Proton reports another quarter loss

Malaysian national car maker Proton Holdings Bhd reported its net loss narrowed to 46.75 million ringgit for the first quarter to June from 58.65 million ringgit a year earlier despite a drop in revenue.

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But Syed Zainal said the smaller loss is a positive indication of the company’s future financial performance as it reflects improved operational efficiency and cost management.

‘The group’s effort to rationalize operations, streamline resources and network, and implement other measures for greater efficiency, as well as the introduction of new models, will hold the group in good stead for the rest of the financial year,’ he said.

Proton, controlled by government investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd, is under pressure to secure a foreign strategic partner to arrest the fast decline in its market share.

Proton once dominated the Malaysian car market but lost top place to second national car maker Perodua in 2006.

Source: Forbes

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Proton Saga

Malaysia, wither the next 50 years ?

There is much celebration in Malaysia this month to mark the day 50 years ago when the new nation was born out of the British-ruled states of the Malay peninsula. But was it?

On Aug. 31, 1957 it was actually Malaya that became independent. Malaysia was not created until September 1963, when the Malaya states were joined by Singapore (briefly) and the British-ruled territories in Borneo, Sabah and Sarawak.

The difference between Malaya and Malaysia is not a semantic quibble. It lies at the heart of the nation’s identity issues which in turn are reflected in the racial and religious basis of its politics.

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..could come under threat as the nation moves into its second half century. They mostly revolve around the Malay/Malaysia issue.

Official efforts to advance Malay ownership, education and incomes have been very successful and have had limited negative impact on economic growth. But they have not been matched by increased racial integration.

Indeed, quite the opposite. Under Middle East influence and driven partly by domestic politics, official Malay Islam has become increasingly restrictive in its interpretations, increasingly arrogant in its assumptions about the primacy of Islam and the extent of the jurisdiction of sharia courts.

UMNO is living proof that a monopoly of power is increasingly corruptive. The combination of political power and pro-Malay economic policies is especially corrosive. Nor is there much justification any longer for racial preferences, given that Malays have wealth as well as now easily outnumbering the immigrant races. It has created a Malay elite that is highly dependent on official favors.

The problems of race, religion and corruption may have increased since Mahathir Mohamad stepped down as prime minister. Mahathir was an authoritarian who undermined democracy and the independence of the judiciary, but he was secular at heart.

His successor Abdullah Badawi is more tolerant and less tainted by money politics. His looser grip has allowed civil society to gain ground and the judiciary to become less subservient. But he is arguably not strong enough to confront either the UMNO patronage system or the pretensions of official Islam.

In the short to medium term the outlook, the economy looks reasonable and its demographics are positive. But Malaysia badly needs a new impetus. It cannot count on another oil or palm oil boom, even less on the surge of foreign investment into electronics and other industries that have been so important for the past 20 years.

With entrepreneurship and education both dulled by official policies, it may struggle to achieve the higher levels of expertise needed to sustain income gains.

UMNO remains in power at the center because the non-Malays fear its more Islamic Malay rivals. The Chinese, Indian and east Malaysian parties in the government are there to give an appearance of racial diversity and offer some antidote to the potential for the tyranny of the majority.

Source: International Herald Tribune

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Fifty years on, race, religion still haunt Malaysia

At age 50, Malaysia questions its identity

Malay daily fanning racial flames

Discriminatory leaders is not fit to be leader in Malaysia

Sultan expresses concern over host of issues

Selangor Sultan tells politicians to keep politics out of N-Day celebrations

Malaysia: Racial division sharper after 50 years

Najib ignores Malaysia’s constitutional history, social contract and says Malaysia was never a secular state, is an Islamic nation, Islamic state

NEP threatening inter-religious, inter-ethnic good relations

Thierry Rommels says Malaysia’s affirmative policies are about protectionism and discrimination

Cracks show in Malaysia unity

Fears of creeping conservatism in Malaysia

Fifty years on, race, religion still haunt Malaysia

As Malaysia marks 50 years of independence from British rule this week, the nation remains a split personality — exposing worrisome racial and religious divides, and stoking fears of more tension ahead of an anticipated early general election.

There are still three separate stripes of Malaysians — Malays, Chinese and Indians — and racial tensions rumble under the fun-loving surface of this relatively prosperous developing nation.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for the people of various ethnic groups to participate in a common activity,” said prominent historian Khoo Kay Kim.

