Capitalism System

This is illustration has been around for sometime. Most people have already seen it. But I thought it is pretty good and I'm posting this for the sake of posterity.

This is the world we live in. It accurately illustrates who actually controls countries and the world.

We often pin labels on different strata of society like Upper-middle class, middle-class, lower-class, etc. Well, to me those labels does not amount to anything. Those are merely labels created by sociologists & governments to make the people think that all of them are middle or upper-middle class, high class, etc.

It is a fact that the more educated the people are, so often referred to as the middle-class, the harder it is for the rulers to control. Depending on the country, some rulers will use religion. Some will use race. Some use class. You name it, they've tried it.

Even those in business are actually working for somebody else. Those who control the corporations and governments are the real rulers. Sometimes, even governments have to bow to them.

In modern society, the people have inadvertently become overly dependent on governments for practically everything. From basic needs like food & water to education & jobs. And you need to pay for it.

Just take the current water crisis in Selangor as an example and you will realise whom actually controls whom. You have to literally beg them to supply water. Same with houses, electricity, security, food & fuel. In other words, you are at their mercy.

Those who control the wealth of the country rules. The fight for this control of wealth is what politics is about. That control has never been in the hands of the common people. The people think they have the power, when they overthrow governments, hold rallies & protests. They do have that power but all for a fleeting moment or until the objective is achieved. It merely transfers that power to another group of rulers, and the cycle repeats itself.

But there was a time when the people were more independent. They had land to build their homes & grow their own food, had wells to draw water, wood & kerosene for fuel. Perhaps even weapons like a gun or two to protect themselves. Rarely do they need to pay for their basic necessities. They were more self-reliant and independent.

Now, people have to work, build & toil for others for money. Only to spend it back on the very things they themselves built & create for others. Isn't capitalism wonderful?

People have actually lost more than they've gained.

Removing the race column – a move towards unity or suppression?

I share most of the writer's views on the subject matter. So, instead of repeating the points, I'm reproducing this article in it's entirety.

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Removing the race column – a move towards unity or suppression?

Will doing away with stating a person’s race on official forms really help enhance national unity? Or is it merely a temporary measure of sweeping the real issues at hand under the rug? A political diversion perhaps?

The Tired Eye, The Borneo Post

BORN and raised in Sarawak, the Eye does not understand how racial and religious tension in the peninsula has come to a stage where there is now a suggestion to do away with the ‘race’ column in identification documents.

The Eye does not understand why people cannot be proud of their respective ethnicities and yet celebrate the differences that make up this country, together in peace and harmony.

The recent suggestion by a federal minister, Joseph Kurup, to remove the need to state a person’s race on official forms seems to have received support from the National Unity Consultative Council and ordinary Malaysians.

Superficially, it seems like a good way to encourage national unity and do away with racial profiling.

But this suggestion has gotten the Eye both worried and annoyed.

Worried because it shows that Malaysians – those in the peninsula specifically, have to resort to such a move, just because they are unable to celebrate their differences.

Annoyed because this whole issue does not seem to have been well thought through by those who immediately jumped at agreeing with Kurup’s suggestion.

Some say that race doesn’t count and what matters most where national unity is concerned is the fact that everyone is Malaysian. Others say that the move to do away with filling up one’s race on official forms also augurs well with those who wish to protect their privacy.

But seriously, the country’s administrators will have to sit and really put their heads together on this one, before they go ahead and make another blunder. Will doing away with stating a person’s race on official forms really help enhance national unity? Or is it merely a temporary measure of sweeping the real issues at hand under the rug? A political diversion perhaps?

Eye suppose that some people have lost sight of what really makes Malaysia, Malaysia.

For years, we have promoted our nation’s tourism, bearing themes of diverse races, religions and culture living together in peace and harmony.

For years we have prided ourselves as ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’, where Malaysia is made up of a little of every country in Asia.

In some tragic turn of events, again, particularly for our fellow countrymen in the peninsula, one is no longer able to be proud of his individual ethnicity and yet still be Malaysian at the same time.

Let’s just say, thank goodness things are different here in Sarawak.

We are proud to be Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Malay, Chinese, Kelabit, Lun Bawang, Kayan, Kenyah, Berawan, Penan, Punan, Saban, Bukitan, Selako, Bisaya, Kedayan, Ukit, Sebob, Tagal, Murut, Kajang, Kejaman, Lun Dayeh, Lakiput, Tabun as well as a host of other indigenous groups found here.

Each with our own distinct language, cultures and beliefs. Yet we have no problems with intermarriage, or with living under the same roof despite different religions and beliefs.

