by Dr. Chen Man Hin
The latest jump in pump pricing by 42% has caused an upheaval in the economy and much unhappiness among motorists and the people. businesses are stalling, and there is undertainty about the future. the sudden severe rise has caused a social and economic earthquake.
The shocking increase was unnecesary, and here are the reasons why it was a bad mistake.
MARKED DISPARITY OF PUMP PRICES BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND OTHER OIL PRODUCING COUNTRIES.
Malaysia’s pump price should be equilvalent to pump prices in other oil producing countries, as for example:-
Saudi Arabia RM 0.38 per litre
UAE 1.19 / litre
Egypt 1.03 / litre
Bahrain 0.87
Qatar 0.68
Kuwait 0.67
Iran 0.35
Nigeria 0.32
Turkmenistan 0.25
Venezuela 0.16/litre
MALAYSIA 2.70/LITRE
COST OF PRODUCTION PER BARREL OF OIL
Statistics indicate that the production cost per barrel of oil for the above countries vary around US$ 4 per barrel. The world average is US$ 7 per barrel.
A barrel contains 44 gallons or 176 litres oil, which works out at US 2.27 cents per litre or 2.27 x 3.3 = 7.49 sen per litre.
As the production cost per litre is only 7.49 sen, it is beyond comprehension to see how the pump price could be raised astronomically to RM2.70 per litre.
There is no justification for pump price of petrol to be RM2.70 which is way above the price set in other oil producing countries in Middle East, Africa or South America.
This is an example of bad governance. Our natural resources should be used to help people and not to profit recklessly at their expense. Prime Minister Abdullah has a lot of explaining to do.
Petronas should be more transparent and be people frieidly.
Petronas is making huge sums of money. Tun Mahathir claims that Petronas made a profit of well over RM70 billion last year, and should therefore be able to keep down fuel prices instead of unreasonable price increases.
OIL PRODUCTION. Petronas produces 650,000 barrels of oil each day, out of which 250,000 barrels were for export and the balance of 450,000 barrels for domestic consumption.
At US$130 per barrel, less US$10 for production cost, profit per barrel would be US$120.
Estimated profit per year would be 250,000 x 120 x 365 x 3.3= RMR 36.1 billion
If we include profits from natural gas, investments in other countries, Petronas’s earnings would reach record levels.
PETRONAS WEALTH TO REDUCE SUFFERING OF THE PEOPLE INSTEAD OF RAISING OIL PRICES
The evidence is definitely against any increase of pump prices for Malaysians. Pump prices should return to a reasonable level – the same as in other oil producing countries.
Instead of spending money on subsidies for fuel, the funds should be used for the benefit of the people and marginalised poor with better schools, more hospitals for the sick and housing for the homeless.
PETRONAS TO REFORM
Since its inauguration in Parliament in mid seventies, its operations have been shrouded in secrecy. It is time for Petronas to be answerable to Parliament, to open its accounts to the people and to institute new policies for a healthy and vibrant industry.
#1 by k1980 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:25 am
….with Petronas’ profits; palm oil profits; and profits from rubber, tin, agriculture produce, aquaculture produce, electronic and hardware exports etc., for the past 5 decades, we can all agree on one thing – our country would be wealthier than Venezuela who has little resources except for oil. The petrol in Venezuela is RM0.16 per litre.
http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/8750/84/
#2 by oknyua on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:34 am
Doctor,
Fact 1: Petronas as an international company has done exceptionally well. About 60% of its revenue is from overseas operations. Not all state-owned oil-company are doing well. Coming immediately to mind is the Indonesian counterpart.
Fact 2: Among GLCs, Petronas seemed to be above others, probably due to the leadership of Hassan Merican, a no-nonsense person. Stories around told of his reluctance even to entertain Dr Mahathir’s request even in the latter’s days as PM.
Fact 3: Petronas has billions invested all over the world. It has subsidiaries and joint-ventures. Other than Petronas very senior executives, nobody, including the PM, really knows where these funds are invested.
So we have questions here:
1. What and where has Petronas done wrong? Is it not revealing its profits?
2. If Petronas makes the reputed profits, is it the right thing to regard that as the country’s revenue and utilise it to subsidise petrol prices?
Dr Chen, I agree Abdullah’s scheme of increasing petrol prices was ill-conceived and ill-advised. I still think he could have increased it gradually, probably in three stages. Secondly I think he could do more in curbing over-spending and wastage instead of ad-hoc announcements (eg 10% ministers’ allowance cut – an insult) trying to diffuse public anger.
But tying public dissatisfactions arising from PM’s flip-flop decisions with Petronas, I think, is not fair. Accountability calls into Petronas and its investment is necessary, of course. It stops the abuse of its profits for the benefit of a few (eg BBMB’s rescue), but this is totally a different issue altogether.
At same time, to connect Petronas with the flip-flop PM is also unnecessary. Other than Petronas has made billions in profits, I think the PM knows nothing else about the company. PM’s decision, as I maintained, had been ill-conceived and I doubt his ability to see the economic implications ie damage, of his decision.
Thank you and good day Dr Chen. (I am pleased you are still mentally active to participate in the debates of the day.)
#3 by boh-liao on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:34 am
Wah! Even the SIL has called on Petronas to make public the details of its profits, including its sources of revenue.
#4 by k1980 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:39 am
It’s just a strategic tactic by SIL in the tussle for power. Once he has become PM, he’ll just change Petronas’ name to Petro Anak Menantu Sdn Bhd with himself as both CEO and CFO.
#5 by PSM on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:51 am
Let’s be honest with ourselves! Petronas reports directly to the PM. Who here thinks that the PM or Petronas is going to open its Audited Books for the Public to see?
It’s just not going to happen (not unless there is a change in the Federal Govt. anyway!).
#6 by Swordsman on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:05 am
With due respect I think Dr.Chen is barking up the wrong tree. Petronas is just a corporate enity answerable directly to the PM. As a Govt agency entrusted with the responsibility of mining our natural resource, in this case petroleum, its performance must be viewed as a CPO extraction operation just like Shell, Exxon or Chevron. To judge whether Petronas’ operation is up to the mark is to peg the various measures of performance like recovery rate, cost of extraction, investment cost per barrel of reserves. production cost per barrel, gross profit margin, investment recovery rate etc..etc. with that of other major oil companies.
Without the benefit of privy to Petronas accounts, we will not be far off the mark to conclude that Petronas’ operation is as good and as efficient as that of the major oil companies.
Politicians have been “indoctrinating” the Rakyat with the erroneous view that Petronas is the culprit for being unwilling to carry on with the “subsidy program” on petrol and diesel. The “culprit” is the master who control the purse strings of Petronas i.e. the PM and indirectly UMNO.
If I may suggest YB Lim request through Parliament what policy does Petronas adopt in utilizing its financial resources.
In my posting on another website, I have proposed this “model” for prudent utilization of Petronas’ financial resources.
Based on Petronas’ reported payment of corporate tax to the Malaysian Govt of RM330 billion cumulatively, Petronas should have total retained earnings of RM770 billion since its inception.
A prudent model for the utilization of this these RM770 billion, if adopted from day 1 of Petronas’ operation would be:
(1) Setting up a sinking fund of 35% or RM270 billion for re-investment in the petroleum industry: exploration, extraction, maintenance, research, development of downstream activities etc.
(2) Allocating 30% or RM231 billion to a “consumption fund” to benefit the Rakyat directly. Subsidy programs would come under this fund. Moreover, this “consumption fund” could be deployed as an “anti-inflation” tool to thwart “energy-related” inflation since energy is so deeply embedded in every sector of the economy. Any increase in the cost of energy would certainly lead to a chain reaction in the inflation-fission.
(3) Allocating 30% or RM231 billion to fund development projects under the various 5-Year Malaysia Plan.
(4) A Contingency fund of 5% or RM38 billion to deal with unforeseen natural disasters or calamities which result in loss of lives and destruction of properties. This fund is to facilitate the rebuilding of our resources.
I hope to see YB Lim unleash his full energy, intellectual and physical, in Parliament to bring some sense and Rakyat-empathy
feeling amongst the MPs both PR and BN.
#7 by UtopiaInJapan on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:17 am
Being an ‘inefficient’ oil producer, Petronas may claim that the company is experiencing down time for more than 100 days in a year. Hence, the calculation of annual profit might be ‘incorrect’………….hahaha
Petrol subsidy is akin to NEP, breeding inefficiency, below-par performance, lacklustre manpower, 3rd world mentality, laziness, corruption, abuse of power etc………I personally support government’s move to cut oil subsidy but I want to demand explanation on the past usage of Petronas’ profits!
#8 by pulau_sibu on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:18 am
Oil should be back to the states.
The federal should stop robbing the poor states.
The rich states should stop robbing the poor states.
If you want to rob, go and rob the Middle East
#9 by Racheljansz on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:24 am
Shouldn’t this statement be
“As the production cost per litre is only 7.49[B]sen[/B] (not RM 7.49), it is beyond comprehension to see how the pump price could be raised astronomically to RM2.70 per litre.”??
[You are sharp and right. Error in posting up, no fault of Dr. Chen. – Admin]
#10 by sebol on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:24 am
Bagi saya tidak perlu PETRONAS diletakkan di bawah Perdana Menteri atau Parlimen.
Ini semua hanya mempolitikkan PETRONAS yang sepatutnya menjadi periuk nasi kita semua. dan akan memusnahkannya seperti yang berlaku pada syarikat minyak negara lain.
Saya lebih suka PETRONAS diletakkan di Bawah Yang Dipertuan Agong dan beroperasi sebagai Syarikat minyak bukan sebagai 1 GLC.
#11 by yhsiew on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:30 am
Malaysia (oil-exporting country): petrol price – RM2.70
China (oil-importing country): petrol price – RM2.43
Indonesia (oil-importing country): petrol price – RM2.14
PL should explain why as an oil-exporting country, Malaysia’s petrol price is higher than that of oil-importing countries and why the country is NOT benefited from its natural oil resources.
I believe revenues from oil have been mis-used (e.g. posh BN campaign for the 12th GE) and the government is desperate to shore up its empty coffers by inordinately raising fuel prices.
PL should publish Petronas audited books to prove his innocence.
#12 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:40 am
Dr Chen:
You are senile if you think that a bunch of thieves will voluntarily give up their right to the piggy bank.
The correct phrase to describe this thread is: “Pissing into the wind.”
#13 by ShiokGuy on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:51 am
I am still cannot understand why petronas book is not an open case? Another OSA?
Any privatization of our natural resource like, Gas, Oil, Water, Timber, Mineral is based set with a independent commission to oversee it. And the best practice is OPEN BOOK.
I belief Syabas is another bad case! Their Meter Disconnection Engineer is better call “Gangster or Thug”
http://shiokguy.blogspot.com/2008/06/thug-from-syabas.html
So take back all privatization and put under public view.
Shiok Guy
#14 by Tantech on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:53 am
Under BN rule, you shall never expect any changes in reforming Petronas. Do you think those directors in Petronas will allow you people to rob their gold mine?
However, and Pakatan takes over govt, they will force Petronas to give up its rights.
#15 by digard on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:53 am
PriceWaterhouse once audited Petronas as the ‘world’s most well-managed petroleum company’.
That was the same year when I had some dealings with them and noticed some squandering of money; and they still do in another area: the petrol stations. Service at Petronas stations is doubtless the worst that one can get from Malaysian petrol stations.
So I’d suggest to take the audit with a grain of salt.
Still, they are well-managed; and produce a lot of revenue. The perversion comes with the fact, that the petrol for our cars is not easily refined from the Petronas crude oil; and therefore is imported. That is, world market prices are to be paid for engine fuel.
The ‘sweet’ crude of Petronas is sold for good money to overseas. We can’t blame Petronas for the income, and neither can we blame them for not compensating the high prices for oil imports suitable for engine fuels; this is not Petronas’ subsidiary. Their income is partially deviated to the government, as I understand through the PM directly. And it is the government that uses it at its discretion. Which was Putrajaya, twin towers, and most of all handouts to pacify the public, including the social obligations under the NEP.
If memory serves well, it was the late MGG Pillai who estimated the transfer of funds from Petronas to the government in the range of 800 billion.
As much as any company is supposed to be audited, lay open their accounts and books, I am afraid the problem is not so much ‘creative accounting’ on the side of Petronas, but the drain through the need to finance white elephants, create towering people, bolstering accounts of MAS, LRT and other GLCs, subsidise IPPs, and so forth. As long as some of our brothers and sisters don’t see the need to stand on their own two feet, Petronas is not the right place to look for solutions.
1. Petrol prices need to go up; if only to start prudent use.
2. Subsidising petrol or some costly ‘social engineering’ needs to go away.
None of the latter is tackled by fleecing Petronas. Once 1. and 2. as above are solved, we need to start looking into the accounts of Petronas, in order to make sure that the huge revenue is invested to the better of the rakyat.
#16 by Daniel Quah on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:54 am
it is not doubt that as exporter of petrol, we are suffer from the oil hike ..in sense, since the current market for oil keep raising…we should enjoy the the fuel hike instead of suffering…why? BN government prove to be a worst economist , they bail out crony company which failed in their operation and practise corruption in everywhere they can…if give Pak Lah another term, he will fill his own pocket and left rakyat to suffer that what i predict..I call on Najib to be the first one to break the tradisional, help the RAKYAT challege Pak Lah to step down…Najib MUST differential the tradisional of UMNO style and saving the RAKYAT…if he himself cannot clearing understand …then Malaysia CERTAIN have no future… Gold Bless US ALL…
#17 by gundam on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:12 am
pulau_sibu Says:
Oil should be back to the states.
The federal should stop robbing the poor states.
The rich states should stop robbing the poor states.
If you want to rob, go and rob the Middle East
well, unless we declare independence else the robbing will go on and on…….
#18 by cvl on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:14 am
Petronas as a leverage in dealing with AAB is the most efficient tool available. There is a need to go to the root cause of the fuel price hike, in order to not only optimize an economic approach but also to explain the truth to Malaysian at large.
As I mentioned before, the fulcrum need to be shifted in such a way for Petronas to come around the public side.
#19 by dawsheng on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:19 am
The correct phrase to describe this thread is: “Pissing into the wind.” – Godfather
Why pissing into the wind?
#20 by lakilompat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:22 am
OSA binds Petronas. Who’s the mastermind behind OSA? how long they plan to continue?
#21 by HJ Angus on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:26 am
Maybe the steep oil price was created so that no one can blame the present government to reveal PETRONAS’ accounts?
Even Khairy is asking the government to show us the money.
Petronas can be considered like the rich stakes that a gambler (Malaysia) won. It is similar to some people becoming multi-millionaires overnight.
Within a few years, they will lose all their money and also their friends. Malaysia too seems to have squandered all the oil wealth with wasteful projects. Please visit my blog to read recent entries.
#22 by lakilompat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:59 am
“Malaysia too seems to have squandered all the oil wealth with wasteful projects.”
When is the time their (BN goons) buffett meal cease? When DSAI wanted to invite the IMF to interfere, Tun Dr M prevented him to do so by putting him under ISA for more than 10 yrs for no reason since that power already expired now is another wave of effort to amend what is wrong.
So ppl. be prepared for new boss this coming September.
#23 by Jack Daniels on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 12:23 pm
Dear Dr Chen,
I think the most important reason why we should put Petronas under Parliament is because Petronas / Oil is central to our life.
Everything is dependant on Petronas/Oil. Transport, food, electricity, businesses, etc, etc.
Since Petronas / Oil us central to the rakyat’s lives, to the rakyat’s well being, the right place for Petronas’s control should be the Parliament, which is the Rakyat’s voice.
#24 by Same story, different day on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 12:48 pm
Found this interesting story from comments posted on Malaysia Today and would like to share with all of you.
The story about “subsidy”…
A man called Maha owns a farm which can produce 10 apples every day.
He has 5 workers to operate the farm.
Each of them eats 1 apple daily and it is enough to keep them operating the farm normally.
The remaining 4 apples, the landlord sells them at RM10 each and he earns RM40.
He uses the RM25 to improve the farm operation and facilities.
He gives RM2.00 to each of his workers and he keeps the remaining RM5.00 as profit.
Day by day, the farm is well developed and all of the 5 workers are happy with the money they can save.
When Maha passed away and there is a new landlord, Abdul comes to continue the farm operation.
He says to the workers:” We need to improve the farm quality and redefine our way of thinking.
From now on all of you only need to pay RM1.00 for each apple you eat.
It is very cheap as the price is RM10 each outside the farm.”
The workers have no choice but to pay RM1.00 for the apple they eat daily.
Their earning decrease from RM2.00 to RM1.00 per person.
As usual, Abdul sells the 4 apples and he gets RM40.
He uses RM25 for farm improvement and pays RM10 to his 5 workers.
He gets RM5.00 as profit. On top of that, he gets another RM5.00 from the apples that he sells to his workers.
In total, he gets RM10 as profit every day.
Soon, the apple price increases to RM20 each.
The new landlord gets a higher profit as he gets RM80 for the 4 apples he sells daily.
Then, he decides to give the farming improvement contract to one of his close friend, Samy.
Samy says:”Apple cost naik, improvement cost also misti naik.”
So, the farm improvement cost increases from RM25 to RM50.
In actual, the improvement only cost RM30.
The remaining RM20, Abdul and Samy share evenly among themselves.
Let’s calculate how much Abdul gets daily:
RM10 (from farm improvement cost)
RM20 (Net profit by selling 4 apples: [Gross profit, RM80] – [Improvement cost, RM50] – [Wages RM10] = RM20)
RM5 (from selling apples to his workers)
In total, Abdul gets RM35 daily compare to RM10 initially when he takes over the farm from Maha.
His profit increases RM25 and the workers are still getting RM1.00 daily per person.
The greedy Abdul does not want to stop there.
One day, he says to his fellow workers:” You see ah, the current market price for one apple is RM20 and you are only paying RM1.
See how lucky you are! I have to SUBSIDY RM19.00 for each of the apple you buy and total I need to SUBSIDY RM95.00.
This will greatly burden the farm and we might get bankrupt if we continue like this.
In order to avoid bankruptcy, I need to increase the apple price that you buy from RM1.00 to RM1.50 and I will bear the remaining RM18.50 per apple as my subsidy to you all. ”
So, greedy Abdul adds RM2.50 to his current profit and the number becomes RM37.50.
After you have read the story, I am sure you have already understood the meaning of “SUBSIDY” given by the government.
The RM95 subsidy never existed in the first place and so was the RM52 billion fuel subsidy generously “given” by the government
Cutting fuel subsidy is actually just a reason to steal money from your pocket.
Are you gonna stand there and let them rob you?
#25 by Mr Smith on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 12:53 pm
It is unthinkable how a company with billions of ringgit in turnover should be kept secret.
It will be interesting to know how many billions were channeled to ‘wasteful’ ventures on the illegal directives/orders of the PM – past and present.
e.g 1. Bail out of Mahathir’s sons companies, Bank Bumiputra X3, construction of the Twin Tower, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, F1 Circuit, losses in the financial/tin markets, funds to prop up KLCI, or purchase of portfolios from loss making companies beloing to UMNO cronies.
It will be interesting to know how many millions were spent on ‘educational wastage’ ( students sent to overseas universities who failed or never retruned).
The number of UMNO leaders’ children who were given scholarships.
Finally, the number of contracts given out to UMNO cronies.
#26 by Kasim Amat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 12:54 pm
People should stop harping on the issue of fuel increase and instead should be focusing on the right things ie nation building and how to get everyone to unite behind the BN led government at this difficult time. What the government need is the understanding and support from people so that other plans can be put in place. We should feel lucky as Petronas is able to make profit every year in the midst of stiff competition. What if Petronas doesn’t? If this is the case, then there is no question about subsidy or no subsidy. Again, we should feel proud about Petronas as it is being managed by 99% of bumiputra and is a Fortune 500 company. Who says Malay cannot run a big corporation? Without Petronas, we will not be able to achieve a lot of things in order to be world class ie bring F1 to Malaysia, having the world’s tallest twin buildings, having one of the best airport in the world and the high quality living environment in KL etc etc. We should fee lucky that Malaysia does not have any natural disasters. We must be grateful for what Allah has given us.
#27 by Kasim Amat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 1:02 pm
Mr Smith, you guys keep accusing that the UMNO members are conies. Do you have any basis? Please show us the proof as this already amounted to defamation to the UMNO. Without F1, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and all the world class insfrastruture, how can Malaysia bring itself to where it is today? Do you know there are significantly more people know about this country than before because of the twin towers and F1? Even Singapore is trying to get F1 in. How can Malaysia compete with the world if without all these? Just, there may be some loss making projects but those are just a small portion. The profit of Petronas is far enough to cover these losses and we do not see anything alarming at this stage.
#28 by shortie kiasu on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 1:08 pm
The production costs quoted could be misleading. Cost of capital expenditures, development cost etc may not be included in the operation costs, and different oil reserve occurences warrant different cost structures, added to that the costs also take into consideration taxes and fiscal structures in different oil producing countries in the world.
Petronas should open up its book for the people to see. Afterall it is extracting the god given natural resources of the country. Benefits from such exploitations should be enjoy by the rakyat and not a few privileged ones in power. That is sinful and is abuse to the fullest.
Whatever it is, it is a fact that the global oil price has escalated and every body knows and is aware. The price of fuel has to increase in tandem.
In Malaysian case, there is no difference. The price has to go up and not down. It is hard to argue rationally that whether at RM2.70 per litre of petrol; it is too high or is just reasonable. But the computation of the price was done by the relevant authority and by experts which indicated that the actual price was RM3.00 per litre based on the crude oil price at the time of computation.
