Comments on: Reflections on Malaysia’s Economic Progress and Wealth Distribution: Some Key Questions to Policy Makers (3) http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/ for Malaysia Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:46:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: thinktank http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/comment-page-1/#comment-98887 thinktank Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:07:08 +0000 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/#comment-98887 firstly,it takes time to digest Dr.Teck Yong Eng's comments and questions raised,the present Pakatan Rakyat has the responsibility to look into these and work out some [ if not all ] probable solution,being new in the administration of states,they can't afford mistakes but should make all efforts to create a society we Malaysians crave for ,i would suggest the Pakatans to continously improve themselves,by whatever good means and available resources .Uncle Kit's blog would be much more rewarding venue to discuss issues pertaining to economics rather than a virtual boxing ring, for time is so precious. firstly,it takes time to digest Dr.Teck Yong Eng’s comments and questions raised,the present Pakatan Rakyat has the responsibility to look into these and work out some [ if not all ] probable solution,being new in the administration of states,they can’t afford mistakes but should make all efforts to create a society we Malaysians crave for ,i would suggest the Pakatans to continously improve themselves,by whatever good means and available resources .Uncle Kit’s blog would be much more rewarding venue to discuss issues pertaining to economics rather than a virtual boxing ring, for time is so precious.

]]> By: i_love_malaysia http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/comment-page-1/#comment-98384 i_love_malaysia Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:50:38 +0000 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/#comment-98384 In summary, all these problems were basically due to in-equality in Malaysia!!! without equality among the people of this land, people who are capable are marginalised due to govn policies and implementation where all decisions made were purely based on race and religion!!! when there's no capable people at the top of the country, the country is run by substandard people who created all the problems listed by Dr. Teck-Yong Eng (I believe one of the reasons why he is teaching in London instead of Malaysia is becoz his talent is not being utilised or appreciated!!!). Malaysia needs the best to run the country and every organisation!!! e.g. without the best, the police cant catch hold of those who committed crimes who are smarter than them!!! these apply across the society of Malaysia!!! In summary, all these problems were basically due to in-equality in Malaysia!!! without equality among the people of this land, people who are capable are marginalised due to govn policies and implementation where all decisions made were purely based on race and religion!!! when there’s no capable people at the top of the country, the country is run by substandard people who created all the problems listed by Dr. Teck-Yong Eng (I believe one of the reasons why he is teaching in London instead of Malaysia is becoz his talent is not being utilised or appreciated!!!).
Malaysia needs the best to run the country and every organisation!!! e.g. without the best, the police cant catch hold of those who committed crimes who are smarter than them!!! these apply across the society of Malaysia!!!

]]> By: limkamput http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/comment-page-1/#comment-98307 limkamput Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:29:05 +0000 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/#comment-98307 I am sorry, I don’t know why so many words are needed. If we factor out the abuse of NEP, rent seeking complexes and corruption, didn’t Malaysian economic policies are just about right in almost every aspect. I believe Malaysia’s economic policies, if carried out objectively and prudently, are capable of accomplishing economic goals widely accepted in any economy. I don’t find most the policies at tangent with economic growth, employment generation, economic efficiency, price stability, economic freedom, equitable income distribution, economic security etc. Some goals may be complementary, some may be in conflict. So, there are always the needs to set priorities. The biggest culprit is all these policies are hijacked by vested interest groups and corruption which rendered the policies totally impotent and useless. I am sorry, I don’t know why so many words are needed. If we factor out the abuse of NEP, rent seeking complexes and corruption, didn’t Malaysian economic policies are just about right in almost every aspect. I believe Malaysia’s economic policies, if carried out objectively and prudently, are capable of accomplishing economic goals widely accepted in any economy. I don’t find most the policies at tangent with economic growth, employment generation, economic efficiency, price stability, economic freedom, equitable income distribution, economic security etc. Some goals may be complementary, some may be in conflict. So, there are always the needs to set priorities. The biggest culprit is all these policies are hijacked by vested interest groups and corruption which rendered the policies totally impotent and useless.

