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KPDNKK cuts RON95 and RON97 by 35 sen, and diesel price by 30 sen beginning tomorrow
By Sulhi Azman
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 31, 2014): The Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) has announced that the retail petrol prices will be reduced by 35 sen each for RON95 and RON97, while the retail price for diesel will be reduced by 30 sen per litre, effective from 12:01am tonight.
The retail price reduction will see RON95 drop to RM1.91 per litre from RM2.11 per litre currently, while RON97 will drop to RM2.11 per litre from RM2.46 per litre and diesel will be reduced to RM1.93 per litre from RM2.23 per litre currently.
“The government will continue to follow market development in product cost and foreign currency exchange to determine the retail price for petrol and diesel for the coming months,” KPDNKK Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek, 68, said in a media statement this evening.
To recap, the government had on Nov 21 announced to rationalise the fuel subsidy by implementing the managed float system, where the monthly average of the world crude oil price would determine the retail fuel prices of the following month.
Earlier this month, the price of RON 95 were reduced by 4 sen to RM2.26 per litre, while the price for RON97 were slashed by 9 sen to RM2.46 per litre.
However, the price of diesel was increased by 3 sen from RM2.20 per litre.
It is worth noting that the World Bank had in its latest “Malaysia Economic Monitor” report said that the removal of fuel subsidies will help the government to save an estimated of between RM10 billion and 12 billion in 2015.
END
MAS extends condolences to families and friends of passengers in flight QZ8501
By Sulhi Azman
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 30, 2014): Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) – which was struck by two airline tragedies this year – has extended its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the families and friends of all passengers on PT AirAsia Indonesia’s flight QZ8501.
“As an airline that has recently experienced such great sadness, we stand in solidarity to offer our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy and with the team at AirAsia. This is indeed a sad time for everyone working in aviation and for all guests who fly,” the troubled national airline said in a media statement yesterday.
“We urge everyone to stay strong during this extremely trying time and to always respect the grieving families,” MAS added.
To recap, flight QZ8501 – en route to Singapore from Surabaya, Indonesia – had vanished from the radar screen on Sunday morning, after the pilot had reportedly requested to deviate from its original flight path to avoid thick clouds and rise to a height of 38,000 ft from the initial height of 32,000 ft.
The flight was speculated by the Indonesian authority to likely be “at the bottom of the sea”.
While this has yet to be fully ascertained, AirAsia Indonesia this evening confirmed that the debris found on the Java Sea earlier today is from its flight QZ8501.
The lost of flight QZ8501 is the first major blow to AirAsia founder and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, which he described via twitter as "his worst nightmare."
Meanwhile, loss-making MAS was hit by a double whammy this year, when it reported the loss of flight MH370 in March, and the shot down of flight MH17 which had killed all 283 passengers and 15 crews on board.
Following resuscitation from its largest shareholder Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the troubled national carrier – which has accumulated losses that has crossed the RM2 billion mark – will be taken private with an initial capital injection of RM6 billion on a staggered and conditional basis over a three-year period.
MAS will be delisted from Bursa Malaysia at 9am tomorrow (Dec 31).
END
Folks,
This is another tip for a men to be successful.
To appreciate this joke, you must first understand that in Islam, a man is allowed to marry up to four wives -- and strictly only if the first wife consent to it and if he can afford it.
Now, the joke in the picture below goes like this (translation):-
A husband's success,
Starts from the wife's prayer,
The more the wives,
The more the prayers,
And the more the success.
Folks,
Here is a good financial planning tip that one of my friends sent to me.
Guys (men) beware of this :)
Peeps,
I recently had a small debate with my sister about Sushi King and its halal status in a family WhatsApp group.
The story goes like this.
My sister announced in a family WhatsApp group that Sushi King is not halal and therefore should be avoided.
That immediately caught my attention as many Malaysia Muslims go there to eat.
Anyway, I did a quick Google search and it turned out that the restaurant -- Sushi King -- said in its website that they have not obtain a "halal" status.