And, what’s more, as proud as we are to be Sarawakians and Malaysians, we are first and foremost proud to have these ethnicities stated on our official identification papers. For these are our true identities.

Any social anthropologist will say that to have race erased from official documentation is easily saying that we are dismissing our individual histories.  And such a move will prove disastrous as it will mark the beginning of a loss of culture and identity.

To play down our individual ethnicities when filling official forms in the name of unity is as bad as saying our ethnic backgrounds are the reasons of the religious and racial rife that has come up of late in the peninsula.

What will we tell our children in the future? That we cannot be identified by our own individual ethnicities just because it might spark some conflict?

That Malaysians are so immature to the extent that we can only be identified in a homogeneous manner because that is what unity is about?

The problem of race conflict or disunity lies not in our individual ethnicities, but in the minds of bigots and extremists who are, in reality, cowards.

Cowards because they have within themselves an inferiority complex. Cowards who refuse to open their minds to the cultures and beliefs of others. Cowards who choose to be ignorant and hide behind their bully-facade.

Let us take a look at the recent US Superbowl advertisement brouhaha and how it brought out the ugly in Americans who have forgotten what it means to be an American.

A beverage company’s advertisement featured the American patriotic song ‘America the Beautiful’ sung in eight different languages, featuring people of different ethnicities and religions. It’s a beautiful advertisement, really.

But it immediately drew the fury of bigoted Americans who felt that it was unpatriotic to sing ‘America the Beautiful’ in any other language than English. They called for people with coloured skin to “go back to where they came from”. Sound familiar?

They forget that America was built on accepting immigrants from all over the world. They forget that no one in America, other than Native American Indians, can today claim that they are truly people of the land.

Yes, those who claim to be true blooded Americans today are descendants of immigrants. They are the ones who have forgotten their roots by adopting closed, homogeneous minds that shut out even the true natives of the land.

Malaysia is very much like America. A melting pot of Asia. Do we want to lose our own identities too, as what has happened in the big US of A?

Here in Sarawak, we are brought up to acknowledge and respect differences.  We work hard to preserve our diverse cultures, languages and dialects. We want our children to grow up wealthy, not in the monetary sense, but as wholesome people who are proud of their own backgrounds and still respectful of one another.

We take pride in our own ethnic backgrounds and make an effort to learn about others, so that we may better understand their lifestyle, and join in celebrating our diversity.

And yes, say what you want about Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, but as far as unity between different ethnicities in Sarawak is concerned, the man has done well to keep negative influences from the peninsula out of Sarawak. A true force to be reckoned with, he has clearly stated that there will no play of the superiority of one race over another here in Sarawak.

We now put our faith in his successor to carry on defending the unity that is uniquely Sarawakian.

As for the policymakers over there in the peninsula, address the root of the problem, instead of making blunders which will eventually destroy what makes Malaysia truly Asia. - SOURCE

 

Second Penang Bridge Officially Launched

Congratulations to the people of Penang & Malaysia! This is indeed the only significant piece of good news we have had since the beginning of the new year. In fact, I would consider this as the best news we've had in years.

The closest major news I can remember was 10 years ago in 2004, when Tun M retired... now, now, don't you guys dare to deny that you were absolutely ecstatic back then. Practically the whole country celebrated by giving a thumping victory to BN. :) Sadly the joy and hopes were only fleeting.

Anyway, a few notable facts:

1. The second bridge is named Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge
2. It's the longest bridge in Southeast Asia
3. Took 6 years to build
4. FREE for a month from today!

Malaysia can indeed achieve great things if everyone set aside their differences and work together.

We are wasting precious time and resources, fighting and arguing over petty man-made issues. We are letting ourselves be distracted by politics. It's been 10 years since Tun M retired, and it has been 10 years of politics. How many items of news appeared in the past 10 years that could be considered good news? Any accomplishments? Any news that made us proud?

None. We had news on rallies, protests, scandals, politics, politicians, more rallies, more protests, corruption, allegations, scandals and whatnot. Nothing tangible & meaningful.

Keep your eyes on the ball. Don't be distracted.

By the way, does Penang need another link (the proposed undersea tunnel)?

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Penang bridge has been named Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge

GEORGE TOWN: The second Penang bridge has been named Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made the announcement during the official opening of the bridge in Batu Maung on Saturday.

He said the bridge would be free of charge for a month from midnight.

The 24-km long link, which spans over 16.9km over the sea, is the longest bridge in South-East Asia.

It took six years to be completed.

The bridge has a capacity of 100,000 vehicles per day with its two car lanes and a motorcycle lane, linking Batu Kawan on the mainland to Batu Maung on the island.

