An article that appeared in an Australian Newspaper
************************************************************************
While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry
Michael Backman
November 15, 2006
MALAYSIA 'S been at it again, arguing about what proportion of the
economy each of its two main races - the Malays and the Chinese -
owns. It's an argument that's been running for 40 years. That wealth
and race are not synonymous is important for national cohesion, but
really it's time Malaysia grew up.
It's a tough world out there and there can be little sympathy for a
country that prefers to argue about how to divide wealth rather than
get on with the job of creating it.
The long-held aim is for 30 per cent of corporate equity to be in
Malay hands, but the figure that the Government uses to justify
handing over huge swathes of public companies to Malays but not to
other races is absurd. It bases its figure on equity valued, not at
market value, but at par value.
Many shares have a par value of say $1 but a market value of $12. And
so the Government figure (18.9 per cent is the most recent figure) is
a gross underestimate. Last month a paper by a researcher at a local
think-tank came up with a figure of 45 per cent based on actual stock
prices. All hell broke loose. The paper was withdrawn and the
researcher resigned in protest. Part of the problem is that he is
Chinese.
" Malaysia boleh!" is Malaysia 's national catch cry. It translates to
" Malaysia can!" and Malaysia certainly can. Few countries are as good
at wasting money. It is richly endowed with natural resources and the
national obsession seems to be to extract these, sell them off and
then collectively spray the proceeds up against the wall.
This all happens in the context of Malaysia 's grossly inflated sense
of its place in the world.
Most Malaysians are convinced that the eyes of the world are on their
country and that their leaders are world figures. This is thanks to
Malaysia 's tame media and the bravado of former prime minister
Mahathir Mohamad. The truth is, few people on the streets of London or
New York could point to Malaysia on a map much less name its prime
minister or capital city.
As if to make this point, a recent episode of The Simpsons features a
newsreader trying to announce that a tidal wave had hit some place
called Kuala Lumpur . He couldn't pronounce the city's name and so made
up one, as if no-one cared anyway. But the joke was on the script
writers - Kuala Lumpur is inland.
Petronas, the national oil company is well run, particularly when
compared to the disaster that passes for a national oil company in
neighbouring Indonesia . But in some respects, this is Malaysia 's
problem. The very success of Petronas means that it is used to
underwrite all manner of excess.
The KLCC development in central Kuala Lumpur is an example. It
includes the Twin Towers , the tallest buildings in the world when they
were built, which was their point.
It certainly wasn't that there was an office shortage in Kuala Lumpur
- there wasn't.
Malaysians are very proud of these towers. Goodness knows why. They
had little to do with them. The money for them came out of the ground
and the engineering was contracted out to South Korean companies.
They don't even run the shopping centre that's beneath them. That's
handled by Australia 's Westfield .
Next year, a Malaysian astronaut will go into space aboard a Russian
rocket - the first Malay in space. And the cost? $RM95 million ($A34.3
million), to be footed by Malaysian taxpayers. The Science and
Technology Minister has said that a moon landing in 2020 is the next
target, aboard a US flight. There's no indication of what the
Americans will charge for this, assuming there's even a chance that
they will consider it. But what is Malaysia getting by using the space
programs of others as a taxi service? There are no obvious technical
benefits, but no doubt Malaysians will be told once again, that they
are "boleh". The trouble is, they're not. It's not their space
program.
Back in July, the Government announced that it would spend $RM490
million on a sports complex near the London Olympics site so that
Malaysian athletes can train there and "get used to cold weather".
But the summer Olympics are held in the summer.
So what is the complex's real purpose? The dozens of goodwill missions
by ministers and bureaucrats to London to check on the centre's
construction and then on the athletes while they train might provide a
clue.
Bank bale outs, a formula one racing track, an entire new capital city
- Petronas has paid for them all. It's been an orgy of nonsense that
Malaysia can ill afford.
Why? Because Malaysia 's oil will run out in about 19 years. As it is,
Malaysia will become a net oil importer in 2011 - that's just five
years
away.
So it's in this context that the latest debate about race and wealth is so
sad.
It is time to move on, time to prepare the economy for life after oil.
But, like Nero fiddling while Rome burned, the Malaysian Government is
more interested in stunts like sending a Malaysian into space when
Malaysia 's inadequate schools could have done with the cash, and
arguing about wealth distribution using transparently ridiculous
statistics.
**********************************************************************************
And the Govnts response
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...p;sec=nation%20
Full Version: An article on Malaysia in "The Australian"
did the writer really say malaysia bodoh? according to the star he did. but its not here. 
QUOTE(pancaindera @ Nov 25 2006, 07:10 AM) [snapback]2513010[/snapback]
did the writer really say malaysia bodoh? according to the star he did. but its not here.
I don't know, apparently not, this is something a friend of mine emailed to me. I don't know if he edited the article but, I don't have any reason as to why he would need to.
ya, apparently not. i checked the article online. the article is actually from "the age". i realise the star is full of $hit these days. recently also they showed pix who they thought was the dead mongolian model, but was actually a korean singer.
i found this in michael backman's website:
The response to my recent column 'While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry', published in The Age
newspaper on November 15 has been overwhelming. I've received hundreds of e-mails and messages, many from
Malaysians both in Malaysia and outside, of which perhaps 95% have been supportive. Thank you for these. It
seems that the column has given voice to concerns that many Malaysians have.