But the company said that all of their meats are from halal sources and not mixed with wine or alcoholic liquid.
This is what Sushi King wrote in its website:-
"We are not Halal certified restaurant. No Mirin is used for food preparation in our restaurants. Our poultry products such as chicken and beef are Halal-certified".
So I told my sister to give Sushi King a benefit of doubt, as well as trust in their foods, for the company has clearly said that their meats are "halal" albeit not attaining a halal certification from a religious authority.
In Malaysia, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is the only authority to issue halal certification.
It is not immediately clear why the company (Sushi King) did not get a halal status.
The point that I am making here is that we should not jump to a straight conclusion to immediately stop going to this restaurant simply because it does not have a halal certification from a religious authority.
I wish to state that we should use the term "halal certification" as compared to "halal status" as it gives a much clearer meaning about the halal situation of a particular restaurant.
My sister, along with some other Malaysian Muslims that concur with her, may have forgotten that many hotels in Malaysia are also not certified halal.
This is simply because these hotels, although they do not serve pork, but they do serve acoholic drinks such as wine, beer etc.
Now the question here is, should we stop eating at these hotels? My answer is no.
According to Jakim's website, there are 414 hotels that has been certified as halal.
And quite a number of big, international and renowned hotels have not been accorded with a halal certification, and still many events are being held there.
I wonder what is Jakim's reaction on this since it involves many Muslim participants.
As for me, a halal certificate is a reassurance from religious authorities that the foods and drinks served there are safe to be consumed by Muslims.
And those hotels that serve alcoholic drinks are clearly unable to be accorded with a halal certification.
Now, before you jump into conclusion and accuse me of blasphemy, I want to reiterate that I am not criticising the halal certification.
But I am criticising those who practice double standard on this issue.
What I am trying to say here is that we should not be too quick to judge a particular place as "not for Muslims" if they do not have a halal certification.
The next question thay begs an answer is this: is it then haram (religiously illegal) to consume meals at a place that are not certified halal by the religious authority? This is certainly a broad question that would require long deliberations and explanations.
As for me, it is not haram to eat at places that are not certified halal by the religious authority, if you know the foods there are halal. You simply dont eat the non-halal foods lah.
Consider this: by standard definition, Malaysia Airlines flight is certainly not a halal place for Muslims as it serves alcoholic drinks, and yet many Muslims still travel on it. (How can it be halal when there is clearly a haram drinks inside a flight?)
Still, the Muslims buy its tickets on a purportedly non-halal airline for a "halal" purpose i.e. to visit relatives, study or even travelling
I know of many people and (religious) organisatons that travel on this so-called non-halal airline but no one makes a big fuss out of it.
I find it baffling why we point one mistake at a particular outlet for its non-halal certification but not at this instance. And we use "darurat" (emergency) excuse because this is apparently such a case that is unavoifable. This is far too many a time that we use such excuse to make things suit our needs, where convenient.
Another example is this: many conventional banks are not halal and provide haram services (interest [usury] products) but we still allow them to operate freely in Malaysia.
Worst, we allow them to co-exist with shariah-compliant banks that rides on strict Shariah-princple which prohibit usury and investments in non-halal business.
And many of these so-called Islamic banks are owned by conventional banks.
Talk about "halal mixing with haram."
And another classic example is this: the small restaurants and stalls that sell foods but with no halal certifications issued to them. And not a single soul make a brouhaha out of this issue.
And yet we trust them simply because they wear Islamic dress such as hijab or many of its patrons are Muslims. And they even display Islamic calligraphy and other displays to say that they are Muslimd and provide halal foods and drinks but with no 'proper' halal certification. These were all done exude confidence from the Malaysian Muslims.
But who is to say that their places are "truly halal" despite having no halal certification?
We tend not to question them, but we question others.
What is this madness?
Which brings me back to my argument: halal and haram are clearly stipulated in the Quran and prophetic traditions.