It is 10.5km longer than the Penang Bridge.

Travelling time on the bridge is estimated to take about 30 minutes at 80kph. - SOURCE

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Addendum:

Why oppose undersea tunnel that improves Penang, Umno areas, Guan Eng asks Barisan media

The Penang Chief Minister hit out at the mainstream media for suggesting that the state government abandon the proposed third link between Gurney Drive and Bagan Ajam.

"Not only are the Barisan Nasional-controlled mainstream media against the proposed third link, but the excuses that they are giving are so flimsy," Lim said in a statement today.

"The media are arguing that traffic congestion has been eased following the opening of the Second Penang bridge by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Saturday."... - READ MORE HERE

 

Selangor Water Rationing

The Selangor State Government, Federal Government & SYABAS... these are the 3 parties the people of Selangor have to thank for making this possible... well done! Even Singapore, with limited water resources do not need to do this.

Water rationing will start from 2 March 2014 to 31 March 2014. Consumers will get water for 2 days and go without water for 2 days. Please refer below for the list of affected areas.

Luckily, some areas are spared. Those unlucky ones will have to bear with this for a month, maybe longer. When it comes to water resources planning, our wise leaders have decided to leave our fate in the hands of nature. Simply put, if it rains, you get water. If it doesn't, no water. River contaminated, no water. Treatment plant contaminated, no water.

In case anyone is wondering, it actually takes 5 years for both State & Federal Governments to come to an agreement on the construction of an additional water treatment plant. Nope, it's not built yet, but hey, at least they agreed to it. However, before this, the MB confidently assured us that there will be enough water for all.

Enough water for all in S’gor, KL: MB Khalid

Tuesday July 20, 2010

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said Tuesday that there was enough water supply for all consumers in the state and Kuala Lumpur till 2019.

“The Selangor government has consulted several experts and, based on our calculations of population growth rate, past and present water consumption rates, current production capacity and water levels in the dams, there will be more than sufficient water supply to meet the demands of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur consumers well up to 2019, he said in a press release Tuesday.

He was refuting the Federal Government’s contention that Selangor would have to initiate water rationing by 2014. - READ MORE HERE

It's ok. It's not his fault. How could he have known that 5 year later, there would be a severe drought in Selangor right? Never mind that at other times of the year, there's enough rain to flood the city.

So, after this fiasco, I suppose the Selangor State Government expects the people to be grateful for their hardwork? Perhaps even give themselves bonuses and another round of salary increment next year?

Let go through some facts:

1. Malaysia goes through dry spells like this EVERY YEAR. Please don't make it sound like the hot and dry weather is an anomaly.

2. It is the responsibility of the governments to ensure the sufficiency of basic needs like water. 

3. The water catchment has not dried out yet. There's still water there. This rationing is actually a done just in case. We must take precautions right? Too bad for those unlucky ones affected. And too bad it didn't cross the mind of our MB and his team 5 years ago.

4. This event actually shows us that the people are at the mercy of politicians and privatised resource providers (the corporations). They can turn off the taps and there's nothing much you can do about it.

I really wonder how did SYABAS managed to provide water for the past 5 years? And the Federal Government's prediction of water rationing happened just as predicted, on the dot. Impressive.

This reminds me of the nationwide power outage back in the 90s, which was the precursor to the existence of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). YTL Power was the first to be set up. And until today, the consumers continue paying for ever increasing electricity rates.

This water crisis reeks of the stench of politics. To me, this wasn't caused by the weather. It's man-made. Intentionally or otherwise, you be the judge.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) said water rationing from March 2 to 31 will affect Kuala Lumpur, Gombak, Petaling, Klang, Shah Alam, Kuala Selangor and Hulu Selangor.

It is based on the rotation concept of two days with water supply and two days without water supply, it said in a statement here today.

The areas involved are divided into Zone 1 and Zone 2. Zone 1 is scheduled to get water on the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 30th, 31st.

Zone 2 is scheduled to get water on the 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 24th, 25th, 28th, 29th.

Consumers in zones scheduled to get water are expected to get supply from 4pm for 41 hours until 9am, two days later.

Zones scheduled without water are expected to get disruption of supply from 9am for 55 hours until 4pm, two days later.

The statement said the longer distance between the pond, the premises and the height of areas will mean delay in water supply.

No water tankers and static water tanks will be made available for areas scheduled for supply cut except for death, feast, dialysis centres, welfare homes and government/private hospitals.

Syabas will not supply water to commercial and industrial users who can buy water by providing their own transport but subjected to approval.