I'd like to emphasise (and as many of you realise already), that I wrote the column as constructive criticism. I like
Malaysia very much. I visit often and have many Malaysian friends of all races. I've also written a lot that is positive
about Malaysia in the past, most notably in a previous book of mine - The Asian Insider: Unconventional Wisdom for
Asian Business, which has no less than five chapters to explain to people outside Malaysia why I feel that Malaysia
should be given more credit than it gets.
There have been many achievements. There is much about which Malaysians can be proud. Malaysia, for example,
is far more politically mature and developed than is Singapore. The media is more open too (but of course not as
open as it could or should be.) Malaysians are more entrepreneurial too. AirAsia started in Malaysia and has
revolutionised air travel across Asia. In Singapore, there is very much a sense that the government has to do
everything.
I also believe that the NEP, which has seen special advantages given to bumiputeras over other groups, has been
important for Malaysia. It has been essential for nation building. Malaysia is peaceful and while the various groups
may not mix much there is clear mutual respect between them. That is a huge achievement.
However, the problem as I said in my column, is waste. And also the use of statistics that are blatantly wrong.
Malaysia also has a big problem with transparency. Too little account is made of how other people's money is spent.
The police too are way too corrupt for a country as developed as Malaysia. The rote learning that is practiced in the
schools also needs to be done away with. Generations of Malaysian children are missing out on an education that
should teach them how to be creative and critical - this is what a truly modern, boleh country needs. Again, my
comments are meant to be constructive. And I make them as a non-Malaysian largely because many Malaysians
feel rightly or wrongly that they cannot say these things themselves in their own country.
Since my column was published, plans for a new RM400 million Istana have been announced and the Agriculture
Ministry parliamentary secretary has told Parliament that Malaysia's first astronaut will be playing batu seremban
and spinning tops and making teh tarik while in space. There are countless scientists around the world who would
give anything for the opportunity to go to space and do real experiments. For the Malaysian government to send an
astronaut into space to play Malay children's games serves only to re-emphasise my point about waste. Not only
that, it makes Malaysia look infantile in the eyes of the rest of the world, which is a great pity when Malaysia has
made so many real achievements. The world is getting more clever, more competitive and more dynamic every day.
There are too many in Malaysia who don't seem to understand this.
Of course my views are just that: my views. But I have spent most of my adult life analysing and writing about Asia. I
am direct and critical; I do not veil my criticisms because I don't want to waste my time or yours with readers trying to
guess what I really mean. Open debate is absolutely critical for all modern, dynamic countries. The free flow of
ideas and information helps to make countries rich. Political leaders cannot do everything on their own be they in
the UK, Australia or Malaysia. They need help. Otherwise they make mistakes. And when they do, whose fault is
that? Those who prefer to stay quiet? And should I as a non-Malaysian be commenting on Malaysia? Of course.
Malaysian political leaders and commentators routinely comment about other countries. That's how the world is now,
an inter-dependent, global world. And the world is much better for it.
I will write another column about Malaysia soon.
Michael Backman
November 17 2006
i found this in michael backman's website:
The response to my recent column 'While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry', published in The Age
newspaper on November 15 has been overwhelming. I've received hundreds of e-mails and messages, many from
Malaysians both in Malaysia and outside, of which perhaps 95% have been supportive. Thank you for these. It
seems that the column has given voice to concerns that many Malaysians have.
I'd like to emphasise (and as many of you realise already), that I wrote the column as constructive criticism. I like
Malaysia very much. I visit often and have many Malaysian friends of all races. I've also written a lot that is positive
about Malaysia in the past, most notably in a previous book of mine - The Asian Insider: Unconventional Wisdom for
Asian Business, which has no less than five chapters to explain to people outside Malaysia why I feel that Malaysia
should be given more credit than it gets.
There have been many achievements. There is much about which Malaysians can be proud. Malaysia, for example,
is far more politically mature and developed than is Singapore. The media is more open too (but of course not as
open as it could or should be.) Malaysians are more entrepreneurial too. AirAsia started in Malaysia and has
revolutionised air travel across Asia. In Singapore, there is very much a sense that the government has to do
everything.
I also believe that the NEP, which has seen special advantages given to bumiputeras over other groups, has been
important for Malaysia. It has been essential for nation building. Malaysia is peaceful and while the various groups
may not mix much there is clear mutual respect between them. That is a huge achievement.
However, the problem as I said in my column, is waste. And also the use of statistics that are blatantly wrong.
Malaysia also has a big problem with transparency. Too little account is made of how other people's money is spent.
The police too are way too corrupt for a country as developed as Malaysia. The rote learning that is practiced in the
schools also needs to be done away with. Generations of Malaysian children are missing out on an education that
should teach them how to be creative and critical - this is what a truly modern, boleh country needs. Again, my
comments are meant to be constructive. And I make them as a non-Malaysian largely because many Malaysians
feel rightly or wrongly that they cannot say these things themselves in their own country.