But the halal certification -- issued by religious departments -- is an extension of that in the holy scripture and structred in a more regulatory manner so as to assure the Muslims about the halal status of the foods.
But at the same time, we must look at a broader picture and be pragmatic with the halal issue.
When I say pragmatic, I mean a sensible, realistic and practical approach to a halal issue.
Being sensible is to have trust that the foods offered by the owners or operators are halal.
The onus is on the owner to provide such a trust and as the consumer, we must be convinced that such a trust is genuine.
If the consumer thinks that such a trust is not genuine, then there is definitely a doubt on the foods to be eaten and therefore the consumer need not eat it, on halal concerns.
But at the same time, the consumer has no right to badmouth and bitch about it unless they can establish a strong case against it, with hard and credible evidence.
Next is being realistic and practical, which means that we need to exercise critical judgment about such foods served.
If say, we are at a 5-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur, and we damn too well know that the hotel in the city provides a halal foods, then there is no reason why we cannot eat it.
Once trust is established, then it is only realistic and practical that we eat the foods offered, lest that we go and trouble ourself elsewhere to get a halal-certified one. Which certainly is not realistic and practical, at least to me.
I am mindful that the halal certification is good and no doubt an important one, but are we to abandon, dismiss and condemn those who sell foods that are halal but have no certification from the religious body?
The topic of halal and haram is a touchy and sensitive issue.
I am by no means condemning them, but I urge those to look at the issue from a much more broader perspectives.
As for me, it is all a matter of preference.
The religious authority has an obligation to issue halal certification to places that comply with their standard and regulations.
And the public has a choice to eat at those places that are assured and guaranteed as halal by the owner, but may not get a halal certification due to reasons best known to them.
In the end, my sister is still adamant about her view of Sushi King, but that is okay.
She is entitled to her own view but I told her to also give a benefit of doubt to the said restaurant chain.
Wallahu'alam (And Allah knows best).
Folks,
There were two tragedies in Australia that disturbed me the most in the past week.
First is the Sydney cafe siege in which an idiotic Islamist (unfortunately) held hostages of the patrons. The perpetrator and the two hostages were apparently killed when the police were rescuing the latter.
The death of the hostages saddened me the most, but the death of the perpetrator is one that I have no regret except for cherish and joy.
I hope the perpetrator will rot in hell for his action, which is clearly un-Islamic (goes against the teaching of the religion) and pathetic.
On the other hand, I sympathise with the family of the hostages who were also killed during the traumatic time of being rescued by the authority. I am saddled by the utter sadness.
This is why, I, as a Muslim, will never allow any religious scholars -- whether Christians, Muslims or otherwise -- to run and rule for a country, for fear of radical Islamic views that will results in the mushrooming of many others that would follow suit.
Just recently, a tragic incident happened in Pakistan, in which the Taliban was blamed as the mastermind behind the death of some 140-odd students in a school.
This reiterates my view once again about choosing and voting for a religious leader to run for the country.
In Malaysia, there are two Islamist groups that are politically linked. The first is Pertubuhan Agama Se-Malaysia (PAS) and second is Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA).
Both of these groups are also pressure groups in which they aspire to create Malaysia as an Islamic state.
While the idea is actually ideal, and very much welcomed by the Muslim community; I on the other hand, am not sure which part of Islamic teachings or sects or school of thoughts do they belong to.
Some of them are pathetically radical, calling for a ban on this and that; while other in the faction are more moderate, progressive, and pragmatic in their approach to certain issues.
Judging from the actions abroad, both in Pakistan and Australia, as well as others elsewhere; I am more than affirmative of my view of dismissing an Islamic state.
As for me, a state need not be Islamic; but the act of one is definitely indeed.
Islam does not advocate killing of others in the name of religion. And nor does Islam endorse its practitioners to impose its values to others.
The world as it currently is need not be Islamic.