“It covers every aspect of life now, even sports. It never used to be so sharp.”

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MALAYSIA TRULY ASIA?

Dubbed the “melting pot” of Asia for its potpourri of cultures, Malaysia has long been held up as a model of peaceful co-existence among its races and religions.

That may no longer hold true.

“Views of increasing intolerance and religious polarisation have negatively impacted how Malaysia has been perceived,” said Bridget Welsh, a political scientist at John Hopkins University.

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The reasons for that are deep-rooted.

Malaysia’s political, education and economic structures, as well as faith, continue to be entrenched along racial lines.

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An affirmative action plan, the New Economic Policy (NEP), which favours the economically backward Malays and introduced following bloody race riots in 1969, remains in place despite long-standing resentment from non-Malays.

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Much of the blame lies with the political system.

“The powers that be in Malaysia survive on the paradox of keeping inter-ethnic peace and being champions of their race at one and the same time,” said Ooi Kee Beng, an analyst at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore.

Source: Reuters India, Gulf Times

Read:

At age 50, Malaysia questions its identity

Malay daily fanning racial flames

Discriminatory leaders is not fit to be leader in Malaysia

Sultan expresses concern over host of issues

Selangor Sultan tells politicians to keep politics out of N-Day celebrations

Malaysia: Racial division sharper after 50 years

Najib ignores Malaysia’s constitutional history, social contract and says Malaysia was never a secular state, is an Islamic nation, Islamic state

NEP threatening inter-religious, inter-ethnic good relations

Thierry Rommels says Malaysia’s affirmative policies are about protectionism and discrimination

Cracks show in Malaysia unity

Fears of creeping conservatism in Malaysia

Badawi tells Ahmad Fairuz to explain Federal Court judge who has not submitted 35 written judgments

Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim must explain claims that a Federal Court judge has not submitted written judgments for about 35 cases, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. 

The Prime Minister said it was “unfortunate” if judges did not submit written judgments explaining their grounds in making any particular decision. 

“In court, the judge plays a very important role. If there are 35 cases which have no written judgments made by one particular judge, this is something that the Chief Justice must explain or answer,” he told newsmen after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting yesterday. 

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Abdullah, who is Umno president, said he had already informed the Chief Justice that he wanted an explanation. 

“He (Ahmad Fairuz) knows better. He has to answer. I have heard him say before that no judge has delayed written judgments up to 30 times and there was no such thing,” he added. 

Source: The Star

Read:

Rot and More Rot in Malaysia’s Judicial System

Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz denies he promoted judge who has not written judgments

Nazri says delay in writing judgments should not be used as criteria against promoting judges

Nazri says delay in writing judgments should not be used as criteria against promoting judges

On the delay of judges writing their judgements, he said it should not be used as criteria against judges when considering their promotions. 

He said the service record of judges should also be looked into. 

On a press report stating that a judge had not written his judgement in 33 criminal and civil cases, Nazri said the allegation should be checked first. 

Source: The Star

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Bar Council: Chief Justice and Chief Judge should be independent of one another

Nazri: Show me how is smoking bad

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Nazri shows Malaysia’s image is not bocor

Nazri says ACA cannot investigate political corruption or money politics

Nazri shows typical behavior in the august house of the parliament

No hanky panky in PKFZ, says Chan

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy has denied allegations that the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project is a failure.
In a written answer to Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today, he said despite the PKFZ having only begun operations last Nov 1, it had attracted 30 investors with investments totalling about RM725 million and offering 809 jobs.

“There is no hanky panky involved in the implementation of PKFZ. This project was approved by the government,” he said.

Lim had asked why the problems and cost overrun involving billions of ringgit were not monitored despite warnings from the Attorney-General’s Chambers and whether there is any bailout of the RM4.6 billion spent on the project.

Chan said the project was divided into two portions – land acquisition and infrastructure development.

He said the land acquisition cost was RM1.088 billion and with the deferred payment period of 15 years at an interest rate of 7.5%, the cost would amount to RM1.807 billion.

“This cost also involves initial work carried out, such as land reclamation, drainage, roads, bridges and other utility infrastructures,” he said

He said the development of infrastructure facility involved a cost of RM1.845 billion covering construction of office buildings, light industrial units and other interior infrastructure construction.