Since my column was published, plans for a new RM400 million Istana have been announced and the Agriculture
Ministry parliamentary secretary has told Parliament that Malaysia's first astronaut will be playing batu seremban
and spinning tops and making teh tarik while in space. There are countless scientists around the world who would
give anything for the opportunity to go to space and do real experiments. For the Malaysian government to send an
astronaut into space to play Malay children's games serves only to re-emphasise my point about waste. Not only
that, it makes Malaysia look infantile in the eyes of the rest of the world, which is a great pity when Malaysia has
made so many real achievements. The world is getting more clever, more competitive and more dynamic every day.
There are too many in Malaysia who don't seem to understand this.
Of course my views are just that: my views. But I have spent most of my adult life analysing and writing about Asia. I
am direct and critical; I do not veil my criticisms because I don't want to waste my time or yours with readers trying to
guess what I really mean. Open debate is absolutely critical for all modern, dynamic countries. The free flow of
ideas and information helps to make countries rich. Political leaders cannot do everything on their own be they in
the UK, Australia or Malaysia. They need help. Otherwise they make mistakes. And when they do, whose fault is
that? Those who prefer to stay quiet? And should I as a non-Malaysian be commenting on Malaysia? Of course.
Malaysian political leaders and commentators routinely comment about other countries. That's how the world is now,
an inter-dependent, global world. And the world is much better for it.
I will write another column about Malaysia soon.
Michael Backman
November 17 2006
QUOTE(pancaindera @ Nov 25 2006, 08:36 AM) [snapback]2513046[/snapback]
ya, apparently not. i checked the article online. the article is actually from "the age". i realise the star is full of $hit these days. recently also they showed pix who they thought was the dead mongolian model, but was actually a korean singer.
i found this in michael backman's website:
The response to my recent column 'While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry', published in The Age
newspaper on November 15 has been overwhelming. I've received hundreds of e-mails and messages, many from
Malaysians both in Malaysia and outside, of which perhaps 95% have been supportive. Thank you for these. It
seems that the column has given voice to concerns that many Malaysians have.
I'd like to emphasise (and as many of you realise already), that I wrote the column as constructive criticism. I like
Malaysia very much. I visit often and have many Malaysian friends of all races. I've also written a lot that is positive
about Malaysia in the past, most notably in a previous book of mine - The Asian Insider: Unconventional Wisdom for
Asian Business, which has no less than five chapters to explain to people outside Malaysia why I feel that Malaysia
should be given more credit than it gets.
There have been many achievements. There is much about which Malaysians can be proud. Malaysia, for example,
is far more politically mature and developed than is Singapore. The media is more open too (but of course not as
open as it could or should be.) Malaysians are more entrepreneurial too. AirAsia started in Malaysia and has
revolutionised air travel across Asia. In Singapore, there is very much a sense that the government has to do
everything.
I also believe that the NEP, which has seen special advantages given to bumiputeras over other groups, has been
important for Malaysia. It has been essential for nation building. Malaysia is peaceful and while the various groups
may not mix much there is clear mutual respect between them. That is a huge achievement.
However, the problem as I said in my column, is waste. And also the use of statistics that are blatantly wrong.
Malaysia also has a big problem with transparency. Too little account is made of how other people's money is spent.
The police too are way too corrupt for a country as developed as Malaysia. The rote learning that is practiced in the
schools also needs to be done away with. Generations of Malaysian children are missing out on an education that
should teach them how to be creative and critical - this is what a truly modern, boleh country needs. Again, my
comments are meant to be constructive. And I make them as a non-Malaysian largely because many Malaysians
feel rightly or wrongly that they cannot say these things themselves in their own country.
Since my column was published, plans for a new RM400 million Istana have been announced and the Agriculture
Ministry parliamentary secretary has told Parliament that Malaysia's first astronaut will be playing batu seremban
and spinning tops and making teh tarik while in space. There are countless scientists around the world who would
give anything for the opportunity to go to space and do real experiments. For the Malaysian government to send an
astronaut into space to play Malay children's games serves only to re-emphasise my point about waste. Not only
that, it makes Malaysia look infantile in the eyes of the rest of the world, which is a great pity when Malaysia has
made so many real achievements. The world is getting more clever, more competitive and more dynamic every day.
There are too many in Malaysia who don't seem to understand this.
Of course my views are just that: my views. But I have spent most of my adult life analysing and writing about Asia. I
am direct and critical; I do not veil my criticisms because I don't want to waste my time or yours with readers trying to
guess what I really mean. Open debate is absolutely critical for all modern, dynamic countries. The free flow of
ideas and information helps to make countries rich. Political leaders cannot do everything on their own be they in
the UK, Australia or Malaysia. They need help. Otherwise they make mistakes. And when they do, whose fault is
that? Those who prefer to stay quiet? And should I as a non-Malaysian be commenting on Malaysia? Of course.
Malaysian political leaders and commentators routinely comment about other countries. That's how the world is now,
an inter-dependent, global world. And the world is much better for it.
I will write another column about Malaysia soon.
Michael Backman
November 17 2006
He seems to be fair about what he has written. Personally I agree with most of his praise and criticism of Malaysia. I apologise for getting the newspaper wrong.
Discussion anyone?