List of the affected areas:

Gombak

Zone 1

1. Taman Keramat AU1

2. Taman Keramat AU2

3. Taman Keramat AU4

4. Taman Keramat AU5

5. Section 10 Wangsa Maju

6. Villa Wangsa Maju

7. Bukit Wangsa Mas

8. Bandar Manjalara

9. Sunway Harmoni

10. Sunway SPK

11. Desa Aman Puri

12. Taman Industri Ehsan Jaya

13. Section 5 Wangsa Maju

14. Section 6 Wangsa Maju

15. Par of AU4 Keramat

16. Taman Bukit Wangsa Mas

Zone 2

1. Kampung Sungai Merali

2. Kampung Puah

3. Kampung Padang Balang

4. Kampung Bandar Dalam

5. Taman Ibukota

6. Air Panas Setapak

7. Taman Setapak

8. Kampung Lee Kong Chian

9. Kampung Sungai Mulia

10. Taman Suria Setapak

11. Taman Setapak Permai

12. Kampung Kuantan Gombak

13. Taman Bukit Maluri

14. Sector A Bandar Sri Damansara (SD7-SD13)

15. Section 1, Wangsa Maju

16. Section 2, Wangsa Maju

17. Section 4, Wangsa Maju

18. Danau Kota (Area A)

19. Jalan Usahawan

20. Wangsa Melawati

21. Wangsa Delima

Kuala Lumpur

Zone 1

1. Taman Sri Sinar

2. Taman Sri Bintang

3. Taman Bukit Sri Bintang

4. Taman Prima Pelangi

5. Taman SSPK Segambut

6. Taman Segambut

7. Taman Segambut Permai

8. Taman Segambut Damai

9. Taman Segambut Muda

10. Taman Segambut Aman

11. Taman Bukit Segambut

12. Taman Indah Murni

13. Taman Prima Impian

14. Taman Desa Segambut

15. Kampung Segambut Dalam

16. Kampung Segambut Bahagia

17. Kampung Segambut Tengah

18. Kampung Segambut Gate

19. Jalan Duta Government Quarters Complex

20. Kensington Park

21. Changkat Kiara Bayu

22. Changkat Kiara Surya

23. Prima Duta

24. Menara Duta

25. Duta Ria

26. Mont Kiara Area

27. National Archives

28. Jalan Duta Government Offices Complex

29. Federal Territory Mosque

30. Examinations Syndicate

31. BPR Head Office

32. Persiaran Duta

33. Co-curriculum Development Centre

34. Hockey Stadium

35. Dato Keramat DBKL Flats

36. Jalan Padang Tembak

37. Jalan Semarak

38. Jalan Gurney

39. UTM, Jalan Semarak

40. Felda Building

41. Jalan Kent 1 to 7

42. Desa Pandan

43. Whole Area of Permaisuri

44. Taman Shamelin Perkasa

45. Taman Bandar Damai Perdana A & B

46. Taman Seri Bahagia

47. Taman Bukit Angsana

48. Taman Minang

49. Taman Damai Indah

50. Taman Bukit Anggerik 1 & 2

51. Taman Desa Baiduri

52. Taman Bukit Segar

53. Taman Bukit Segar Masera

54. Bandar Baru Segar Utama

55. Taman Bukit Segar Jaya

56. Alam Damai & Taman Len Seng

57. Bukit Cheras

Zone 2

1. Jalan Ipoh Mile 4 to Mile 5

2. Jalan Cenderuh

3. Jalan Kuala Kangar

4. Jalan Vethavanam

5. Jalan St Thomas

6. Jalan Khalsa

7. Taman Kok Lian

8. Taman City

9. Taman Sri Kuching & Taman Niaga Waris

10. Batu Cantonment Camp

11. Taman Impian

12. Taman Eastern

13. Taman Rainbow

14. Taman Bamboo

15. Taman Million

16. Taman Sheng Cheng

17. Taman Kaya

18. Segambut Industrial Area

19. Taman Sri Hartamas

20. Kiaraview

21. Kiaramas

22. Taman Duta Nusantara

23. Taman Duta Tropika

24. Hartamas Heights

25. Taman Pandan Jaya

26. Taman Cempaka

27. Taman Bakti

28. Taman Nirwana

29. Taman Putra Sulaiman

30. Taman Cahaya

31. Pandan Cahaya

32. Taman Dagang

33. Taman Tenaga

34. Taman Miharja

35. Taman Kobena

36. Sri Melaka Flats

37. Taman Saga

38. Taman Teratai

39. Taman Bukit Permai

40. Taman Mega Jaya

41. Tanan Seraya

42. Taman Melur

43. Kampung Cheras Baru

44. Taman Muda & Taman Mawar

45. Taman Putra

Petaling

Zone 1

1. Desa Petaling

2. Kampung Malaysia

