Countdown to 2020!

[nazrey]

Malaysia well positioned to face external challenges
By Rupa DamodaranPublished: 2012/02/14
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1mJnAb7Hx



KUALA LUMPUR: Economists here agreed with the International Monetary Fund’s latest assessment that the resilient Malaysian economy can ride out the current external environment which is fraught with uncertainties and dreariness.

Read more: Malaysia well positioned to face external challenges http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1mJnJF1gl

[nazrey]

Originally Posted by nazrey

Felda increases presence in North America
By KAMARUL YUNUSPublished: 2012/02/08
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1llRrdBEI



OVERSEAS VENTURE: Unit partners New York-based Bunge for crushing and refining activities in Canada

FELDA Global Venture Holdings Sdn Bhd (FGVH) has made another milestone in spreading its oilseed crushing and refining business in North America by forming a strategic partnership with
Bunge Ltd, a leading global agribusiness and food company.

On December 12, New Yorkbased Bunge, through its North American unit, announced that it has formed a joint venture with the Canadian arm of FGVH, Twin Rivers Technologies-Enterprises
de Transformation Graines Oleagineuses du Qubec (TRT-ETGO), to combine commercial activities related to crushing and refining operations of their plants in Canada.

The joint venture, Bunge ETGO L.P, will handle the buying of oilseeds and selling of products for their crushers at Bunge’s Hamilton, Ontario plant and TRT-ETGO’s plant in Becancour, Quebec.

Bunge country manager in Canada, Rick Watson,said the joint venture creates an organisation that can more effectively serve the growing demand for canola and soy bean meal and oil in
the domestic and export markets.

“Managing the commercial aspects of both facilities as a single company provides a number of efficiencies, reducing the overall cost of running both facilities,” he said in a statement made available to Business Times.

According to the statement, the combined crush capacity of Bunge ETGO is two million tonnes per year and both plants are able to crush either canola seed or soyabeans.

While Bunge and TRT-ETGO will continue to own and operate
their respective facilities, the joint venture will be responsible for all commercial aspects of the business including oil seed procurement, product sales and risk management.

TRT-ETGO acting chief executive officer Wira Adam said the company is excited about the prospect of working with Bunge.

“Bunge will honour all open contracts and the new commercial team is looking forward to providing new marketing opportunities for customers.

"While the new commercial team includes employees from both companies, TRT-ETGO will be closing its trading office in Montreal and relocating a few employees to Becancour or the joint venture's office in Oakville, Ontario," he said.

However, financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

A news wire reported last Tuesday that Felda, the state-run plantation operator, is discussing a strategic alliance with five global trading houses, including Bunge, Archer Daniels Midlands Co and Cargill Ltd.

Quoting sources, the report said the strategic tie-up, likely to be in February, is expected to shore up investor interest ahead of Felda's US$2 billion (RM6 billion) listing of agribusiness arm Felda Global by mid-2012, turning it into a trading powerhouse dealing in palm oil and rubber.

Felda, which accounts for 8 per cent of global palm oil output, is keen to tap that growing interest as it seeks to widen market access and monetise its assets.

FELDA Global Ventures Holdings Bhd, which is due to float its shares on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market on May 10, will rank among the local bourse’s top 20 companies upon listing. Felda Global will have an initial market capitalisation (market cap) of RM21 billion when it makes its Bursa debut, well above its current value of RM3 billion, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan said.

Read more: Felda Global to join Bursa top 20 club http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1mJnblbGW

[nazrey]

Canada, Mexico, Japan get Malaysia's support
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2012/02/14
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1mJm9zK2R



MALAYSIA has given its support in principle to the entry of Japan, Canada and Mexico to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

All three are major trading partners, with Canada and Mexico being members of the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), which makes sense for them to apply to come on board, he said.

Their applications are, however, subject to the agreement of all nine members of the grouping which consists of Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, US and Vietnam.

Mustapa said the bilateral formalities between the Canadian and Malaysian officials will be held in Kuala Lumpur on February 21.

Last week a Japanese delegation also visited the trade minister.

"Under the process, any new member needs the unanimous approval of all nine countries," he told a media briefing after a bilateral meeting with Canada International Trade Minister Ed Fast at his ministry yesterday.

Although Mustapa had met his Mexican counterpart at Honolulu and Davos recently, he expects the Mexican officials to visit Kuala Lumpur soon.

Malaysia's application was accepted into the TPP-fold in October 2010, when preceding bilateral trade talks with the US collapsed.

