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
Friday, November 12, 2010
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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
SMEs & the government's generous budget allocation
I presume the allocation was based on some numbers concerning the SME's. If that was the case, may I suggest that we re-examine our definition of the SME i.e the criteria which determines whether an establishment/enterprise qualifies as an SME. This is of utmost importance since an SME so defined will stand a high chance of being a beneficiary of the various programs under the budget allocation. Get the LATEST ECONOMIC SURVIVAL TIPS AT Click Here!
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