30% Liberalisation

DS Najib announcement to liberalise 27 services sub-sectors (meaning 30% Bumi quota to be removed in these sectors), received varies response across the region. Opinions such as, whether UMNO has abandoned the idea of Malay Rights has been heard for the past few days.

What does DS najib means by liberalisation? Liberalisation is closely interlinked with globalisation, privatization and free-market. Malaysia, being a FDI-driven country, would hope that this moves would create more foreign investors entering local market. But is this concept which are practised by the western countries are suitable in the local context? What are the price to the local economy? Can DS Najib implement this policy along with his "GLOKAL" slogan? There are many arguments that can be raised depending on how you view it.

Fistly, we need to remember that we have signed up to ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) which it will be implemented in 2010. From this context, DS Najib is preparing us to face the "REAL WORLD" next year. Local players have to "beef up" and be more competitive to face foreign competitors. We have been delaying the implementation for quite some times and its time for us to compete with our neighbouring countries. This will also directly improve Malaysian international economic competitiveness which has been sliding over the past few years.

Secondly, with the existence of such an open market, foreign direct investments (FDIs) will increase and this indirectly will provide more jobs to skilled workers and help raise the income of our people.

However, there are few isssues that the government needs to focus on -

1. Can this policy protects the welafare of the ordinary people, ecspecially the lower income group?

2. The "pro and cons' in the accessibility in critical industris such as health & education

3. Financial sector (financial liberalisation in the developed countries that cause current global crisis)

4. Can foreign players succeed in tourism and transportation industries withour LOCAL players?

5. Will this policy result us in signing the US FTA? (I am personally against this!, look at the mess that they are in now.)

With all the consideration above, we hope that DS Najib is aware of all the precaution in safeguarding the local interest. We are now facing the biggest challenges the nation has ever seen especially the global financial and economic meltdown. Effective measures and policies are critical in order to survive in this 'hard times', yet long-term implication to the domestic economy should not be ignored - FR

Perak to Buy New Protons to Replace Camrys

The Perak state government will purchase a new fleet of Proton Perdanas for executive councillors to replace the Toyota Camrys bought by the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) administration.

Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Kadir said "We will get them new and cheap. We have always believed in using the Proton cars because they are our national pride. We are aware that there were previous complaints on the high cost of maintenance for the vehicles. This is one of our concerns too.However, we will speak with Proton on how to better maintain the vehicles without forking out too much,".

The state's 16 Toyota Camrys, used by the previous Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government as their official vehicles, will be auctioned off at the State Secretariat's car park from 9.30am to 4pm from May 4 to 18.The reserve price for each vehicle is at RM148,000.

p/s: It was a bad idea that the previous government switched from "Malaysian" to "Japanese". How can you convince the consumers when you dont believe in your own products :)

The Saga Continues.....

VS

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is prepared to lead Barisan Nasional’s (BN) machinery for the Penanti by-election as his supporters continue to pile pressure on Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak to abandon his idea of skipping the expected vote in Penang.

The former prime minister believes he can defeat PKR in the stronghold of his arch-enemy Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Penanti lies within Anwar’s Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency.

And this message has been communicated by Dr Mahathir’s supporters to various BN leaders.

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir urged Najib to call off the idea of skipping the Penanti vote just a day after the new prime minister floated the idea.

Dr Mahathir argued that to concede defeat to the opposition would be a sign of weakness.

source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/

p/s: interesting, a "brave call" from a "Real Soldier".

"One Malaysia" is About Sharing Power and Wealth

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak speaking at the 63rd annual general meeting of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), explain to the audience what 'One Malaysia' means in the business context. Najib reminded about the "formula” which had formed the glue, and a successful one at that, that held the country together through the years.

He promised to continue the legacy of “power sharing, equitable wealth distribution and eradication of poverty”. He added “This government of today has always implemented business-friendly policies for the good of the nation. It's a symbiotic relationship; when businesses thrive, the government collects more revenues in taxes that can be used to provide for services to the people. As such, I will hold true to the government policy of pro-business and this is my pledge as Prime Minister to all Malaysians: 1 Malaysia,”

p/s: While many Malaysian continue to scratch their heads on "One Malaysia", today DS Najib explained the concept in "business term". Next stop, in "social term".