On the progress of the TPP, Mustapa said Malaysia is satisfied with the rate of progress so far.

The next meeting, which marks the 11th round, will be held in Melbourne in mid-March, after which four more meetings have been earmarked for 2012.

"We hope for some substantial agreement by December," he added.

During the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Honolulu last November, the leaders hoped that a significant milestone to achieve the substantial agreement would be in place by mid-2012.

"Looking at the current situation, June/July is not possible because of the level of ambition for this 21st century which is comprehensive in terms of its scope.

"We cannot be pushing too hard as we need to consult our people - stakeholders not only in government but also in trade and business associations.

"We cannot simply bulldoze our position, for example, MPs have commented on intellectual property rights and labour and various other issues - we have to take these views into account," Mustapa explained.

He does not think the entry of the three countries would delay the TPP talks, as they would have to agree to what was discussed so far.

Meanwhile, Mustapa said bilateral trade, which currently totalled US$2 billion (RM6.04 billion), can be stepped up once Canada comes on board the TPP.

Canadian investors, which include Talisman and Bombardier, were happy with investment climate and there are about 80 companies operating in the country but Malaysia would have to work harder to attract more investments.

Petronas bought a 50 per cent share in Progress Energy Resources Crop's shale gas assets in north-eastern British Columbia for RM3.32 billion, while the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) has also ventured into the canola business in Canada and Sunrise Bhd has also extended its operations into Canada.

Among the issues both ministers discussed yesterday was increased access of Canadian pork into the Malaysian market.

[hafizushi]

Originally Posted by nazrey

FELDA Global Ventures Holdings Bhd, which is due to float its shares on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market on May 10, will rank among the local bourse’s top 20 companies upon listing. Felda Global will have an initial market capitalisation (market cap) of RM21 billion when it makes its Bursa debut, well above its current value of RM3 billion, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan said.

Read more: Felda Global to join Bursa top 20 club http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1mJnblbGW

agak2 astro kalau masuk nombor berapa tuh?

[nazrey]

KL ranks among top 50 cities for youths to pursue tertiary education
By KAREN CHAPMAN Wednesday February 15, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...&if_height=389

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur has been listed in the top 50 cities for tertiary students to live in.

Malaysia's capital city is ranked 44th in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking released yesterday.

Singapore, at 12th spot, ranked highest among Asian cities.

This is followed by Hong Kong and Tokyo (tied at 19), Seoul (23), Beijing (28) Taipei (34), Shanghai (39) and Kyoto (43). Bangkok is ranked 49.

In the global list, Paris tops the rest with London in second spot and Boston third.

QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd, which also produces the annual World University Rankings, said the latest rankings is based on 12 criteria.

These include the quality and number of internationally-ranked universities, affordability, quality of living and the reputation of the local universities among domestic and international employers.

Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Tan Sri Dr Ghauth Jasmon said: “The cosmopolitan nature of Kuala Lumpur with its rich mix of culture, race, food and entertainment would have certainly made it to the top 50.”

“KL has many positive points,” said Taylor's University vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Hassan Said, adding that such view was based on his discussions with the university's international students.

“The cost of living here is lower and more competitive and Malaysia is easily accessible,” he said.

[nazrey]

PKFZ to see half billion investments by 2013
Published: 2012/02/16
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...cle/index_html

The Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) in Pulau Indah is poised to record more than half a billion ringgit in investments by end of the year, says Chairman of Port Klang Authority Datuk Dr Teh Kim Poo.

Dr Teh who is also Chairman of PKFZ Sdn Bhd said some RM375 million had been invested by various companies in the zone so far. An additional RM100 million worth of investments in the zone by another six companies in the logistics and oil & gas industry are expected to be realised soon, he said.

The six companies had applied for land lease and construction would take off soon, Dr Teh told reporters after a briefing and plant visit by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed to Cargill Palm Products Sdn Bhd at the PKFZ National Halal Park here today.

Dr Teh said that based on the ongoing negotiation, he was confident that by year end PKFZ would receive at least another RM150 million in investments.

He added that 70 per cent of the 512 units of terrace factories in the zone and 35 per cent of 600 acres of vacant land had been rented out. Dr Teh said a business class hotel will be opening soon in PKFZ. The yet-to-be-named hotel would be managed by a company from China. -- Bernama

[nazrey]

Bullish on FDI inflow
By CHERYL YVONNE ACHUPublished: 2012/02/17
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1mZacZ6fD



FOREIGN direct investments (FDI) in Malaysia last year will be higher than that in 2010.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said he is confident that the 2011 FDI will exceed the RM21.4 billion registered in 2010.