QUOTE(swingdoctor @ Nov 25 2006, 06:02 AM) [snapback]2512921[/snapback]
Why? Because Malaysia 's oil will run out in about 19 years. As it is,
Malaysia will become a net oil importer in 2011 - that's just five
years away.
So it's in this context that the latest debate about race and wealth is so
sad.
Is this forecast about oil depletion accurate? It's the first time I've ever encountered such a grim warning.
QUOTE(Centurion @ Nov 25 2006, 05:12 PM) [snapback]2513898[/snapback]
Is this forecast about oil depletion accurate? It's the first time I've ever encountered such a grim warning.
Who knows?
Does anyone know how much Malaysia's oil reserves are?
Meh like the Malaysian government is going to care about the worlds view.
Most of them live in a fantasy world like children.
Even some of my friends from Malaysia commented why do we have to use U.S space technology to taxi our astronaughts while we can develop our own space technology and launch them from there.
Besides with our own space technology we can make further trips to space and do research thus saving money paying extra millions of ringgit for other countries to taxi our scientist.
Tell me which is more creditable? Even an average person with alot of common sense sees this as not only money wise but economically wise.
Further more we don't have to go through any red tapes and follow other countries policies about our scientific research in space.
Surely you will be meet with some resistance if you're trying to dwell in too deeply into another countries technological advancements or trying to make your own technological advancements.
eg. North Korea and Middle eastern advancement in nuclear technology.
So why can't we have our own space technology? Are we that incapable?
I believe so.
Who cares about oil reserves?
Oil is a limited resource every Malaysian should realise that the Petrolium age is near its end.
We should come up with something else for fuel consuption to replace oil.
Most of them live in a fantasy world like children.
Even some of my friends from Malaysia commented why do we have to use U.S space technology to taxi our astronaughts while we can develop our own space technology and launch them from there.
Besides with our own space technology we can make further trips to space and do research thus saving money paying extra millions of ringgit for other countries to taxi our scientist.
Tell me which is more creditable? Even an average person with alot of common sense sees this as not only money wise but economically wise.
Further more we don't have to go through any red tapes and follow other countries policies about our scientific research in space.
Surely you will be meet with some resistance if you're trying to dwell in too deeply into another countries technological advancements or trying to make your own technological advancements.
eg. North Korea and Middle eastern advancement in nuclear technology.
So why can't we have our own space technology? Are we that incapable?
I believe so.
Who cares about oil reserves?
Oil is a limited resource every Malaysian should realise that the Petrolium age is near its end.
We should come up with something else for fuel consuption to replace oil.
QUOTE(Bringer_Of_Death @ Nov 25 2006, 05:27 PM) [snapback]2513934[/snapback]
Who cares about oil reserves?
Oil is a limited resource every Malaysian should realise that the Petrolium age is near its end.
We should come up with something else for fuel consuption to replace oil.
I agree that Malaysia, like the rest of the world, needs to develop cleaner, sustainable sources of energy.
But until that happens, we are still very much living in an oil-driven world.
When Malaysia depends entirely on imports for oil, is that not going to impact on our economy, on our livelihood? For that reason, Malaysians should care about oil. Or at least care about an alternative source of energy. I don't hear Malaysians being overly concerned about the latter though.
Most of us are still in dreamland which is rather annoying.
We need to wake up and face reality that our oil reserves won't last.
We need to wake up and face reality that our oil reserves won't last.
Back to Backman's article.
I agree that there has to be more focus on building the economy. But I think Mr. Backman's message of "let's not care about who gets how big a slice" plays into the hands of those who seek to preserve the status quo.
It doesn't work that way. You don't just pretend that the problem of economic equity isn't there and get on with nation-building. Mr. Backman doesn't recognize that solving the issue of special rights, will stop people from being insecure about their national identity. Or at least he doesn't realize how crucial it is to us. Which mule will work happily when you deprive it of its carrot?
Which non-Malay will sacrifice his blood and sweat for the country if he thinks you're making use of his hard labour while treating him like a second-class citizen?
Which under-priviledged Malay will make similar sacrifices when he realizes that to strike it really rich depends not entirely on hard work, but on who you know?
Will you sacrfice yourself to a country that rewards another?
I agree that there has to be more focus on building the economy. But I think Mr. Backman's message of "let's not care about who gets how big a slice" plays into the hands of those who seek to preserve the status quo.
It doesn't work that way. You don't just pretend that the problem of economic equity isn't there and get on with nation-building. Mr. Backman doesn't recognize that solving the issue of special rights, will stop people from being insecure about their national identity. Or at least he doesn't realize how crucial it is to us. Which mule will work happily when you deprive it of its carrot?
Which non-Malay will sacrifice his blood and sweat for the country if he thinks you're making use of his hard labour while treating him like a second-class citizen?
Which under-priviledged Malay will make similar sacrifices when he realizes that to strike it really rich depends not entirely on hard work, but on who you know?
Will you sacrfice yourself to a country that rewards another?
QUOTE(Centurion @ Nov 25 2006, 06:03 PM) [snapback]2514043[/snapback]
Back to Backman's article.
I agree that there has to be more focus on building the economy. But I think Mr. Backman's message of "let's not care about who gets how big a slice" plays into the hands of those who seek to preserve the status quo.