It should be a safe haven where everyone could live in peace, prosperity and harmony, without fear of being intimidated by particular religious groups.
I denounce such a despicable act of killing innocent children and I pray that those behind the attack will be brought to justice, and eventually be forgiven by the families of the victims and God the Almighty.
Once again, I reiterate my view that a country should be ruled by moderates and not some religious scholars.
Second is the barbaric acts of murdering eight children in Australia.
Why oh why must these beautiful children be killed at such a young age, when they have yet to enjoy the bounty and plenty good things in this world?
I really am unable to fathom this.
Just what is this world turning into, I wonder.
 |
| The Edge Financial Daily, Tuesday, Oct 28, 2014 |
"A further seven BHPetrol stations in Johor will be offering the high grade diesel within two weeks later," BHPetrol said in a media statement today.BHP Petrol currently have 36 petrol stations in Johor.
"The government has recently approved the sale of EURO 5 Diesel in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia for diesel-powered vehicles entering Singapore. This follows the Singapore government’s introduction of tighter Euro5 emission standard that went into effect from July 1, 2014. Modern advanced diesel engine vehicles using Euro5 diesel will be able to meet the new standard and this is good news for the vehicles going to Singapore," BHPetrol added.On average, it is estimated that some 4,000 lorries and buses enters Singapore daily.
 |
| The Edge Financial Daily, Friday, June 27, 2014 |
#
|
Country
|
Population
|
City
|
1
|
Malaysia
|
29,716,965
(29.72 million)
|
Kuala Lumpur
Putrajaya
Selangor
Negri Sembilan
Johor
Malacca
Sarawak
Penang
|
2
|
Singapore
|
5,399,200
(5.4 million)
|
Singapore
|
3
|
Philippines
|
98,393,574
(98.39 million)
|
Manila
Cebu
Davao City
|
4
|
Thailand
|
67,010,502
(67.01 million)
|
Bangkok
Pattaya
|
5
|
Vietnam
|
89,708,900
(89.71 million)
|
Ho Chi Minh
Hanoi
|
6
|
Indonesia
|
249,865,631
(249.87 million)
|
Jakarta
|
 |
The Edge Financial Daily, Oct 21, 2014 |
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 |
| Source: The Economist, October 18th, 2014 |
Folks,
Of late, I have been reading that North Korea's top leader Kim Jong Un was reported as disappearing from the public radar for quite sometimes.
Apparently, Kim Jong Un is reported as loving the cameras and publicity.
The news on his absence from the public radar prompted many speculations among journalists worldwide.
Some speculated on his death, others speculated on his health. And the speculation is rife as the days pass by.
This is certainly news to world leaders though; especially to the United States of America, where the president has voiced his concern on North Korea's nuclear weapon programmes.
Well, the recent public disappearance of world leaders, such as Kim Jon Un, is somehow a reminder to them (the key leaders) to always be seen in the public and not shy away from the media.
Any attempts to do so will definitely be noticed as key world leaders should appear frequently for public scrutiny.
Their absence will make the journalist's thought grow fonder, hence prompting rife speculations that could be negative.
Folks,
Just now, I read a story about a lower-caste boy in India being burnt to death for failure to properly monitor the goat of a farmer.
The boy, apparently from the lowest caste, was brutally bashed and later burned to death.
That sickens me. It boiled my blood.
And it disturbs me!
Why is there still a caste system?
I'm sorry, but I particularly do not see any benefits of this human-labeling system, that has no basis.
Why classify and categorise persons as holy, unholy and untouchables?
Wait.
Are we all not creation of God?
And who are these humans, taking the role of God to categorise other fellow humans, when God itself does not do so?
No baby requested from God to be born and later classified as either lower-class or upper-class human.
The baby may be born in a rich or poor family, but in the end, all babies are equal before God.
The issue concerning the caste system is somewhat similar to the issues of slavery and gender equality.
All of these three -- caste, slavery and gender equality -- steretotype and discriminate between one human and another.