This will reflect growing investors' confidence in the country, he added.

In 2009, the FDI inflows stood at US$1.4 billion (RM4.27 billion).

The ministry is due to release the FDI numbers next Tuesday.

Mustapa was speaking to reporters after visiting two multinational companies located in the Selangor Halal Hub Pulau Indah and the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ).

Also present were Halal Development Corp chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin and Port Klang Authority chairman Datuk Dr Teh Kim Foo.

Mustapa said the projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of five per cent in 2012 can be achieved despite the economic uncertainties in Europe.

"I believe that the government's forecast is achievable," he added.

Mustapa said more positives can be expected after an "incredible" economic expansion in the fourth quarter of 2011.

On Wednesday, Bank Negara Malaysia announced that the Malaysian economy expanded by 5.2 per cent in the fourth quarter, bringing the 2011 GDP growth to 5.1 per cent.

The growth had exceeded many analysts' forecast, and is well within the government's projection of between 5.0 and 5.5 per cent.

"This growth, as you know, was driven mainly by private consumption and government spending," Mustapa said.

Overall, he said 2011 was a good year as the performance was highlighted by good trade figures, good private investment and good balance surplus from trade account.

[nazrey]

Biodiesel set to flow nationwide
By Zaidi Ismail Published: 2012/02/17
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...POCSU/Article/



AT ITS height, biodiesel was the industry to be in when crude oil prices hit the roof at over US$100 per barrel (RM305) in February 2008.

At that time, vegetable oils-based biodiesel, including palm oil, was the world's next best choice over that of expensive crude oil to power up their engines. And everybody scrambled to join the bandwagon to build biodiesel plants.

This momentum is likely to sustain and biodiesel will continue to steam ahead, becoming the preferred power of choice as the green oil is set to roll nationwide.

In May last year, the government introduced the B5 biodiesel in stages. It started with Putrajaya, followed by Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

B5 is basically a blend of 95 per cent regular petroleum-based diesel and five per cent palm oil-based biodiesel.

The biodiesel plan was actually put in motion back in 2006 when the Malaysian government announced it would reduce dependency on petroleum diesel and replace it with a more sustainable and greener fuel in accordance with the 2005 United Nation's Global Climate Change Convention.

Research and development was done locally and tests on vehicles on the road started in 2009, involving 3,900 vehicles from public agencies such as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the armed forces.

The government has put aside RM200 million to set up blending facilities nationwide to blend diesel with palm methyl ester from June last year to kick-start sales of the green fuel after a five-year delay.

The government has assured that it would continue to keep B5 diesel pricing at the pump in the central region of the country at RM1.80 per litre by absorbing the difference from world oil price.

Right now, B5 is being subsidised at the pump in the central region of the country and eventually it will replace conventional diesel.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the government has allocated RM23.65 million in B5 subsidies from June to December 2011.

The rollout of B5 in Kuala Lumpur involves 247 service stations, of which about one million litres of palm oil biodiesel are being used each month.

This will contribute to a saving of close to 12.4 million litres of fossil diesel per year in Kuala Lumpur.

On top of the B5 subsidies, the government has also allocated RM42 million to fund in-line blending facilities at six petroleum depots owned by five oil companies, namely Petronas, Shell, Esso, Chevron and Boustead Petroleum Marketing.

The implementation of the B5 biodiesel will not cause any inconvenience for motorists as the price mechanism will be determined by the Ministry of Finance.

Biodiesel is here to stay as numerous research and development activities are ongoing to make the renewable energy source attractive again in the future.

There are other options available to make biodiesel, such as converting oil palm's second generation waste like empty fruit bunches.

[nazrey]

Morgan Stanley upgrades Malaysia
Published: 2011/02/17
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...cle/index_html

BANGKOK: Morgan Stanley said today it raised Malaysia to 'overweight' from 'equal weight'.

A rise in the price of oil was a factor in its change in view on Malaysia.

"Rising geopolitical risk has led to the oil price overshooting our commodity team’s forecasts,” it said, noting it had recently raised its 2012 estimate for Brent to US$105 a barrel from US$100.

Malaysia is neutrally to positively affected by a rising oil price,” it said. - Reuters

[Brown_Eastern]

Old news, I thought Singapore is the leading exporter to US..

