Malaysia Blog

Dangerous Crossings

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:37:00 +0800

Saw this old couple crossing the road. So loving!

But they almost got banged by a motorcyclist going the opposite direction.

Just don't understand why they will not walk 20 meters more and use the proper pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights. I guess they think it's worth the risk to shave off 3-5 minutes of walking.

The motorcyclist too doesn't seem to value their lives much - travelling on the road against traffic on a highway!

I don't know who is more stupid. The old couple or the motorcyclist.

Wake up Malaysia! Recession is here!

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 18:04:00 +0800

I feel we are in denial that recession is about to hit us. And hit us hard!!

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Government is confident Malaysia will not slip into a "technical recession" next year as the RM7 billion stimulus package is sufficient to support the projected 3.5 percent growth next year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.

A technical recession means two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth.

Besides ensuring the 3.5 percent growth, the stimulus would maintain the 4.8 percent fiscal deficit, said Najib who is also Finance Minister.

"The additional RM7 billion stimulus is crucial as we don't want the government to shoulder a very high fiscal deficit though we can afford to increase allocations," he told reporters after being interviewed by RTM in "Rancangan Khas Pelan Penstabilan Ekonomi".

Asked whether the government would provide additional stimulus package, Najib said: "I've said this is not the last time, we don't need to wait for the annual budget as we are facing an extraordinary situation."

Asked on the Opposition's suggestion to slash the budget by RM24 billion, he said: "They tabled a contraction budget, maybe they are still preoccupied with the old ways of thinking like in the 1997 (financial crisis) when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) prescription was administered."

"Actually, we should not scale down the budget now. What is important now is the growth (economic) because in the absence of economic

growth, the country will head towards recession," he added.

-- BERNAMA

We need to wake up! I don't want to sound like an alarmist but better overeact and over prepare as it's just too painful to be caught with your pants down. I don't really know what we must do but I'm sure going to cut down spendings and look for extra income wherever I can find it.

Another Malaysian Astronaut

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:19:37 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will give an answer to Russia by year end whether to send another astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), said National Astronaut Programme Director Kol Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Yusof.

He said Malaysia was lucky as Russia had given its assurance to take one more Malaysian astronaut in 2011 or 2012.

"The opportunity for an astronaut to go to ISS is very limited and precious. So, we must give our answer soon in order to proceed with the programme," he told Bernama Tuesday.

Zulkeffeli said what worried him most was that Malaysia's second astronaut Major Dr Faiz Khaled would probably have to repeat basic training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, as his previous training there is only valid for one year and would expire in October.

He said Dr Faiz is currently free from any programme or training, as a part of the preparation for the space mission in 2011.

-- BERNAMA

Yes. That's good news isn't it. I wonder how many millions will be spent this time.

Instability or better reforms?

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:06:17 +0800

There has been a revolution in the politics of Malaysia, one of Asia's most successful economies, as the governing Barisan Nasional coalition lost the exclusive grip on power it has enjoyed since the country's independence in 1957.

But as yet uncertain is whether this shift heralds much-needed reform or dangerous social instability.

~ from The Vancouver Sun on "Balance of power shifts in Malaysian politics"

As a Malaysian, I can say that "dangerous social instability" is something I'm sick of hearing from outsiders. Malaysians are smarter than that. For those Malaysians that are playing the racial card and predicting doom and gloom, I say to hell with you. Nobody wants a racial fight or any political instability.

The correct thing to do now is for everybody to keep their wits and not let outsiders and instigators say we are heading for some crisis.

Who wants to screw my sister?

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:55:00 +0800

Does that offend you?

It offends me. But I hear that everyday when the TV is on and tuned in to NTV7. It's just an advert for some American show. There is censorship for foul words but I think playing the above statement over and over again everyday is just as offensive to viewers.

The advert is played at least once every hour EVERY day.

Christmas almost here

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:10:00 +0800

Do you feel the Christmas spirit?

My Canadian friends find it strange to celebrate Christmas in Malaysia, a hot tropical country :)

Anyway, Christmas is always a quiet time for me with family. Hate the rumah terbuka concept as I don't really want to see friends on that day. Perhaps after ..

Visit Malaysia Year almost over

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:10:00 +0800

It's already almost December and Visit malaysia year is almost over. Did you feel anything special from the campaign? I sure didn't feel it. I didn't see more tourist to the country. I think we missed our big chance somewhere in promotion.