If the computation is done correctly, then RM2.70 per litre of petrol is acceptable and reasonale, because 30 sen is still being subsidized as the price based on crude oil price at that instance.
Since then, the price of crude has gone up further, consumers are in fact now enjoying further subsidies on the pump price.
People like to oppose, but be reminded that they should not oppose for the sake of opposing, and in this instance, we are talking of conserving the natural resources of the country, the crude oil reserve.
We have to be sensitive and responsible to ourselves and to the future generations by conserving the natural resources, and we bear the price of the commodity and use it sparingly.
Cheap price only lead to wastage and inefficient usage of the commodity.
Even after almost 2 weeks of the petrol price increase, daily number of cars travelling along roads in the city seems to be not letting off, instead if you observe, the number seems to be on the rise with vengence, making congestion worse than before the price rise!!
Most, if all the cars, carry one person, and that is the drivers only.
What does that portray? Either the drivers are immune to the price rise, or, they do not give a damn to the need to change usage of petrol and diesel; and change their lifestyle accordingly.
These people prefer to complain, protest and demonstrate in public, while in person, they carry on the same way of squandering the precious commodity, plainly refused to innovate their way to live. So what is all the fuss?
People just do not learn and face up to the global reality.
#29 by k1980 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 1:09 pm
For a bum who failed Intro Econs in uni, this guy Abdul sure beats Maha the doctor in cheating his workers.
Moral of the story: You don’t have to be a doc to get rich
#30 by Kasim Amat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 1:16 pm
Keep comparing our country with others will not make you feel miserable. Singapore is small and it is easy to manage. Don’t forget, the reason why Singapore can have such achievement is because they abandon their own Malay, Indian and Chinese culture and switch to western culture. The Singapore government made these sacrifices in order to trade with materialism and prosperity in disguise. China, Japan and Korea they all have long historical background and they are lucky because other developed countries have helped them a lot along the way. Malaysia still has its own culture and it maintain a strong hold on the National Language – Bahasa and everybody is able to speak the national language. After 50 years of independence, there are also more graduates and enterpreneurs. To compare with other countries is too harsh on ourselves. Malaysia has relatively shorter historical background and she has to depend on her own. Malaysia needs more time to evolve comparing to these countries and we should not be too hasty in the process.
#31 by mightymouse on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 1:45 pm
I would like to politely ask Mr. Kasim Amat to shut the hell up! What the hell do you know??? what stiff competition are you refering to? the increasing oil price in an ever increasing demand market? do you even understand the basis of economy? i really hope that you pray to Allah everyday and hope that he bless you with a brain to think
petronas is managed by 99% malays because others arent allowed in. are you so stupid that you dont realised this or are you so naive? Allah have given a lot to Malaysians: oil, palm oil, tin, rubber, agriculture etc. but as malaysians do we actually benefit direct from what is given to us? Most of the monies are either squandered to offshore somewhere or to build some person in power’s home.
Where indeed is Malaysia in the world right now?? we are nothing. all those things you listed in your reply were not achieved/planned or done by the present government but by the previous administration of mahathair. the present administration has done nothing but make him, his cronies and his son-in-law so rich that other less well to do families struggles on.
If you want prove to the government’s wrong doing then abolish ISA and give freedom of press back to the public. abolish sedition if you dare give freedom of speech back to the public then maybe you have proven to be a government worthy of its people. Why should we as citizens prove the government’s wrong doing? we elect them so it is up to them to prove that they are working for us and not commiting any wrong doings and certainly not raping us.
for all others malaysia is a net exporter of oil – in plain english that means we make money from selling oil so stop basing your arguements on sudsidy nonsense. also our oil is one of the easiest to distill into componenets similar to the oil in iraq *hint*hint*war in iraq?*. high grade sweet crude means we need to put in less resources to get it into its component. unlike countries like china where the crude oil is of high viscosity so it is cheaper for them to just import.
promises were made by our current PM that upon re-elected he will make sure that petrol/diesel prices would not go up so now why has it gone up? it just proves that he is either a liar or just incompetent making empty promises.
so shut the hell up use your god given brains before you ever open that god given mouth irresponsibly.
#32 by yyh on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 1:47 pm
the only way to know what is really going on is to vote in a new govt. then, only the new govt can do a forensics on the books on Petronas and reveal for all to see.
not only Petronas, but all the leakages thats going on. Look at NS program. Suddenly, it can save RM60 million and return to the Defence Ministry. This is just the tip of the iceberg for this deathly program which had produced 16 casualties and counting.
#33 by lakilompat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 1:50 pm
“Malaysia needs more time to evolve comparing to these countries and we should not be too hasty in the process.”
Dollar has been give enough mandate to lead not only the Malay but the Malaysian, to make everyone living in Malaysia a first class citizen, do u dare to claim urself as a 1st class citizen of Malaysia?
“Japan and Korea they all have long historical background and they are lucky because other developed countries have helped them a lot along the way.”
Japan & Korea are lucky because their govt. encourage population growth. They are many ladies entrepreneur in Japan mainly work in red light district, some become adult visual entertainer, and mostly to cater for local market. Japan is a closed economy, even other Multi national have to re intrepret their product and set of procedure when setting up business in Japan. You guys don’t have to compare far, jus compare against Thailand, Malaysia should be ashame, look at the supermarket shelf in Thailand, they’ve more products and variation compare to Malaysia.
Malaysia supermarket shelf has less choice reason becos, each product introduce to local market must give some form of commission to the cronies. They don’t encourage local manufacturer, becos these license are normally misused or abuse to get huge loan at lower interest. The cronies will normally use up these funds to do other thing like investing in stocks and shares, whereas borrowing the money for setting up manufacturer are jus a trick to get govt. funding at low interest.
U will see alot of BN goons driving a Mercedes Benz, BMW, porsche Cayman, Lexus, and many more luxury vehicles, becos they borrow at 0 or no interest, and invest the funds in other sector.
All these cheaters, the suffering only bear by Malaysian.
Like they continue to give subsidize diesel to fisherman who upgrade their vessel with big diesel tank so taht they can sell it to neighbor country. They no longer catch fish and improvde productivity for Malaysian, our fish become expensive becos the supply has declined, most fisherman become dieselman.
#34 by lakilompat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 1:57 pm
Japan is different, their fishing vessel normally go all over the world to collect fish rich in nutrients, normally it takes a year or two to get back all their catch to support the vast population of Japan.
Our sampan fisherman in Malaysia don’t practice that even after more than 50 years, what progress M’sian fisherman made, the only progress i can see, is they’ve modified their tank to fill in more diesel to sell. They have 1 or 2 mercedes benz parked in their kampong house near the sea side. Why brave the sea when u can enjoy life by hiring Indonesian to run the diesel fishing vessel to continue abuse the diesel subsidize program initiated by Dollar government. The boss owned 10 or 20 modified fishing vessels to sell off all these diesel to neighbor countries while he enjoying playing golf with all the cabinet menteri and cronies. Looking for any tips to tap into govt. soft loan.
#35 by lakilompat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:02 pm
How can our country resources efficiently distributed to the poor & middle income earner? when most of the dirty job to siphon the wealth distribution are stop by govt. cronies, before it actually reach the public? Worst of all, it is helped by Indon or Bangla worker which is pretty cheap for cronies to earn more.
Malaysian benefit nothing from govt. subsidize diesel program. Only the cronies benefit, and these cronies are living like little napolean in their mansion all around the world.
When dollar said, “we can’t satisfied everyone!” is he referring to the little napolean (cronies) or the Malaysian in general.
#36 by lakilompat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:06 pm
“RM60 million and return to the Defence Ministry. This is just the tip of the iceberg for this deathly program which had produced 16 casualties and counting.”
How much is a single Malaysian life cost dying in NS program? RM 3.75 million? Our life is pretty cheapskate.
Dollar, life are priceless yet you’ve turn blind when been confronted with report of NS death.
Dollar, cost of living is getting high you’ve ask us to “Ubah Gaya” why not “Ubah Kerajaan”
#37 by gundam on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:19 pm
someone narrow-minded here obviously feel complacent with those so called ‘achievements’ and ‘progress’ in msia.
given the abundant natural and human resources tis land is blessed with, she should be 10 times better than spore or other countries today if not run by a bunch of garbage from BN government especially those in UMNO.
“China, Japan and Korea they all have long historical background and they are lucky because other developed countries have helped them a lot along the way.”
i have never heard of something so stupid in years. the person who made tis comment sounds like a retard.
#38 by lakilompat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:27 pm
To BN Kassim Amat,
“Mr Smith, you guys keep accusing that the UMNO members are conies. Do you have any basis?”
Very simple! How much you get from UMNO government in your entire life? During the election those who help out setting up booth for BN are been paid RM 200, and whose money is it for putting Dollar picture in big billboards? Whose money is it to print letter to seek voters vote for BN signed by Dollar to every household.
“Please show us the proof as this already amounted to defamation to the UMNO.”
The proof is in OSA, it is because under OSA nobody can question them. The UMNO are abusing OSA and ISA.
“Without F1, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and all the world class insfrastruture, how can Malaysia bring itself to where it is today?”
You don’t have to wear gold to receive acknowledgement if you’ve a genuine golden heart.
Remember Sharizat during his election campaign, she invited Siti Nurhalize, Tony Fernandes, and many more famous celebrity to help pull the crowds. But the general public don’t need them, because they all knew Nur Izzat has the golden heart.
F1, Putrajaya, and cyberjaya is a wants but not a needs, we should tackle what we needs not wants. Singapore has all rights to build F1 as they’ve solved all the needs, now the extra income is to chase their wants. It doest not take a genius to figure that out.
“Do you know there are significantly more people know about this country than before because of the twin towers and F1? Even Singapore is trying to get F1 in. How can Malaysia compete with the world if without all these?”
There will be a day, when everyone’s dare and proud to announce that they are the first class citizen living in Malaysia.
“Just, there may be some loss making projects but those are just a small portion. The profit of Petronas is far enough to cover these losses and we do not see anything alarming at this stage.”
Reducing the subsidies will bring in chain effect to the Malaysia economy in general boasting inflation level to more than 5%. Obviously, you are reducing poor & middle income earner savings for future generation to come. A scenario of a family with 1 kid now have to carry on the burden of 2 kids, while those with 2 kids will have to burden the cost of raising 4 kids.
#39 by Plaintruth on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:36 pm
For the last 30 years, Petronas has been the cash cow (or cash generating machine, or a cash printing machine equivalent) for the UMNO government. the raykat did not reaalyget the full benefits from its oil money (other than the trigger down giant projects). There is a lot, I mean I lot, of corruptions inside Petronas.
In the early days, Petronas use the government money (that is the rakyat money) as a backing to support the explorations. Even today, the very top engineering management are mostly expatriates. They are paid at least RM 65, 000 a month. No, you are not reading it wrong, Ringgit sixty five thousand a month. The word you should re-read is “at least”.
The so call management is taking the advices from these expatriates. They are from the UK, Australia, Iran, Nigeria, USA, (in that order). The locally trained petroleum engineering graduates who may have a top position as managers but their skills are green. they are inept and not qualify for the job. They are there because of their skin colour.
My estimate of the employees who are of a certain skin colour in Petronas is 90%. Compare this to Shell oil company or Esso. They are also operating as a malaysian company but they only hire employees based on merit (with the required certain percentage of a certain race).
Exactly, Petronas is not as effecient as outsider think. Once oil price drop Petronas and malaysia is going to be in deep trouble.
#40 by k1980 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:37 pm
“We even accorded them rights unlike other countries…” Well, mamak, you mean to tell us that negroes, hispanics, asians and other immigrant races to the US are not accorded citizenship rights? Then how can Obama bin Hussein be allowed to contest in the presidential elections?
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/2268823/Article/index_html
#41 by i_love_malaysia on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:42 pm
It is not just Petronas, but all the govt agencies (GLCs) need to be reformed to be transparent and to channel all the profits back to the country coffers instead of cronies in order to benefit the Rakyat!!! All loopholes should be plugged and govt should set a target on how and when to make all Malaysian to be on par with other first world countries if not better. The govt must be sincere and be willing to carry out all these in order to succeed. All things will fail if the govt is just paying a lip service while continue to enrich themselves and cronies!!!
#42 by Same story, different day on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:46 pm
Car Duty vs Fuel Subsidy, Where Had The Car Duty Gone To?
Recent fuel hike had sparked anger across the country asking Petronas account to be made available for public scrutiny to justify why the government cannot continue to subsidy the fuel. May be all these while, Petronas may not be footing 100% of the fuel bill, is the car owners had paid in advance for fuel subsidy in form of import and excise duties for both local and foreign mad vehicles, as suggested by one article published in the Star recently, and republished by Malaysia Today.
Following up on this topic, I had done a little research myself, and may be others had already done it but did not get highlighted in a wider angle. I had visited the website of Malaysia Automotive Association to get the statistic of total vehicle sale from 1986 till 2007, to get a broad idea of estimated excise and import duties might have been collected by the government since the inception of Proton, as the import duties were imposed for the excuse of protecting our new start up that suppose to make our nation pride in years to come. Well, Proton is not an issue for our discussion here, so we will not talk about it’s success or failure and the failure cost to the rakyat. Let’s us guestimate how much we had contributed to the government coffers since 1986.
Total vehicle sales since 1986 amounted to 6,264,910 units, both passengers and commercial vehicles included. (Source: http://www.maa.org.my/info_summary.htm). Assuming the ratio of 60% of total vehicles being locally produced, and rest of them are being imported. Also assuming average duty collected from local car is RM 10K each, and RM 50K for imported vehicles. Please note that I had made broad assumption, as the actual figure was never reported by the government in their annual budget and accounts.
An estimated of RM 162 billions had been collected over the past 22 years. Actual figures could be much higher as import tax was relatively high in the 90s before we signed the ASEAN free trade agreement. Where had the money gone? How much fuel subsidy had been given by the government on fuel after being offset by the car duties?
Such amount can be used to build a comprehensive rail network comparable to Japan and Europe, where almost all major cities are connected by rails. An efficient metro networks can also be build in Klang Valley comparable to London, Hong Kong and Singapore.
I hope the MP will continue to ask for actual figures in the Parliament and show to the rakyat that the car duty and Petronas proceed had been used in an accountable way.
#43 by Same story, different day on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:47 pm
YB Lim,
As a concerned citizen, and with the increase voice of opposition in the Parliament now, I hope you can bring up this issue at the next opportunity of Parliament seating. All people across the nation, (also across the globe) are angered by continuous subsidy cut by the government, for the lame excuse of soaring energy price in the world market, which they have no choice but to bite the unpopular bullet. Of course, in my own opinion the subsidy issue can be dealt in a better way as the high oil prices are only speculative in nature as those with purchasing power are hoarding the commodities for selling at higher price to make big profits, at the expense of the poor nations.
OK, back to the main point as my email today is not about subsidy, but an interim alternative to conserve the usage of the precious oil and stretch the current reserves longer so our children will not suffer when we run out of oil in the next decade or so, and also buy longer time for the scientist and innovator to find long term solution to our energy needs.
A proven and existing technology, call hybrid vehicle currently selling like hot cakes in developed market like US and Japan, is an interim call to the soaring fuel prices. The technology had been largely commercialized in the past decade to allow the vehicle to be affordable to most household, and currently the hybrid engine option is just merely a few more thousand USD compared to the conventional engine on the same car model.
However, in Malaysia, we don’t see this vehicle being imported in large number to give consumer an option to reduce consumption on petrol. WHY??? If the government is really sincere of conserving the oil for future generation, why are they not looking at importing hybrid in large number to bring the cost down? Forget about Proton producing such vehicle as they cannot even get their cost right producing a conventional vehicle, and Proton technological capability still 15-20 years behind the Japanese producers. Just a note that Proton did not make any profit last year, if it is not because of the government grant (subsidy) in the last quarter. For the sake of future generation, we don’t care about Proton survival, as it shouldn’t be setup in the first place. We are still forced to drive around a carburetor car like Kancil and Saga, which is totally not fuel efficient and not environmental friendly.
The government should remove the AP system immediately to allow importation of hybrid cars in large numbers, remove the import tax as we should not continue to protect Proton as it give no benefit to the Rakyat. We are extremely tired and feel hopeless with the continuous lame excuse given by the government and not acting in the correct direction for long term benefit. Squandering public wealth is their only objective in mind. Changing lifestyle is not as easy, as majority of people who drive still needs their vehicle to get to work. Hybrid vehicle will reduce the fuel consumption by half, and meet the government propaganda for a fuel conservative nation.
Cars coming from Singapore and Thailand should be charged entrance fees as what Singapore is charging us. This will recoup the subsidy loss to foreign cars and national, and also discourage the Thai cars coming in solely for fuel. Charging the Mercedes, BMW and a range of luxury cars with higher road tax also another way to recoup to subsidy loss to the group who does not deserve the subsidized fuel.
If the present government cannot change this, then we should look forward for the PR federal government to bring us new hope.
#44 by oknyua on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:51 pm
Lakilompat,
Don’t reply to that kasim amat’s posting. Let him rant and rave and reveal more of himself. You and I comment because we believe in contributing. That guy is paid, see the difference? Let him do his job, otherwise he would not be paid.
Let us read a little more of his comments before we reveal who he is.
#45 by donng55 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 2:53 pm
Badawi’s April 13, 2006 proclamation to the nation – “This is the Government of the people, for the people, by the people” – poured foundation for a house in my heart!
But, alas, barely two years later, the foundation in my heart has all cracked up and crumbled
The proclamation was not kosher! He didn’t mean what he said and he didn’t say what he meant
Otherwise, how could he explain why Pertronas accounts, Toll agreements, government contracts with Independent Power Suppliers, etc., which have a very direct impact on the livelihoods of all levels of our society, are still being kept secret from the rakyat? WHY? WHY? WHY?
The BN government should know by now that this repeated tenor of Mahathir’s administration can no longer stand, let alone work
And that its Pollyanna arrogance that the voice and anger of the rakyat will die down if they drag their feet hard and long enough could most likely prove to be a death knell for BN.
We therefore call on all people to join hands and vow that we’ll wrap this in aluminium foil and open it to remind ourselves of BN’s arrogance before we vote again next time.
To BN: “Beware the ides of septem!”
#46 by Kasim Amat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 3:09 pm
No matter what the government does it will not please everybody. As long as it is good for the future for everybody, the government does not have to be afraid just because of a small fraction of people opposes to it. By the way, I believe in contributing constructively to this blogs but I also believe everyone should write responsibly and not insulting each other. I am not paid to do this. Please do not label me as BN supporter as I am just like you, an ordianry person who loves this country.
#47 by i_love_malaysia on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 3:14 pm
We should not just look to Petronas for money to subsidy every thing but to improve other wastages e.g. govt should remove all road bottlenecks immediately to avoid traffic jams e.g. MRR II at Pandan Indah where three lanes highways were reduced to two lanes for many years without action to improve it from any govt ministry !!! The Salak expressway near Mid Valley, where three lanes were reduced to two lanes. Many highways didnt have exits or entrances e.g. Putrajaya highways which prevent cars from using the shortest route to other connecting highways and ended up wasting much fuel as a result of selfish self interest!!! Another good e.g. is Markota Cheras residents need to drive additional 6km coupled with traffic jam to access kajang highway!!! Time to remove waste!!!
I would like to suggest govt to require Proton and other car makers to install fuel efficient gadgets to improve fuel consumption e.g. turbo charger for every car produced to save fuel!!!
#48 by cheng on soo on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 3:16 pm
Ya, what plaintruth said about Petronas is true, local engineers in Petronas are mainly doiing simple job like arranging for painting, transport, minor repairs / servicing, etc.
Major engineering designs, installations, planning are undertaken by expatriate engineer, or source out to external engineering consultant firms / contractors, after 33 years (since 1975), it is still the same.
#49 by i_love_malaysia on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 3:22 pm
Guys,
Realworld > Killer > Kassim Amat – ring a bell???
#50 by rainbowseahorse on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 3:26 pm
Plaintruth Says: “…Petronas is not as effecient as outsider think. Once oil price drop Petronas and malaysia is going to be in deep trouble”.
Well, then Malaysia will have not one but two problematic companies with the same initial “P”to contend with. Nice!
#51 by Kasim Amat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 3:26 pm
//i_love_malaysia says: Guys,
Realworld > Killer > Kassim Amat – ring a bell???//
I can only say this comment is nonsense and baseless. Please ignore the postings from this guy.
#52 by bro_yarn on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 3:28 pm
Plz Investigate this trip…
Federal Territories Minister ,Mayor and some 15 officers went on an expensive trip to Berlin, London and Vancouver. this trip is really expensive trip. all route is via 1st Class ticket n 5 star hotel. that includes the wife as well.. why the wife need to go along when the wife’s “MENGABISKAN DUIT RAKYAT” coz at the wife doenst follow the deligates.. the wife just having a good time shopping, shopping shopping…..
and This RAJA ZUlhasnan thot that he is super Raja…need to treat as real VVIP…. plz check the travel agent who handle the trip.. doesnt it follow the procedures… or what erm erm erm..
#53 by Razor Ramon HG on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 3:38 pm
Say~! Say~! Say~!
The price of gasoline at the petrol station is set by the Government, not PETRONAS.
PETRONAS has done its patriotic duty by paying the dividends, royalties, corporate tax, petroleum tax etc to the Government for YOUR benefit (rakyat lah).
And bear in mind that 30% of its revenue comes from overseas operations, thus bringing in foreign exchange to the country.