It doesn't work that way. You don't just pretend that the problem of economic equity isn't there and get on with nation-building. Mr. Backman doesn't recognize that solving the issue of special rights, will stop people from being insecure about their national identity. Or at least he doesn't realize how crucial it is to us. Which mule will work happily when you deprive it of its carrot?
Which non-Malay will sacrifice his blood and sweat for the country if he thinks you're making use of his hard labour while treating him like a second-class citizen?
Which under-priviledged Malay will make similar sacrifices when he realizes that to strike it really rich depends not entirely on hard work, but on who you know?
Will you sacrfice yourself to a country that rewards another?
I think you misunderstand his article (or maybe I do
) But he is actually saying that Malays have a greater porportion of the economy then what the govnts lets us believe, and I believe that the is advocating the ending of the NEP which comes at a huge cost to the country.
QUOTE(Centurion @ Nov 26 2006, 06:47 AM) [snapback]2513990[/snapback]
I agree that Malaysia, like the rest of the world, needs to develop cleaner, sustainable sources of energy.
But until that happens, we are still very much living in an oil-driven world.
When Malaysia depends entirely on imports for oil, is that not going to impact on our economy, on our livelihood? For that reason, Malaysians should care about oil. Or at least care about an alternative source of energy. I don't hear Malaysians being overly concerned about the latter though.
Didn't the local newspapares have been talking about nuclear energy for Malaysia.Malaysia actually have a substantial amount of Uranium deposits
.Coal would also be an alternative and we have loads of them in Sarawak,but it's a dirty option. In addition,building hyrdroelectric dams would also be fine,I believe the Bakun dam(u/c) could provide enuff electricity for Malaysia for decades to come.
I've re-read the article. And yeah you're right. He does agree with the termination of the NEP it seems. But I said what I said because he had this "why can't you guys get on with it" tone at the start of his article.
And I am merely trying to address that rhetorical question.
And I am merely trying to address that rhetorical question.
QUOTE(forrestcat @ Nov 25 2006, 06:37 PM) [snapback]2514148[/snapback]
Didn't the local newspapares have been talking about nuclear energy for Malaysia.Malaysia actually have a substantial amount of Uranium deposits
.Coal would also be an alternative and we have loads of them in Sarawak,but it's a dirty option. In addition,building hyrdroelectric dams would also be fine,I believe the Bakun dam(u/c) could provide enuff electricity for Malaysia for decades to come.
Yeah here in Australia energy is also a major issue. We are going through our worst drought in 75 years(?greenhouse).
Although in Victoria we have enough coal to last us 5 centuries, there is a large push to move away from coal fired power plants. Australia also has 50% of the worlds uranium deposits but although we sell uranium to other counrties for their power plants, we only have 1 nuclear power plant ourselves. Traditionally Aust has been against nuclear power plants, many people viewing it as "dirty" energy ie what to do with the nuclear waste material?
QUOTE(swingdoctor @ Nov 25 2006, 07:02 PM) [snapback]2512921[/snapback]
The KLCC development in central Kuala Lumpur is an example. It
includes the Twin Towers , the tallest buildings in the world when they
were built, which was their point.
It certainly wasn't that there was an office shortage in Kuala Lumpur
- there wasn't.
I find this argument unreasonable.If it wasn't the Petronas Towers,the area would still be a horse racing track full of horse $hit.The PTT is major factor in developing the KLCC area and the economy of KL.If we dun have a shortage of offices,then why are there 30 skyscrapers(offices and apartments) under construction around the Golden Triangle
.QUOTE(forrestcat @ Nov 25 2006, 10:36 PM) [snapback]2514998[/snapback]
I find this argument unreasonable.If it wasn't the Petronas Towers,the area would still be a horse racing track full of horse $hit.The PTT is major factor in developing the KLCC area and the economy of KL.If we dun have a shortage of offices,then why are there 30 skyscrapers(offices and apartments) under construction around the Golden Triangle
.I think he meant at the time it was built. My understanding is that they had trouble filling the office spaces for a while after it was built.
QUOTE(Centurion @ Nov 26 2006, 06:47 AM) [snapback]2513990[/snapback]
When Malaysia depends entirely on imports for oil, is that not going to impact on our economy, on our livelihood? For that reason, Malaysians should care about oil. Or at least care about an alternative source of energy. I don't hear Malaysians being overly concerned about the latter though.
M'sia To Transport 4,000kw To 5,000kw Of Electricity By 2014
PETALING JAYA, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will transport up to 4,000 to 5,000 kilowatts (Kw) of electricity to Peninsular Malaysia from the hydro-power generation plant in Bakun and the proposed Murump and Baleh plants in Sarawak via cables by 2014.
Energy, Water and Communications Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, said the cables, which would cost RM9 billion, comprised two parts -- the 680km cable from Rejang River to the nearest coastal point of Peninsular Malaysia and the 670km submarine cable under South China Sea to Ulu Sedili, Johor.
Dr Lim told reporters this after opening the 2006 International Energy Conference for Sustainable Asia and introducing the National Suria 1000 Programme at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre here Monday.
"Our total hydro-generation today is only about 19,000 megawatt (MW), and there is 20,000MW available in Rejang River, Sarawak. So the obvious thing to do if we are going to produce electricity in a big way is (through) hydro-power generation," he said.