Historically, we used to have a slavery system, where a person can be owned by another person.
Thank heavens that the system no longer exists in this half-sane world.
And then there was and still is, the issue about gender superiority, where men see themselves as superior than women.
But time has changed.
Everyone has its own unique capability. And neither no gender is superior nor inferior than another.
A lot of effort has been placed to enhance the role of women in the society.
In Malaysia at least, though a lot needs to be done, but women's right is protected here.
Yes, there are still some chauvanistic views, but at least we do not kill any women for petty crimes such as this.
And what remains now is this issue of caste, which is pretty much prevalent in India and ought to be properly addressed.
Now, I have to tread very carefully here as it involves a lot of sensitivity from some community. And by all means, I am not trying to offend them.
If I do, then I am so sorry, but the trauma of reading such disturbing article left a deep scar in my heart.
The extend of human action is beyond imagination.
What I am writing is merely a diplomatic view concerning the issue of the world's societal fabric, which I hope will be for the greater good of humanity.
My view is this:
(1) no baby is born with any kind of sin. All babies are born free of sin, but with countless number of blessings.
(2) no person or human should be enslaved and owned by another human.
(3) all persons, regardless of the social status and gender, are equal before the law, and ultimately God.
(4) no human has the right to claim that her or she is holier than the other. Only God can do that.
And I therefore pray that proper justice be done.
Folks,
Here is an interesting topic about nuts and banana, as opposed to "nuts and bolts".
These nut and banana will be discussed in ethnic context of Malay and Chinese communities, respectively.
And no, this is not a sex talk, but merely a social, unscientific observation of the fabric of society that I am in.
Let's first talk about "nut".
Despite all the nitty-gritty negative connotations; nut or "kacang" in Malaysia is used to describe someone who has forgotten its roots.
There is a specific Malay phrase that goes like this" kacang lupakan kulit, which in English would mean "a nut who has forgotten its shell".
This phrase is regularly intended to describe those -- particularly the Malays -- that have forgotten their own root (culture) such that they pretend not to know the Malay language after coming back overseas, or they decide to disband their parents in achieving worldly pleasure.
So that is about nut, or kacang.
With all due respect, I specifically relate it to the Malays because I feel that they can absorb and feel its meaning best, as compared to other race.
But be careful! Don't blindly use the word kacang.
If you want to describe someone who has forgotten its root, then use the phrase kacang lupakan kulit in full.
If you use kacang alone, it would mean "simple", in the sense that this word is loosely used to describe how simple it is to solve or do something.
And why is kacang used in such context?
Well, probably because it is simpler to throw kacang in your mouth and chew them as foods.
Throwing kacang is an easy act, no?
Next comes banana or pisang, an often a misunderstood fruit.
Banana is a pejorative word used widely within the Chinese community.
Let's look at the anatomy of a banana. It is long (yes, everyone noticed that!), and have a yello colour on the outside and a somewhat white colour on the inside.
The slur is that the yellow outside represents the Chinese skin colour, and the white inside represents the so-called caucassion, or mat salleh as it is known in this country.
What I am trying to say is that, a Chinese is labelled as banana is he or she embrace Western culture such that they forgot their own roots, eapecially their language.
An often-seen situation that could be a good example is if there is a Chinese that does not know how to speak Chinese -- either Mandarin, or Cantonese, or Hokkien, or even Hakka.
Therefore, there you have it.
Nut or kacang for the Malays, and banana or pisang for the Chinese.
The fruits of race-linked pejorative, is how I would term it.
Peeps,
Honestly, dear: I think that the official title for those working as a "fire fighter" or "bomba" in Malaysia is no longer relevant.
And let me tell you why.
I have been following tbe development of these folks in the social media, or specifically Facebook.
They are one good organisation providing noble services to the society at no cost, and sometimes at the expense of their own life.
Tracing through their Facebook accounts, these folks have done so many good and great bizarre things in Malaysia: from helping a cat stuck on the tree, to cutting a ring stucked in somebody else's penis.