Another By-election

Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin, who quit as the Penang deputy chief minister 1 last week, resigned his Penanti state seat to force a by-election that could decide his replacement. According to him, this decision is made in the interest of PKR and would also allow him to continue his postgraduate studies and spend time with his family. He also added that he would now focus on clearing his name from allegations hurled against him.

p/s: Never seen too many by-election in a short period of time. Hope we can cut down on politicking and concentrate on building the nation. ONE MALAYSIA!

Proton EXORA, Our First MPV

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib launched Proton's first multipurpose vehicle (MPV), "Exora" . The 1.6-litre Exora has already received orders of 2,500 units, before it was launched.

Medium and higher-specification models priced at RM69,998 and RM75,998 respectively. The 1.6-litre MPV, is manufactured with 90 per cent local parts.

"Malaysians want European technology, Japanese design but Malaysian prices,” Syed Zainal, Proton's MD.

p/s: Congrats! Price, looks and accessories, not bad. Hopefully the improvement of proton's overall quality can be seen in this 'piece'.

for details:

http://paultan.org/archives/2009/04/15/proton-exora-malaysias-first-mpv-from-rm69998/

Eli is Back (updated)

Selangor MB, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and his Exco have decided to offer YB Elizabeth Wong to remain as Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman. If the offer accepted, she needs to resume work tomorrow. He added that “The state government believes this is an appropriate and fair decision..”. (Updated) Eli agrees to stay on as exco and assemblywoman.

That means no by-election in Bukit Lanjan

p/s: was it an issue of morality or was she a political victim?? You make the call..

Crooked Bridge

Several groups from Johor has made a call for Prime Minister to review back the cancellation of the crooked bridge. The project which was shelved by Tun Abdullah back in 2006, received many strong criticism especially from the former premier; Tun Mahathir. This project was initiated during Mahathir era, however was shelved due to financial reasons (according to Pak Lah's admin). Let's hear what the Johorian's have to say about this:

" The people of Johor, regardless race, would like the DS Najib to review back the crooked bridge. It is a long term investment and nobody can deny the positive effect it will bring to the economy of Johor"
Pemuda UMNO Johor

" The 'bridge' will boost up the economy, especially in Johor Bharu"
Dato' Soh poh Seng, President of "Dewan Perniagaan & Industri Johor"

"Both countries; Malaysia & Singapore will benefit from it, its about time to replace Tambak Johor which was build in 1924"
P Sivakumar, President of dewan peniagaan India Johor

p/s: "They" shouldn't have canceled the bridge at the first place, now it will cost more to build the bridge due to the rise of raw materials - FR

Comeback Kid..

One of my reliable source says that Tun Daim; one of the country’s ablest economic architects and one of the most powerful and respected figures in the corporate and political scene could re-emerge as an economic advisor to the government.

Tun Daim Zainuddin, respected for his economic & "money making" skills is being touted to the Najib administration as a member of National Economic Advisors Council (NEAC). Member of this council will enjoy ministerial powers.

Daim played an important role in steering the country out of the recession in the late 1980s and the Asian Financial Crisis in 1998. He resigned from the administration in 2002 and he retreated to the corporate world; running his business empire with interests all over the globe.

Born April 29,1938 in Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah, Daim bin Zainuddin is the youngest of thirteen siblings. Daim received his early education at the Malay Primary School in Seberang Perak, Alor Setar and then advanced to the Special Malay Class at the Sultan Abdul Hamid School, which was an English–medium school.

Daim’s great break was in 1971, when he decided to venture into land and property development. Together with two other partners, he formed a company, Syarikat Maluri Sdn Bhd of which he held a 60% majority control. The Company bought and developed Taman Maluri, Cheras and Daim became the first full-fledged Malay property developer in Kuala Lumpur. He was made Finance Minister in 1984 in the Mahathir era. He resigned in 1991 and was appointed for the same post in 1997 to help Malaysia during the economic crisis.Former Secretary–General of the Finance Ministry, the late Tan Sri Zain Azraai said: “He is an extraordinary man, a firm man, who came quietly to take over the Finance Ministry, did a splendid job, then left quietly.”