February 10, 2012 11:51 AM

Malaysia Remains Asean's Leading Exporter To US

NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia remained Asean's leading exporter to the United States despite exports dipping 0.25 per cent to US$23.694 billion between January and November last year.

Despite the slight drop in exports during the 11-month period, Malaysia remained the 18th largest import source for the United States, according to latest statistics released by the United States administration.

The Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Commissioner in New York, Mohd Mustafa Abd Aziz, told Bernama that US-Malaysia two-way trade in 2011 was expected to stabilise with no drastic change.

The figures for the whole of 2011 is not yet available, however, two-way trade in 2010 amounted to US$40 billion.

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/ne....php?id=644749

Friday, February 10th 2012

High demand for Malaysian Halal food in the US

Malaysian Halal food is enjoying a spike in demand in the US after figures released by the United States administration showed Malaysia strengthening its position as ASEAN’s leading exporter to the country, with halal identified as a sector inherent with good business.

Despite the slight drop in exports during the 11-month period, Malaysia remained the 18th largest import source for the United States, according to the latest trade statistics released by the US Census Bureau.

BERNAMA quoted the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Commissioner in New York, Mohd Mustafa Abd Aziz, saying that the general Halal consumers in the US regard Malaysian food products as good in quality as well as reliable.

http://halalmedia.net/high-demand-fo...ood-in-the-us/

[nazrey]

Korean companies invest RM2 billion in Samalaju Industrial park
by Peter Sibon, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on February 18, 2012, Saturday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02...#ixzz1mp9FYK7k



FRUITFUL MEETING: Awang Tengah (second left) is seen presenting a book on
Sarawak’s development to Asia Cement’s director of corporate planning Keon
Hee Lee at the former’s office at Wisma Sumber Alam, Kuching yesterday.
Also seen in the picture from right are Sarudu, Julaihi, Naroden and Nansian. Photo: Chimon Upon.

KUCHING: Some RM2 billion (US$620 million) worth of investment at Samalaju Industrial Park from two Korean conglomerates have been approved by the state government, revealed Minister of Industrial Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

He told a press conference here yesterday that the two companies namely Asia Cement Co Ltd (Asia Cement) and Dongwoo Metal Korea would invest an estimated US$300 and US$320 million respectively.

Awang Tengah said Asia Cement would invest in the manufacturing of metal silicon.

“Currently they are in negotiations on the power purchase agreement with Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) on the tariffs for the requested 180MW of electricity for its need to start operations here,” said Awang Tengah after receiving two Korean company delegations at his office at Wisma Sumber Alam here yesterday.

He said the company would start its earthworks on April this year. Some 120 hectares of land had been approved for the site operation in Samalaju.

“For the first phase, Asia Cement is scheduled for commercial operation by the fourth quarter 2013, second phase would commence on third quarter of 2015 and the third phase in 2017,” said Awang Tengah.

He added that at the initial stage, the company would employ its own engineers with some local engineers to start the company but would gradually train and recruit more local staff once it was in full operations.

The second company which would invest an estimated US$320 million also in Samalaju Industrial Park would produce integrated metallic silica (charcoal and woodchips).

Another company which had also keen interest to invest in Samalaju was Eco Frontier which would be involved in renewable energy, green finance and global carbon.

However, as the company would require some three million tonnes of biomass annually especially palm oil wastes, the state government had advised it to make further studies on the proposal.

Awang Tengah said this was necessary so that the company would have enough raw material to feed its mills due to competition for the same raw material from local companies.

“This is the result of our successful trade mission trip to South Korea recently where some 180 CEOs and captains of industries came to participate in our forums,” he said.

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah who is also the Minister of Planning and Environment II revealed that the state would need the power from Murum to offer competitive tariffs to investors as power from Bakun would not be sufficient to propel energy-intensive industries in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) area.

He disclosed that the Murum hydropower (HEP) was expected to produce power by early 2014. Currently, some 70 per cent of the project had been completed. Murum HEP has a capacity of about 944MW.

“We are able to plan properly so as to be able to meet the demand of the market,” he said.

Sarawak has a potential capacity to produce some 20,000MW of power from its HEP by 2030.

Present at the closed door meeting were Assistant Minister of Industrial Estate Development Datuk Peter Nansian Ngusie, Assistant Minister of Investment Promotion Julaihi Narawi, Assistant Minister of Resource Planning Datuk Naroden Majais, STIDC general manager Datu Sarudu Hoklai and permanent secretary of the ministry of industrial development Datu Liaw Soon Eng and director of the state planning unit Datu Ismawi Ismuni.