“Thus, the overall cost of the PKFZ, taking into account the land acquisition and cost of infrastructure development, interest cost of 7.5%, deferred payment, 10% professional fee and work changes limited to 20%, the cost amounted to RM4.632 billion,” he said.

Source: The Sun

Read:

No hanky panky in Port Klang Free Zone

Karpal Singh names Federal Court judge Datuk Hashim Yusoff, judge who failed to deliver about 35 judgments

Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh today named Federal Court judge Datuk Hashim Yusoff in the Dewan Rakyat as the judge who failed to deliver about 35 judgments.

The veteran lawyer, who is DAP chairman, took the opportunity during the debate on the Industrial Relations Act (Amendment) Bill 2007 to make the allegations, offering evidence.

He said Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim had said he would investigate if there was any evidence.

“I have the evidence right here and I can prove it in Parliament,” he said.

Karpal said as such, the ball is in the court of Ahmad Fairuz to resolve the matter by looking into his allegation.

He said the Federal judge in question had not written judgment in 35 cases, including four in which the convicted are languishing in jail despite being sentenced to death seven years ago.

“Does he (Hashim) have the characteristics of a good judge?” he asked.

 

Source: The Sun

Read:

Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz denies he promoted judge who has not written grounds of decision, warns against saying things which are not true

UNWRITTEN JUDGEMENTS: Former High Court judge yet to submit in 33 cases

Najib: Don’t use contentious issues to gain support

Politicians must not sow hatred and suspicion by bringing up contentious issues just to gain support, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. 

“Politicians of all stripes in the quest for support must never employ the maxim that the end justifies the means.  

“Is the pursuit of political support the be all and end all of a political party? Are we so desperate for votes that we are willing to sow hatred and suspicion? 

“We should all be watchful of what we say, not because we cannot say them, but how best we can say them. Contentious issues should not be addressed in a contentious manner,” he said at the opening of the Road to Nationhood: Unity Amidst Diversity photo exhibition yesterday. 

It was ironic, he said, that those who spoke of the need for Malaysians to be more united would later employ divisive methods themselves.  

Source: The Star

Read:

Najib ignores Malaysia’s constitutional history, social contract and says Malaysia was never a secular state, is an Islamic nation, Islamic state

1987:Najib led Umno Youth rally threatening to soak kris in Chinese blood

1987: Najib and Ops Lalang

Ex-IGP:Umno delegates racially extreme

If former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Rahim Noor were to be reborn, he would want to be born as a “complete Malaysian”.

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“This is different from racial extremism. We do not hear much of it (racial extremism) other than some politicians during the Umno general assembly.

Source: The Star

Read:

Khairy: Umno is not racist

Umno General Assembly 2006 – summed up

Malaysia’s axis mysteriously shifting

When Abdullah Badawi became Malaysia’s prime minister in 2003, many thought the mild-mannered leader would take a more moderate approach to international relations than his prickly predecessor Mahathir Mohamad, who often locked diplomatic horns with the United States and other Western countries.
But a string of scandals and crimes with international dimensions, some even linked to Abdullah’s family members, have put his government’s relations with Washington on an uncomfortable footing.

US authorities last month arrested and charged Pakistani national Jilani Humayun for his alleged role in shipping contraband military goods to Malaysia, from where they were re-exported to Iran. He was also charged with conspiracy to commit money-laundering and mail fraud. The sensitive dual-use hardware, which was funneled through an as yet unnamed Malaysian company, included parts for F-5 and F-14 fighter jets and Chinook helicopters.

In April the US imposed sanctions on 14 companies, individuals and government agencies it accused of dealing in advanced weapon technology with Iran or Syria. Two of the companies listed were Malaysian, the Challenger Corp and Target Airfreight.

Moreover, a federal jury in New York last year convicted Singaporean businessman Ernest Koh Chong Tek of smuggling dual-use US military parts to Malaysia for transshipment to Iran’s military - a violation of the 1995 embargo the US placed on all exports and re-exports of commodities to Iran without approval by the US Office of Foreign Asset Control. He was also charged with laundering millions of dollars through his Singapore bank accounts in the smuggling scheme.