OK. Assuming that you buy this idea proposed by whoever it was.
So PETRONAS will have reduced revenues. Bear in mind that the costs of operations are also increasing. So the profits are reduced. Then PETRONAS and other oil companies pay less taxes.
Then the Government will have less revenue. (Note: at least 40% of Government revenue for 2007 came from the oil industry). With less revenue, there will be less Government projects (you can then forget about bridges and highways, and rail tracks, and smart schools and not-so-smart universities, and hospitals, etc). So contractors and consultants, and con-sultans and con-cronies will cry and scream. Makan batu lah..
The Government has already announced freezing of recruitment. So, many new graduates will be unemployed. Makan batu lagi. Maggi mee pun tak mampu dah.
Later, all sorts of allowances for civil servants will have to be withdrawn. Treasury tak cukup duit.
On top of that the oil industry may have to scale back many of its new investments, totaling about 45 billion ringgit over the next few years. Contractors, service providers, steel fabricators, maritime service providers etc will join the ratapan tangisan – no jobs.
Don’t forget that PETRONAS is sponsoring thousands of students in universities and even high schools – at any one time there are more than 4,500 university students being sponsored by PETRONAS in Malaysian universities and overseas. Also more than 2,000 high school children receive minor scholarships – children of poor families.
Kalau PERTRONAS tak ada duit, kesian lah mereka di atas tu. Shall I ask them to see the proposer of this idea (to boycott PETRONAS) and seek help from them instead?
So, it is to YOUR benefit that you make sure PETRONAS keeps making enough money to support YOUR Government so that your children can continue to go to school without paying for fees and books, and to go to universities at peanuts rates.
CONCLUSION: Help yourself and your family and your country by making sure that PETRONAS keeps making profits. Go to the nearest PETRONAS station and fill up now!!
Don’t forget that if you go to non-Petronas station, the profits that these companies get will go their shareholders OVERSEAS.
So, be patriotic. Do your duty. Go to PETRONAS~!! Hoooooooooooooo~!!!
#54 by isahbiazhar on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 4:03 pm
It is a fact doctor that the price is high but when we compare with other countries we are still better off.We are a tiny producer so our output cannot be compared to the giants.We sell at the market price and since Petronas is a government controlled company it has to play the social part.Government gives subsidies where it benefits the majority.The rich has to pay because they earn more in the same environment.As a doctor you know that a capsule of antibiotic might costs just 20sen but the consumer can be made to pay as high as RM2.It finally depends on the doctor who knows the background of the patient.The patient does not complain because he can afford it.The same goes to fuel.Thegovernment knew that the people can afford .Besides all the way from upstream to downstream people are making money.This had been our life.When the people voiced their concern and prices of other things started soaring up the government had to face the displeasure.They made sure that the poor will not suffer.The gains of the government goes back to the rakyat and so why the fuss unless we fear that cronies will enjoy that largesse.
#55 by TurboDiesel on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 4:03 pm
@UtopiaInJapan
What Wastage are you talking about? at RM1.92 do you see more than 50% of Malaysians simply waste petrol/diesels ? Those kind of view you are having are typical Selfish Capitalistic Economist/Analyst.
Subsidi is still needed until the Government either BN or PR (Its PR, BN=Hopeless) improve the STANDARD OF LIVING by finding a way in getting more pays for workers/staff both civil and private sector , less tax and import duty on Cars Sold in our country, and improve or establish a comprehensive Public Transport Network NATIONWIDE, not just KL, other Major Cities like Penang, JB, Shah Alam, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Ipoh etc etc.
If those are not achieve, dont even dream about talking for a Market Price Petrol at our Petrol Pump. It will literally Kill majority of malaysians and thus we fall into a HEAVY RECESSION as our Purchasing Power goes down and people/small business starting to delcare bankrupt.
#56 by albert308 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 4:15 pm
Dr. Chen ideals in Malaysian politics through his past struggle has been an inspiration source for younger generation. With persistent struggle in DAP, his contributions is enourmous compare to ex-DAP leaders which end up holding BN post or working for Umno such as LLThye. Only true fighter will gain highest respect especially to young generation.
Your piece of analysis above should guide new and young DAP MPs into next course of political action. A new DAP MP has voice support to BN fuel hike in public with his own analysis. Fuel hike issue should be capitalised by Pakatan Rakyat to topple Umno’s BN, this is the best chance after 51 years of neo-colonial style government.
#57 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 4:24 pm
Kasim Amat = RealWorld, the Chelsea supporter who has enough money to go to Stamford Bridge for live games, and who drives a Bentley around town, oblivious to the new petrol price.
#58 by lakilompat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 4:32 pm
“when we compare with other countries we are still better off”
OMG! i will not agree to that statement. Which are the other country you compare? Ethiopia?
#59 by lextcs on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 4:34 pm
why is father Lim so afraid of an Islamic state and hudud laws?…. I suggest he go do a detail study of this proposal…coz it will benefit the people more if we have such laws enacted…..I support hudud laws coz it would meant that those who are bent on doing evil will have to think twice before commiting them those stealing and robbing and raping etc etc…PAS i support u.
#60 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 4:35 pm
Kasim Amat:
When we call BN a den of thieves, we have every reason to label them as such.
When APs are being issued in favour of select UMNOputras, that’s stealing because the money doesn’t go to the rakyat. It’s a form of tax, but somehow it goes into the pockets of UMNOputras. UMNO wants the AP system to continue until 2020. Stealing is a hard habit to break.
When concessions are being given to select UMNOputras at the rakyat’s expense such as the labelling of liquor, cigarettes and medicine, that’s also a tax. This tax doesn’t go to the treasury; it goes into the UMNOputras’ pockets. Ask your beloved Kerismuddin how his brother managed to get into this category.
When contracts are being given to select UMNOputras without competitive tender and without regard to experience or qualifications, that’s also stealing because the leakage goes to UMNOputras. Why is SCOMI getting billions in refurbishment contracts without tender ? Why is an unknown company getting a RM650 million contract to build the new palace ? Ask your beloved Najis how a company like Ombak Laut can win a RM 510 million servicing contract for defence equipment.
Kasim Amat aka RealWorld, we went through this before. Your UMNO masters know who we are, and where we are. If they feel that they have been slandered, they can always take us to court. Obviously they are unwilling to take us to court because the various documents and contracts would have to be tendered in court.
Stealing is a hard habit to break.
#61 by ch on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 4:39 pm
Dear All,
I would say that it takes a strong stomach to weather the ups and downs of everything i.e. be the market, relationship and life. It must however be reconciled that these ups and downs are unavoidable if we are to grow stronger and more resilient. Similarly the current hike in crude oil which reached record high of USD135 per barrel would have the same bearings on Malaysians as it now turning out to be. Are we going to see the days of petrol at RM1.08 per litre as we did just barely ten years ago?
Not likely going by the dossier of prints appearing on our dailies everyday. The current government regime is on an austerity drive so as to save more money for our future generations. Removing fuel subsidies is among one of the big ticket items which the government had decided to move on with and earned the wrath of the public as a result. The government is now ready to publish the Petronas accounts and better comments and judgements can then be offered after reading the content. We shall reserve our comment till the accounts are made public.
Removing the subsidies is something we should work on but the government should have been more sensitive on the tune of increase. It is a way of preparing Malaysia to be a country free from subsidy mentality going forward into the future. How much longer that we want to be aided? On one hand there are incessant calls for the removal of NEP but on the other we are shouting back on the adjustment on fuel subsidies. Are we not contradicting ourselves to say the very least?
Iraq has suffered from an acute shortage of oil since the US led invasion. Going through a series of hard-pressed situations, IMF had forced the newly installed Iraq government to reduce oil subsidies so as to meet its debt-reduction requirements. This was demanded on Iraq upon which they were suffering from 60% unemployment and rampant poverty. For the case of Iran, we must be aware that motorists can only purchase 100 litres a month at the subsidized price of RM0.36 a liter. In 2007, 20 petrol stations were torched in response to the rationing programme adopted by Iran.
My point is that we have always look out for the least resistance approach to solve issues. However, I am not saying that the upward petrol price adjustment is justified but we need more datas to support our argument.
Let’s wait for the Petronas accounts be made public before further fuelling our comments as to whether the justification of the recent government’s move.
#62 by Kasim Amat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 4:59 pm
Godfather:
We will not hesitate to do so if you continue to slander UMNO baselessly. This blog is not for you to criticise the government!
#63 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 5:27 pm
Baselessly ? Take me to court, and I will show you the meaning of “baseless or not”. UMNO – nothing more than common criminals.
#64 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 5:28 pm
“We are not in the business of cheating the people.” AAB, 2005
So if I call your boss a liar, will UMNO take me to court ?
#65 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 5:30 pm
This blog is for me to write what I think of the government, especially UMNO. As you can see, I think very little of the den of thieves.
#66 by cvl on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:01 pm
Kasim Amat: ‘Singapore is small and it is easy to manage’ .
Thats half truth, and is incorrect in term of economic progress .
For a small country with practically no natural resources, singapore has the hardest mill to grind in terms of raising her gdp and elevating her citizens way of life.
The easy is only in term of the lesser digit describing her geographical area and population – lesser digit to write. That is the easy part.
#67 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:05 pm
Dear Kasim Amat,
don’t go barking up the wrong tree….whatever Godfather has said about the government is not slanderous.
It is a fact that we have a truly inefficient government – the government cheated the people by not being transparent enough. It is the right and logical for the Rakyat to feel that they are cheated because petronas accounts and it’s conduct are hidden from the knowledge of the People.
Why hide it if there’s no evil activities going on?
Perhaps you should polish up on your knowledge or “intelligence” before issuing threats here. Natural resources belong to Citizens and government officials are the servants of the Citizens, it does belong to UMNO, BN or government. Thus, we have the right to know:
1. Why hide the accounts of petronas?
2. Why only the PM of Malaysia has access to its accounts?
3. Why raise price of pump? What basis for it?
4. Why no actions (remedies) are being taken, even though international media has already confirmed the price hike was due to speculative trading?
5. Why are international communities protesting throughout the world? For what? Are they any dumber than you?
6. Idris Jala, MAS boss, former Shell hotshot recently said in the Star, that there is no evidence of shortage of fuel in the world, the Star went on to say that Idris is more than qualified to make statements in this area? Why?
7. AAB is a liar – because during PRU12, he said his government wil not raise fuel price at least until Ogos, but his government under his direction raised it in June – isn’t he a liar?!?! :)
8. Lastly, on behalf of all democratic bloggers here, I say to you that you are not welcome here in this blog unless you show some intelligence and respect to democracy.
We want bloggers with open mind NOT “dumb bloogers”.
This blog don’t need you and Malaysia don’t need you either!!!!
SEPT16 OR PRU13!
ONCE AND FOR ALL!
#68 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:09 pm
TYPO ERROR: IT DOES NOT BELONG TO UMNO, KASIM…..EXCUSE ME :)
NATURAL RESOURCES DOES NOT BELONG TO UMNO!!!!!!!!!!!!
#69 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:24 pm
Singapore is small and it is easy to manage. Don’t forget, the reason why Singapore can have such achievement is because they abandon their own Malay, Indian and Chinese culture and switch to western culture. – Kasim Amat
====================================================
You are so wrong Kasim
Chinese there still have their dialects Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew
Malay still got Bahasa Melayu
Indians can still speak Tamil
The reason why they are successful IS NOT because they adopted western culture.
THEIR SUCCESS WAS DUE TO THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF RACIAL DIVERSITY AND IMPROVEMENT FOR ALL.
NOT ONLY THEY CAN SPEAK THEIR NATIVE TONQUE, THEY CAN ALSO CHOOSE IN SCHOOL TO TAKE FRENCH & MANDARIN ALONGSIDE THEIR NATIONAL LANGUAGE – MALAY OR BAHASA MELAYU! DO YOU KNOW THIS?! I BET YOU DON’T :)
DON’T BE SILLY KASIM…TAKE WHATEVER INDOCTRINATION YOU GAINED FROM YOUR BOSSES AND GO PLAY SOMEWHERE ELSE!
#70 by bentoh on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:35 pm
Re:
kingkenny Says:
Today at 18: 24.36 (4 minutes ago)
Unfortunately… no… love it or not… Singapore has its very own racial problem… only hidden by the strong dominance of Chinese ethnics (~80%) and the strong political dominance of Mr Lee Kuan Yew… :)
The Great Mr Lee introduced GRC system in its electorate system, so as to make sure the “minority” to have rep in the parliament… but at the same time… it means a maximum of 13 “minority” MP in the parliament… talking about racial politics…~~
#71 by Loh on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:36 pm
RM 625 works out to be 801 litres of subsidized petrol at the old price. It is 2.2 litres a day which would cover 30 kilo metres for a small car everyday. People traveling longer distance will have to pay the full price.
It is said that sale of fuel has decreased by 30%. There are fewer cars on the road resulting in less traffic jams and better fuel economy. Some may have turned to public transport which would become attractive with less traffic jams on the road, and shorter travel time. The fuel price increase has brought some benefits.
If the fuel price has to be increased to its present level, it is better that it is done in one go. It represents a change which a correct respond could be worked out at once. Fuel price increase at whatever amount has been the reason for price increase of other items. The gradual increase in fuel price to the same amount now would eventually bring about larger price increase of other related or not related goods or services compared to the increase of fuel price at one go.
#72 by k1980 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:37 pm
Because of the fuel price hike and subsequent torrid economic conditions, more workers, in this case security guards, are taking 2nd jobs
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20080616153015/Article/index_html
#73 by bentoh on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:42 pm
Soli ya dah out topic~~
http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/8851/1/
I just wanna say this is really bullsh*t… PKR perak chief might as well say… “We are DAP-phobic, no Ipoh Mayorship for DAP please”…
So what if the local election finally come? So what happens to thousands of mayors in the world who actually hold a partisanship? Even more interestingly, the (elected-)mayor from the super metropolitan London is actually a conservative MP (just resigned) when the Prime Minister who resides in it is a Labour! The ex-elected-mayor of London was an MP and What say the PKR veep on the Lord Mayor of Sydney who also happened to be an MP from the NSW state parliament?
I must well-warned that more and more people turned DAP-phobics after March 8th… not sure why but I can feel it from the media… DAP has become the prime target of BN alongside with Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, but at the same time a prime target within PR…
or maybe I’m getting too sensitive…???
===============================================
I disagree that Malaysians should stay low fuel-price… :)
errr… why awaiting moderation?? because of the word bull something?
#74 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:45 pm
Dear ch,
while I appreciate what you shared here with us, I can’t help but think whether we can still trust what is published to us by the current government!
Can we?!
It is as normal as “makan nasi” for them to “show proofs” only when they are pressured! That also have to wait for months!
If everything is honest and in order, they can publish it in 48 hours at the most. A simple P&L is all that is required for us to see, albeit it is a very long P&L. With the power of internet, they can even show it on their website annually and perpetually!
The moral of the question is why NOW? And only after so many years of pressure from the Rakyat? Is it this tsunami (PRU12) had finally rocked and shaked their guts hard?!! Their arrogance and ignorance of the people’s voice thus far has only given the People more reasons to suspect foul activities – and it is only logical!
The only thing keeping Malaysians out of the streets is ISA and the ever corrupted police forces! We have no choice left, don’t you think 50 years is enough?! You are asking us to take a gamble here man, I don’t think Malaysians have enough chips for this round!
Can we trust what is published?
Reforms must be initiated and it must involve more & more Rakyat, everything will be out in the sun. And UMNO/BN is not going to do it for sure!
Let a NEW Malaysia emerge, please. UMNO must go, they have plundered enough and made enough damage already!
#75 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:50 pm
Dear bentoh,
then I’d better have their problem than here. It’s the same over here anyway, at least their country PPP is much higher than ours and their citizens have a good standard of living.
I shouldn’t be complaining if I am their citizen, at least they gave me a chance to live!
#76 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 6:52 pm
Dear bentoh,
and more importantly is :-
I HAVE CITIZENSHIP STATUS OVER THERE!
#77 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 7:04 pm
And dear bentoh,
we are only “hamba” or second class citizen not “Bumiputera”.
Less scholarship for yellow or black kids, no housing discounts, ineligible for low cost house, license here and license there, after all else fails, they want “duit kopi” for every little imaginable services they provide us.
I once went to MP*J to apply for a license to trade or “lesen jalankan perniagaan”, you would cry at the amount of time it took. A friend told me because of my skin it is taking a long time, they are “expecting” it! My friend ran the errand for me.
#78 by Kasim Amat on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 7:12 pm
The Government has introduced a series of remedial actions to help the poor to withstand the impact brought about by the fuel hike. To increase the fuel price is the last resort and we can’t blame the government for doing that. We should appreciate the efforts already put in by the BN government to help the majority people such as rebates and cutting of Minister’s benefits. Sadly, most of the people still do not understand the real intention of the government. They even thought naively that Anwar will not do the same if he takes over the government. For Allah’s sake, Anwar has betrayed Malay and whether or not his party will take over the administration is still a big question mark as the majority of Malay still supports UMNO. Unlike Anwar, UMNO looks after the benefits of races with the benefits of Malay vis-a-vis the provisions under the Constitution which is to accord them with special rights so as to bring balance to the weath distribution pattern in Malaysia. This is to ensure racial harmony.
Can Anwar be accepted as a leader by the majority Malay? I doubt so. UMNO is the only party that can represent Malay and continue to fight for the benefits of the poor. If this benefits are taken away overnight, there will be turmoil which Anwar certainly does not want to be responsible for. It is hard to understand that people are still questioning the validity of the special rights accorded to Malay after 50 years of independence. Nevertheless, it is pleased to know that a lot of Chinese agree with me that if the wealth distribution is skewed to a certain ethnic group, there will be serious problems in social stability. Those that still calling for racial equality please study the history of Malaya before doing so. The special rights accorded to Malay is lawful and is unquestionable.
#79 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 7:16 pm
AND DON’T FORGET bentoh…..a large chunk of tax collected are from NON-BUMIPUTRA!!!
They then take it to build surau, mosque, schools, low cost house, give scholarship to Bumiputra, subsidies and etc.
and when Non-bumi speak – we are called slanderous & seditious! Beware of ISA! AAB say “Polis kata Jangan”
I very much prefer Singapore’s GRC than malaysia’s ISA to be honest!
#80 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 7:25 pm
Kasim Amat:
The real intention is to STEAL. It’s a hard habit to break.
#81 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 7:27 pm
UMNOputras’ right to steal must not be questioned. They even claim that it is lawful !!
#82 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 7:39 pm
Seriously, Kasim Amat aka RealWorld, I have been so touched by the government’s concern and generosity towards the poor. I am so touched by Badawi’s concern for those affected by the fuel price hike, so much so that tears well up in my eyes whenever I think of the sacrifices that the government is making for the rakyat.
I know that behind Badawi’s sleepy demeanour is actually a person who is so concerned with reform, particularly about fighting corruption. I know that he may not say much, but he is definitely listening. I know he needs more time, and I know he has a strong mandate from the rakyat.
Like I said, UMNO’s generosity is second to none, and for that I am so grateful that tears flow freely down my face each time I think of the hardship that UMNOputras must go through in sacrifice for the rakyat.
#83 by zagato on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 7:43 pm
I am not sure why alot of people including you kit said petronas account is not public when it is. just go to petronas website it is there for all to see. Furthermore, Petronas is rated by S&P and Moody’s. I am really in the dark as to what’s all this politicians are talking about
#84 by wtf2 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 8:01 pm
perhaps the sil’s agenda to open the petronas books if to highlight the role petronas played during the currency crisis and the mamak fingers….
#85 by justiciary on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 8:12 pm
Hoi.Kassim Amat.Are you that stupid? Godfather is just very sarcastic over your various remarks.50 years after independence,we still have a typical racist like u around.Of course we have many like you around.That is why our bodohland is so shit today.Wake up,all the racial bigots including the big mouth old man,Obama,a black may even become the President of the majority white and the most powerful country of the world.So what is wrong with Malaysia where the 3 major races fought for independence on equal platform from the British is still divided on racial lines,bumi and non bumi,etc? Think hard and be sincere if our so called leaders really want to build a true Malaysian Malaysia.We do not want Melayu Malaysia.We want a Malaysia where people are treated equally,not like now we have many classes of people,the umnoputras,the bumi,the non bumi.
#86 by Lee Wang Yen on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 8:12 pm
Now it seems rather clear that the two statements by Kasim Amat, which I commented on a few days ago, are not really meant as sarcasm. They are genuine pro-Umno and pro-BN statements.
However, there is hardly any substantial argument in his series of opposition bashing and pro-government postings.
#87 by McD08 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 8:28 pm
Currently I’m living in Egypt. I can say that the price quoted is incorrect. That is because the fuel price in Malaysia of RM2.70/litre is for RON97. But in Egypt, the highest grade is RON95. And the price is EGP2.75 or about RM1.66/litre. The Egyptian government has just increased the fuel price for RON95 in early May 2008 by 57%! That is even bigger than in Malaysia.
Secondly, the Egyptian Government is giving a lower fuel price not because they care about the people – it is because if they do increase the fuel price similar to even Malaysia’s price – there will be a huge riot, and President Hosni Mubarak will definitely be toppled down! Egypt is an underdeveloped country with high unemployment. Carrefour are only for the rich (and even mid-income people are finding it more difficult to shop there. Inflation has reached highest level last month to almost 20%!
Do you really want to compare Malaysia and Egypt?