[nazrey]

Malaysian economy expands 5.2 pct in Q4 2011 — BNM
Posted on February 16, 2012, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02...n-q4-2011-bnm/

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian economy expanded by 5.2 per cent in the fourth quarter last year, leading to a growth of 5.1 per cent for the whole year, Bank Negara Malaysia said.

In a statement yesterday, it said domestic demand, supported by both private and public sector spending, helped the growth despite a challenging external environment.

“On the supply side, the services sector recorded slower growth, while the manufacturing sector grew at a similar pace with that of the previous quarter, reflecting the weaker external environment amid sustained growth in domestic activity.

“Other sectors, however, recorded improvements during the quarter, while the agriculture sector continued to record strong growth,” the central bank said.
Domestic demand expanded by 10.5 per cent during the quarter under review, driven by the continued expansion in household and business spending and public sector expenditure.

“Private consumption increased by 7.1 per cent, supported by favourable income growth while public consumption expanded by 23.6 per cent following higher expenditure on emoluments and supplies and services.

“Gross fixed capital formation increased by 8.5 per cent, supported by continued expansion in capital spending by the private sector and non-financial public enterprises,” Bank Negara said.

The central bank said that the Federal Government development expenditure during the quarter was mostly channelled into the transportation, trade and industry sectors.
The agricultural sector continued to expand on strong crude palm oil production, while the construction sector registered higher growth, supported by the implementation of major infrastructure projects.

“The headline inflation rate declined to 3.2 per cent, with the transport category slipping to 3.2 per cent, reflecting the absence of further adjustments on prices of RON95 petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas.”
“Inflation in the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, however, rose to 5.3 per cent during the quarter mainly due to higher prices in the fish and seafood subcategory,” Bank Negara said.

On the external sector, it said, the current account surplus narrowed in the fourth quarter, but remained large at RM22 billion, equivalent to 10.1 per cent of gross national income.

The lower surplus was due to a lower goods surplus, higher trade deficits and larger income outflows.

The goods surplus was slightly lower at RM36.9 billion as gross exports expanded at a more moderate pace while import growth was sustained.
The financial account turned around from a net outflow position to record a small net inflow of RM200 million during the quarter under review, due to the significantly smaller net outflow of portfolio funds and higher net inflow of other investments.

“During the quarter, foreign direct investment recorded a higher net inflow of RM6.5 billion, driven by higher retained earnings by the multinational companies in Malaysia and higher inflow of equity capital,” the central bank said.
Direct investments abroad by Malaysian companies increased further to RM14.4 billion, reflecting higher outflow of equity capital and larger earnings retained abroad for investment purposes.

The overall balance of payments continued to remain strong, recording a surplus of RM6.3 billion during the quarter, as the current account surplus remained high and the financial account registered a net inflow position, Bank Negara said.

As at Dec 31, 2011, the international reserves of Bank Negara amounted to RM423.4 billion, after taking into account the quarterly adjustment of the foreign exchange revaluation loss, following the strengthening of the ringgit against some major currencies during the quarter.

“As at Jan 31, 2012, the reserves position amounted to RM424 billion, sufficient to finance 9.6 months of retained imports and was 4.1 times the short-term external debt,” it said.

Bank Negara said it expected Malaysia’s economic growth to be moderate this year amid the challenging external environment.

“Growth prospects have become increasingly uncertain with the emergence of greater downside risks.

“In particular, policy uncertainty on the resolution of the ongoing sovereign debt crisis in Europe amid fiscal consolidation in the advanced economies could add further strains to the international financial system, thus affecting the prospects for continued global growth,” it said.

Nonetheless, domestic demand will continue to be the key driver of growth this year, supported primarily by continued expansion of private sector activity, it said, adding that public sector expenditure will also lend strong support to the overall growth performance. — Bernama

[nazrey]

Future is in your hands, Khairy tells younger generation
By REGINA LEE Monday February 20, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...720&sec=nation

PETALING JAYA: As politicians gear up for “war” in an election that is expected to be held soon, young people are being urged to take part in what could be a watershed poll.

With the economic recession hitting many countries, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the youth vote was necessary to determine the nation’s direction.

“It is important to get the youth to vote because they can decide the outcome in marginal constituencies and they show less party loyalty than older voters,” he said.

“Apathy and ignorance could be why there is still an astonishing number of eligible voters yet to register with the Election Com*mission (EC).