3. Taman Salak Selatan

4. Kampung Baru Salak Selatan

5. Taman Gembira

6. Jalan Kuchai Lama

7. Taman Lian Hoe

8. Taman Salak Jaya

9. Pantai Dalam

10. Mah Sing U5

11. Tropicana Golf

Zone 2

1. Section 1, Petaling Jaya

2. Section 2, Petaling Jaya

3. Section 3, Petaling Jaya

4. Section 5, Petaling Jaya

5. Section 6, Petaling Jaya

6. Section 7, Petaling Jaya

7. Section 8, Petaling Jaya

8. Section 9, Petaling Jaya

9. Section 18, Petaling Jaya

10. Section 51A

11. Taman Sri Sentosa

12. Kampung Pasir Baru

13. Taman OUG

14. Taman Yarl

15. Bukit Jalil Industrial Park

16. PPRT Kampung Muhibbah

17. Ara Damansara

18. Bandar Utama 1-11

Klang/Shah Alam

Zone 1

1. Sungai Kapar Indah

2. Bandar Bukit Raja

3. Putra Heights/Bukit Lancung

4. Bukit Tinggi 1

5. Bukit Tinggi 2

6. Bandar Botanik

7. Bandar Puteri

Zone 2

1. Taman Aman Perdana

2. Bandar Setia Alam

3. Section 27

4. Section 28

5. Megahub

Kuala Selangor

Zone 1

1. Sungai Darah (left from Batang Berjuntai)

2. Jalan Raja Musa from Batang Berjuntai to 7th mile Tanjung Karang

3. Universiti Selangor (Unisel) and Taman Ilmu

4. Kampung Bestari Jaya

5. Bukit Belimbing and Hujung Permatang

6. Tanjung Karang from Pasir Penambang to Tanjung Karang

7. Sungai Gulang-Gulang and Parit Serong

8. Sungai Tengi Kanan

9. Puncak Alam Phases 1,2 and 3 and Shah Alam 2

Zone 2

1. Sungai Darah (right from Batang Berjuntai)

2. Batang Berjuntai

3. Batu Ijok between Jalan Datuk Muskam and Bukit Badong

4. Bukit Badong

5. Jalan Rawang between Batang Berjuntai and Kampung Kuantan

6. Jalan Kelab

7. Jalan Bukit Rotan

8. Bandar Seri Coalfields/Desa Coalfields Sungai Buloh

9. Seri Pristana

10. Alam Perdana

11. Kampung Sentosa

12. Kampung Seri Aman

13. Saujana Utama 3

14. Taman Alam Jaya

15. Batu 23 Industrial Area, Ijok

16. Jalan Meru Puncak Alam (McDonalds)

Hulu Selangor

Zone 1

1. Bukit Beruntung

2. Bukit Sentosa

3. Sungai Buaya

4. Bukit Teratai (Estate)

5. Bandar Country Homes

6. Taman Desa Mas

7. Saujana Rawang

8. Taman Teknologi

9. Taman Velox

10. Batu Arang

11. Kota Puteri

12. Sungai Bakau

13. Kota Emerald

14. Taman Garing

15. Rawang Intergrated/Sungai Dua

Zone 2

1. Rasa

2. Bandar Baru Batang Kali

3. Tamu Hill Park

4. Taman Semarak Batang Kali

5. MIEL Industrial Area

6. Taman Desa Alam Ria

7. Taman Bukit Rawang Jaya

8. Taman Bukit Rawang Putra

9. Taman Mutiara

10. Bandar Baru Rawang

11. Kampung Rajah/Pekan

12. Kampung Kenanga Rawang

13. Kampung Sungai Terentang/Kampung Baru

14. Kampung New Green Park/Taman Sri Hijau

15. Jalan Pahang/KKB Police College

16. Taman Arif/Teratai KKB

17. Taman KKB Utama

18. Kampung Dagang Setia/Kampung Kelapa KKB

19. Taman Ampang Pecah KKB

20. Taman Ampang Indah KKB

21. Taman Millenium KKB

22. Taman Damai KKB

23. Bukit Bujang KKB

24. Taman Tanjak

25. Taman Desa Rening Jaya

26. Kerling

27. Hulu Bernam

28. Taman Bernam Jaya

29. Taman Keliang Kalumpang

30. Taman Bahtera Hulu Bernam

31. Kampung Pinang Hulu Bernam

32. Kuang

33. Kundang

34. Tasik Puteri

35. Serendah

36. Ulu Yam Lama

37. Antara Gapi

38. Sungai Choh — Bernama

- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/list-of-areas-under-second-phase-of-water-rationing-plan#sthash.bPnBlAzL.dpuf

More areas affected, from 10 March 2014: http://year1malaysia.blogspot.com/2014/03/selangor-water-rationing-more-areas.html

Is Malaysia's Property Market Over-regulated?