Names that are widely expected to be included in the council are, former head of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Datuk Andrew Sheng, and corporate figures Datuk Md Noor Yusof and Datuk Azman Yahya.

p/s: Tun Mahathir once said "Tun Daim is the only person that i know, who really understands money". Salute to the grand master of economics!

UFO in Larkin Johor??

Larkin, Johor, 2009

Gunung Jerai Kedah, 2007

Kuala Lumpur, 2000

Ministry of Science & Technology (MOSTI) has directed Agensi Angkasa Negara (ANGKASA) to investigate the report on UFO sightings in Larkin, Johor. Several witnesses had been reported seeing the same "green" & "yellow" lights in the sky for the past 2-3 days. Several sightings also has been reported in KL and Kedah but it remains a mystery.

p/s: Maybe we have our own "area 51"? :)

UMNO Youth Head List..

1. TUN HUSSEIN ONN (1949 - 1951)

2. TUN ABDUL RAZAK (1951)

3. TUN SARDON JUBIR (1951 - 1964)

4. DATUK SENU ABDUL RAHMAN (1964 - 1971)

5. DATUK HARUN IDRIS (1971 - 1976)

6. TAN SRI SYED JAAFAR ALBAR (1976 - 1977)

7. DATUK HJ SUHAIMI KAMARUDDIN (1977 - 1982)

8. DATUK SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM (1982 - 1987)

9. DATUK SERI NAJIB RAZAK (87 - 93)

10. DATUK SERI RAHIM TAMBY CHIK (93 - 94)

11. DATUK ZAHID HAMIDI (94 - 99)

12. DATUK SERI HISHAMUDDIN HUSSEIN (99 - 08)

13. Khairy Jamaluddin (2009 - now)

p/s: Paklah's favorite number is 13, his car registration is 13, his favourite UMNO youth chief is No. 13 :)

YB Dato’ Razali Ibrahim @ RTM1, 10th April, 10.30pm

RTM1 will be having a live telecast with YB Dato Razali Ibrahim in a talkshow called blog@1.

Channel : RTM 1

Date : Friday, April, 10

Time : 10.30 pm

p/s: I have met him a couple of times, he seems to be very presentable and likable, hope he can bring the voice and aspiration of the young generation.

Mixed Reaction

"It's not to my expectations, those who lost elections were given positions or retained while those who won were not," "

Professor Agus Yussoff, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

"It's still the same old horses and same ministries. If you want to bring in political rejects, it makes the cabinet a bit of an artefact. After all the hype, it is a little disappointing,"

Tony Pua, Petaling Jaya Utara MP

"The appointment of former Finance Minister II Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop to lead the Economic Planning Unit could smoothen implementation of the second stimulus package.It is important to get everything going and I hope to see the stimulus to kick in in second half to limit the downturn in the economy."

Lee Heng Guie, CIMB chief economist

"Mukhriz should be able to settle down and do a good work. I hope he will tackle the problem of giving out Approved Permits (APs) to people who are selling the APs,"

Dr Mahathir

“This is the most challenging job in the most challenging of times. But I am prepared for it and will do my best,”

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed

"Kita juga tidak boleh berasa selesa dengan jawatan dipegang kerana prestasi akan dinilai Perdana Menteri dari semasa ke semasa,"

Hishamuddin Onn

" A good mixture of Ol' timers and young blood, a good mixture from East & West Malaysia, and a good mixture of races. ONE MALAYSIA" - FR

"He Doesn't Mind"

Rembau MP and Umno Youth Head, YB Khairy Jamaluddin, who was not included in the new Cabinet line-up said he does not mind that he was not included in the new cabinet. He added that that holding a position in the Cabinet was not important to him, especially in view of the heavy responsibility that he has to shoulder as head of the Youth wing.

“As Umno Youth head, I am ready to assist the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib), whether within or outside the Government, and I feel the post is not important,” he told reporters.

The same scenario happened before to previous Youth head where Suhaimi Kamaruddin (1978-1982) and Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (1996-1998) were not appointed ministers.