And yes, you read that right.
To recap, there was a case in Kelantan few months ago where one young adult had a ring stucked in his penis.
The ring, presumably used to prevent premature ejaculation, was unfortunately stucked in his penis and he could not get it off.
And, his father sent him to the hospital. The doctors, which I am sure puzzled at such rare a case, was nonetheless unable to remove the stucked ring.
Apparently, not even the soap could be used to take that thing off the guy's penis.
Having lost ideas, the doctors then called the fire-fighters to help out. And one wonders what does the fire-fighters have to do with this thing.
And the fire-fighters then used a special cutter to remove that ring.
Amazing, isn't it, what the fire-fighters can do?
This is one of the plethora of cases thay they have reported in their Facebook account.
And if you have been following them in Facebook, you will see that these folks offer services beyond their scope of fighting and putting off fires.
And they must be duly credited, for their work is one that bring joy and cheers to the humanity.
They are trying their best to eradicate all the physical sorrows that haunt people's lives and bring that longing smile to the face.
These are the unsung heroes that society should thanked them, and appreciate.
In fact, these folks deserve more than standing ovation and loud clap, for the bizarrer, interesting and dangerous work that they are involved in.
I cannot imagine a world without bomba.
Which then leads me to conclude that these folks should have their official name changed from fire-fighter to something that can better reflect their instinct of rescuing people in times of emergency.
Gone are the days where we solely depend on the police for help.
Yes, we do still need them, but we too should consider having the presence of bomba as well.
Folks,
Something is definitely wrong.
I can feel it under my skin.
What is up with the weather these days?
I am so baffled. And puzzled.
At 9:00am in the morning, it is smoking hot with the scorching heat emanated from the unforgiving sun. And you tend to sweat more at this hour compared to the same period few years back.
And goodness, clothes on the line dries up faster at this hour than before.
The rate at which the water evaporated is much faster these days.
And at 12:00pm, the heat just "expanded", and the anger in you is further exacerbated by the less wind in the air and the choking smoke that contains small particles that makes your feel so uneasy.
And I think that my skin is almost half-cooked at this mid-day too. The tan in my skin is a proof.
And at 3:00pm, it rains like nobody's business. Seems that the sky is conveying its sadness to humanity through the tears it dropa every now and then, which tend to be inherently frequent.
And then, news about flash flood in the city center, and other parts of the valley starts to flow and make headlines to the radio, tv stations, newspapers and online portal.
And the night seem to seep in early at 6:00pm. Honestly, 6:00pm now is so much different than 6:00pm before.
At this hour, it seems that the cloud is going all out to hide the sun from lighting up this world.
Really, what is wrong with the weather today?
I am scared. And perturbed by this sudden change.
Some say it is monsoon and cyclical in nature.
And some say that it is a sign from the almighty God that the apocalypse is getting closer and nearer.
And some say that this is God's punishment to the inhabitants of the earth for polluting its nature, vandalizing its flora and fauna, and causing chaos via relentless wars and insurgent fights among its creations.
My oh my.
The weather is funny.
And sometimes, it turns ugly.
And now, I pray sincerely,
That God will forgive all of me.
Folks,
Recently I had a personal lunch with a couple of company's headhonchos (mostly chief executive officers [CEOs]).
Of course, being a journalist has its own perks than say, being something else.
The fact of the matter is that some of the CEOs are not comfortable running the company if the board starts to behave like executive body than being an oversight body.
This, by the way, does not apply if the company is wholly-owned or partly-owned by an executive chairman.
In such situation, the CEO has little choice but to follow the business directions as set out by the major shareholder who has interest in the company.
But then again, if you are at the board level, you should not meddle in petty executive issues of running day-to-day operations.
The board -- with all the wisdoms, conscience and experiences of its member compositions -- should concentrate on the business and strategic directions of the company, and oversee in critical and crucial areas such as financial performance and audit issues.