I think not. It's actually under-regulated.

Property sales and launches has slowed down quite a bit this year. I've highlighted it in a previous post last month HERE. Since then, every other day, there'll be industry players giving their opinions in the media on the latest market sentiments and government cooling measures.

I'm always wary of the opinions or views coming from people who are vested.

Below is an article highlighting the views from the property agents group. Obviously, similar to developers, they are not in favour of strict regulations. Members from the group which I would loosely term as the "unholy trinity" of the property market:- Developers, Agents & Banks, are responsible for the current unhealthy property speculations.

Homes are a basic need. People need homes. The commercial properties, on the other hand, can be unregulated, by all means. Residential properties on the other hand should be regulated. Those who are exploiting the market are very irresponsible.

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Property market should not be over-regulated

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian property market, which saw cooling measures instituted in Budget 2014 to arrest steep property price increases, should not be over-regulated by the government, but be allowed to grow at a normal pace.



Making the call, Association of Valuers, Property Managers, Estate Agents and Property Consultants in the Private Sector president, Lim Lian Hong, said a price increase of between 5% and 7% annually, is justified.



“I think, the central bank is also very careful that they don’t kill the market … We want to practice free market, so that foreign investors will feel more at ease to come into the system, to buy and sell.

“If you have a very restrictive market, foreign investors will feel that this market is artificial, on the whole,” he said at a press conference in conjunction with the Seventh Malaysian Property Summit 2014, on Feb 25.



Lim said that if the local property market is highly regulated, it may pose a problem to foreigners, if they want to resell their units. “We have to balance the laissez-faire, which is the free market,” he added.



Laissez-faire should be applied in the appropriate context. In a country where there are even ownership regulations between citizens of different races, I think foreign ownerships should be the least of our concerns for now. It's not a totally free market. Foreigners can always invest in commercial properties. Or residential properties above a certain price, over RM5mil maybe?

The problem now is that property prices are not rising at a normal pace. While I agree that price increases of 5%-10% is reasonably healthy, but the price increases for the past 3-4 years have reached levels that would normally take 10 years to reach.

 
Rahim & Co managing director, Choy Yue Kwong, said that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) regulations on housing loans are most effective in regulating the Malaysian property market, as the regulations are targeted at speculators.

“Speculators are people who make use of the banking system, take out very little money, [use] 95% loan to buy and speculate. These are the people, the system should target at.



“The main reason why there was so much speculation in the past, was because loans were so easily available. Some developers would price it at a certain level, give discount and then sign the agreement at the gross level effectively.”

Choy said, new BNM guidelines that stipulate that loans will be based on the net price, rather than the gross price, will take out a large segment of customers, who depend on loans to speculate.

Yes. BNM regulations are effective. It protects people from over extending themselves & speculating beyond their means. But what he is actually saying is that we should take out speculators who need loans, while those who have the cash can continue to speculate.

Home buyers should be allowed to borrow with higher margin of financing, especially for their first home. What the government should do is to ensure the prices are affordable and not allow developers to rake in excessive profits with high prices.

Property developments should be categorised according to owner-occupied or investment segments. Singapore's model should be emulated.



However, he is doubtful that the imposition of real property gains tax (RPGT) will have any significant impact on sales of houses.



“I think, house prices have gone up so much in the the last few years. No doubt, RPGT has its effect, but the effect is not much anymore. If you had RPGT three or four years ago, then it would have had more effect, because at that time, the prices hadn’t gone up so much.”



RPGT is the most effective way to control speculation. In fact, the rates & duration should be increased to prevent prices from rising further. RPGT keeps prices of new launches at reasonable levels. It is not meant to dampen sales but to control prices & speculation.

Choy is also sceptical about the effectiveness of the government’s intention to stop bulk-buying of properties by investors, by imposing restrictions on the number of properties bought by an individual.



“You can’t stop people from buying, if they have the money,” he noted.

Choy said, there are methods other than government regulations, that can be utilised to control the property market.

 He argued that housing planners have a role to play, in ensuring that developers are not “carpet building” or overbuilding to feed the speculative market.