He said his ministry, which chaired the Committee on Electricity and Tariff Planning Development, would meet on Dec 8 to discuss the proposal to build two more hydro-powered generation plants in Murump and Baleh.
"We will seek approval from the prime minister to invest RM9 billion on the cables. The committee will also look into ways to solve the Bakun issue which is expected to be completed by 2009 and the Sarawak State Government's request to set up an aluminium-smelting plant," he said.
Other members of the committee are Ministry of Finance, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Petroliam Nasional Bhd and the Energy Commission.
Dr Lim said electricity was cheap in Bakun but when it travelled and landed in Peninsular Malaysia, the cost may increase.
"We are trying to keep the cost below at 20 sen per kilowatt hour. We have to work out the requirements and the number in terms of megawatts and cost in terms of ringgit and sen.
"But coming so far from Sarawak, that means we have to invest in big cables. It is all economics, so we have to work out whether it is worthwhile but most certainly it would be after 2014 and beyond," he said.
-- BERNAMA
QUOTE(swingdoctor @ Nov 25 2006, 02:02 PM) [snapback]2512921[/snapback]
Next year, a Malaysian astronaut will go into space aboard a Russian
rocket - the first Malay in space. And the cost? $RM95 million ($A34.3
million), to be footed by Malaysian taxpayers. The Science and
Technology Minister has said that a moon landing in 2020 is the next
target, aboard a US flight. There's no indication of what the
Americans will charge for this, assuming there's even a chance that
they will consider it. But what is Malaysia getting by using the space
programs of others as a taxi service? There are no obvious technical
benefits, but no doubt Malaysians will be told once again, that they
are "boleh". The trouble is, they're not. It's not their space
program.
There are no obvious technical benefits but in the eyes of millions I think it says a lot.
I was very impressed by the sight of an Iranian woman in space the other day, the first female tourist in space, and she's a successful entreprenuer with the ability to withstand the tough conditions in space and fulfill her vision of being the first female tourist in space, despite her obvious background.
I am not trying to bring religion into this thread, but the fact is if millions were to see a fellow muslim in space, it will bring to mind alot more focus on science and all that it represents vis-a-vis their personal practice of their faith.
Is Malaysia really unknown to most Westerners ...seems this journalist a bit too emotional in his columns.
I rarely read The Age,usuallu I read The Australian ,Canberra Times and Sydney Morning Herald.Started reading The Age recenltly.
It seems The Age have a track record of bashing Australia's Asian neighbours,u should see what they write about Indonesia and to a large extent support the independence of Papuan province.So we need to read articles from The Age with a pinch of salt
.
I think he meant at the time it was built. My understanding is that they had trouble filling the office spaces for a while after it was built.
This claim about PTT being half empty has been debated at skyscraper.Happy to say PTT is 80% occupied.Apparently office towers deliberately leave vacancies for short terms clients..so u won't find any skyscrapers occupied 100%.
...seems this journalist a bit too emotional in his columns.I rarely read The Age,usuallu I read The Australian ,Canberra Times and Sydney Morning Herald.Started reading The Age recenltly.
It seems The Age have a track record of bashing Australia's Asian neighbours,u should see what they write about Indonesia and to a large extent support the independence of Papuan province.So we need to read articles from The Age with a pinch of salt
.QUOTE(swingdoctor @ Nov 26 2006, 01:07 PM) [snapback]2515250[/snapback]
I think he meant at the time it was built. My understanding is that they had trouble filling the office spaces for a while after it was built.
This claim about PTT being half empty has been debated at skyscraper.Happy to say PTT is 80% occupied
.Apparently office towers deliberately leave vacancies for short terms clients..so u won't find any skyscrapers occupied 100%.
QUOTE(pancaindera @ Nov 25 2006, 12:10 PM) [snapback]2513010[/snapback]
did the writer really say malaysia bodoh? according to the star he did. but its not here.
QUOTE(swingdoctor @ Nov 25 2006, 01:04 PM) [snapback]2513033[/snapback]
I don't know, apparently not, this is something a friend of mine emailed to me. I don't know if he edited the article but, I don't have any reason as to why he would need to.
Yes he did.
While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry
Here's the appended bit at the end... just a line, but oh boy, what a line.
QUOTE
That's not Malaysia "boleh", that's Malaysia "bodoh" (stupid)
Yup, that would go down well.
Oohh.. and I wonder in John Howard's gonna get questioned on this when he visits Malaysia on Wednesday.
Malaysia bites back and industriously trades the insults
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Michael Backman
November 29, 2006
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MY LAST column on wasteful government spending in Malaysia (Business, 15/11) generated a furore. I received more than 600 emails from readers, mostly Malaysians (both expatriate and in Malaysia) and nearly all supportive.
The column was the most emailed item on The Age's website for six days straight and it was replicated in dozens of blogs worldwide.
My personal website received more than 50,000 hits. A Malaysian Government minister criticised the column publicly. And the Malaysian Opposition Leader issued a news release in its support.
The minister, Rafidah Aziz, Malaysia's Minister for Trade and Industry, declared somewhat imperiously that she didn't care what I said because I am a foreigner and I probably don't know much about Malaysia anyway.