Hiring of staff (other than the CEO), and answering management-related questions should solely be in the hand of the CEO and/or CFO.
After all, why hire top patriarchs to complete the echelons of runnning the team, if the board is going to meddle in daily operations?
Such "unseen hands" is detrimental to the company's progress to the next level of growth.
And it goes against the principle of good corporate governance.
And it is for this matter that I, as a financial journalist with such a privilege to heard those personal and off-the-record stories, pity those CEOs being put in such situation.
Even if the CEO is a strong man or woman that can academically challenge the board in the most professional manner, but in the end, if the board does not like him or her, then it will be hard for them to steer the company in rough course of challenging operating environment.
I can only wish the best for them.
Am I wrong for thinking out the box from where I stay?
Am I wrong for saying that I choose another way?
So am I wrong ... For thinking that we could be something for real?
Now am I wrong ... For trying to reach the things that I can't see?And now, let's go and figure out some answers for the questions posed in this song.
Folks,
Tonight is one of those night where some songs have impact to me. Especially if it is a quiet night.
Jeez.
Every lyrics will make every one of my hair stands and my heart beats faster than at any other time.
So yes, beware of the night. For the it is dark and no one knows what lurks in there.
And tonight, I am listening to this song with the following lyrics that made me ponder and wonder..
"If the sky comes falling down,
For you,
There's nothing in this world wouldn't do,
What if I'm far from home,
Oh brother,
I will hear you call,
What if I lose it all,
Oh sister,
I would help you out.."
I leave you at that.
Good Night.
Folks,
What is this new craze about ice bucket challenge?
Well, kudos if you've done it. But what next? Do you just stop there?
Is there any money or support provided to support the good cause of helping ALS victims?
I think the cause to help this is noble, but you should not just accept the challenge just for the fun of it.
And I am not sure if you guys have watched a video where one man put the ice in a glass and enjoy it with some wine. And he wrote some cheque to be donated to charities that supports the ALS victimes, for every bit of ice he put in the glass. Amazing, is it not?
I say that this is better than accepting the ice buckett challenge blindly!
Therefore, the picture below is absolutely apt in its own right.
Don't simply nominate if you don't contribute.
As for me I have yet to be challenged and I hope the one who will challenge me has better pledged some donation to support this cause!
Folks,
This is my take on the menteri besar -- MB -- (equivalent to Chief Minister) in Selangor, the richest state in Malaysia:-
1. I am not in favour of appointing Dr Wan Azizah as Selangor's MB. She has yet to prove the capability. She, with a due respect, has no track record of managing a state.
2. As for Tan Sri Khalid, his leadership is proven. The state's reserve ballooned to some billion ringgit in his first term as the Selangor's MB. Former CEO of the country's investment arm versus former eye surgeon. I would choose the former!
3. As for PAS, an Islamist party, I think they are a bunch of hypocrite. With due respect to their religious knowledge, I do not see any one of their party leaders have a good track record in managing a state. All they know is talking about Islam, Islam and Islam (their own version, of course), but they have yet to prove their capability. I do not believe in their cause, but it does not mean that they are bad people. It just means that they are in delusion and trapped in their own nest. They need to go out of their cocoon to see the bigger picture.
4. As for the Sultan, I think he is a wise man. From my own judgment, it is clear cut that he does not favour Dr Wan Azizah as the MB. I think he is right and I think he should let Tan Sri Khalid rule Selangor until his term ends. But of course, the Sultan has a final call to make on this.
5. As for PKR, one of the coalitions in the Pakatan Rakyat, I think that they should keep their mouth shut. Appointing Dr Wan Azizah is definitely an act of cronyism and nepotism. I wonder why the rush for the to replace the MB. Why can't you focus on strengthening your party before the next (14th) general election takes place?
6. Selangor citizens are not blind. They are not stupid too. They are just watching the drama unfolding before them, and I reckon that many Selangor people would not endorse Dr Wan Azizah as the new MB.