“I am somewhat surprised there are 3.7 million Malaysians who have yet to register,” he said, adding that he personally favoured automatic voter registration although it might not address the apathy issue.

“Maybe, we need to ask if the political process is turning young people off,” said Khairy, adding that Umno Youth had helped to register 80,000 voters last year.

DAP publicity chief Tony Pua said automatic voter registration could address many of the factors that discouraged people from registering as voters.

Citing ignorance as a reason, he added: “There have been people coming up to us to ask if they have to register to vote.”

Pua said he had been personally asked if people had to pay to register and vote.

Nevertheless, Pua said there was an improvement since 2008, when there were about 4.3 million people who did not register to vote at the last general election.

According to the EC, the third quarter of last year showed 12.4 million eligible to vote.

Many young Malaysians, however, are becoming aware of their democratic rights.

Fourth-year medical student Tang Mei San registered just a month after turning 21 in April.

“More of my friends are becoming aware of their electoral res*ponsibility. It is quite easy to register. I went to the post office and the registration was over in 10 minutes,” she said.

[sepul]

even if my friends here were to register, they still won't be allowed to vote

[nazrey]

Dr M: Malaysians need to be more mature for political debates
By JOSEPH SIPALAN Published: Monday February 20, 2012 MYT 7:43:00 PM
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...828&sec=nation


http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/m...h-for-debates/

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians are "not yet that mature" to deal with political debates, said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed.

He said the public still had a tendency to allow emotions to take over from rational discussion of issues affecting them and the country.

"This is not America, but even in America, debates only serve to expose how stupid the candidates are," he said after meeting with top leaders of right-wing Malay rights group Perkasa here Monday.

When asked, Mahathir said he does not have a problem with debates but quickly added that it would not lead to anything constructive.

"A debate is okay-lah, but at the end of the day it won't come to any kind of conclusion," he said.

Mahathir also scoffed at PKR's challenge to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to face off with the party's de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, implying that a debate with Anwar was pointless.

"He is a chameleon... When he is with the Chinese he condemns the NEP (New Economic Policy), when he is with the Indians he is Indian, when he is with Muslims he talks about Islam.

"There is nothing to debate with Anwar," he said.

Meanwhile, Mahathir played down the need for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe claims of rampant issuance of identity cards to illegal immigrants in Sabah, saying it was something that the Government was more than capable of handling on its own.

"I think it is a problem, but we don't have to have an RCI on it. The Government will have to go through its records and deal with this issue," he said of the proposal by the Parliamentary Select Committee on electoral reform.

[nazrey]

UMW Toyota may consider making hybrid car parts in Malaysia
By Rupinder SinghPublished: 2012/02/21
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1mwmStOo7



SUBANG JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd would consider assembling or manufacturing components of Toyota's hybrid cars in Malaysia if demand and volume increases.

Its president Ismet Suki said Toyota is monitoring the demand for energy efficient vehicles, including hybrid cars in the country.

"We are beginning to see the awareness of hybrid vehicles. When the market improves and the volume is at a reasonable figure, then we will look into that possibility," he said when asked if UMW Toyota is considering manufacturing hybrid vehicles here.

Ismet said Toyota is exploring all possibilities but no firm plans have been made as yet.

Currently, Toyota hybrid cars are made in Japan and Thailand.

"The possibilities are many but at this point, we are monitoring the trend of the hybrid vehicle sales.

"If there is a need to come, it could be assembly or components manufacturing," he said after the launch of the improved Prius and Prius C yesterday.

However, Ismet believes that Toyota's decision would depend on favourable policies to spur demand for such energy efficient vehicles.

"There must be some continuity in terms of promoting hybrid vehicles in Malaysia. If the incentives and popularity increases continuosly, then there is a need to look at it very seriously," he said.

He noted that the government is focused towards developing energy efficient vehicles in the country and expects the soon-to-be announced National Automotive Policy to include such plans.

"We want stability and long-term commitment to the policy. There should be tailor-made incentives to encourage more investments," he said.

Since the government announced full tax exemption for hybrid cars in 2010, there has been a big jump in sales volume.

According to Ismet, after the incentives were in place, UMW Toyota hybrid sales leapt to over 2,000 units from about 80 units.

"This year, we are looking at 5,000 units, including the Lexus hybrid vehicles," he added.

UMW Toyota is the exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus models in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, UMW Toyota has targeted sales of 1,500 units for the improved Prius and 2,500 units for Prius C this year.