]]> By: balance88 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/comment-page-1/#comment-98293 balance88 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:48:01 +0000 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/#comment-98293 I believe that one cannot address all the issues and questions raised by Dr Teck-Yong Eng in isolation of the key fundamental issue of corruption and clean government. Personal interests - those of the politicians, corruptions and cronyism is the basis upon which most, if not all, economic policies in this country are formulated. If this is the basis, then, how on earth can proper policies be formed for the efficient allocation of scarce resources. Our policies promotes inefficiencies and waste resources. Even more crucially, accelerates brain drain. So, the first critical issue we need to address is corruption and clean government. This would level the playing field and promotes competition and meritocracy. Only then can market forces kick in to allocate scarce resources efficiently. This allocation may not be perfect but at least much better than where we are now. At the very least, Malaysia can compete competitively in the global market. We are gifted with many resources but unfortunately, our policies in the past threw all these advantages away. We now need a very integrated economic policy tapping into our strengths that plans for the next 10-20 years. I agree with the author, SMEs is one area we have not really exploited. Ironically, this is one sector that the US recognized as one of its engine of economic growth. Then we have natural environments that is a magnet for the tourism industry. Also, not to mention our natural resources and human resources. Our policies in the past also gave birth to a generation of people who wants to make fast bucks in the least amount of time, if possible within 5 minutes. So, how then can we compete globally. No wonder we lag behind. I believe we really need to clean up the government first, and then formulate long term integrated economic policies to get us back on track. Only then can the whole society prosper and progress together. Only then can we prevent occurences like Hindraf. I believe that one cannot address all the issues and questions raised by Dr Teck-Yong Eng in isolation of the key fundamental issue of corruption and clean government.

Personal interests - those of the politicians, corruptions and cronyism is the basis upon which most, if not all, economic policies in this country are formulated. If this is the basis, then, how on earth can proper policies be formed for the efficient allocation of scarce resources.

Our policies promotes inefficiencies and waste resources. Even more crucially, accelerates brain drain. So, the first critical issue we need to address is corruption and clean government. This would level the playing field and promotes competition and meritocracy. Only then can market forces kick in to allocate scarce resources efficiently. This allocation may not be perfect but at least much better than where we are now. At the very least, Malaysia can compete competitively in the global market.

We are gifted with many resources but unfortunately, our policies in the past threw all these advantages away. We now need a very integrated economic policy tapping into our strengths that plans for the next 10-20 years.

I agree with the author, SMEs is one area we have not really exploited. Ironically, this is one sector that the US recognized as one of its engine of economic growth. Then we have natural environments that is a magnet for the tourism industry. Also, not to mention our natural resources and human resources.

Our policies in the past also gave birth to a generation of people who wants to make fast bucks in the least amount of time, if possible within 5 minutes. So, how then can we compete globally. No wonder we lag behind.

I believe we really need to clean up the government first, and then formulate long term integrated economic policies to get us back on track. Only then can the whole society prosper and progress together. Only then can we prevent occurences like Hindraf.

]]> By: Joshua Tan Kok Hauw http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/comment-page-1/#comment-98261 Joshua Tan Kok Hauw Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:58:20 +0000 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/#comment-98261 Malaysian government has been presenting the deficit budget for almost ten year continously. It will bring a lot of problems to Malaysia in the future,as Malaysian government will have to borrow more. What will happen if Malaysia can no more produce crude oil in the future(2010)? I failed to understand why AAB is preoccupied iin tabling deficit budget, just to make Malaysians happier and more satisfied with BN government? Malaysian government has been presenting the deficit budget for almost ten year continously. It will bring a lot of problems to Malaysia in the future,as Malaysian government will have to borrow more.

What will happen if Malaysia can no more produce crude oil in the future(2010)?

I failed to understand why AAB is preoccupied iin tabling deficit budget, just to make Malaysians happier and more satisfied with BN government?