Rafidah knows her trade brief like few others. Her knowledge of the complex rules of the international trading system, with its many trade barriers, is remarkable. In meetings with other trade ministers, she rarely needs assistance from minders. Hard working and tenacious, I once thought she might make a reasonable prime minister.
But her technical abilities are marred by her mishandling of other issues, most recently her ministry's allocation of much coveted car import permits. Most went to a handful of well-connected businessmen, including her own relatives.
The issue exploded in Malaysia late last year and she was lucky to keep her job.
And then there are the corruption allegations. In 1995, in a report to the attorney-general, the public prosecutor said there was a prima facie basis for Rafidah's arrest and prosecution on five counts of corruption.
An opposition activist later acquired official documents that appeared to confirm this. He was jailed for two years under the Official Secrets Act simply for possessing them. Rafidah, on the other hand, was not even charged.
Rafidah added to her remarks about my column that no Malaysian should say such things. It's little wonder that she doesn't welcome scrutiny from her own people. But then the idea that Malaysians cannot comment publicly about how their country is run but a non-Malaysian can, is disgraceful.
Perhaps Rafidah needs to be reminded who pays her salary.
And as if to underscore my points about waste, on the day that my column was published, an assistant minister told the Malaysian Parliament that Malaysia's first astronaut to be sent into space next year aboard a Russian space mission will be tasked to play batu seremban, a traditional Malay children's game played with pebbles, will do some batik painting and will make teh tarik, a type of Malaysian milky tea, all to see how these things can be done without gravity.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/mal...4476204980.html
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Michael Backman
November 29, 2006
Page 1 of 2 | Single page
AdvertisementAdvertisement
MY LAST column on wasteful government spending in Malaysia (Business, 15/11) generated a furore. I received more than 600 emails from readers, mostly Malaysians (both expatriate and in Malaysia) and nearly all supportive.
The column was the most emailed item on The Age's website for six days straight and it was replicated in dozens of blogs worldwide.
My personal website received more than 50,000 hits. A Malaysian Government minister criticised the column publicly. And the Malaysian Opposition Leader issued a news release in its support.
The minister, Rafidah Aziz, Malaysia's Minister for Trade and Industry, declared somewhat imperiously that she didn't care what I said because I am a foreigner and I probably don't know much about Malaysia anyway.
Rafidah knows her trade brief like few others. Her knowledge of the complex rules of the international trading system, with its many trade barriers, is remarkable. In meetings with other trade ministers, she rarely needs assistance from minders. Hard working and tenacious, I once thought she might make a reasonable prime minister.
But her technical abilities are marred by her mishandling of other issues, most recently her ministry's allocation of much coveted car import permits. Most went to a handful of well-connected businessmen, including her own relatives.
The issue exploded in Malaysia late last year and she was lucky to keep her job.
And then there are the corruption allegations. In 1995, in a report to the attorney-general, the public prosecutor said there was a prima facie basis for Rafidah's arrest and prosecution on five counts of corruption.
An opposition activist later acquired official documents that appeared to confirm this. He was jailed for two years under the Official Secrets Act simply for possessing them. Rafidah, on the other hand, was not even charged.
Rafidah added to her remarks about my column that no Malaysian should say such things. It's little wonder that she doesn't welcome scrutiny from her own people. But then the idea that Malaysians cannot comment publicly about how their country is run but a non-Malaysian can, is disgraceful.
Perhaps Rafidah needs to be reminded who pays her salary.
And as if to underscore my points about waste, on the day that my column was published, an assistant minister told the Malaysian Parliament that Malaysia's first astronaut to be sent into space next year aboard a Russian space mission will be tasked to play batu seremban, a traditional Malay children's game played with pebbles, will do some batik painting and will make teh tarik, a type of Malaysian milky tea, all to see how these things can be done without gravity.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/mal...4476204980.html
I don't give a rat's @$$ about the article. Hell, he says that every foreigners do not even know Malaysia, but how many people know Australia, even try to locate 'em on world map. Ask any ordinary African on the African continent, see if they even bothered to pronounce AUSTRALIA.
Sure MY has flaws, & we admit it, but to limit. As is Oz don't have flaws on global scale ... War on Iraq for example. Like we give Ozzie policies a rat's @$$.
Petronas is smart, they know oil reserves in MY will be used up in less than a decade, so they invest in Sudan, Indonesia & other countries to keep up with local demands.
Not only that, with Bio-diesel are currently integrated into MY national auto policy, we could reduced our dependency to imported fossil-based fuel. The usage of palm oil derivatives as bio diesel also opens up new possiblities with Indonesia currently in the wagon with MY in the ambitious joint venture project.
Not only that, we're considering nuke as part of National Energy Policy, to power our future energy needs.
Sure MY has flaws, & we admit it, but to limit. As is Oz don't have flaws on global scale ... War on Iraq for example. Like we give Ozzie policies a rat's @$$.
Petronas is smart, they know oil reserves in MY will be used up in less than a decade, so they invest in Sudan, Indonesia & other countries to keep up with local demands.