The Prius is tagged at RM139,900 and RM145,500 for the standard and luxury variant respectively, while the Prius c starts at RM97,000.

[nazrey]

Tourism spending hits RM41.9b
By Vasantha Ganesan Published: 2012/02/21
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...#ixzz1mwniwMjH

MALAYSIAN residents spent a total of RM41.9 billion on tourism-related activities locally and abroad in 2010.

Of the RM41.9 billion, RM27.6 billion was spent on domestic tourism and RM14.3 billion when abroad.

The amount spent locally in 2010 was 30.5 per cent higher than 2009, while those who went on holiday abroad spent 18.3 per cent more in 2010 compared to the previous year.

This was revealed for the first time two weeks ago by the Department of Statistics in the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for the 2000-2010 period, prepared for the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia.

TSA is a method of calculating tou-rism contribution by factoring in direct and spillover contributions of tourism to the economy as opposed to only direct tourism receipts such as from shopping and accommodation.

Domestic tourist arrivals in 2010 were 39.5 million, with Sarawak recording the highest arrivals at 8.9 million.

If the number of malls was not evidence enough that in Malaysia the favourite pastime is shopping, then the latest statistics should.

Consider this: A total of RM9 billion (32.6 per cent) - similar to the cost of building Kuala Lumpur International Airport - was spent on shopping while holidaying within the country.

This was followed by transportation, accounting for 29.8 per cent; 14.8 per cent on food and beverages; and 12.1 per cent on accommodation.

The TSA system, a recommended method of calculation by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, is only used in three places in Asean - Malaysia, the Philippines and Bali, Indonesia.

[nazrey]

Council: Malaysia will retain growth momentum this year
Posted on February 20, 2012, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02...tum-this-year/

JOHOR BAHARU: Malaysia is expected to retain its growth momentum and expand at more than five per cent this year although faced with an uncertain global economic climate, said the National Council of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (NCCIM).

Its secretary-general Datuk Syed Hussien Al-Habshee said the implementation of projects under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) will help to drive the country’s economy forward and retain its growth at more than five per cent this year.

“The confidence level of the business sector and consumers towards the country’s economy this year would also continue to be high,” he told Bernama in an interview.

Syed Hussien, who is also former Ambassador of Malaysia to United Arab Emirates (UAE), said the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had also managed the Malaysian economy successfully.

“Although faced with steep challenges following the Eurozone financial problems and the market uncertainty in the United States, the government has managed the economy well.” The economy grew at a 5.1 per cent rate in 2011 despite the worsening external economic conditions. It had recorded a 7.2 per cent growth the previous year.

Syed Hussien said the country’s total trade last year saw a record figure, hitting RM1.3 trillion, while trade surplus grew 9.4 per cent worth RM120 billion.

“All this contributed positively to the economy,” he said.

He also said that Malaysia could have seen an even higher growth if the world economy had not been burdened with the Eurozone problem and a slowdown in the US economy.

Syed Hussien also said NCCIM would be organising a roundtable forum to discuss specific economic issues and the challenges posed by them on April 16.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahatir Mohamad is expected to chair the event, which is to be attended by 120 leading local business figures. — Bernama

[buildship]

BN defensive as Penang tops manufacturing investment

UPDATED @ 10:39:41 PM 21-02-2012 By Lee Wei Lian February 21, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 — The performance of Pakatan Rakyat controlled states in attracting manufacturing investment prompted a minister today to play up the federal government’s role in their success.
The Ministry of International Trade and Industry released figures today that showed that the federal opposition controlled states of Penang and Selangor had recorded the highest levels of approved manufacturing investment in 2011, at RM9.1 billion and RM8.74 billion respectively.

This is the second year in a row that Penang and Selangor have topped the ranks for approved manufacturing investment and a sharp contrast to 2009 when Sarawak attracted the highest levels of manufacturing investment and Penang came in fourth.

Another Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state, Kedah came in fifth in 2011 with RM6.13 billion, behind Barisan Nasional (BN) controlled Sarawak which was in third place at RM8.45 billion and Johor with about RM6.5 billion.

The economic performance of PR states is closely watched as many voters and analysts use it as a gauge of whether the coalition is a viable alternative to the ruling BN.

Minister for International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said in a media briefing today that Penang had done well since the 1980’s due to strong support from the federal government.

He also said that not all federal opposition controlled states had done well.