Yes. The government can, and should stop these bulk buying practises. It is the most damaging form of speculation. If these investors are so rich to buy in bulk, they should build their own instead. Again, residential properties are not vegetables to be made available in bulk. Those with money can always buy up commercial properties. You can even buy the whole building if you want.

“Government planners [should] become more proactive. Let’s say, if the developer wants to build 9,000 units in a certain place, the planners should step in, even though the guidelines allow it. If they know that 9,000 are too many, they may say, tone it down to 5 phases [or] 10 phases,” Choy explained.

 He said that property developments now have an excess of investors, but not enough occupiers, leaving many units empty, years after the development has been completed. The scenario could also apply to the Iskandar Malaysia development.

Government planners should control the number of units, not because of over supply, but most importantly to control population density which if left unchecked could lead to traffic and pollution problems. They should also regulate the prices and types of property as well.

The empty units are the result of excessive speculation which led to over supply. Which means that there's excessive speculation in the market. The culprits are the speculators and developers. Regulators should control the quantity of units allowed to be built.

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on February 26, 2014. - SOURCE

Najib: Only one out of every 10 Malaysians pays tax

So it's official then, that only 1 in 10 Malaysians pays tax. It depends on what kind of tax he was referring to, income tax? Because Malaysians are indirectly paying taxes like sales tax, excise duties, stamp duties, import tax, etc.

If Najib means income tax, then we are indeed facing a big problem. Malaysia's population is 30 Million, or thereabouts. Assuming 50% are working age, it works out to only 1.5 million taxpayers out of 15 Million working age adults. Which also means the 90% or 13.5 Million workers are earning below taxable income.

This tells us that:

1. Malaysians' are either working at low paying jobs, or they are underpaid.

2. Inflation will greatly impact the disposable income after tax.

3. Government's solution to increase revenue through taxing the working class.

4. No mention of government cutting their spending but instead increases it with salary increments & bonuses to civil servants.

5. If the economy is growing, why isn't the government collecting more from corporate, personal & other taxes?

6. Either the government is spending more than it's income, or businesses are evading taxes, or economic growth did not translate to increased revenue.

Their solution is to take the easy way out, which is to tax everyone with GST. Raising income taxes would be pointless because the pool is small.

But there's one thing no one thought of asking, "After the removal of subsidies & introducing GST, does it mean that the government will not have to borrow anymore? How long will it take to reduce the debt to manageable levels?".

However, I observed that many of those countries who have similar taxes like GST or VAT, with the exception of a few, still have huge debts on top of high income tax. The only difference is their wages and standard of living are much higher.

Finally, I would like to state that subsidies are not wrong. It is perfectly within the people's right to enjoy subsidies if they need it, and it is the responsibility of the government to provide it.

On the other hand, signing lopsided agreements and contracts with highway operators, power producers, water concessionaires, vendors and service providers are morally & ethically wrong.

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Najib: Only one out of every 10 Malaysians pays tax

PEKAN: The current mix of low taxpayer base, increasing public spending, and resistance towards subsidy rationalisation is a recipe for trouble, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Revealing that only one out of every 10 Malaysians pays tax, Najib said there is an urgent need to raise government revenue, while at the same time reining in increasing amounts spent on broad-based subsidies such as on fuel.

According to Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, the number of civil servants would increase each year, but when revenue did not rise in tandem, the country would have to resort to borrowing. In the same vein, the proposed goods and services tax (GST) was one such measure that could lead to more revenue for the government, but has been opposed by some.

“When I do not announce any bonus during the tabling of the Budget, then it is not considered a good budget. But each time bonus is dispensed, it is RM5.6bil in spending a month,” Najib said at a 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) presentation ceremony at his constituency here yesterday.

He added that subsidies had to be carefully targeted to strengthen the country’s finances.

“We say our country’s economy is mid-high income and a lot better than other countries. But the question that is on our minds is why are petrol subsidies reduced and the sugar subsidy removed when our economy is already good?

“We have to explain that the rationalisation is to avoid a situation where we have to borrow money,” said Najib, who pointed out that money saved from cutting subsidies was then channelled to more equitable ways of helping people, such as BR1M.

“A person who drives a Kancil only enjoys RM900 in subsidy a year while those with a big car can stand to benefit up to RM2,400 if they drive 50km a day. This is not fair.

“Also, why should foreigners enjoy our subsidies too? That is why we want to refine the system to become targeted, fair, transparent and efficient,” he said.

Najib added that BR1M could also help the people settle debts, and, in principle, this was also helping those in need.