Not only that, with Bio-diesel are currently integrated into MY national auto policy, we could reduced our dependency to imported fossil-based fuel. The usage of palm oil derivatives as bio diesel also opens up new possiblities with Indonesia currently in the wagon with MY in the ambitious joint venture project.
Not only that, we're considering nuke as part of National Energy Policy, to power our future energy needs.
QUOTE(Protoculture @ Dec 6 2006, 10:21 AM) [snapback]2546133[/snapback]
I don't give a rat's @$$ about the article. Hell, he says that every foreigners do not even know Malaysia, but how many people know Australia, even try to locate 'em on world map. Ask any ordinary African on the African continent, see if they even bothered to pronounce AUSTRALIA.
Oh Jah.....?
A.S.S.T.R.A.L.E.A.
brudder....u need to get laid man!
QUOTE(tangawizi @ Dec 6 2006, 03:53 AM) [snapback]2546231[/snapback]
Oh Jah.....?
A.S.S.T.R.A.L.E.A.
brudder....u need to get laid man!
There are quite a few Africans living in Aust, mainly from Somalia and mainly Muslim.
Rafidah is so damn corrupted that she makes million sout of the APs..n sold them even gave away more AP abive the qouta..
N then the Malays complained about economy achievements...just look why they r not progressive..the ministers of their race or only minority of their people get the benefit..others left behind and being fooled by these corrupted people..
the corruption was so obvious but even the P.m could not do anything about it!
N then the Malays complained about economy achievements...just look why they r not progressive..the ministers of their race or only minority of their people get the benefit..others left behind and being fooled by these corrupted people..
the corruption was so obvious but even the P.m could not do anything about it!
I don’t know about Rafidah. All I know is the Malays have left the backward Chinese far behind in all important industries and in terms of economy the Chinese lead has already been wiped out
I wouldn’t be calling Malaysia stupid if I was an Australian. Those morons probably think their country was created by magic.
Don’t know why a bunch of nincompoops chose to patronize my country.
Who the fu-k are Australians to tell Malaysia what we can and what we cannot do ?
Don’t know why a bunch of nincompoops chose to patronize my country.
Who the fu-k are Australians to tell Malaysia what we can and what we cannot do ?
QUOTE(Iron Malayan @ Dec 23 2006, 11:16 AM) [snapback]2594714[/snapback]
I wouldn’t be calling Malaysia stupid if I was an Australian. Those morons probably think their country was created by magic.
Don’t know why a bunch of nincompoops chose to patronize my country.
Who the fu-k are Australians to tell Malaysia what we can and what we cannot do ?
It was only one Australian who criticised so I would appreciate it if you did not make a generalisation.
QUOTE(forrestcat @ Nov 25 2006, 06:37 PM) [snapback]2514148[/snapback]
Didn't the local newspapares have been talking about nuclear energy for Malaysia.Malaysia actually have a substantial amount of Uranium deposits
.Coal would also be an alternative and we have loads of them in Sarawak,but it's a dirty option. In addition,building hyrdroelectric dams would also be fine,I believe the Bakun dam(u/c) could provide enuff electricity for Malaysia for decades to come.
How is nuclear energy going to replace oil? you cant put a nuclear reactor in a car?
QUOTE(Iron Malayan @ Dec 23 2006, 11:05 PM) [snapback]2594630[/snapback]
I don’t know about Rafidah. All I know is the Malays have left the backward Chinese far behind in all important industries and in terms of economy the Chinese lead has already been wiped out
Its not a wonder this genius got banned from the forum. The replys that he gives simply goes on to show how lost and ignorant he is, and he persistently attacks other races. How did he survive past 100 posts in this forum is a mystery.
QUOTE(Iron Malayan @ Dec 23 2006, 10:05 AM) [snapback]2594630[/snapback]
I don’t know about Rafidah. All I know is the Malays have left the backward Chinese far behind in all important industries and in terms of economy the Chinese lead has already been wiped out
Agree with you in term of important industries. In term of economy still arguable between malay vs chinese malaysian.
The space program and the sports complex in England is a waste of tax payers' money.
Yes, the space program is actually not a Malaysian space program but a Russian program, only the astronaut is a Malaysia. There is really nothing to be proud of. Every country is surely able to find at least one of its citizens fit to be astronuaut and send that person to Russia for training which is exactly what Malaysia is doing but not every country can run the program.
As for the sports complex, the present sports facilities are actually quite good already compared to many other developing countries and the level of sports in Malaysia is still at pathetic stage. The main problem of this situation is actually the mentality and attitude of most of the Malaysian sportsmen. Their mentality of being content to be "jaguh kampung" is the main reason that hinders the development of sports in Malaysia and definitely not lack of facilities.
Yes, the space program is actually not a Malaysian space program but a Russian program, only the astronaut is a Malaysia. There is really nothing to be proud of. Every country is surely able to find at least one of its citizens fit to be astronuaut and send that person to Russia for training which is exactly what Malaysia is doing but not every country can run the program.
As for the sports complex, the present sports facilities are actually quite good already compared to many other developing countries and the level of sports in Malaysia is still at pathetic stage. The main problem of this situation is actually the mentality and attitude of most of the Malaysian sportsmen. Their mentality of being content to be "jaguh kampung" is the main reason that hinders the development of sports in Malaysia and definitely not lack of facilities.
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