#88 by McD08 on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 8:35 pm
Saudi Arabia RM 0.38 per litre
UAE 1.19 / litre
Egypt 1.03 / litre
Bahrain 0.87
Qatar 0.68
Kuwait 0.67
Iran 0.35
Nigeria 0.32
Turkmenistan 0.25
Venezuela 0.16/litre
MALAYSIA 2.70/LITRE
Can someone really show how this figures has been calculated? Sometimes it is not enough to just read a report and assume all is correct. Please provide link to this price website. I would like to know whether we are comparing apple-to-apple. We are all educated here, put emotions outside the door.
Then I will believe.
#89 by KualaPenyu on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 8:47 pm
I agree with “Oknyua” that it’s better for all of us not to reply Kasim Amat’s posting. His postings didn’t even worth a reading. Most of his postings have very low facts value and childish, and some of it looks like coming from a caveman.
Saudi Arabia RM 0.38 per litre
UAE 1.19 / litre
Egypt 1.03 / litre
Bahrain 0.87
Qatar 0.68
Kuwait 0.67
Iran 0.35
Nigeria 0.32
Turkmenistan 0.25
Venezuela 0.16/litre
MALAYSIA 2.70/LITRE
Our country fuel price worth every sense of comparison to the above country, even Indonesia should be included coz their fuel price lower than us. Of course we can’t follow their price, but not at a sudden 40% and 63% hike without proper study on its inflation effects. Our country has everything we need to develop like Japan n South Korea. We have sea, lake, river, mountain, forest, land, grass, sand, minerals, perfect climate (equator: middle of earth) n etc. We have everything!!!!!! How many of those countries above have everything like us? Our fuel price totally unacceptable different from them b’coz the peoples who run our country were extremely greedy nowadays.
“There is enough for everyone’s need but not everyone’s greed” Mahatma Gandhi
#90 by Lee Wang Yen on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 8:49 pm
You can access the summary of the above journal article on the publisher’s website:
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2000.00304.x?prevSearch=allfield%3A%28phenotypes+among+malays%29
#91 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:01 pm
Dear Lee Wang Yen,
very informative. Now it confirms my suspicion of why they can sometimes do what they do!
Thank you.
[Several posts which have completely gone off tangent from this thread have been deleted. -Admin]
#92 by KualaPenyu on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:16 pm
To Kasim Amat,
I suggest u stop making any statement in this blog. The more comments u makes, the more u expose yourself as a complete moron. This is for the sake of human knowledge. Otherwise, u will pollute the knowledge and this wills inturn becomes an absolute disgrace to the human race.
#93 by mauriyaII on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:20 pm
I read with disgust the sick old mamak in Malaysian politics has again started (to distract and divert attention from the recent price hike and the corruption of the judiciary that he masteminded) make seditious comments about the so-called threat Malays that he, a mamak, has taken upon himself to champion.
Why is the government handling this diplorable miscreant with kid gloves?
He is clearly trying to create animosity and disharmony among the various races in the country for his own selfish ends. He is still harping on May 13th infamous riots. Apparently he is inciting the gullible ones to unleash another so as to gain political milage for his son, cronies in UMNO and himself.
The government should slap the ISA on Mamakthir for formenting hatred among the Malaysian races detrimental to national security.
He should be safely locked away in Kamunting under the ISA. Shut him up now before he causes more damage to the peace, harmony and progress of the nation.
#94 by dawsheng on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:40 pm
Does this thread seems like it is pissing into the wind?
#95 by dawsheng on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:45 pm
“Don’t forget, the reason why Singapore can have such achievement is because they abandon their own Malay, Indian and Chinese culture and switch to western culture. ”
Talk cock.
#96 by Godfather on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 9:47 pm
Kasim Amat said:
“I am glad that this guy who calls himself Godfather finally understand and appreciate the efforts undertaken by the government. I hope the rest can also think deep enough on the issues and do not fall into the traps of the opposition.”
The tears have not stopped falling from my eyes ever since I made the confession about our hero Pak Lah. However, since your comment above, my Sicilian brethren have not stopped rolling about on the floor with their sides split.
I guess many of those who comment on this blog have also been rolling about on the floor judging by their comments above.
#97 by Lee Wang Yen on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:03 pm
Kasim Amat Says:
Today at 13: 16.19 (8 hours ago)
‘…Don’t forget, the reason why Singapore can have such achievement is because they abandon their own Malay, Indian and Chinese culture and switch to western culture. The Singapore government made these sacrifices in order to trade with materialism and prosperity in disguise. China, Japan and Korea they all have long historical background and they are lucky because other developed countries have helped them a lot along the way. Malaysia still has its own culture and it maintain a strong hold on the National Language…’
Kasim Amat says that Singapore abandon its own Malay, Indian and Chinese culture and switch to western culture. He’s proud of the fact that the Malay culture is still preserved in Malaysia. However, history tells us that the Malay culture has been shaped by many different cultures and religions. For example, the Malays practised Buddhism, Hinduism and native animism before they converted to Islam.
#98 by Lee Wang Yen on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:05 pm
oops… ‘Malay, Indian, and Chinese CULTURES…’
#99 by gundam on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:07 pm
dear admin,
laziness is the root cause of all the problems in malaysia, hence inefficiencies tat created the domino effects.
#100 by cvl on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:43 pm
Arthur J West and English civil engineer sweated under the then North Borneo sun [now Sabah] to design, layout and commanded the construction of the North Borneo railway. This was the period 1896 to 1903, a span barely 8 years. Renamed the Sabah Railways after rebuilding from the Second World War, that railway Mr West built is essentially still there, now very a tourist must try thing when in Sabah. It is the only railway line in the whole of Borneo Island, the third largest island in the world. It is still there today.
The point here is this.
If Mr West, a mere engineer and a mat salleh foreigner at that, could envisaged, planned and constructed a monumental contribution to the socio- economy of North Borneo, how and why is it that Malaysian Tuns, Tansris, Dato Datuks and YB YBs from 1963 to now have not contributed anything as monumental as this single foreigner [in just under 8 years] in Sabah in particular, and Malaysia in general?
With respect to Mr West, his arse must have sweated it out literally under the burning Borneo sun. This is to say such hard work he did for North Borneo, far away from his temperate home country.
Now, if only Malaysians are as lightly adorned, they could possibly have the energy to one up Mr. West.
#101 by cheng on soo on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:47 pm
Fact now, Msia commodities all fetching record high prices, petrol, palm oil, rubber, tin, yet gomen said they hv no money, hv to increase fuel prices drastically, (63% for diesel). just imagine, if the prices of all these drop back to 50% present prices, how they can manage??
Those who said Spore is easy to manage are ignorant, To start with, they hv a very small, very densely populated island, (3 vastly different races) no natural resources (hv to import food, water, even sand etc), practically no industry (back in 1965), surrounded by huge (relatively) unfriendly neighbours. so who can say easy??
#102 by cheng on soo on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 10:52 pm
But now, Spore is not so small already (in ASEAN) economically, they hv the 3rd largest economy in ASEAN (just push Msia to 4th place,) only Indonesia, & Thailand (or “Prathesh Thai” as prefered by Thai), had a bigger economy
#103 by Lee Wang Yen on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:17 pm
Kasim Amat’s various comments in relation to the oil prices hike touch on some issues that are not directly related to the issue of oil prices, e.g. whether Singapore is easy to manage given its small size, and the question of special rights and privileges accorded to the Malays in Malaysia.
In response to Kasim Amat’s comments, some commentators focus on these issues that are not directly related to oil prices. However, while the various comments by various commentators on the size and manageability of Singapore and a comment that is clearly labelled by the writer as ‘off topic’ are left undeleted, various comments on the special privileges of the Malays and their historical origin have been deleted for being ‘completely off tangent’.
#104 by madguyho on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:32 pm
The BN’s government only talk about how much our country can save by reducing the petrol subsidy. Billions of Ringgit! Days in days out, our medias trying to spin the benefits of reducing the subsidy. Never once our government touch on how many billions our economy going to loss due to the multiplier effect of rising the fuel price. How many businesses are going to close shop, how many will be unemployed, the rising of crime rate and social unrest due to poverty? Did they ever calculate that? They just don’t care about how much the economy and the Rakyat are going to suffer because that’s intangible to them. They on care about the amount that they can lay their hands on!
#105 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:38 pm
Dear Admin,
my comments were not “completely off-tangent”, as obvious as it seems, and as Lee Wang Yen stated above, it is explicitly in response to Kasim Amat’s vile and incorrect comments about non-bumis here in Malaysia.
I do wonder whether you agreed with him when he accused non-bumis as thieves or robbers in our own birth land.
However, I sincerely hope, and will not ask of you to kick this user (Kasim Amat) out. Please let him stay on and continue mocking his own intelligence.
Below was taken from a super popular website, written by a journalist for the Japan Times:
>>Just like in 1970 when he wrote “The Malay Dilemma,” which documented the backwardness of the Malays over their habit of diluting their gene pool by intra-kinship marriages.<<
It is not my view alone. It is the view of the public, a former premier and a journalist.
UMNO is a party only…Malaysia does not belong to UMNO or whatever party for that matter…….
IT BELONG TO THE CHILDREN OF THE LAND!
#106 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:41 pm
Dear Admin,
AND RIGHTEOUS CHILDREN FOR THAT MATTER.
Thank you.
#107 by kingkenny on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:43 pm
ONCE AND FOR ALL!
SEPT16 OR PRU13!
#108 by Ronson on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:43 pm
Another laughable article. Consider Iran’s oil subsidy.
Also contributing to the problem greatly, arbitrage opportunities, resulting from the difference between Iran’s subsidized price and the market price abroad, through smuggling with other countries, has considerably aggravated the shortage of gasoline in Iran, diminished its exports of crude oil, and illegally drained/stolen huge financial resources (counted in billions of dollars per year) from the government coffers (treasury – people’s money that is) into private bank accounts abroad[14]. No arrest has been made public to this day by the judiciary regarding the identity of the peoples responsible for this massive theft of the public property.[15]
Besides, studies have shown repeatedly that subsidies for gasoline mostly benefit the higher income strata of the population because they are the ones who can afford to drive cars or who can profit by using it as an input in their (export) businesses (eg. transportation) [16]. Therefore, it is advisable to ban gasoline subsidies altogether and transfer the subsidy amounts directly to the population equally or to the population who needs it specifically.
It must be noted that even if the government does not plan to target low-income Iranians for the subsidies, experts agree that in the worst case senario (the present situation that is), it would make more sense to distribute the same amount of subsidies in the Government’s budget (if not more) to the entire population equally and directly through cash payments.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Petroleum_of_Iran
#109 by KualaPenyu on Monday, 16 June 2008 - 11:50 pm
16th September 1963: The formation of Malaysia
16th September 2008: The Malaysian Revolution
#110 by Kasim Amat on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:20 am
Anwar may be boasting something is going to happen on 16th Sept and we shall wait and see. We will see how PAS, PKR and DAP can sit down peacefully and divide the ministers’ posts equally and how long can they hold each other hands for. Ha Ha Ha!
With regards to the Petronas accounts, I would like to point out that it is imprudent to suggest that the accounts should be opened to the public. Being a primary national asset, surely there are confidential information that cannot be revealed or else this information will also be shared by other competing countries. Have you seen Singapore revealing their accounts in detailed on Temasek Holdings to the public? Please think carefully. If you are the government will you do this? The accounts are being audited by one of the big 4 audit firms and checks and balances are already in place. What the government could do is to release some preliminary data and explain where the funds have gone to in the interest of public. Further, by opening the accounts will it solve the subsidy issue? The issue is whether you want the whole country to go bankrupt for not being able to continue to pay for the high oil price or you want the country to continue to survive with people sharing a bit of the heavy burden in the face of high oil price? Again, my stand is still the same. This burden should be shared by all races but in accordance with the spirit of NEP.
#111 by Lee Wang Yen on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:26 am
Let me summarise the key response of some commentators to Kasim Amat’s claim that the Malays are entitled to special rights and privileges.
If one thinks that the Malays are entitled to special rights and privileges because they are the indigenous people, please reconsider in the light of the historical fact that the Malays originated from Yunnan, China.
#112 by AhPek on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:31 am
More important to look at is the per capita GDP and income distribution of the nation as measured by Gini coefficient which is a measure of inequality of income distribution or inequality of wealth distribution.It has a value between0 and 1.A low Gini coefficient indictes more eqitable income distribution whilst a high value means more unequal distribution.According to the latest internationally comparable data from World Bank, individual inequality ,the Gini coefficient for Malaysia (49.2) is the second worst in all of Asian countries for which data is available.Only Papua New Guinea ranks worst.
INEQUALITY IN ASEAN COUNTRIES
country gini
Singapore 42.5
Malaysia 49.2
Thailand 43.2
Philippines 46.1
Indonesia 34.3
Vietnam 36.1
Cambodia 40.4
Laos 37
The economy of a country does you give you the general ‘wellness’ of the nation.The economy may be large and so is the population, very often wealth distribution is an immense problem!
#113 by AhPek on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:35 am
Should be ‘the economy of a country does not …………………………….’wellness’
of the nation.’.
#114 by Lee Wang Yen on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:40 am
To Kasim Amat,
I agree with Tony Pua that the subsidy for fuel has to go. I think other DAP leaders agree in principle with his view.
Why then is the opposition to the price hike? It has to do with the abruptness and timing of the hike, and the fact that it took place before a properly thought-out remedial package and wholistic policy of stamping out corruption, developing the public transport system, and etc have been worked out.
#115 by Lee Wang Yen on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:41 am
oops ‘…HAD been worked out.’
#116 by AhPek on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:50 am
Coming back to what the administrator says about comments that are off tangent, I wonder on what basis he makes that. A comment on a comment he admits is not off tangent.It is only off tangent when a comment is made on points not found in the thread.I made a comment in relation to Kasim Amat’s arrogant insinuation that the non Malays being non indigenous to Malaysia is stealing from the Malays.I went on to remind him who the indigenous people of Malaysia are (orand asli,kadazans dusuns kelabit penans etc) and that Malays are also pendatang who came here originally from Yunan in China.Lee Wang Yen then presented some findings from a researcher pertaining to this matter. Both our postings are deleted.
#117 by bernadette on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:53 am
what happened to Kathy….lol
#118 by Lee Wang Yen on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:59 am
and all these deletions happened when many comments on the size and manageability of Singapore spun off from one of Kasim Amat’s comments were left undeleted.
#119 by AhPek on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:04 am
Further to my above comments the administrator strangely has admitted comments from 2 particular commentors fighting amongst themselves because of bruised ego.If anyone is in doubt just read the previous 2 or 3 threads.These two commentors literally occupy the whole comments to the thread each determined to win their feuds AND YOU ALLOW THAT! It pisses me off to say the least.
#120 by Lee Wang Yen on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:05 am
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2000.00304.x?prevSearch=allfield%3A%28phenotypes+among+malays%29
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
Volume 25 Issue 5 Page 379-383, October 2000
To cite this article: R. Ismail, A. Hussein, L. K. Teh, M. Nizam Isa (2000) CYP2D6 phenotypes among Malays in Malaysia
Background: Although they originated from China, Malays have undergone a lot of intermarriages. A study suggested that CYP2D6 poor metabolism (PM) phenotype was more common in Malays compared to Chinese. CYP2D6 is highly polymorphic and is involved in the metabolism of many drugs and has been implicated in some environmentally-induced diseases. It is therefore useful to further study this polymorphism in Malays.
#121 by Lee Wang Yen on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:06 am
Malay
http://allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/ethnicity/malay_ethnicity.asp
The largest ethnic group in Malaysia, accounting for more than half of the total population today, is the Malays.
Its origins can be traced back to Yunnan China through the Proto-Malays and Deutero-Malays, which belong to the broader-based Malayo-Polynesian group of races. These early aboriginal groups first reached the peninsula around 2000BC.
#122 by limkamput on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:28 am
To all who think they have no ego: ego is universal.
#123 by A_Lagerfeld_Girl on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:44 am
Kasim Amat,
RE; high quality living environment in KL etc etc.
High quality of living environment in KL? Huh what? You called this high quality? The living environment here is a far cry from some cities around. Having been in London for some time, we have had what one calls the Champagne Lifestyle. Not here though, I can barely have enough left for savings by the end of the month and I’m not even living it up here!
#124 by bernadette on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 4:09 am
ahpek,
you might want to visit nimcompoop’s blog. he is desperate for visitors to his blog and will not delete your comments. but why post when nobody reads….lol
#125 by bernadette on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 4:20 am
corr. “nobody is there to read except for Kathy”….lol
#126 by cemerlang on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 6:01 am
Only a few Malaysians can afford the first world kind of luxuries. Malaysia has not made it into the rich men’s club yet.
#127 by js on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 7:15 am
I personally disagree with what Tony Pua that fuel price should be hiked.
#128 by Kathy on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 7:21 am
I would agree that most of us Malaysians are “upset and angry” over the timing and the amount of the fuel price hike. It does not help that we have one of the worse public transport around. Public transport in Singapore and Thailand is much better than here.
The root of the problem here is that those in government should have place themselves in the people’s shoes. Not just talk about taking care of the rakyat’s welfare. By taking a LRT ride just to check something is not placing one in the rakyat’s shoes.
Any road changes made should have the Works Ministry involve in a study before work is being carried out thoughtlessly – like the one in Klang. Congestion everyday at any time of the day. Upgrade KTM Commuter coaches, make sure that LRT are on time, re-zon the city centre area to reduce congestion and polution.
Most of us wants to protect the environment and the natural resouces of Malaysia for the next generation to enjoy (if they will ever be able to).
#129 by bernadette on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 7:40 am
that’s right. stop being a twat and show some respect! stop addressing others as “You people”.
#130 by kingkenny on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 9:07 am
(from) A_Lagerfeld_Girl Says:
(to) Kasim Amat,
RE; high quality living environment in KL etc etc.
High quality of living environment in KL? Huh what? You called this high quality? The living environment here is a far cry from some cities around. Having been in London for some time, we have had what one calls the Champagne Lifestyle. Not here though, I can barely have enough left for savings by the end of the month and I’m not even living it up here!
=================================================
Dear Lagerfield_Girl,
This moron Kasim Amat has truly been successfully indoctrinated by his masters.
His comments directly reflects the mentality and nature of policies of UMNO/BN. That is why I say in the previous thread (Smart schools vs sick schools) that Malaysians are very silly. They allowed their loyalty and compassion for the country’s leaders to be exploited. Hence, the “tidak apa” attitude. “Bagi chan”-lah and all that.
In matters as grave as the People’s welfare, we cannot “bagi chan” or have a “tidak apa” attitude. While the world is speeding ahead in the midst of food crisis, fuel crisis, terrorism, racial tension, global warming – you can be sure if and when disaster strike – I consider Malaysia to be one of the countries to least survive that impending doom. And when I say disaster, it is a scenario where the government is powerless to help the Rakyat in all kinds of way. Even when they are capable now, they are turning their backs on us. So, if disaster strikes, tough luck for non-bumis!!!
Before that happens, we’d better make some contingency plans with a view of becoming a permanent resident in that country.
I have been to spain, their subway takes you right back to your doorstep (almost!). It is that good!
And their government got all this public amenities in place before fuel hike! (since ancient times)
#131 by kingkenny on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 9:23 am
And also please read what AAB response to the set up of royal commission of inquiry into Tun Mamak:
“Tak habis habis dengan hal ini. Reforms will be made to judiciary, we don’t need another inquiry”.
I don’t know whether we should be expecting this kind of reply from other PM in the world, but, WTF!…the Rakyat are demanding to know and it seems like he so fearless and in turn gave us a hard slap to the face!
From my viewpoint as citizen:
1. He is dumb and afraid
2. Lame man
3. Childish
4. Unprofessional
5. Contempt of justice
6. [deleted]
7. Confirms the Malaysian corrupt “culture”
8. He has no courage whatsoever!
9. Unprincipled!
10. Confirmed that he is a corrupt man!
He can’t go hard with TM, otherwise his people will kill him before his demise on Sept 16. I prefer a triumphant killing on sept 16, let him live till then! DSAI will be licking his fingers and stoking the air, he can smell AAB’s & TM’s fear!!!
#132 by Same story, different day on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 10:26 am
Picked from The Star today. The govt is talking about changing lifestyle? The poor babies surely do not deserve this. What the govt should say now?
Tuesday June 17, 2008
Pricey infant formula forces substitute feeding
BUTTERWORTH: Some poor parents are substituting pricey infant formula with diluted condensed milk, rock sugar water, black coffee and plain tea, to feed their infants and toddlers.
Malaysia Hindu Sangam (Penang) Social and Welfare Committee chairman P. Murugiah said parents with low income of under RM1,500 and with an average of three children, have reduced feeding infant formula from five times a day to only twice a day.
“They substitute the remaining feeding periods with other drinks,” he said.
He claimed that poor mothers could not produce breast milk as they were undernourished.
“The price of infant formula has gone up by about 80% in the last two years, with one brand rising from RM9 to RM16.50 per 650gm,” Murugiah said.
He said the sangam and a few other non-governmental organisations have been giving milk powder aid to at least 30 families since last year.
“We believe there are more families who need such aid,” he said.
Murugiah urged the Government to help set up a scheme to make infant milk more affordable to such families.
He said the plight of these families would worsen if the Government removed essential grocery items from its price control list.
“Basic items, such as rice, sugar and flour should be made affordable especially to this group of people.
“The Government should introduce a ration card system, such as is practised in India, to allow the lower income group to buy essential food items at reduced prices,” he said.
#133 by Kathy on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 10:40 am
Why don’t get Samy Vellu to do some charity to lessen his guilt for not doing enough for the community?