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US officials who spoke with Asia Times Online would not comment on the investigations involving Malaysia on the grounds that they involve sensitive intelligence information. And so far there is no evidence to link recent violations of the US embargo directly to Abdullah. Yet security analysts say the recent incidents have put the crucial bilateral relationship on edge.

“I am absolutely sure that the US is watching these developments closely and pressing hard on Malaysia behind the scenes,” said Tim Huxley of the Singapore-based International Institute of Strategic Studies.
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Family matters

Yet the recent security lapses have been traced to the highest echelons of Malaysia’s business and political elite, raising questions about Abdullah’s underlying foreign-policy objectives. There are still huge question marks surrounding the 2004 proliferation case involving Scomi, a company owned by Abdullah’s son Kamaluddin, which was allegedly involved in supplying dual-use technology to Libya’s clandestine nuclear-weapons program.

Buhary Syed Abu Tahir, a Sri Lankan national with Malaysian permanent residency, sat with Kamaluddin on the board of Scomi-linked company Kaspadu. Buhary negotiated the controversial contract, which had Scomi Precision Engineering build components for centrifuges that were destined for use in Libya’s nuclear program. Scomi Group had since acknowledged that its subsidiary Scomi Precision filled a contract negotiated by Buhary to supply machine parts to Libya.

Documents obtained by the Associated Press reveal that Buhary was the chief financial officer of Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan’s underground nuclear-proliferation network. How he was able to forge such high-powered alliances with Malaysia’s political elite is a question that remains unanswered. When the scandal broke, Abdullah said Tahir would remain free because there was no evidence of wrongdoing.

Months later, in May 2004, Buhary was arrested under Malaysia’s Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows indefinite detention without trial. Opposition leaders at the time accused Abdullah of detaining Tahir under the ISA rather than pursuing standard criminal procedures lest Kamaluddin be implicated. Now, Buhary’s whereabouts are unclear.

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Diversified diplomacy

None of these scandals, of course, were necessarily state-sanctioned. Yet they have notably come at a time when Malaysia’s governing elite has shown resistance to democratic reform, clean governance and cultural pluralism, while strengthening ties with non-democratic states like Iran, Sudan and Russia.

It’s apparently all part of a larger foreign-policy shift, which Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said in May would help Malaysia “avoid being too dependent on one particular segment” of the global economy – read by some as a reference to the US, which currently receives nearly 16% of Malaysia’s exports.

Abdullah’s son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin this month attempted to silence an opposition leader by labeling him “a puppet of the United States and the Jews”. Meanwhile, Abdullah’s information chief and other ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) elites have recently moved to intimidate bloggers and Web portals for exposing high-level government corruption.

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To be sure, it could all be politics as usual. Amid Malaysia’s ethnic- and religious-tinged political landscape, UMNO politicians are wont to pander to Muslim sentiment, while cooperating with the US and West behind the scenes. Even as former strongman Mahathir blustered on about US-led neo-colonialism and protecting Malaysia’s national sovereignty, he simultaneously forged close military ties with the US.

For instance, the two sides in 1994 signed an acquisitions and cross-servicing agreement that allows US Navy ships to visit Malaysian ports for repair and replenishment. The contract was most recently renewed in 2005, during Abdullah’s tenure. Each year, US Special Forces train at Malaysia’s jungle-warfare school, and bilateral military-to-military cooperation is growing rather than diminishing. And the administration of US President George W Bush has generally applauded Malaysia’s security and counter-terrorism efforts.

Muted complaints

Nevertheless, some quarters are growing more wary of Malaysia’s geopolitical role.

“The UK has become more circumspect of dealing with Malaysian leadership,” said Alexander Neill, head of the Asia Security Program at the London-based Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies. He said in particular the recent zealously Islamic statements by senior Malaysian leaders “are problematic to a counter-terrorism policy”.
There are other geopolitical differences. For instance, while the US and other Western governments fret about the unfolding genocide in Sudan, Malaysia has recently invested heavily in the regime’s petroleum resources. Abdullah also cemented military and energy ties with Russia during a visit there in June, according to Foreign Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Ahmad Shabery Cheek. Some have suggested that that overture could be designed to counterbalance the close economic and military ties the US shares with Malaysian neighbor and rival Singapore. Ahmad has denied that Malaysia is in any way becoming a proxy for Russian influence in the Southeast Asian region.
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Source: Asia Times