NEW CABINET LINE-UP

Prime Minister and Finance Minister 1: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak

Deputy PM and Education Minister: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

Ministers in Prime Minister’s Department
Unity and Performance Management: Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon
Law and Parliament: Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz
Religious Affairs: Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Datuk Jamil Khir Baharum
Economic Planning Unit: Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop

Deputies: Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Senator Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim, Datuk SK Devamany, Ahmad Maslan, Senator T. Murugiah

Finance
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak
Finance Minister II: Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah
Deputies: Datuk Chor Chee Heung, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussein

Education
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
Deputies: Datuk Wee Ka Siong, Datuk Puad Zarkashi

Transport
Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat
Deputies: Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, Datuk Robert Lau

Home
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein
Deputies: Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop, Jelaing Mersat

Information, Communications, Arts and Culture
Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
Deputies: Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Senator Heng Seai Kie

Energy, Green Technology & Water
Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui
Deputy: Noriah Kasnon

Plantation Industries and Commodities
Tan Sri Bernard Dompok
Deputy: Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin

Rural and Regional Development
Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal
Deputies: Datuk Hassan Malek, Datuk Joseph Entulu

Higher Education
Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin
Deputies: Dr Hou Kok Chung, Saifuddin Abdullah

International Trade and Industry
Datuk Mustapa Mohamed
Deputies: Datuk Muhkriz Mahathir, Datuk Jacob Dungau

Science, Technology and Innovation
Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili
Deputy: Fadillah Yusof

Natural Resources and Environment
Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas
Deputy: Tan Sri Joseph Kurup

Tourism
Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen
Deputy: Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib

Agriculture and Agro-based Industries
Datuk Noh Omar
Deputies: Johari Baharum, Rohani Abdul Karim

Defence
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy: Datuk Dr Abdul Latif

Works
Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor
Deputy: Datuk Yong Khoon Seng

Health
Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai
Deputy: Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shilin

Youth and Sports
Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek
Deputies: Datuk Razali Ibrahim, Wee Jeck Seng

Human Resources
Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam
Deputy: Datuk Maznah Mazlan

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri
Deputy: Datuk Tan Lian Hoe

Housing and Local Government
Datuk Kong Cho Ha
Deputy: Lajim Ukin

Women, Family and Community Development
Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil
Deputy: Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

Foreign Affairs
Datuk Anifah Aman
Deputies: Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Senator A. Kohilan Pillai

Federal Territories
Datuk Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin
Deputy: Datuk M. Saravanan

Target Group!!

SURVEY: YOUNG MALAYSIANS RELYING ON INTERNET FOR INFO
Tuesday, 07 April 2009 17:59
(Bernama) - Young Malaysians are increasingly relying on the Internet for information and to keep themselves up-to-date, according to a recent survey by market research company Synovate.
About 45 per cent of the Malaysian youth interviewed in the survey said they planned to use the Internet more than other media, Synovate said in a statement today.
"Young Malaysians are definitely turning to the Internet more for their information and entertainment needs and it's not surprising that the Internet is slowly becoming the medium of choice," said managing director of Synovate in Malaysia, Steve Murphy.
The fourth annual Synovate Young Asians study looks at what's in the hearts and minds of the region's youth, revealing their media consumption, purchase habits, attitudes, favourite singers and cartoons.
The survey, supported by Microsoft Advertising, MTV and Yahoo!, found that young Malaysians were active bloggers with close to half (48 per cent) spending a portion of their time blogging.
"Malaysians in general have embraced blogging and bloggers alike as a way of expressing themselves and this virtual form of communications has certainly had an effect on the nation's youth," Murphy said.
"A total of 21 per cent of Malaysian youngsters create and update their blogs regularly and this figure is expected to rise," he said.
The survey also found that young Malaysians aged eight to 24 spend an average of 1.2 hours a day on email, one hour and thirty-six minutes a day as part of online communities, two hours and 48 minutes on instant messaging and two hours and 36 minutes on other Internet activities.


p/s: more & more gen X are relying on the internet as their main source of news. The youngsters are abandoning traditional media. UMNO has to make a serious re engineering within the party in order to attract these young voters. UMNO needs to convince these group why should they support the struggle of UMNO..

Najib is Still Shuffling...