There should be a welfare officer from the Welfare department looking into this matter. I don’t think it is only Penang folks that are the only one suffering. Blame it on the BN folks for raising everything that they can think of (or the lack of thinking power).
#134 by Same story, different day on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 10:51 am
I believe not only the Indian communities are affected, it affected all races in the country living below poverty line. Even the poverty line defined by the govt is way too low for a country heading for developed status in 12 years time. The basic needs of the people cannot be met, no point having the tallest building in the world, the most expensive admin capital or the best highway, while the paying are dying on the street. Then we can be famous on the highest fatality on poverty.
Any state welfare and social program cannot be dedicated to one race, it must be extended to all communities who need them.
#135 by Same story, different day on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 10:52 am
Sorry, typo error. “while the paying are dying on the street” should be “while the people are dying on the street”.
#136 by Kasim Amat on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 11:10 am
We must not ask what the country can do for us but ask ourselves what can we do for the country. Without BN rulings in the past 50 years, do we have what we have today? 90% of the people probably still lives in Kampong! As I said, fuel hike is a gobal issue and not only in Malaysia. Which country does not have protest when it comes to fuel hike? Malaysian has accepted the concept of free economy and since all industries are about to be liberalised, we should let the market moves freely. If we keep subsidising the fuel and with lesser tax income to be offset with, the government will go bankrupt. Faham? Regarding the accusations on losses of the mega projects, those are totally unfounded. Mega projects help the country chern out substantial income and it benefited everyone in the country including you and me as standard of living rises, job increases etc.
In summary, we should not keep digging into the past and should look forward to see how to solve the problems. What the Rakyat wants is to spend the time and money to solve the problem ahead efficiently but not keep looking in the past and keep harping on the minor mistakes. Further the so-called wrongdoings are insignificant but was merely overstated by the oppositions. After 3 months in power, we did not see much contibutions from the state government of the 5 opposition states except for them knowing how to dig out the oversights of the former administration. Sadly, all the time and money wasted in this only successfully gained them some political mileage but did not yield benefits to the Rakyat. This is totally ineffective and wasting of resources. I have been reading all the posts and found that most have insulted the government, our leader, past leaders and even the Malays in one way or another. Admin, I am of the view that this has to be controlled.
#137 by Kathy on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 11:13 am
It is true that the poverty issue cuts across all races. It is the fact that the government only choose to assist only certain parties that leads to alot of unhappiness. It is the way the whole government is being run.
What the PM says, everyone must follow. Doesn’t it sounds alot like a cult?
#138 by Kathy on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 11:22 am
Kasim Amat – it is not wrong that projects — whether mega or not, do help the nation overall. But it is way better and important to be more transparent in the tendering of the contractors and the costing of items used and required for such projects.
Even the taxi drivers on the road knows that a normal nail that costs about RM0.30 at the hardware store will cost about RM1.50 when it comes to projects such as these.
Ain’t this wrong?
What the opposition has been doing the last three months is correct in finding out what went wrong with the previous administrations. We would not know that the previous government have used up most of the money allocated for the whole of 2008 year within a short span of 50 odd days that they were in office if not for the opposition team.
Now it is time to clear up all these mess and then we can see a better administration moving ahead with the needs of the rakyat. It is not minor mistakes that the rakyat is facing what the previous administration have done. We are all facing the brunt of the whole decision making process and outcomes of the administration and government that should have spare a thought for those ordinary folks that need to make a living to support their families.
#139 by kingkenny on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 11:37 am
“”We must not ask what the country can do for us but ask ourselves what can we do for the country. Without BN rulings in the past 50 years, do we have what we have today?””
Kasim Amat said the above
====================================================
This country will be better off with this kind man and mentality. It truly reflects on their masters mind. Such worthless creatures! (tarak guna pinya otak!)
This is what we have done for Malaysia you moron:
1. Shed our blood to fight British, Communist
2. Pay annual income tax
3. Pay quit rent, road tax, licenses & etc.
4. Buy Malaysian made goods & services especially proton
5. Pay for petrol subsidy
6. Made Malaysia proud – Zang Toi, Michelle Yeoh, Jimmy Choo, Nicol David, Tan sri Teh Hong Piow, Tan sri Lim Goh Tong, Lim Kok Wing & lots more
7. Pay subsidy for essential items – rice, wheat, flour
8. Build suraus & mosque for our Malay countrymen
and everything under the sun in Malaysia. Where do you think the government got its fund from?! Please go to IRB and find out how much the so called non-bumis are paying annually…to this country on top of everything else.
Kacang lupakan kulit!
Tak ada Rakyat macam kita, tak ada Malaysia sekarang!….lagi teruk dari negeri kawan Tun Mamak di Afrika tu! Bangang!
#140 by cvl on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 11:46 am
Hi Folks,
We post comments in response to the OP and contribute towards so in exchange for the space in the blog space.
As I see it, excessive responses to readers comments [such as of Kasim Amat, for ex] is taking up undue blog space and hijack the OP article. This is exactly the main aim of hostile cyber troopers disguised as trojan commentators.
To recap, our comments should be strictly towards the train of thoughts in the OP; avoid giving any more space to hostile comments.
#141 by kingkenny on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 11:52 am
“”I have been reading all the posts and found that most have insulted the government, our leader, past leaders and even the Malays in one way or another. Admin, I am of the view that this has to be controlled.””
Kasim Amat said the above too :)
====================================================
Ohhhh…when he started to accuse that non-bumis are ungrateful & are stealing from “his country”, or accuse us as robbers – it is his right to do so…maybe that comes into their privileged rights “enshrined” in the constitution also.
How pathetic…
When we started firing back he goes looking for daddy for protection….typical!
HA HAH HAHAH AHA :)
#142 by gundam on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 11:55 am
how idiotic for kasim to compare the performance of a 3 mths old to a 50 yrs old.
tat confirms his retardation.
complacency…truly malays, truly UMNO.
#143 by cheng on soo on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 11:58 am
Kas Am. just cannot think rationally, probably, nvr been to another country which export oil, (e.g. nearest Brunei), or any country, more developed or more democratic, or read economical, orpolitical, articles written outside Msia.
Of course Msia is better than many (not all) countries in Africa, but do we just want to compare Msia with only countries worst than us?
Come on lah, saudara Kasim, BN is not an all wise, all almighty, faultless party lah, they are just a party, if they dont perform, why afraid to change.
Criticize BN not = criticize Msia or criticize Malay. This will not destabilize country if the ppl are matured politically !
#144 by lakilompat on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:22 pm
70% of M’sian population are made up of Malay but very few really make it to international stage.
6. Made Malaysia proud –
Fashion:- Zang Toi, Jimmy Choo
Entertainment & Movies:- Michelle Yeoh
Sports:- Nicol David, Lee Chong Wei, Khoo Kien Kiet & Tan Boon Heong
Banking:-Tan sri Teh Hong Piow
Gambling industry:-the late Tan sri Lim Goh Tong
Education:-Lim Kok Wing
Most persevered party in Malaysia: DAP
Where are the Malays? or Indians?
1st prime minister in Malaysia to quit party – Tun Dr. M
Banker who ruined RHB
1st prime minister who will be booted in coming September 16th Mr. Dollar
Sheik Muzaphar the 1st M’sian space tourist doing nothing in space at the expense of Rakyat.
Shukoi jet that don’t deliver, the scorpene submarine which does not have any submarine dock
Mrs Mongolian case that involved C4
PKFZ bailout RM 4.6 billion
The Pig program in Selangor
The palace infamy Mr. Mat Deros and his warong satay
#145 by citizenwatch on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:28 pm
The endless polemic of whether Anwar Ibrahim can lower the price of fuel, the crux of the matter is the availibility of money. Let us consider the virtually bottomless coffer of PETRONAS and other sleight of hands where our leaders, past and present had utilised to finance, bail out, cover up failed projects, wastage or mismanagement. Thus, Anwar can have access to money out there that other leaders did to make problems of their own making to vanish. Consider the following blog:
Those who are sceptical how Anwar Ibrahim could reduce the petrol price, perhaps the few reasons below could change your mind. The list is not even barely exhaustive as these are the ones uncovered – the tip of the ice-berg – if you want to put it! What lies beneath could be much larger:-
1.The Bank Bumiputra twin scandals in the early 1980s saw US$1 billion (RM3.2 billion in 2008 ringgit)
2.The Maminco attempt to corner the world tin market in the 1980s is believed to have cost some US$500 million. (RM1.6 billion)
3.Betting in foreign exchange futures cost Bank Negara Malaysia RM30 billion in the 1990s.
4.Perwaja Steel resulted in losses of US$800 million (RM2.56 billion). Eric Chia, was charged with corruption for allegedly steering US$20 million (RM64 million) to a Hong Kong-based company
5.Use of RM10 billion public funds in the Valuecap Sdn. Bhd. operation to shore up the stock market
6.Banking scandal of RM700 million losses in Bank Islam
7.The sale of M.V. Agusta for one Euro
8.Wang Ehsan from oil royalty on Terengganu RM7.4 billion from 2004 – 2007
9.For the past 10 years since Philharmonic Orchestra was established, this orchestra has swallowed a total of RM500 million
10.In Advisors Fees, Mahathir was paid RM180,000, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (women and social development affairs) RM404,726 and Abdul Hamid Othman (religious) RM549,675 per annum
11.The government has spent a total of RM3.2 billion in teaching Maths and Science in English over the past five years. Out of the amount, the government paid a whopping RM2.21 billion for the purchase of information and computer technology (ICT) equipments which it is unable to give a breakdown.
12.The commission paid for purchase of Jets and Submarines to two private companies amounted to RM910 million.
13.RM100 million bill to compensate Gerbang Perdana for the RM1.1 billion “Crooked Scenic Half-Bridge”
14.RM1.3 billion have been wasted building the white elephant Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities on cancellation of the Malaysia-Singapore scenic bridge
15.RM 100 million on renovation of Parliament building and leaks
16.National Astronaut Programme – RM 40 million
17.National Service Training Programme – yearly an estimate of RM 500 million
18.Eye on Malaysia -RM 30 million and another RM5.7 million of free ticket
19.RM 4.63 billion, ’soft-loan’ to PKFZ
20.RM 2.4 million on indelible ink
21.Samy announced in September 2006 that the government paid compensation amounting to RM 38.5 billion to the highway companies. RM 380 million windfalls for 9 toll concessionaires earned solely from the toll hike in 2008 alone.
22.RM32 million timber export kickbacks involving companies connected to Sarawak Chief Minister, Tan Sri Taib Mahmud and his family
Bailouts –
23.Two bailouts of Malaysia Airline System RM7.9 billion
24.Putra transport system, which cost RM4.486 billion;
25.STAR-LRT bailout costing RM3.256 billion;
26.National Sewerage System costing RM192.54 million;
27.Seremban-Port Dickson Highway costing RM142 million;
28.Kuching Prison costing RM135 million; and
29.Kajian Makanan dan Gunaan Orang Islam costing RM8.3 million.
30.Le Tour de Langkawi costing RM 3.5 Million
31.Wholesale distribution of tens of millions of shares in Bursa Malaysia to cronies, children and relatives of BN leaders and Ministers worth billions of ringgits.
32.APs scandal had been going on year-after-year going back for more than three decades, involving a total mind-boggling sum of tens of billions of ringgits
33.Alienation of tens of thousands of hectares of commercial lands and forestry concessions to children and relatives of BN leaders and Ministers worth tens of billions of ringgits
34.Wastages and forward trading of Petronas in the 1990s based on the low price of oil then. Since the accounts of Petronas are for the eyes of Prime Minister only we have no idea of the amount. Whatever amount, you bet it is COLLOSSAL!
In Time Asia magazine issue on March 15 2004, South East Asian economist at Morgan Stanley in Singapore Daniel Lian, figures “that the country may have lost as much as U$$100 billion (RM320 billion) since the early 1980s to corruption.”
#146 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:30 pm
“Without BN rulings in the past 50 years, do we have what we have today? ”
We would have become an economic powerhouse, stronger than Singapore or Korea. With the resources we have or had, such as tin, rubber, palm oil and petroleum, we could have been the real economic powerhouse of SE Asia, not Singapore. Singapore would indeed have to lick our boots if there was no BN, no den of thieves.
Instead, we have bailout after bailout, we have leakages all over the place, we have taxation that goes into individuals’ pockets. The singular reason why we have not gone down on our knees is our petroleum reserves, which has allowed successive BN administrations to come up with white elephants like Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, PKFTZ, Proton, Bakun, corridor after corridor……
#147 by Kasim Amat on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:35 pm
Saudara Saudari, we need to accept that we are in Malaysia and Orang Melayu is the major ethnic group of this country. Let’s support the government and help the country prosper peacefully without any hatred and grudges against one each other. NEP is not for the rich, it is for the poor. Tun Mahatir again yesterday at the talk organised by Warisan Pekembar confirmed that Malaysia was the only nation in the world where the main ethnic group had admitted other races and endowed them with rights. Malays still make up the majority of the poor. He remineded the special rights accorded to the main ethnic group should not be questioned or challenged. There is no reason why there cannot be two or three tier pricing in petrol, along with other commodities, in line with the NEP.
#148 by k1980 on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:35 pm
Ah Chang has left the sinking ship; when are the rest of the mca rats going to do so?
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=23222
#149 by passerby on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:37 pm
Kasim Amat,
People have every right to question the gov. when any price increase affects their living. I don’t agree that gov. should support any subsidies which in the long run will be worse for the people.
Calling people to throw their support behind the bn is ridiculous. The gov. has fail to develop the country up to the level as S’pore, Taiwan, South Korea or HongKong where people will be able to absorb this increase, after these 50 years. The gov. has lost the mandate of heaven, so it is time for someone new to take over.
Oil is a seller commodity and it should not be that difficult for anyone to sell There is nothing to gloat about running the Petronas by bumi. or anyone and if you fail to do a decent job, you should be shot. Try running a company in a competitive industry, then we will see how good and smart you are without the support and subsidy from the gov.
Wasting money on non-sustainable mega projects will not make the country first class. This a very painful lesson which a lot of the failed economy has learned.
Singapore maybe small but to develop without natural resources, it is even much more difficult than you think. Remember everything that S’pore needed to survive has to be imported and if you don’t have any natural resources, where are you going to find the money to pay for all these. Without all these, yet it has still being able to develop itself into a developed country.
Let not speculate whether Anwar and his partners cannot win and form the gov., we will let the people to decide. In case you don’t realize, umno is now depended on Sabah and Sarawak to survive, and let see how long the people there will begin to question the raw deal they got from the umno.
When you said “This burden should be shared by all races but in accordance with the spirit of NEP.” do you mean in the good time the bumi take the more than the lion’s share and in the bad time the non-bumi should shoulder a bigger portion of the difficulties?
#150 by tshiunghan on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:37 pm
Hi Dr. Chen,
May we know where these statistics come from? I think shortie kiasu has a point.
#151 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:38 pm
What sort of responsible government is BN ? What sort of government allows a person implicated by the royal commission of inquiry on Lingamgate to continue as a minister ? What sort of government promotes a person who lost RM12 billion of the country’s reserves speculating on foreign exchange to the post of finance minister ?
What sort of government increases fuel prices by 40 pct, and electricity prices by 20 pct, then a week later “awards” billions in goodies to certain states ?
What sort of government has a cabinet which spends RM 20 billion in one year ? And makes a big point out of reducing such expenses by RM 2 billion ?
Sigh….we deserve better. And “better” means no more stealing.
#152 by k1980 on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:40 pm
Kasim’s proposal for two or three tier pricing in petrol:–
Bumis— 10sen per litre
Mamak celup like DrM — 9 sen per litre
Illegal immigrants (muslim) —11sen per litre
Non-Bumis— RM10 per litre
Illegal immigrants (non-muslim) —RM11 per litre
#153 by qookhoo on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:41 pm
LOL…
It just a joke to see how Kas Am thinks & shallow his or her mind (if there is any)… As proud Kas Am is to how the “BN” treats the people like us (real people who work hard & still can’t have a decent living), it’s the cloud & pretty picture painted to confused shallow minds. It’s never the intention since the very first “Sultan”.
Look at the history lesson taught in school. The malay is still proud for these “Sultan”. Well go figure on this. The recent election’s results has shown the true color of these “Sultans”. Defender of the official religion?? Well, what is there to defend? The very religion that cause most of the war & indifference.
As for the “Bahasa”, it’s a laughing stock!!! The malay in local service can’t speak proper “Bahasa”. Which version is being adopt, bahasa baku, bahasa melayu, bahasa malaysia? Don’t even think about promotion english. The younger generations today can’t have a clear head on what to adopt.
The oil & petrol rise is just a sore respond to rising neighbor petrol price. Boarder in the north & south are the one that has the spurs of petrol usage due to lower price. Well years ago, Malaysian goes to Singapore & Thailand for shopping dues the lower price in terms of branded goods & daily stuff. How did the government respond?
Petronas is just a tools by BN to get the most money from the resources & people to enrich the cronies. Go figure.
If the government can’t be criticize, then feel free to leave & let people who can take the heat.
cheers…
#154 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 12:55 pm
Kasim Amat:
I got a better suggestion on tiered pricing for fuel based on NEP. I think UMNO should get membership cards that are eligible for fuel at 10 sen per litre. That way, you are guaranteed of members’ loyalty forever. Then what you and I need to do is to come up with a profit sharing scheme – you use your membership card for cheap fuel, I become the middleman to sell the fuel at slightly below market prices, and both of us can drive around in our Bentleys.
How about it ? Win-win situation for the both of us. Oh, and while we are at it, why don’t you and I get the contract for printing smart cards for UMNO that can also be used at the petrol pumps ? You don’t have to do any work; I will execute the deal for you.
Malaysia Boleh ?
#155 by Jeffrey on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:01 pm
///Let’s support the government and help the country prosper peacefully without any hatred and grudges against one each other. NEP is not for the rich, it is for the poor/// – Kasim Amat.
Explain then how the above tallies with or justifies what citizenwatch posted above including “Time Asia magazine issue on March 15 2004, South East Asian economist at Morgan Stanley in Singapore Daniel Lian, figures “that the country may have lost as much as U$$100 billion (RM320 billion) since the early 1980s to corruption.”
#156 by Kasim Amat on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:03 pm
Multiple tiers on petrol price is necessary and the Bumi should be forbidden to sell it on to Non-bumi. Unless necessary, I will not waste time to response to meaningless postings.
#157 by kingkenny on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:13 pm
“”Saudara Saudari, we need to accept that we are in Malaysia and Orang Melayu is the major ethnic group of this country. Let’s support the government and help the country prosper peacefully without any hatred and grudges against one each other. NEP is not for the rich, it is for the poor. Tun Mahatir again yesterday at the talk organised by Warisan Pekembar confirmed that Malaysia was the only nation in the world where the main ethnic group had admitted other races and endowed them with rights.””
Kasim Amat at it again!
=================================================
For your information Kasim Amat Bodo, we accept that Melayu is the major ethnic group in Malaysia. What we do not accept and will not tolerate anymore is how this country is being managed. Nothing to do with denying Malay as the “major ethnic group” here. So, make yourself understood!
NEP is for the rich, not for the poor…there is a saying where if there is a dog and a man in the sea, who do you save first?…this obviously apply to the giving of tenders and projects…I doubt some Tom Dick & Kasim from the kampung will get the projects even he is a Malay! It will surely go to Deputy Botak’s or AAB’s family’s first!!
Kalau tidak, manalah KJ dapat wang bukak kedai butik di KLCC oi! Manalah Rosmah ada duit shopping saja hari-hari?!?
Ingat sikitlah mangkuk!
And lastly, it shows your level of extremism when you attend some senile and racist EX-official speech, that guy could collapse & die anytime if DSAI just went up to him and just say ‘Hello’….all that he is doing is to prevent DSAI coming to power…and this mamak is using Malay to cover his courageless backside!
Think for a while here Kasim…:)
#158 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:13 pm
OK, if we forbid “bumi” fuel to be sold to non-bumis, how about you and I get the contract to label the fuel as “bumi”. We can put a colouring to the fuel – maybe pink for bumi and colourless for the rest. We can supply the pink dye to all petrol stations. Boleh? You and I get the concession. Government pays us a lump sum per month. Tak payah tender – just negotiated concession.
#159 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:16 pm
You see, Kasim Amat, you don’t have the ideas, but I have plenty of ideas, so in true BN spirit, you and I must work together to achieve the win-win situation. You get the contract, I do the execution – this has been the NEP way for the past 30 years.
#160 by cheng on soo on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:19 pm
Hei, Saudara Kasim & Godfather, can I join in yr petrol business venture? (somebody proposed 10 sen /litre for bumi, RM3.30/litre for non bumi??, still cheaper than Spore or Thailand lah). by selling 10 sen /litre, Msia also create a world record, cheapest oil in the world. MALAYSIA BOLEH !
Saudara Kasim, surely gomen cannot stop all Bumi to sell petrol to others to make a living, want to promote entreprenieurship among Bumi lah!
#161 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:26 pm
cheng on soo:
Sorry lah, you are DAP member, so you don’t qualify. The Ali Baba business cannot have an opposition partner. Besides, Kasim and I have to take care of so many others in UMNO, there is not enough to share.
#162 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:32 pm
Kasim:
In order for the pricing differential to succeed, and to avoid a black market for bumi fuel vs non-bumi fuel, we need to be able to label the fuel accordingly. We must get the contract to label the fuel. Don’t let it go to KJ or a Badawi crony. You and I can do it. If you run into political problems, just offer some free shares to KJ or a Badawi crony.
