely unanimous. The tempo must be maintained, there is no turning back!.
One is tempted to wonder whether the men in the typically grey business suits packed on the subway trains during rush hours have emotions, feelings, or at least the ability to smile. Perhaps behind the sleepy oriental eyes, the Yen electronics are actively clicking magic numbers, sapping away their concentrations and in the process rendering them oblivious to everything else except hopefully their intended destinations. Or, maybe the grins had long since vanished in the smokes and ashes of the previous war and what remain are the solemn vows to regain the Yokozuna belt.
Vigor returned at the work place where mass production and standardization methods acquired from the west are religiously adhered to. Every man has a task to perform and mission to accomplish, their individual contributions converging synchronously into a sophisticated product designed to excel at the international market place. If quality of life is to include job satisfaction, then the workaholic Japanese need confine their grievances to the non-working hours of their lives.
As Kimono clad ladies reluctantly loyal to their inherited traditions scurried to the increasingly rare evening functions, to give way in the morning to the throngs of enlightened working women in their brief trendy dresses, the Samurai warriors and Kamikaze pilots of the historical pasts are being conscripted into the hordes of innovative technologists and corporate strategists. Such was the vision of the elders.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?
At first sight, the Japanese appears to fit the familiar folklore stereotype of a rich but unhappy man. Having leapfrogged to its present position among the affluent industrial heavy weights, Japan is said to be suffering from a serious setback at home - the plight of its people in coping with the inter-related problems of escalating consumer prices and the deteriorating quality of life.
On further reflections, this economics-sociopsychological equation, even if proved to be of critical importance, must have been resolved in their minds. Inspite of the sighs and grumbles in both the local media and the official briefing sessions, the general mood seems resolutely unanimous. The tempo must be maintained, there is no turning back!.
One is tempted to wonder whether the men in the typically grey business suits packed on the subway trains during rush hours have emotions, feelings, or at least the ability to smile. Perhaps behind the sleepy oriental eyes, the Yen electronics are actively clicking magic numbers, sapping away their concentrations and in the process rendering them oblivious to everything else except hopefully their intended destinations. Or, maybe the grins had long since vanished in the smokes and ashes of the previous war and what remain are the solemn vows to regain the Yokozuna belt.
Vigor returned at the work place where mass production and standardization methods acquired from the west are religiously adhered to. Every man has a task to perform and mission to accomplish, their individual contributions converging synchronously into a sophisticated product designed to excel at the international market place. If quality of life is to include job satisfaction, then the workaholic Japanese need confine their grievances to the non-working hours of their lives.
As Kimono clad ladies reluctantly loyal to their inherited traditions scurried to the increasingly rare evening functions, to give way in the morning to the throngs of enlightened working women in their brief trendy dresses, the Samurai warriors and Kamikaze pilots of the historical pasts are being conscripted into the hordes of innovative technologists and corporate strategists. Such was the vision of the elders.
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