“If my (opposition) friends want to say that Penang has done well because it’s ruled by the opposition, what do you say about Kelantan?” said Mustapa.

Kelantan, Mustapa’s home state which is administered by PAS, recorded only RM444 million in approved manufacturing investment last year.

The minister said that the federal government had continued to invest in Penang, including the expansion of the island’s airport and the construction of a second link to the mainland.

“We’re not saying that the state government’s haven’t done anything, but the federal government is working very hard,” he said.

Mustapa (picture) added that the federal government had spent large sums of money developing infrastructure in Penang, the Klang Valley and in the Iskandar region in south Johor.

In terms of total investment however, Penang lost out narrowly to Sarawak which received a huge boost from oil and gas investments.

Sarawak attracted some RM14.35 billion in total investment last year, to Penang’s RM14.038 billion

Sabah was third with RM13.68 billion, followed by Selangor at RM13.47 billion and Johor with RM12.64 billion.

Mustapa said that Sabah, Sarawak and Johor were the beneficiaries of huge oil and gas investments with Petronas alone investing RM6.7 billion in Sarawak.

In Johor, it was the huge investment by Dialog in the Pengerang oil terminal that made up the single largest chunk of the state’s investment.

US newswire Bloomberg had in October last year described Penang’s growth into Malaysia’s “biggest economic success” despite the federal government’s focus on Johor and Sarawak, as a boost to PR’s credibility.

It pointed out that under the Najib Administration’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the federal government is promoting RM65.8 billion worth of private sector-led projects for Johor and a mere RM375 million for Penang.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/m...ing-investment

[buildship]

Originally Posted by buildship

BN defensive as Penang tops manufacturing investment

UPDATED @ 10:39:41 PM 21-02-2012 By Lee Wei Lian February 21, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 — The performance of Pakatan Rakyat controlled states in attracting manufacturing investment prompted a minister today to play up the federal government’s role in their success.
The Ministry of International Trade and Industry released figures today that showed that the federal opposition controlled states of Penang and Selangor had recorded the highest levels of approved manufacturing investment in 2011, at RM9.1 billion and RM8.74 billion respectively.

This is the second year in a row that Penang and Selangor have topped the ranks for approved manufacturing investment and a sharp contrast to 2009 when Sarawak attracted the highest levels of manufacturing investment and Penang came in fourth.

Another Pakatan Rakyat (PR) state, Kedah came in fifth in 2011 with RM6.13 billion, behind Barisan Nasional (BN) controlled Sarawak which was in third place at RM8.45 billion and Johor with about RM6.5 billion.

The economic performance of PR states is closely watched as many voters and analysts use it as a gauge of whether the coalition is a viable alternative to the ruling BN.

Minister for International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said in a media briefing today that Penang had done well since the 1980’s due to strong support from the federal government.

He also said that not all federal opposition controlled states had done well.

“If my (opposition) friends want to say that Penang has done well because it’s ruled by the opposition, what do you say about Kelantan?” said Mustapa.

Kelantan, Mustapa’s home state which is administered by PAS, recorded only RM444 million in approved manufacturing investment last year.

The minister said that the federal government had continued to invest in Penang, including the expansion of the island’s airport and the construction of a second link to the mainland.

“We’re not saying that the state government’s haven’t done anything, but the federal government is working very hard,” he said.

Mustapa (picture) added that the federal government had spent large sums of money developing infrastructure in Penang, the Klang Valley and in the Iskandar region in south Johor.

In terms of total investment however, Penang lost out narrowly to Sarawak which received a huge boost from oil and gas investments.

Sarawak attracted some RM14.35 billion in total investment last year, to Penang’s RM14.038 billion

Sabah was third with RM13.68 billion, followed by Selangor at RM13.47 billion and Johor with RM12.64 billion.

Mustapa said that Sabah, Sarawak and Johor were the beneficiaries of huge oil and gas investments with Petronas alone investing RM6.7 billion in Sarawak.

In Johor, it was the huge investment by Dialog in the Pengerang oil terminal that made up the single largest chunk of the state’s investment.

US newswire Bloomberg had in October last year described Penang’s growth into Malaysia’s “biggest economic success” despite the federal government’s focus on Johor and Sarawak, as a boost to PR’s credibility.

It pointed out that under the Najib Administration’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the federal government is promoting RM65.8 billion worth of private sector-led projects for Johor and a mere RM375 million for Penang.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/m...ing-investment

wondering why the petronas large portion investment in sarawak consider as FDI? i am not good in this....