#163 by badak on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:34 pm
The main reason why our petrol price is high is because ,Our crude oil is sold way way below the market price.And yet we are paying market price for our oil import.WHY Because PATRONAS had peg our crude oil at below RM 11O a barrel.
#164 by rainbowseahorse on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:38 pm
Godfather, I think rebranding the fuel as “halah & non-halah” would be better appeal, don’t you think? Heck, we can easily mass export that to the Middle East. Imagine, First “halah” fuel in the world! Quick somebody inform our brillient PM about this.
I propose we elect saudara Kasim as the CEO to lobby UMNO for this concession. Then to hell with all Malaysian while we quietly become “kaya”. Good idea lah!
#165 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:41 pm
Halal or non-halal fuel ? hmmmmm….Kasim, what do you think ? Maybe not a good idea because it means that all PAS members can also benefit from the low bumi price. Also, it could trigger a rush for many Chinese to convert to Islam in order to gain the benefit from halal fuel….
rainbowseahorse, not a good idea for UMNO.
#166 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:43 pm
Last thing we want is for the country to turn 90 pct Muslim to benefit from halal fuel. No, Kasim and I will stick to “Malays who support UMNO only”. We do the smart cards and the labelling to prevent bumi fuel from falling into the wrong hands.
#167 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:45 pm
If we introduce the concept of halal fuel vs non-halal fuel, then there is no role for Kasim and I to do the labelling. It will simply fall under the Halal Hub, which is promoted by KJ and some Badawi cronies. Tak boleh lah, we must share-share, eh, Kasim ?
#168 by rainbowseahorse on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 1:50 pm
It doesn’t matter how the fuel will be accepted in Malaysia mah! Small market!
As long as it is “halah”, we can convince the Arabs that this should be the ONLY fuel that all Muslims should be using…not forgetting those 120 million odd Chinese Muslims in China too.
Now all we have to wait is for saudara Kasim to accept the post of CEO and to put the deal through with UMNO.
Mass Chinese convert to Islam? Excellent and additional bonus as this is EXACTLY what UMNO desires. More reason for the re-branding!
#169 by Kasim Amat on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:00 pm
Admin – I think you should ban Godfather, rainboweashorse and Cheng On So from posting because of their stupid comments. They have intentionally transformed this blog into their imaginary playground and treat all the readers as idiots!
#170 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:03 pm
Alamak, Kasim Amat, how can you say this ? we are trying to be helpful to UMNO with our suggestions. You were the one who proposed tiered fuel pricing for bumis and non-bumis. Without labelling the fuel or provide smart-cards to bumis, how can this be achieved ?
We must continue the NEP tradition of the past 30 years, if we hear you correctly. So you and I should cooperate and make your tiered fuel pricing proposal a reality.
#171 by cheng on soo on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:08 pm
IF really got multiple tiers of pricing for petrol, then do all petrol kiosks need to partition their undeground tanks? that could be another businesss lah,
Saudara Kasim, U want to ban us, but it was U who first proposed to hv 2 or 3 tier of pricing, we just remind U what may happened!
#172 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:11 pm
Now we are all talking like UMNOputras ! Opportunities exist at every corner ! Hidup NEP !
#173 by donng55 on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:13 pm
Hey Folks, let’s not let our friend Kasim Amat distract us from discussing the key points. He has the right to voice his opinions and others have to right to ignore his comments/ remarks if we disagree with them.
Above all, let’s not get irritated and react angrily. That is what he is trying to achieve, don’t you see it.
#174 by k1980 on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:35 pm
Talking of 2 or 3 tier of pricing for petrol, why don’t there be a 2 or 3 tier of salary scheme? Like this according to the ketuanan melayu concept:–
Bumis: RM10,000 per month flat for all kinds of jobs
Bumis(non-muslims): RM1,000 per month flat for all kinds of jobs
Non-Bumis: RM100 per month flat for all kinds of jobs
#175 by Richardqed on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:41 pm
I would suggest:
To admin — To make it simple, please just ban the joker called Kasim Amat. And really, it would be a good idea to do some IP tracking on suspicious saboteurs such as Killer and this joker.
To Kasim Amat — Since you hate DSAI so much, and you like to play the racial card just like Dr M, go make your postings on Dr M’s website.
To everyone else — Join forces. If the joker Kasim Amat attempts to twist and turn the facts, tear his statements apart sentence by sentence, and show them to be lies and baseless, idiotic statements.
#176 by rainbowseahorse on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:41 pm
Hmmm, ok saudara Kasim, we shall withdraw our nomination for you to be CEO. Still, based on your proposal posting above: “Multiple tiers on petrol price is necessary and the Bumi should be forbidden to sell it on to Non-bumi. Unless necessary, I will not waste time..” we should most definately not lose time in forewarding your brillient proposal to our government. In fact, we should propose an immediate peaceful protest for the government to adopt your proposal…abeit we change the fuel to “halal & non-halal” for marketing purposes as outlined above in earlier posting.
Weldone saudara Kasim!
#177 by Godfather on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:47 pm
Chill out, guys….it’s good to have fun once in a while, especially if we have the opportunity to p!ss on BN and its supporters.
Kasim Amat is here as an agent provocateur, to provoke and to divert attention, and to make baseless remarks. In a true democracy, we should let him voice his comments, most of which are so hilarious but which may actually represent the views of the UMNO grassroots.
#178 by nazryan on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 2:56 pm
Being Malay, I am truly disappointed of what being written by Mr. Kasim Amat. It shows shallowness/ disrespect/ stupidity with his lame excuse, examples, and arguments. In fact I feel pity for him. To all blogger, please do not associate his opinion with the majority Malays. As per PRU 12 result, Malay now days can’t be associate anymore with UMNO stand/ point of view.
As per my posting earlier on the ‘ketuanan Melayu’ thing. It is definitely a way to control other Malays to be obedience to the rich and sultan etc, similar to the Chinese emperor domination but today being misused in a multi-racial country.
As per many historical literatures, the Malays originated from southern part of China and I do believe the earlier settlement push the original natives into the jungle thus the ‘orang asli’. So in that case do we consider or rightly ourselves as being the ‘bumiputra’. And what so great of being hundred years earlier than other rightful Malaysian. Why can’t we live together and accept each other races and their beautiful cultural.
This in fact lead to another topics discussed, whatever races we’re from, the petrol hike affect every single family in Malaysia except if you’re super or filthy rich.
Thus to Kassim Amat, please tell your masters, I do not know which Malaysian can be proud or accept your justification rather than the UMNO-BN totok.
By the way, my grandmother was a Chinese, my grandfather was a Javanes (on my father side) and on my mother side Malay Minang and Malay Ceylones respectively. Err, how do I register myself then?
#179 by rainbowseahorse on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 3:01 pm
Kasim Amat Says:
1) “Admin – I think you should ban Godfather, rainbowseahorse and Cheng On So from posting because of their stupid comments”.
Ehh, saudara Kasim, I think this blog is created precisely for Malaysian regardless of race & religion, who believe in championing for good governance in Malaysia. We all don’t support the BN and most certainly not UMNO as you tend to do. May I suggest you go to UMNO’s blog where your kind will are most welcomed?
2)”They have intentionally transformed this blog into their imaginary playground and treat all the readers as idiots!”
My dear saudara Kasim, where exactly did we three fellow Malaysians treat a fellow blogger like an “idiot”? You proposes and we just help you to refine and even proposes make you the CEO of a potentially lucrative concessionary company with UMNO. But you seem to take offense pulak! Kalau tak mau jadi CEO, sudah lah! Kami pun tak paksa-paksa saudara Kasim jugah! Perhaps you should reconsider your “not so bright” proposal in future before you post!
#180 by Kasim Amat on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 3:01 pm
Well, please go ahead and ban me. I am just correcting some of your readers’ views which have been seriously contaminated by the West and Singapore’s thinking. You can ban me but can you ban the whole of our community from speaking?
#181 by nazryan on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 3:09 pm
YB Kit…
How is your admin/ moderator being paid off? Allowance? Salary? Social service?
Do you have any extra allocation or subsidy to give to Mr. Kasim Amat since he is now a regular and seems to have a lot of time giving/ correcting opinion.
Kasim, you really light our life.
#182 by rainbowseahorse on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 3:11 pm
Yes Godfather, we all need people like Kasim to lighten our life as he can make us smile with his…ehhhh…most entertaining postings. Otherwise, this blog can get rather serious and lopsided towards the opposition parties lah! As you said, Godfather, Kasim’s view might just be the thinking of UMNO which help us bloggers to perhaps have a better understanding of how & where all those.. urrhh.. ”funny” ideas came about from UMNO’s camp.
#183 by Neobanchuan on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 3:17 pm
Fuel price hike is already a confirmed event. We should not lose our focus and we should continue to fight for our welfare.
#184 by Neobanchuan on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 3:19 pm
Since Kasim is apparently a spy from UMNO why don’t the admin ban him from posting?
#185 by rainbowseahorse on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 3:26 pm
Ban Kasim? No, no, no! We need people like saudara Kassim as a measure of UMNO’s level of thinking and intellect…. Plus, he is rather entertaining!
#186 by citizenwatch on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 3:44 pm
All of us should beware of those who blindly support UMNO and BN being planted in the pro-change blog sites or news portals. Their job is to say good things about UMNO and BN even to the point of obvious naivete. Other than here where a personage who acted more like a court jester who had just been shooed off by Godfather and rainbowseahorse, take the case of Chee Siew Sim who wrote in Malaysiakini:
Chee Siew Sim: The recent 41% hike in petrol is not a Malaysian problem but a world-wide issue faced by all mankind.
Why do the opposition parties and those demonstrators blame Pak Lah for this price hike? Pak Lah is protecting our future generations – we bite the bullet now rather than suffer five years down the road when Malaysia becomes a bankrupt nation due to the oil subsidy.
The price hike is justified and yet in spite of it our petrol price is still cheaper than in Thailand and Singapore. We have a compassionate PM who is still dishing out petrol subsidies and food subsidies; we should count our blessings.
#187 by citizenwatch on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 3:53 pm
The President of FOMCA Marimuthu should get his priorities right. After the price hike for fuel, he together with several consumer groups supported the hike and urged the people not to take to the streets to protest. They, as if in unison urge the people to change their lifestyle. And a few days later when PM announced that no more petrol hikes within this year, Marimuthu said the people should be thankful to PM and the govt. Marimuthu should fight for the consumers’ rights – period. Other than that he should just shut up!
#188 by Damocles on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 4:13 pm
The BN government tried very hard by trying to pull wool over our eyes by comparing the petrol prices of non producing countries with oil prodicing ones.
It just shows the duplicity of the government and which has been going on for as long as they are in power.
It’s time to dump them and adopt the PR!
#189 by oknyua on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 4:27 pm
The thread is about Petronas and Petrol prices, but some comments responded to a commentator called Kassim Amat.
Who is kassim? Turn to KPMU website and see the similarity of his usage of English to the postings there. Same flavour and taste, even smell!!
Mr Kassim Amat, post in KPMU, OK? That’s where you are from.
#190 by Damocles on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 4:28 pm
“Other than Petronas has made billions in profits, I think the PM knows nothing else about the company. – oknyua
We don’t expect the PM to be all knowing.
However, we (except you) expect our PM and all future PMs to, at the very least, be knowledgeable!
That’s the absolute minimum.
#191 by sj on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 10:57 pm
Ah, is good to be back to write again.
I think Kasim dude got it all wrong. We wont ban you just because you have different of opinions. But judging from your warped logic, you probably are one of those people who are hardcore BN supporters or party members who does not know how to differentiate between reality and delusions. As for us, we think the goverment is terribly corrupted and it has cause our country to be poor and subject to high inflations. Where even putting rice on the table everyday has been difficult.
You do not ask the people to serve the country when the people are poor and starving just to live by day by day. Go and study some history you illiterate punk before you come in and argue. I highly recommend you to go read the French Revolution. This is exactly what is going on in Malaysia. Marie Antoinette told the people to go eat cake when there is not even food left for the people of France. IS EXACTLY THE SAME SCENARIO AS UMNO/BN ASKING US TO CHANGE OUR LIFESTYLE WHEN THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO CHANGE FOR.
#192 by AirJ on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 - 11:20 pm
A barrel of oil does not equate to a barrel of product(s). Some are lost during processing, some are bottoms which are used as bitumen & coke. The production costs quoted here are from which source? Petrol for example are mixture of blends of products such as reformate (distilled naphtha further processed/reformed), naphtha, MTBE, alcohols, Butane, Alkyls, Isoms and others, depending on the spec people want to produce. All these products are upgraded (hence costlier) than distilled crude oil. Learn more about refining & petrol blending from Discovery channel. Simply coming up with own accords (mixed with lies) just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Regarding Petronas having a high percentage of certain race – it’s true. Many are malays. Why? Petronas is much like the government’s – the pay is average. Typical chinese grads who excel in their studies don’t want to join Petronas as the pay was not up to their likings. The likes of Shell & Esso & others pay better hence the reason there are more chinese in there. I would not say there is no racism in Petronas, there probably is but no more or no less than there is racism in other companies whereby chinese have majority numbers. As much as we hate to admit it, malaysians are generally racists. The writings of some here show you that.
But we should be moving away from it. I understand the unfairness feelings of the chinese and indians from the so-called ke-tuanan melayu thingy etc but you dont fight fire with fire. The fire will not die away. You educate and you cajole and you preach…
As to whether Petronas is efficient or not, the returns from capital of RM 10million (YES, only 10 million) amounting to billions of RM should have some say in that. The fact that Petronas is a Fortune 500 company, the fact that Petronas is the next big 7 (at par with Chinese National Oil Companies and other Giant NOCs) in line after the big Four (ExxonMobil, Shell etc) have some say in that as well. Dont politicise Petronas. It contribute nearly 40% to Malaysia’s economy. Don’t let it die like Pertamina or otherwise we will all regret it.
#193 by undergrad2 on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 12:15 am
I see a lot of exchanges here between Kasim Ahmat and the rest. Have I come to the right blog? Or is this a Kasim Ahmat blog? The last time I visited it was still Lim Kit Siang.
#194 by sj on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 1:13 am
” It contribute nearly 40% to Malaysia’s economy. ” by AirJ
Exactly the point, you said it yourself. Does a national resources that contributes the most income to a country deserves not to be scrutinised inside out? Reporting only to the Prime Minister itself is simply wrong and does not make sense. This is because like what we are now, Petronas is the piggy bank of UMNO/BN. Otherwise where do you think they get soooo much money to squander like that? I suggest the account should be opened and have Petronas to be reported under the Parliament. A country’s wealth must be monitored closely. Not shrouded in secrecy with OSA and threat of ISA. If the money does not go back for the benefits of the people, why do we even bother to let them dig the oil????
WHY? We might as well table a motion in Parliament to allow other oil company to dig for us where they would be more willing to give us a larger return and benefits.
#195 by sj on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 1:22 am
“Dont politicise Petronas.”
This is another old style of UMNO talking. Dont politicise this and that. Reality of the world is, if it involves money and power, there will be politics. You can never escape that. History has stated it as a fact and it has never failed. The question here is, is it a healthy politics or not. Where in Malaysia’s case, it is most OBVIOUS A NOOOOOOOOO DUH.
Healthy politics wont have people like Hishamuddin cabut KRIS and CUCUK BALIK KRIS. Healthy politics wont have members of the Parliament who said “KALAU TAK SUKA BALIK KE CHINA ATAU INDIA.” The politics in Malaysia is RACIST POLITICS and DISCRIMINATION.
Did Haliburton escapes politics? No. Did Shell manage to escape it when they dig in Nigeria? Of course not. I can give you more tonnes of dozens of company faces politics from each and every angle. So stop saying “Dont politicise _____________” you fill in the blank.
#196 by Neobanchuan on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 2:35 am
Kasim Amat has obviously come to the wrong blog but his view has reminded us what is happening in our leaders’ minds right now. With the mentality of Kasim Amat and his masters, I wonder how many more years Malaysia need in order to catch up with countries like Taiwan or Singapore? Even China who used to lag behind us but has now surpassed us in many areas. With only few years of transformation, the high efficiency and transparency that China demonstrated in its public projects can only make us feel shamed and full of remorse. With my presence in China, I have seen everyone around the world coming to China to look for opportunities and do businesses. These includes small or big businessmen from Africa, Middle East or even Indonesia. Sadly, I have not seen any of our Bumi business owners ventured into this land. I have seen the Africans here learning to do business and negotiating with the cunning Chinese in the crowded wholesale markets. They are getting better and better and some has even opened up shops in China an their spoken mandarin is better than many of the Malaysian Chinese. Where are our Bumi business owners? Are they still sleeping or they are still waiting for the gomen to buy them the airtickets? They are just too comfort to come to China even though they know most of their imported accessories and raw materials are made in China. Perhaps they think it is worthless to come because there are already ready suppliers who imported everything for them and there is always a buyer who will buy from them the right price. How many more years can the gomen buy from them? Can the gomen keep coming out with projects to fund these businessmen? How long can they be weathered by the gomen? The world is unfolding itself and globalisation is directly threatening the survival of many businesses. Without being creative and keep innovating the business, there is only one route to go – Hell. I can say China is not going to give chance to anybody in this survival game. All the young Chinese are full of energy and creativity and they are hard working. So are Indian nationals. They won’t miss any single opportunity to learn and they are learning fast. For example, some Chinese youngsters are blaming the government for only allowing English to be taught in when they are primary 6. They feel shamed for not able to speak fluent English and they want to learn. See this kind of attitude? This is who we are competiting in future as a result of globalisation. Can we survive in the game? Big question mark. Even we Chinese businessmen are worried, and they are still sleeping? The ability to survive has to be learnt, not given. I wonder why our leaders cannot figure out this simple logic?
#197 by Godfather on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 7:37 am
Kasim Amat is merely the latest in a number of UMNO agents sent here to distract and to divert attention from the issues at hand. We all remember RealWorld, Killer and Shamsul. They could be one and the same person, but one thing is unmistakable – all of them plead innocence and plead for UMNO’s survival.
“Give the Sleepy Head more time.” “He is serious about reform.” “PR can’t do any better.” “All the allegations are baseless.” “What evidence do you have?”
All of these clowns come to this blog armed with the standard UMNO tape-recorder and they get laughed at, they get humiliated, they get p!ssed on. Then UMNO sends another for the same treatment. They still don’t understand that they can’t counter the TRUTH.
#198 by k1980 on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 8:04 am
When Pak Pandir and Mat Jenin change their lifestyles
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll210/shankulasingam/PM-1.jpg
#199 by Jeffrey on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 8:41 am
If you ask me it is sheer waste of resources and lack of focus to employ cyber trooper from ranks of unemployed (graduated from US with reasonable English) merely to “distract and to divert attention from the issues at hand” or worse still act as “agent provocateur” to incite sensitive issues disrupting harmony.
Not being able to counter the truth is one thing, trying to preach to the converted without being armed with facts, logic and balance of discourse is counter productive to reinforce detractors negative perception deeper.
The better course is to shed the hypocrisy and come out open to admit one’s credential as a ‘sincere’ cyber communicator – this builds up a modicum of trust amongst those addressed – the mission of which is to engage Malaysians in a 2 way dialogue of government’s position, articulating the government’s position in cogent manner based on whatever facts and data made available by the government, collecting feed back for dissemination back to it for deliberation on how to improve governance and correct the negative stance of detractors. Never defend the indefensible as that erodes credibility of one’s message.
#200 by taiking on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 9:17 am
Someone said that Petronas is only a company and therefore it cannot be asked to do this and that.
Correct. Correct. Correct.
A company in law is a seperate entity.
So if I bumped into oil or gold or even antiques under my house I too would start a company to exploit the find.
But that is not possible.
I cant touch them.
I cant exploit them gainfully.
As a matter of fact, no one, whether a person or an entity, can.
For such things belong to the country.
So Petronas does not own the oil in our country.
When Petronas pumps the oil from the land of our country it does so for and on behalf of the country.
So what is this argument about Petronas being a company and cannot be asked to do this and that with the money it had gained from our oil.
Nonsense.
#201 by AirJ on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 9:47 am
sj
I have no qualms if Petronas are to table its expenditures to Parliament etc – we have nothing to hide. However, do you really think Petronas should bare all its information to public? Come on, you know better than that. If we are trying to acquire a company, thinking of investing somewhere do you think our competitors won’t take note and gain advantage here? Whatever price we pay to operate in Sudan or Turkmenistan is very much a valuable secret MANY other companies would like to know. We will surely lose our competitive edge. Petronas is a first and foremost a business entity so our obligation is to make profit, period. Then whatever we had profited we give back to our shareholders, the Government. Is it still our faults if those money are not well spent? Is Petronas above the Government to dictate how and where the Government spends the money we give? Move to have your chosen MP or representative in the Board is a much better option wouldn’t it? Do that, work towards that.
I completely agree that the oils belong to the rakyat and we have a huge amanah on our shoulder trying to add value to this precious resources that God has given us but we are NOT the government. Please have that ingrained into your head. Even then we do more than our fair share of social obligation to the community. Why Petronas? Why not call for other GLCs to bare all?
Malaysian oil has been coming out from our land since early 1900. Only since Petronas formation has a huge chunk been returned back to Malaysia. The likes of Shell and Esso has reaped more than their fair share of oil and bring the profits back to their country for nearly 100 years!! How much oil money did you see 50 years ago? HELLO? Think man before you post, don’t make a complete idiocy of yourself. You think these companies give a rat-ass of Malaysian people well-being? Their obligation is to their shareholders, not rakyat of Malaysia. You think if we give all the contracts to them, they will pay each Malaysian RM1,000 directly like some kind of charity? You are more naive than a five-year old!