]]> By: waterfrontcoolie http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/comment-page-1/#comment-98244 waterfrontcoolie Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:01:41 +0000 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/#comment-98244 what planning are we talking about? like the PKFZ? PTP? Westport? the naval vessels at Lumut? the submarines? and what else? just go into the details of all these projects then you will find the truth. Up to now, no one can understand the stance taken by AAB in the face of cessless attacks by TDM. Open the can man! let's get all the worms out of the whole system. this the ALL Malaysians will turn round and say Here is the MAN who walks the talk! Or did you walk the same walk as your predecessor and hence any can you want to open will be the same? And you still allow the same bunch to decide justice for the nation? Why?why? Why?? We indeed fell for your talk in '04, and yet at this moment of your Career[?] you still fire BLANKS!!!! The more one thinks of this issue, one can only conclude that the karma of this nation is indeed on a one-way ticket down the hill. what planning are we talking about? like the PKFZ? PTP? Westport?
the naval vessels at Lumut? the submarines? and what else?
just go into the details of all these projects then you will find the truth. Up to now, no one can understand the stance taken by AAB in the face of cessless attacks by TDM. Open the can man! let’s get all the worms out of the whole system. this the ALL Malaysians will turn round and say Here is the MAN who walks the talk!
Or did you walk the same walk as your predecessor and hence any can you want to open will be the same? And you still allow the same bunch to decide justice for the nation? Why?why? Why??
We indeed fell for your talk in ‘04, and yet at this moment of your Career[?] you still fire BLANKS!!!!
The more one thinks of this issue, one can only conclude that the karma of this nation is indeed on a one-way ticket down the hill.

]]> By: Loh http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/comment-page-1/#comment-98208 Loh Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:59:47 +0000 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/#comment-98208 ///The government education policy is non-competitive in terms of awarding scholarships and university places. At the very least, this cultivates complacency at all levels of the national education system and at worst, this produces incompetent graduates affecting wellbeing of future generations. /// This the the root cause of all problems. The push effects made students who had to study overseas on parent scholarship to remain there, firstly to repay the investment, and then to continue with living in an environment of equal opportunity. When human resources available for knowledge based economy do not match the demands, the government can get the best foreign consultants to plan, they will only remain good on paper. The government still considers competition within the national boundary among the various ethnic groups more important that competition against the outside world. They are doing well in the consumption side of the economy distributing subsidies. ///The government education policy is non-competitive in terms of awarding scholarships and university places. At the very least, this cultivates complacency at all levels of the national education system and at worst, this produces incompetent graduates affecting wellbeing of future generations. ///

This the the root cause of all problems. The push effects made students who had to study overseas on parent scholarship to remain there, firstly to repay the investment, and then to continue with living in an environment of equal opportunity.

When human resources available for knowledge based economy do not match the demands, the government can get the best foreign consultants to plan, they will only remain good on paper.

The government still considers competition within the national boundary among the various ethnic groups more important that competition against the outside world. They are doing well in the consumption side of the economy distributing subsidies.

]]> By: k1980 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/comment-page-1/#comment-98194 k1980 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:47:14 +0000 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/#comment-98194 Why wasn't the former Deputy CM of Penang called in by the police for questioning when he led a demo near Komtar? http://themalaysianinsider.com/mni/4-pkr-leaders-summoned-by-police-party-issues-statement.html Why wasn’t the former Deputy CM of Penang called in by the police for questioning when he led a demo near Komtar?
http://themalaysianinsider.com/mni/4-pkr-leaders-summoned-by-police-party-issues-statement.html

]]> By: Godfather http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/comment-page-1/#comment-98182 Godfather Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:10:09 +0000 http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/04/15/reflections-on-malaysia%e2%80%99s-economic-progress-and-wealth-distribution-some-key-questions-to-policy-makers-3/#comment-98182 Even for tourism, Visit Malaysia Year 2007 has been a dismal failure. They came up with all sorts of hare-brained schemes like the RM 5 million grant for any business overseas set up by Malaysians to promote tourism. How many batik boutiques opened up in the UK, Australia and NZ to take advantage of this grant ? How many Malaysian restaurants opened in these countries to take the grants, only to close 6 months later ? Can the Finance Minister confirm if his own brother's nasi kandar restaurant in Perth availed itself to this RM 5 million grant ? Even for tourism, Visit Malaysia Year 2007 has been a dismal failure. They came up with all sorts of hare-brained schemes like the RM 5 million grant for any business overseas set up by Malaysians to promote tourism. How many batik boutiques opened up in the UK, Australia and NZ to take advantage of this grant ? How many Malaysian restaurants opened in these countries to take the grants, only to close 6 months later ?

Can the Finance Minister confirm if his own brother’s nasi kandar restaurant in Perth availed itself to this RM 5 million grant ?

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