I hope the situation will be quickly and amicably resolve.
I stand by my views:-
(A) I have no faith in PAS' leadership and cause.
(B) Tan Sri Khalid should remain as the Selangor MB until the next general election.
(C) I do not support Dr Wan Azizah to replace the Selangor MB.
Folks,
Happy Malaysia's independence day.
Today, or rather yesterdary (August 31), mark the 57th anniversary of Malaysia's independence from the British rule.
The independence day in Malaysia is known as "Hari Merdeka".
This year, the theme is "Malaysia, disini lahirnya sebuah cinta", or in English, it means "Malaysia, where love grows".
The theme is rather interesting. I mean, it is certainly better than the previous Merdeka theme of "janji ditepati" or "promises delivered".
The theme back then was just ridiculous. The government, with all due respect, is not in position to claim that all promises has been delivered.
Luckily, this year's theme is one that is romantic and nostalgic. Malaysia, the boleh-land, is indeed where my love is.
Having lived abroad, there is no other place compared to Malaysia. At least, that is my personal opinion.
Anyway, this auspicious day should be the day we liberate ourself from all negativities and bad thoughts.
We should set our mind free from being conquered by evil ideas.
We should embrace each other like families.
After all, we are Malaysians.
Happy Merdeka to every Malaysians!
Secara dasarnya juga, Kerajaan Malaysia tidak menjalin hubungan ekonomi secara langsung dengan Israel. Namun begitu, Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri ingin memaklumkan bahawa kesemua pintu masuk ke Palestin dikawal oleh pihak berkuasa sempadan Israel kecuali di sempadan Mesir – Semenanjung Gaza, dan Kerajaan Mesir hanya membenarkan kemasukan bantuan kemanusiaan, ubat-ubatan dan makanan ke Palestin melalui Rafah Border Crossing.Which I translate this as:
In principle, the Government of Malaysia has no direct economic relationship with Israel. But, the ministry wishes to inform that all entry to Palestine is being guarded by the Israel's border authority except in Egypt-Gaza border, and the Government of Egypt only permits humanitarian aid, medical supplies and foods to Palestine through Rafah Border Crossing.The full statement by the minister (in Bahasa Melayu) only can be read here.
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| Source: The Edge Financial Daily, Monday, August 18, 2014, page 6 |
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#
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Research House
|
Research Report Title
|
GDP
Forecast
|
|
|
Previous
Forecast for 2014
|
Latest
Forecast for 2014
|
|||
|
1
|
BIMB Securities
|
Malaysia’s economy accelerates
in 2Q
(click here to read)
|
5.2%
|
5.8%
|
|
2
|
Hong Leong Investment Bank
(HLIB) Research
|
2Q14 GDP: Surprise On the
Upside
(click here to read)
|
5.7%
|
6.0%
|
|
3
|
DBS Research
|
Daily Breakfast
(click here to read)
|
5.2%
|
Will be announced in September
|
|
4
|
M&A Securities
|
Najibnomics is Working: 1H14
GDP at Solid 6.3%
(click here to read)
|
5.0%
|
5.5%
|
|
5
|
AmResearch
|
Malaysia sustains robust growth
in 2Q14
(click here to read)
|
5.3%
|
5.7%
|
|
6
|
CIMB Research
|
2Q14 GDP: strong growth spells rate
hikes in Sep
(click here to read)
|
5.5%
|
6.0%
|
|
7
|
JF Apex Securities
|
2Q GDP: Surprise, surprise
(click here to read)
|
5.3%
|
5.5%
|
|
8
|
AllianceDBS Research
|
2Q sizzles on stronger exports
recovery
(click here to read)
|
6.0%
|
5.5%
|
|
9
|
MIDF Research
|
2Q 14 Real GDP
stronger-than-expected, growth to moderate in the 2H 2014
(click here to read)
|
-
|
5.5%
|