When I say about not politicising Petronas I mean don’t let MP meddle with the day-to-day business. If you understand business then you’d understand this statement. Why LGE gave some posts to Gerakan (now ex-Gerakan) person in Penang? Coz he is the best person to manage that company – no political sentiment, it’s purely business sense. Leave the business part to those who KNOW the business and KNOW how to run the business. As good as LGE is, he would be the first to admit he cannot run Petronas as good as current Petronas President. Learn the demise of Pertamina, a huge giant in OPEC once – due to meddling of politicians.
Lastly I’d have to say sometimes you have to put your emotions aside and think with your brain. I know it’s difficult times with all goods prices rising and people are angry. Channel that energy into a more positive and beneficial acts. Don’t equate Petronas with the government. We are not.
#202 by AirJ on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 10:00 am
taiking
that’s not entirely true. If I am not mistaken, if you find some valuable minerals/oil within 2 feet depth on your land, then it’s yours.
You are saying as if the oil belongs to YOU alone. You alone do not constitute Malaysia. I might have a different say on what should be done with the oil found. So would any Tom, Dick and Harry. Point is, if you ask the 26 million Malaysians, each of them will have their own say on what to be done with it. So what should you do then? Petronas is entrusted to take care of this resources. We have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to do so. Are we the best people to it? Well, if you don’t think so, then you as a Malaysian have the right to vote for whichever party to become Government, whom in turn would appoint the correct or suitable people. That is the process.
I have never said Petronas should not be asked to do the right thing with the oil profits/money. I just said you have to understand Petronas jurisdiction. We HAVE to give the profits back to the Government as our shareholders. We have NO CONTROL on how the money given being spent. We cannot simply give the money directly to the people even if that is what we want to do. Please understand that.
#203 by rainbowseahorse on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 10:11 am
AirJ Says: “…Dont politicise Petronas. It contribute nearly 40% to Malaysia’s economy. Don’t let it die like Pertamina or otherwise we will all regret it”.
Dear Airj, we mean to tell us to leave Petronas entirely in the hands of the government, and not to politicise this issue?
OK, you do have a fair view of the situation, now I want to ask whether you really trust our government that much with the wealth of Petronas? As with any project left entirely in the hands of our government without due transparencies & accountability, how many more years do you think Petronas will survive past local oil reserves?? Then I have to ask you this: Tell me which has been a success story of a government entity project/company? Most of us know that anything the government managed to lay their crummy hands on, these projects/companies turned to big white elephants and the government goes no end in trumpeting their ‘successes’ while we know that it costs a fortune just to keep these projects going and the companies running. It’s the old “Style mimang mau, kalah tak apa!” mentality, plus of course, opportunities for gross corruption and mismanagement of government funds made available to these white elephants.
“…Petronas is much like the government’s – the pay is average. Typical Chinese grads who excel in their studies don’t want to join Petronas as the pay was not up to their likings. The likes of Shell & Esso & others pay better…”
Airj, you sound rather cautious there in your statement! I think you would like to say there is indeed racism n Petronas as almost ALL new trainees are Malay and that Chinese & Indians form maybe a 0.1 percent in Petronas’s work force mainly due to racism in Petronas. Salaries for Trainees & Junior staffs in Petronas is what would be expected in industries, but salaries for skilled and senior staffs are definitely below par compared to other oil players. So what does this tells you? Petronas is not being that smart nor wise in attracting and having well qualified staffs in the company. That would bring the question as to why this is being practiced in Petronas, wouldn’t it? To answer that would need some in-depth studies into the operating systems of Petronas which I won’t partake.
#204 by AirJ on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 11:19 am
rainbowseahorse
I was not cautious. I call it as it is. I had interviewed one chinese grad for an exec job. We asked him why he chose Petronas and would he stay long in Petronas (He had a very good academic credentials and his father has a successful family business). But he said he would want to join & stay so we hired him. He was a performer too and I had rewarded him with merits and was the top-ranked exec that I had. After a few year he got an offer somewhere else with hefty payrise and he left. I talked to him and he said the higher salary (more than 2 times) in the big factor.
That’s just the reality. If you had talked to insider you will know that many Petronas staff has left to join other oil companies, mainly in the middle-east. It’s the law of supply & demand. On the racist thing, I said it in my post. I said I will not deny racism exists in Petronas because in all probability it does but no more or no less than what exists in other companies dominated by Chinese. I hate it but it’s not a perfect world.
Do you have proof chinese grads applied to Petronas and was rejected based on race? I am just saying perhaps there are other reasons as to why there are not many chinese in Petronas or applying for Petronas. My money is on the average pay. It could be due to geography as most of the Petronas positions are in the East Coast of Malaysia and many chinese live on the West Coast. I can also say the same about ExxonMobil or Shell, can’t I?
Do I trust the Government to spend the money given correctly? I have answered that with my vote during recent GE. What do you think? Being native Terengganu with all the Wang Ehsan fracas :-) I am just saying here that it’s not fair to blame Petronas when it is not within our control on how to spend the profits generated from Petronas.
Corruptions are everywhere and it’s rife. To say that Petronas is free from corruption would probably be a lie but to my knowledge I can earnestly say that Petronas is one of the most efficient of all GLCs. If corruption is so rife in Petronas would we have been a Fortune 500 company? Bear in mind the size of Malaysia and oil reserves compared to other countries such as China, Brazil, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria etc. We are not in OPEC and yet our National Oil Company is among the top ten in the world. Says it all really. Even the Government by and large leaves us to conduct our business as we have been successful.
#205 by rainbowseahorse on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 12:13 pm
Airj,
Ok, you got your point there in saying what amounts to other races uses Petronas as a stepping stone and would not stay long due to the lower salaries structure. This is most probably the prime reason why there are so many more Malay Trainees then from other races because of this risk factor. I will not furnished proof of Chinese and Indians grads who applied to Petronas and was rejected based on race as this would entails too many complications. We know the reality and we shall just leave it at that.
No, you and I and the other ordinary Malaysians have no control and say over whatsoever and howsoever in Petronas spending. But your statement: “…not fair to blame Petronas when it is not within our control on how to spend the profits generated from Petronas.” intrigues me! Hmmm, this can be open to many interpretations as you, who is obviously a Petronas employee, is implying that Petronas has not much control on how to spend the profits generated from Petronas either. So please tell me, who does the controlling then? I guess it’s our PM, right?
Corruption is rife in our Malaysian society and indeed accepted facts of life. However this does not mean that we condone or like the practice. We Malaysians have placed so much hope and faith on Pak Lah to make good his 2004 election pledges, but he seem to have negate on those pledges. To give him credit, some attempts and inroads has been made, but hardly enough to have any significant impact.
You asked, “If corruption is so rife in Petronas would we have been a Fortune 500 company?”. Is the ranking based on assets, oil & gas reserves, investments, or the total financial strength of Petronas? I can see and know the blatant wastages and huge projects costs overruns in Petronas, and whilst these funds might not significantly impact upon Petronas bottom line for now due to their huge earnings from LNG and oil, in the years to come when LNG and oil becomes limited, then the acid test is on where Petronas would rank in Fortune 500. For now, 50 billion ringgit is not that much to Petronas as earnings are very much more than that. But, as we all know, history will eventually reveal the scale of those excesses and the impact on the fortunes of Petronas.
Do you really think that Petronas is that well managed?? I don’t think nor believe so. Time will tell!
#206 by sj on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 12:53 pm
“The likes of Shell and Esso has reaped more than their fair share of oil and bring the profits back to their country for nearly 100 years!! How much oil money did you see 50 years ago? HELLO? Think man before you post, don’t make a complete idiocy of yourself. You think these companies give a rat-ass of Malaysian people well-being? Their obligation is to their shareholders, not rakyat of Malaysia. You think if we give all the contracts to them, they will pay each Malaysian RM1,000 directly like some kind of charity? You are more naive than a five-year old!”
Shell and Esso has been reaping it for the pass 100 years in Malaysia was because Malaysia lack the technology, people and funds and was not even in the position to talk. SO therefore is another issue dont try and simply mix and match stuff around. Petronas owns all the field in Malaysia currently, other oil and gas company does not own anything except their own technology, people and profit sharing with Petronas. As far as I know, these company initially did not give a rat’s ass to people but they are slowly changing that. They are involved in charity work. The new way of managing a company is it must have social obligations to give back to the people. Of course they would use this opportunity to promote their company. Who wont. So to say that they completely ignore the people is not really painting the real picture here. Shell, and others at least have reputation of helping people. Does Petronas has that kind of reputation? Start asking yourself that. Besides your very own Petronas scholarship which people also view as a tool of discrimination what else do you have? Do you spearhead alternative energy initiative? Do you propose to have hybrid car imported? Do you help build schools? Do you give to the poor? Petronas is not known for that kind of reputation at all. What is well known and Petronas has a reputation for is, PIGGY BANK FOR THE PM OF MALAYSIA. So will people blame you and be angry at you guys for that? I would say absolutely.
I however do agree that maybe putting the representative of the people in the board in order to have some influence in the company to give back to the people. There is no check and balance there that is why corruption is so rampant.
“However, do you really think Petronas should bare all its information to public? Come on, you know better than that. If we are trying to acquire a company, thinking of investing somewhere do you think our competitors won’t take note and gain advantage here? Whatever price we pay to operate in Sudan or Turkmenistan is very much a valuable secret MANY other companies would like to know.”
I did not say bare all its information to the public until you lose competitive advantage. Stop twisting my words. I said they need to be scrutinised inside out in order to ensure there is no hanky panky going on. Again you said it yourself, they report to the goverment, if the goverment is corrupted and is strong arming Petronas to give them more cash why continue the dealings when the bussiness is illegal to begin with? There is no integrity in that. What DAP has been fighting for about Petronas showing out what dealings they have with the goverment is the thing here. We all want to know what happen to the money. Otherwise you and I wont having this conversation about corruption and price hike to begin with.
“Don’t equate Petronas with the government. We are not.”
MAKE A FREAKING MEDIA STATEMENT. CALL FOR A PRESS CONFERENCE AND TELL THIS TO THE PUBLIC DAMN IT. WHEN THE PM ANNOUNCED THE PRICE HIKE WHAT DID YOU PEOPLE DO? KEEP QUIET AND SAT BACK.
#207 by lakilompat on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 12:59 pm
THERE ARE MANY STUPID EXCUSE even in Multi national today?
THE SALES FOLKS LOAD THE SALES FORECAST, THE PLANNER LOAD ALL THE MATERIALS TO FULFILL THE SALES FORECAST IN THE SYSTEM. WELL, HOW STUPID IS IT TO BOAST SALES THIS WAY WITHOUT GETTING REAL CONCRETE PURCHASE ORDER. THIS IS A BUSINESS RISK BECOS AT THE END OF THE DAY, THERE MIGHT NOT BE REAL PURCHASE ORDER FROM CUSTOMER. ALL ARE JUST A SHAM, OR FALLACY.
#208 by limkamput on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 1:42 pm
“It contribute nearly 40% to Malaysia’s economy. Don’t let it die like Pertamina or otherwise we will all regret it”. Airj
hello, may i know where you get this from? contributing 40% to Malaysia economy? Please, contributing 40% to Federal Government revenue is very different from 40% of Malaysian economy.
#209 by limkamput on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 1:55 pm
There is no need to discuss long and wide. One said Petronas is not well managed or its fund have been abused by the Government. The other said no. To him, Petronas is Fortune 500 company, and unlike foreign oil companies who reap profits without caring much for the people at large, Petronas has been a responsible company for the general good of Malaysians.
We all want to know who is more right or who is less wrong. So, let open the books of Petronas, and from now on let Parliament scrutinise the operations of Petronas. How about it? When the going is good, it is difficult to detect fats and excesses.
#210 by lakilompat on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 1:56 pm
Looks like many ppl. has forgot abt. Project Perwaja steel, and MV Augusta. For each dollar we gain we lost twice that amount.
For each billion Petronas earn, we lost twice as much as that amount.
#211 by gundam on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 2:19 pm
petronas is dealing with oil, oil is a commodity.
it doesnt take a genius to run a company like tis.
wat is there to be so proud of jst by making it to the Fortune 500?
#212 by donng55 on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 2:54 pm
Hi folks
I must say I find Airj’s message – “Don’t equate Petronas with the government. We are not” – understandable and reasonable.
His big boss Petronas CEO Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican clearly explained to the nation last night live over television that “Petronas is subject to the control and direction of the Prime Minster under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 — WHICH WAS PASSED BY PARLIAMENT”.
The message is therefore very clear : Petronas will do what the PM asks of it under the 1974 Act; and any changes to be made to the way Petronas is run must first be approved by the PM who is responsible to the Parliament.
So you see, it is back to the MPs who we have voted for for enabling the government to continue to deny rakyat’s access to Petronas’ income and expense information. (To AirJ: Hope this will address your concerns that Petronas would be rendered less competitive should sensitive financial info be made public.)
And ultimately, it is back to us, yes all of us, for repeatedly voting in the MPs who genuflect and are suffered from herd-poisoning.
Thus, it is clear now who we should jump on and what we should do to set things right.
In the heat of our “Summer of discontent,” it is hoped that we remain calm and open-minded when engaged in public discourse such as this to avoid hurting feelings of others, especially those from other communities. I am of the view that AirJ is genuinely trying to share his views on the subject matter and we should welcome his input in a positive way.
I didn’t mean to make a speech here, but if it appeared to be so you have my apologies.
#213 by lakilompat on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 3:50 pm
dongg55 did made a point there. Well many donkeys are still mulling around for that lil piece of carrots govt. is guiding them.
#214 by ch on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 3:59 pm
Dear All,
We should not lose focus on the core subject of this blog and refrain from using expletives when providing/posting comment. I have been informed by a friend working in the US that Malaysia produces 751,800 barrel of oil per day with an average consumption of 501,000 barrel per day. Malaysia is also importing 278,600 barrels of oil per day from various sources and they are being blended into the locally produced oil. The blended products would then be introduced into the local market. However, one must be informed that Malaysia exports 611,200 barrel of oil per day to various destinations as well. From simple arithmetics, one will soon find out that Malaysia requires only 140,600 barrel of locally produced oil for its own consumption as the balance are being made up of the 278,600 barrel of oil imported into the country.
In short, Malaysia requires only 419,200 barrel of oil to produce 501,000 barrel for its local use i.e. 140,600 + 278,600 i.e. a blend ratio of 56% imports and 44% local produced to produce 501,000 barrel. It is also goes to show that the oil produced by Petronas is of higher quality hence the 81.29% export ratio vis-a-vis import of 55.60%. It is believed that Malaysia has a reserve of 3 billion barrel and would last for another 3,990 days or ten years if Petronas continues with the same pace as of now. Ten years is just a matter of two general elections.
However, we must pose several questions that I deemed pertinent viz:-
1) Has Petronas succesfully discover new oil fields after years of explorations?
2) If yes, are the 3 billion reserves included into the variations?,
3) CM Nik Aziz alleges that BN is trying very hard to conquer Kelantan in the last general election for its oil reserves. If this is true then I wonder if they are able to verify as to the amount of reserves in Kelantan would last? If the above 3 billion reserves are not inclusive of Kelantan then maybe Malaysia has a couple of more years before the wells dry up.
#215 by buyabest on Wednesday, 18 June 2008 - 9:58 pm
Dear all,
I just wonder how lack of economic knowledge all those readers are. Do all of you aware that by paying more and more subsidy, which mostly received by foreign company such as Shell, Exxon etc (Malaysian never appreciate local brand), will resulted very bad result in our long term economic performance. The government pay subsidy, those Company which received the money will bring it to their own country. Then, will weaken our ringgit value which subsequently increase import product’s price.
Do all of you learned any basic economic theory? Subsidy is a one off transaction that won’t bring any further benefit to our country. So, rather than increase the subsidy, it’s better for the government to spend the money by way of normal transaction – projects, educations etc. Why? In theory, every RM1 spend by the government will bring back approximately RM5 for our GDP (provided the money not flow out of the country). So, it’s a kind of investment for the future. What about subsidy? one off, once the government paid to foreign company, they send home the money and finish…
Since Pak Lah become PM and come out with the intention of “balance budget”, I already expected the development rate will slow down. At that time, people complaining about less project, termination of mega project and so on. So, the government splash cash and build up so called “mega project”. And now, people complaining about those project. Pity government, everything is wrong/incorrect move…
Increase in petrol price of RM0.78 per liter, people says it’s suppose to be piecemeal increment rather than jump up the price. Do people aware that every time petrol price increase, regardless the scale, will increase other price. If the government implement piecemeal increment, let say 5 stages, then for every stage of increase will resulted increase in price of others. Imagine, “roti canai” will normally increase for every time increase in petrol will cost us RM1.50 in mamak stall at the end of the piecemeal increment.
After all, not everything done by the government was wrong. I agreed that they make mistakes. Who don’t? For the assault made, please come out with evident. Even Mr Karpal Singh, a lawyer unable to prove any wrongdoing. If he got prove, I 100% believed he will bring it to the court, local or international. “cakap-cakap with out prove, everybody can lor…”
#216 by AirJ on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 12:06 am
There are two companies, one is local and the other is foreign. Company A shareholders are local rakyat and the other foreign investors, who do you think have the people at heart? Ask Petronas staff why are they still in Petronas when they can jump ship and obtain better pay in other/foreign companies? Because we want to help OUR nation, we want to leave our legacy as Malaysians.
Sj
I am guessing you are from one of the foreign oil companies. Don’t say the likes of Shell and Esso contribute more towards the well being of Malaysia because it is just not true. How many thousands of students are getting education at University Petronas @ Tronoh? How many more students are being sponsored in Malaysia by Petronas, be it Secondary Schools or Universities? Many Petronas subsidiaries adopt one local school whereby they contribute by sponsoring the expenses, tutoring students (on their weekends), adopting a brother/sister to help their studies further and awarding their achievements. There are Petronas staff who holds free tutions at night to local kids. How many rumah anak yatim being helped, how many skilled Malaysians being trained/educated at our local Petroleum Institute in Terengganu?
Petronas was set-up to guard Malaysia’s interests in our natural resources. How do you think the previous PSC (production sharing contract) between Shell and Sarawak dulu? It’s ok for them to practically take all the oil away from us and benefited tremendously because we were not technologically astute back then? They used to be evil back then but they have since turned good? Put yourself in their position and tell me straight you wouldnt be tempted to wiggle a little bit into your account if you could “bend” the law/rule/contract a bit. They are business entity, not welfare company. Their business is to make money, more money for their shareholders. Name me one school Shell or Esso has built in Malaysia?
Look, I understand you are angry with the price increase. Dont you think I am not too? I also have children to feed, houses to pay etc etc and no, unfortunately we dont get discounts for petrol (I definitely think we should be hey…life is not about getting all things in your way). I truly believe many Petronas staff have sacrificed (either by not jumping ship to another well-paying company or working at the oil rig for 2 weeks not have the comfort of family or safeguarding Petronas projects under the 50 degC bake of Sudan sun with the sounds of guns from the tribal-fighting looming behind you) so that they can contribute to OUR nation. We dont ask for thank-yous, we dont ask for accolades but some people like you blame US for this? Now you can understand my little rage here my man.
If I can persuade my President to give each and everyone of us RM1,000 to alleviate our hardship, I would. If I can tell my President to reduce petrol price to 20 sen/liter, I would. Heck I would rob a bank and give the poor and needy people the money they crave to live-by but we are living in a world where there are rules and regulations. Not satisfied? Take it to your MPs/ADUNs and ask them to table the motion to Parliament. Yes, Petronas is the cash cow, the money spinning/making machine for the Government. Yours and mine, elected by you and me. If DAP were the Government, we would be glad to make more money and contribute the same because our responsibility is to the nation, not to BN, DAP, PKR or PAS or whatever. Blaming Petronas on how the Government spend is like putting the blame on the mother of a convict/criminal for giving birth to the person.
Rainbowseahorse
You are entitled to your own opinion as to whether Petronas is well run or not as do I and others. How many President/CEO have been changed at MAS? At TNB? At Telekom? At JBA? All these are GLCs. Yet for the past 15 yrs at Petronas helm remains one person, hasnt been replaced. It’s quite a feat for someone who doesnt seem to like politics a lot. FYI, there are several factors a company being rated in the Fortune500, total earnings, total assets, highest ROI or ROC to name a few major ones. Check out their websites to know more. For a few years Petronas remains the only one company from Malaysia in the Fortune500.
#217 by Ronson on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 12:29 am
ch, your answers.
Exploration and Production
Malaysia’s proven oil reserves have declined in recent years, despite growth in E&P activities. Petronas and its various PSC partners have been most active exploring offshore areas, especially in deepwater zones that pose high operating costs and require substantial technical expertise. Despite several new projects that are set to come onstream in the next several years, EIA forecasts that Malaysia’s oil production will fall to 693,000 bbl/d in 2008, a 13 percent decrease from 2006 levels.
Malaysia’s new oil production projects include the Kikeh block, the country’s first deepwater oil and natural gas discovery. Field operator Murphy Oil expects initial production of 40,000 bbl/d in January 2008, ramping up to 120,000 bbl/d later in the year. The Shell-operated Gumusut/Kakap deepwater fields are scheduled to begin production in 2010, possibly reaching 150,000 bbl/d by 2011. Shell also expects to begin oil production at the deepwater Malikai field by 2012, although no production timetable is set.