“It is meritorious in Islam to help others. It is okay if the Opposition wants to denounce our efforts, as long as we hold on to the principle of helping others,” he said. - SOURCE

Kajang: Chew Mei Fun vs Anwar Ibrahim

So much has been written on this by-election these couple of weeks!

Look like it's MCA versus PKR in Kajang. On the surface it seems so. But I think it's more like UMNO vs Anwar.

I have to say that Chew Mei Fun is rather brave to stand in this by-election because being a veteran MCA leader, the stakes are high for her. If she loses, it will be a blow not only to her credibility but MCA's as well. Of course if she manages to win, then she will greatly improve her standing would even take her political career to great heights.

In the larger scheme of things, there's actually no harm whoever wins or loses because Selangor will still be under Pakatan. But I suppose in politics, it will mean alot for PKR & Anwar since they were the ones who engineered this by-election.

Is this a more likely scenario?

Another question many are asking is since Kajang is a Malay majority seat, why didn't UMNO send their candidate instead of MCA? Many UMNO supporters seem to think so. And I agree with them. They should have fielded someone from UMNO. It would be interesting indeed to witness an UMNO vs Anwar challenge!

Anyway, I don't think BN is confident of winning. Although some in UMNO really wants to go this path, but I think the leadership does not want to go head to head with Anwar for fear of losing or antagonising the Malays further. Or perhaps in the event BN loses... again, they can blame the Chinese... again. It's ok, we are used to it already.

I wonder if the Chinese will give MCA a chance this time round. Or do the Chinese really want to help DAP to bury MCA and just be contented with supporting one party? Despite getting more than 90% of the Chinese votes last election, DAP is still actively calling for the demise of MCA. I wonder why? Perhaps they know something we don't?

I don't really blame the Chinese, not after what they had to put up with from various Malay organisations linked to UMNO after the last GE. They were whacked good and proper, even threatened.

Anyway, I think MCA still has some grassroots support, when they are not fighting each other! The result of this by-election will show us whether the grassroots are happy with the current direction & leadership of MCA.

If I were the Chinese voters in Kajang, I would give MCA a chance and enhance the "check and balance" in the Selangor State assembly. Now, MCA has zero in Selangor. Is one MCA ADUN too much to ask?

Too much power to any party is not good for transparency & good governance. The behaviour of Pakatan Rakyat has taken on an arrogant tone after GE13.

I would really want to see if MCA can really live up to their promises.

You've made your point already in the last election. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Come on, what good could Anwar do as your ADUN? Entertainment? Until today, PKR is still giving rather vague reasons for engineering this by-election.

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In Pakatan stronghold, BN braces for battle with ‘Goliath’

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 — Rather than serve Kajang to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on a gold platter, Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders have vowed to give the PKR adviser a run for his money in the March 23 Kajang by-election...

... “She has the capabilities, and the Chinese prefer her... it will be a sweet victory if this small lady from MCA can beat the Goliath,” he said....

... MCA deputy president Datuk Wee Ka Siong said BN’s candidate Chew has a reputation for her integrity which will serve as a counterfoil to Anwar, whom he said is bogged down by personal and political baggage.

“She is the right candidate. She means business, and whatever she says she will honour,” he said of Chew. He added: “She has integrity, unlike the opposition candidate who is not consistent.”

BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak conceded his coalition will have an uphill battle to take back Kajang.

“We will try our best, we will be going as the underdog,” he told reporters last Friday. ... - SOURCE

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Chew Mei Fun's selection yardstick to gauge people's acceptance of MCA: DPM

PAGOH: The selection of MCA vice-president Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun as the candidate for the Kajang state by-election can be used as a yardstick to gauge the people's acceptance of MCA's new party leadership.
Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) Deputy chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said, as such, the opportunity to contest in the Kajang by-election should not be wasted even though certain quarters suggested that the BN should not contest.

"If this opportunity is not taken, then it is difficult to gauge the extend of acceptance by the Chinese community or the people towards the new MCA leadership," he told reporters after launching the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) programme at the Pagoh parliamentary constituency here today... - SOURCE

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Chew to Kajang voters: I'm your opportunity for MCA opposition rep

...“This by-election is the one opportunity for Kajang voters to choose a MCA opposition state assemblyperson into the state legislative assembly of Selangor.

... Chew vowed that she would be an elected representative who is easily accessible and contactable to the public, “one who truly assists the rakyat”.

“This is my promise to Kajang voters. If I am the choice of Kajang voters, I will shoulder and carry the responsibility myself, and not my secretary or assistants. I appeal to you to enable me the opportunity to work for all of you,” she said.... - SOURCE