After hours of meetings with BN coalition partners, new PM Najib is finally ready to unveil his "dream team" cabinet at 3pm tomorrow (thursday) after getting consent from the Agung.

From reliable sources that i get, UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin is not included in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's Cabinet list.On the other hand, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir could be appointed youth and sports minister and UMNO Youth vice chairman, MP for Muar Datuk Razali Hj Ibrahim could also be offered as a minister of Rural Development.

My sources also informed me that some corporate figures will be in the line-up to turn around the economic crisis.

These are my prediction:

PM/Finance: DS Najib

DPM/Home & Internal Affair: Muhyiddin

Defense Minister: Datuk Shafie Apdal

Miti: Datuk Ahmad Zahid

Education & Higher learning: Hishamuddin Onn

Foreign Affair: Rais Yatim

Entrepreneurial and cooperative development: Noh Omar

Federal Territory: Zulhasnan

Works: Md Zain

p/s: we just have to wait tomorrow for the official announcement, I hope that we will see a good mixture of new blood and Ol' timers..

PR retains 2 Bukits, BN retains Batang

The official results of the three by-elections are as follows:

Batang Ai: Malcom Mussem Lamoh (BN) 3,907 votes; Jawah Gerang (PKR) 2,053; Majority - 1,854 votes.
Bukit Gantang: Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (PAS) 21,860 votes; Ismail Saffian (BN) 19,071; Kamarul Ramizu Idris (Independent) 62; Majority - 2,789 votes.
Bukit Selambau: S. Manikumar (PKR) 12,632 votes; S. Ganesan (BN) 10,229; Majority - 2,403 votes.

p/s perjuangan kita belum selesai, a long way to go!!!!

Cabinet Reshuffle..

Prime minister, DS Najib will announce a new cabinet line up today. Rumors says that the new cabinet will be smaller in numbers of portfolio compared to the previous one, and a few "familiar faces" will be dropped to give way to the new blood. DS najib will reveal his dream team in order to strengthen the administration and to gain confident from the people.

p/s: I hope more new fresh faces to be introduced tomorrow, generation has changed, we need to impress the young voters which will be the 'King Maker" in the next election.

2 Bukit, 1 Batang

VS


Tomorrow, 7th April 2009, voters from 3 areas will decide who should be their "YB". The announcement of the parliamentary seat by-elections will be made around 9pm for all 3 areas. The most important by-election would be Bukit Gantang Perak due to this will be a testament from the people to decide between Dr Zambry or Dato Sri Nizar. Tun Mahathir made an 11th hour appearances both at the 2 Hills in hope to garner support at the final leg.

TS Muhyiddin offers five reasons on why the wind of change is heading towards BN– Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak becoming the country’s sixth prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad return to Umno, the quality of BN’s candidate, renewed confidence of the people in BN and Pakatan Rakyat being beset by its own problems.

I hope the voters know whats best for them, vote wisely!!

Mahathir vs Anwar (Round 2)

Just days after submitting his application to rejoin Umno, Dr Mahathir was in Bukit Gantang to campaign for the by-election at the invitation of Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.This is the first time in the nearly six years since he left office that the premier of 22 years has hit the campaign trail.

Tun, in his usual attacking mode said "That man just wants to create uncertainty. He said something big would happen on September 16 but in the end, nothing happened," referring to Anwar's promise to topple the government last September.

Some critics might say that this is the return of mahathirism but this is what he has to say "They condemn Mahathirism. What is wrong with Mahathirism? The country was developed for 22 years because of Mahathirism. So I think it is good,".

p/s: hmm, smart answer from a smart leader.. HIDUP TUN!!

"Pemuda Prihatin"

Yesterday (4th April 2009), my Umno Youth Branch (Gugusan Sg merab, Sepang) organized a program called "Pemuda Prihatin". We visited 2 houses; 1. Tok Imam Besar Masjid Sg Merab (just had a spinal operation) and 2. Hjh Rokiah (Warga emas). They were pleasently happy by our visit and both houses prepared yummy food for us. We presented some gifts to ease their burdens. I personally hope that this kind of program will be held through out the years as I feel that this is more effective to attract the younger and older generations. Kudos to us!!