In February 2007, Petronas started construction of the new Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT), which will have a capacity to handle 300,000 bbl/d of oil and 1 Bcf/d of natural gas. The construction of the SOGT terminal has led many analysts to believe that new deepwater oil and natural gas production slated to come onstream over the next several years in Sabah will be destined for export markets.
Overseas E&P
In an effort to offset declining domestic oil reserves, Petronas has initiated several overseas E&P projects. At present, Petronas is invested in 29 countries, with an upstream component in 23 of these countries. Much of the company’s international involvement is conducted by its overseas investment arm, Petronas Carigali.
From http://www.eia.doe.gov/cabs/Malaysia/Oil.html
#218 by AirJ on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 12:30 am
ch
fyi 1 barrel (bbl) of crude oil does not equate to 1 bbl of product. Malaysia’s crude is sweet (low in sulfur) and sells at better price (not twice but several dollars higher) than middleast’s sour crude. Crude oil is refined to LPG (C3 & C4), Naphtha (C5-C9), Kerosene, Diesel and Heavies. Naphtha in turn is upgraded to Reformate which form the base of Petrol. Petrol itself is a blend of several products such as MTBE, Alcohols, Alkyls, Naphtha and Butane. Depending on which type of crude is being distilled you get different percentages of above products so 1 bbl of crude oil does not equate to 1 bbl of petrol so simple arithmetic cannot be applied.
To answer your question, yes Petronas has discovered new fields but thus it’s getting harder and harder to do so. We are moving into deepwater exploration now to do it. The rate of findings is less than the rate of production, so in any way you see it the resources is dwindling. Even the notion that we are currently net exporter is not entirely true as for some products we need to import sometimes to fulfill local requirements. We are also trying to acquire reserves from overseas. However to do business with them is difficult. They normally questions why should we give the contract to explore to you when Shell & ExxonMobil have been around for a while and are more known. Here comes the reason why we are investing in F1. It has the biggest viewers in sport that can be connected to oil/petroleum. We have to make known of ourselves. For those in marketing you’d know the power of brands. You can easily see Shell and ExxonMobil logos in many F1 cars too. As for Kelantan case I am not involved in the study there so I dont know if there are a lot of reserves there. I’d like to think so being close proximity with Terengganu but I am not too sure. The thing is Malaysian laws are heavily favoring the Federal. Anything outside 1.5 km from the shore (I think) belongs to Federal and not the state. It’s the same reason why the oil discovered offshore of Terengganu belongs to Government and Trg gets back “Royalty” of 5% only. Who wrote and approve this law? That you have to ask MPs la kot. I have to bid good night to all as I need my rest. I’ll try to answer questions if there are any from you guys as best as I can tomorrow.
#219 by qookhoo on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 1:12 am
Don’t you all see that AirJ is on Petronas payroll…
Keep on respond as “WE”…
“WE” = “Petronas” = “BN” milking cow… + malaysian money sucker…
Sorry for you to be defending such employer…
cheers…
#220 by cheng on soo on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 10:42 am
AirJ
It is fair to compare Petronas with other big companies in other business..
a). Petronas hv practically no competitor to undercut the price of their product (petrol) to very low price (near zero profit, or even loss)).
b). Petrol business do hv risk, problems (less production, rising cost),yes, but if one add up all the cost of producing petrol, this cost is still far below selling price (even if it is only US$49 per barrel).
In short, it is one of the most profitable (if not the MOST) legal business that can be ! ppl in oil producing business are one of luckiest.
Work in off shore, under hot Sun?/, yes, but are U ppl not highly rewarded with big $$$ ??
#221 by cheng on soo on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 10:42 am
Oh sorry, should be “It is NOT fair to compare….”
#222 by rainbowseahorse on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 11:39 am
Looks like a battle of wits and views between corporate Petronas and the ordinary Rakyat.
Perhaps saudara Kasim would like to take a crack at this?
Godfather, any comments? Cheng on soo has already put in some of his thoughts. And me?? I shall have to get back to you later AirJ. You have all the figures of Petronas at your finger tips while we ordinary Rakyat have no access to Petronas books, remember? But I chuckle at your writing “..not jumping ship to another well-paying company or working at the oil rig for 2 weeks not have the comfort of family or safeguarding Petronas projects under the 50 degC bake of Sudan sun with the sounds of guns from the tribal-fighting looming behind you…” as you seem to imply that Petronas employees are the ONLY ones who works under very difficult & dangerous situation, and who sacrifices a lot for the sack of the nation. Well, like I said, I’ll have to get back to you later. Have to work for a living, you know!
#223 by AirJ on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 12:26 pm
qookhoo
I thought I had made it absolutely clear that I work with Petronas, I never tried to hide it. What differentiate you and I? You also work right? You and your company also pay tax to the Government (BN or not it was you and me who voted for them). What makes me and Petronas sucker and you and your company not? If your company make billions of dollars and pay huge amount to tax to the Government can I blame you too?
cheng on soo
True the commodity being oil, it’s easier to have higher profit. Also true the current high price equates to higher profit but law of supply and demand prevail. We need equipment/technology etc to produce and sell oil. Once the supplier knows the price of oil is high, they mark up their prices. At the end of the day, it is the margin that counts. As good and large (more efficient yes?) as ExxonMobil is, the increase of profit from last year compared to this year is only USD 1 billion. Bear in mind price of oil nearly doubled (I think?) within the same period.
I did say compare to other National Oil Companies in the world who have more oil & gas reserves, Petronas is still in top ten. In some categories it is number 1 (Returns on Capital – ROC). We are lucky to be in this business? Yes, we thank God for that. We are rewarded for our hardship? Well I would say yes though some staff may disagree. It’s not that we are complaining on our remuneration (ok we do complain a bit). We only ask for consideration of our feelings. Are we different Malaysians just because we work with Petronas? Are we vile, scary, money-sucking mongrels because our company happens to pay high dividends to the BN Government?
rainbowseahorse
I am sorry if you misunderstood me. I never tried to imply that. I know there are other people who have far harder/dangerous jobs with less securities & remuneration than mine and for that I thank my God that I have this job. I am only saying why suddenly we are being treated like criminals/thieves and accused of so many things for something that we cannot even control? How would you feel if being put is same position? Bonus of 30 months, Salary of RM30k are some of the things being thrown around. Man, if I get that why do I ride KTM/LRT to work?
#224 by qookhoo on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 12:57 pm
AirJ,
Firstly, I don’t work for a malaysian company. I’m just born & stay here. It’s a sad country, there is no competitiveness. Everything is just lay back, reminds me of NZ. If it’s not done today, maybe tomorrow or the day after.
Secondly, there is no regards for talent & knowledge worker in malaysia. This is why many people prefer to work aboard.
Lets all look into this equation;
Outflow of talents = sub standard talents leftover = lower wages = low earning power + higher cost of living + escalating economical pressure (better planned infrastructure + transparency + higher level of EQ + mentality) from neighboring country = “Rulers” + “BN” cronies need to increase “income + status” = increasing pricing of daily goods & kinds of the people = Petronas as the one of the tool…
There will be more to come from this current govt, as the “the change in hand” kicks in. The possibility of using “that the past PM, now I’m running the show, – SO, IT’S MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY -“.
Lets not go into the highway yet, that’s another story…
cheers…
#225 by rainbowseahorse on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 2:31 pm
AirJ, ok, for me it’s not a question of whether Petronas is better than the other foreign oil companies in Malaysia. If pitted against the other oil companies, I’ll stand by Petronas any time.
Without elaborating, corruption is rife in Petronas with many senior personnel becoming millionaires received from contractors and sub-contractors for expensive project works.
Petronas practice employment of contract staffs (as do the other oil companies) some of whom have been with Petronas for over ten years.
True that for the past 15 years, Petronas helm remains with one person and who has not been replaced. But to say “It’s quite a feat for someone who doesn’t seem to like politics a lot” leaves me with doubt over that statement as no Malaysian business, least of all Petronas, is untouched by politics. What we ordinary Rakyat wants to know is what Petronas, being the trustee of the nation’s immense oil wealth, do with all the profits? Yes, it’s all very well to tell us Rakyat that all the money is in good hands as they are well invested for our future generation and other reassurances. But the big question is, are these and will the profits be accountable to the people? If so, when and how can we know that our very tainted government, and Petronas top executives, are not siphoning off some of that profits for themselves? When billions are involved, it’s just too much to ask the people to “trust us, we know what we are doing!”.
Bear in mind that I am not saying that Petronas profits should be used up for the people as, Petronas being a business entity, reinvestments is very necessary. All I am saying is that there should be accountability and responsibility in Petronas business which belongs to all Malaysians. If our “elected” government cannot be trusted with money concern, how so with Petronas?
#226 by ch on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 2:55 pm
Dear All,
This sounds more like it as we blog with facts and constructive comments.
#227 by lopez on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 4:15 pm
how would it be like to a petronas sponsored student,
what is it like after graduation, how do they fair relative to the bolihlanf graduit.
Do you know once you get admitted , you are practically just like winning a lottery ticket, only differerence is that almost all of them cannot patronise lottery by their upbringing and they is not need to.
Your future is planned at the xpense of others,
study and get paid and get better pay after graduit and eve better if you in the right camp, even better if you excel acamedically, the list of hopes dont stop till you go six under.
Who owns and stays in those bungalows neighbhood, of course the business man and towkays, it is understandable he worked for it,
Among them also got salary man in the neighborhood, a handout parasite.
#228 by Kasim Amat on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 6:34 pm
Saudara-saudari, cuba sabar sikit. Saya dapat rakyat perlu berfikir dengan baik-baik dan perlu berfikir dengan rasional . Memang benar harga petrol di negara-negara pengeluar minyak lain amat rendah jika dibanding dengan Malaysia. Tetapi kita mesti juga mengambil kira rizab atau simpanan minyak yang ada di negara-negara tersebut. Simpanan tersebut pula perlu dibahagikan dengan jumlah penduduk untuk mendapat simpanan minyak untuk setiap penduduk (per kapita). Negara-negara seperti Arab Saudi, Kuwait, UAE dan Qatar mempunyai simpanan per kapita yang cukup tinggi. Maknanya, rizab minyak mereka tidak akan habis, telaga minyak mereka tidak akan kering, dalam masa berpuluh-puluh atau mungkin sejauh seratus tahun akan datang. Dengan simpanan khazanah asli yang cukup banyak, kerajaan mereka boleh menggunakan sebahagian besar daripada keuntungan minyak mereka untuk memberi subsidi petrol kepada rakyatnya. Satu lagi perkara yang perlu difahami ialah jumlah minyak yang diekspot oleh negara-negara tersebut dan nisbah ekspot-impot minyak. Sekali lagi amat jelas bahawa bagi negara-negara tersebut, mereka ekspot lebih banyak minyak dari Malaysia dan mempunyai nisbah ekspot-impot yang lebih menguntungkan (senang kata ekspot mereka lebih besar dari import mereka) jika dibanding dengan Malaysia. Ini bermakna hasil pendapatan negara-negara tersebut daripada pasaran antarabangsa tentulah lebih tinggi dari Malaysia dan mereka mampu memberi subsidi yang begitu banyak.
Malaysia pula hanya mempunyai simpanan kecil yang dilaporkan akan habis pada tahun 2030. Kerajaan juga telah menganggarkan kemungkinan kita menjadi pengimpot-bersih minyak pada tahun 2014. Namun begitu, Petronas telah memberi amaran kemungkinan Negara menjadi pengimpot-bersih minyak pada tahun 2010 seandainya kadar pertumbuhan penggunaan minyak negara kekal pada tahap 4%. Sudah tentu dengan simpanan yang begitu terhad dan nisbah ekspot-impot yang kecil, amat tidak relevan untuk membandingkan Malaysia dengan negara-negara yang mempunyai rizab yang cukup besar dan mampu mempertahankan sumber emas hitam ini dalam jangkamasa yang jauh lebih lama lagi. Itulah sebab Malaysia tidak dapat dibandingkan dengan negara-negara pengeluar minyak yang lain. Tambahan pula, kos mencarigali minyak di kebanyakan negara-negara tersebut jauh lebih rendah daripada kos yang dihadapi oleh Petronas dan syarikat-syarikat lain yang mencari minyak di Malaysia. Memang benar, apabila harga minyak mentah di pasaran dunia naik, pendapatan Petronas juga meningkat. Tetapi pembaca perlu sedar bahawa pendapatan itu lain dari keuntungan dimana Petronas perlu juga menanggung kos operasi perniagaan terutamanya kos carigali dan pengeluaran yang semakin meningkat. Secara kasarnya, keuntungan itu adalah pendapatan tolak perbelanjaan atau kos. Baru-baru ini Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Petronas, Tan Sri Hassan Merican, memberi tahu bahawa kos operasi termasuk kos cari gali dan produksi telah meningkat dengan begitu banyak. Ini sudah tentu akan memberi kesan kepada keuntungan Petronas walaupun harga minyak mentah telah naik. Sebagai contoh, dari tahun 2005 ke 2007, perbelanjaan modalnya (capital expenditure) meningkat tinggi dari USD1,426 juta atau 31.23% daripada USD4,566 juta kepada USD5,992 juta. Daripada pertambahan kos ini, carigali dan pengeluaran merupakan komponen terbesar dengan kenaikan sebanyak USD651 juta atau 45.65% daripada jumlah kenaikan kos perbelanjaan modal 2005-2007. Dalam suasana dimana kos operasi naik dengan begitu tinggi, kita tidak boleh mengandaikan bahawa keuntungan Petronas juga naik dengan mendadak.
Walaubagaimanapun, Petronas telah membuktikan bahawa apabila ia mendapat keutungan yang lebih dan kos operasi dapat dikawal, sumbangannya kepada Kerajaan juga naik. Contohnya pada bagi tahun kewangan berakhir pada 31 Mac 2007, Kumpulan Petronas telah menyumbang kepada Kerajaan sebanyak RM52.3 bilion atau 66.2% daripada jumlah keuntungan telah dibayar kepada Kerajaan.
Kita mesti ingat, walaupun pendapatan Kerajaan meningkat sebanyak 11.17% CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) dari 2002 ke 2007, perbelanjaan mengurus Kerajaan – yang merangkumi pembayaran segala subsidi – telah meningkat dengan kadar 12.52%. Ini bermakna pendapatan Kerajaan tidak meningkat dengan kadar yang sama dengan perbelanjaan mengurus. Jika tidak dikawal perbelanjaan mengurus dengan mengurangkan subsidi yang makin meningkat, jurang antara kadar peningkatan pendapatan Kerajaan dan perbelanjaan mengurus Kerajaan akan menjadi lebih besar. Ini bermakna defisit Kerajaan akan meningkat atau bajet pembangunan Kerajaan akan dikurangkan. Inilah pilihan yang dihadapi oleh Kerajaan BN dan mereka telah buat pilihan yang paling sesuai tentang cabaran-cabaran yang dihadapi oleh Petronas dan Kerajaan dalam iklim inflasi dunia semasa.
#229 by citizenwatch on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 7:18 pm
With the ongoing polemic, let’s ponder on one thing. WHO GAINS FROM THE FUEL REBATE THE GOVT IS GIVING OUT? Please note that POS Malaysia is being given the responsibility to disburse the rebates and it gets commission for doing so. Pos Malaysia happens to be part of ECM LIBRA, associated with Khairy and Tingkat 4 young Turks. Seems like they get endless benefits from rakyats suffering!
#230 by lopez on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 7:46 pm
I say man, unless those who can support their reference to the statistics quoted herein, and that the data and exercise is obtained and gathered by an independent party then might as well forget quoting them and pretend to be intelligent and a harvard or MBhair wannabe.
It just too much to compreghend…..stop lying we have been cheated and wrongly lead for 50 years of our lifes and our family’s too,
how can these be compensated…..all good words and voluntarily to repent wont do.
Is it change all just talk, well on the MSee air part, stop saying you represent the chinese communities, you did not and had not been but on that pretext has sold our rights, you are chosen by rahman not the chinese ppl in those times.
#231 by qookhoo on Thursday, 19 June 2008 - 11:27 pm
It seems that Kas Am has stunt double… (speaks fluent bahasa malaysia or bahasa melayu or bahasa baku)??
As long the reply is, it by a pro-petronas again…
cheers…
#232 by AirJ on Friday, 20 June 2008 - 11:15 am
qookhoo
sounds like you are already giving up on Malaysia..no? I do think there are many companies in Malaysia who are extremely competitive.
rainbowseahorse
personally i dont think corruption is rife in Petronas. Why? One person, the late Tan Sri Azizan, former President and Chairman of Petronas. If you knew him he was man of highest integrity. Due to this trait, he managed, steered and envisioned Petronas to the strive to always embody this stature. Uphold the integrity because without it you/your company would buckle, cease to be competitive.
If you do have accounts of any top brass going askew, you can lodge a report with Police or Hassan Marican. I can assure you your report will be treated with highest priority, at least within Petonas. I am not saying there is no corruption in Petronas but I’d like to think it’s not as high as people think there is. Like I said, the proof in hand is Petronas position within Fortune500 survey. Had corruption been rife in here, you can be sure we will not have this position. We would have crumbled a la Perwaja dulu lagi…
cheers
#233 by rainbowseahorse on Friday, 20 June 2008 - 3:37 pm
Yes, yes, and yes Airj!…You must be the ONLY Petronas employee who doe not know what I am saying.
Sure, report it to whoever and whomever you want…it doesn’t matter, but that’s what keeping Malaysian businesses going. And Petronas is no exception!
#234 by ShiokGuy on Friday, 20 June 2008 - 9:12 pm
Never Pump Full Tank..
The safety valve will return part of the petrol back to the sump. Is this true?
Also if you pump full tank, you are transporting petrol around town!
http://shiokguy.blogspot.com/2008/06/do-not-pump-full-tank-of-petrol.html
Shiok Guy
#235 by shamshul anuar on Monday, 23 June 2008 - 11:55 pm
Dear Dr Chen,
Yes Sir. The price of oil is cheaper in Saudsi Arabia or Venezuela. By the way, I am sure you know how much Saudi Arabia produces daily?
Approximately 9.5 million barrels daily. Malaysia produces 700000 daily. Domestic consumption is around 600000 barrels. Suddenly, I notice those who barely know anything about Petronas lashing the entity.
A scapegoat I can say for sure. If there is a mismanagement in Petronas, please explain how Petronas can be listed among 500 biggest companies in the world.
Someons said I maybe Kasim Amat. No I am not. But I admire that man for at least trying to defend Petronas, UMNO from baseless accusation from bloggers here. I am amused to see those who know nothing about oil industry or Petronas speak as if UMNO is milking Petronas for its own benefit.
Cant you believe that. I cant believe that people can be at that moronic level.
By the way, yes sir I am defending UMNO. What is wrong with that. Surely there is nothing wrong in defending UMNO if the accusation is ridiculous.
As for Lopez, perhaps you should try to remember at leat once that Petronas contributes to every Malaysian. Do remember that in its breathtaking university in Tronoh, Malaysians of all races study petroleum engineering.
Give some credit man. And for those who imply that Petronas is less than transparent, well prove it.
#236 by milduser on Friday, 27 June 2008 - 5:04 pm
Petronas is OK. It’s the government that requests and uses the money Petronas makes by means of royalties, dividends, taxes (direct & indirect), special fundings, loans, govt bonds, SPV and what have you that the government used to bail out failed GLC’s (such as BBMB, if you care to remember, etc).
#237 by lopez on Saturday, 28 June 2008 - 11:41 am
Transparency has somewhat a different meaning in bolihland, perhaps
it can start from Petronas or their supporters or agents.
It would be very entertaining to see when and what university in tronoh has done for all malaysians.
#238 by shamshul anuar on Sunday, 29 June 2008 - 12:09 am
Dear Lopez,
Just hold your breath. The university in Tronoh is a new one. Give it several years to produce the much needed talents .
As for Transparency, do tell me whether deep down in your heart, you believe that it can be listed among the biggest entities in the world for nothing .
As for milduser, plese proof what you said. If you said it is wrong for Govt to tax Petronas, please explain why.
#239 by ahbeng79 on Monday, 21 July 2008 - 10:34 pm
I think that whichever coalition that should rule this country should not interfere with Petronas’s, except to just using its returns (dividens and royalties,etc) for Malaysia, (development,etc).
The decisions Petronas has made for the past decades has been justified by its recent profit record. And only an experienced “oil-man” such as Tan Sri Hassan Merican knows how to weight risks and channel its revenues and into investments that will bring more profit to the company (and the goverment) in the future.
Petronas should be left on its own to grow and mature into a top oil and gas company like Shell, Exxon, etc without any political interference, and its returns to the goverment should be managed well.
It does not need to be transparently monitored in where its revenue are going to be invested or used. Making its account more transparent would be useless. A decade ago, we might have not agreed with Petronas’s decision to invest billions in Africa, but look how well that decision proved to be by the overseas revenues achieved. This is because of the work of proper risk analysis and decision making by experience people in the oil industry.
So why should Petronas’s account be anymore transparent. There is no added value. Would a more transparent account be more questionable? if so what questions do you want to ask?
howbout asking yourselves:-
1. If Petronas’s accounts were more transparent, would these billion dollar revenue decisions be made without being heavily questioned/disputed with political input/interest?
2. If Petronas’s was answerable to the Parliament, who do you think would have decided on Petronas’s course; the experienced people managing the company, or the politicians who know “nuts” about the oil industry.
Just let Petronas evolve to a private oil and gas company that is still own by the goverment, whoever that turns out to be ….but let it remain unpoliticised. The biggest company in Malaysia, should not be put under the spectacle of politics……