Ir-, Un- and Un- of Alternative Budget

PRESS STATEMENT

By Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
25th October 2017

1. The alternative budget unveiled by the opposition today can be summarized by three words – irresponsible, unrealistic and unsustainable.

2. They told us they would spend wisely, they would cut taxes and they want Malaysians to choose hope.

3. They would never tell the Malaysians the fact that the operating expenditures (OPEX) in Penang and Selangor have increased manifold since they took over the state in 2008.

Najib's Vision: Looking forward

MY ECONOMIC VISION FOR MALAYSIA

By Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak

24th October 2017

1. As we approach Budget 2018, I would like to share some thoughts about the challenges Malaysia has faced over the last few years and how I have tried to steer our country towards a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for all.

2. I want to explain my thinking ahead of the Budget on Friday and the plans we will announce then which, as always, will be for the benefit of all Malaysians.

3. My entry into the world of politics was abrupt and unplanned. It was prompted by the sudden death of my father, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, when I was 23.

4. I had idolised him for his achievements and for his relentless dedication to see our nation and our people progress. Since then, my goal in life has always been to do my best to follow in his footsteps and serve the country.

5. Like my father, I too want to put Malaysia in the global stage; to be among the top 20 nations in the world by 2050. No accomplishment can ever be greater than putting Malaysia on the best track for its future. That is my vision for our Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50) initiative.

No spin could deny transformation bearing fruits

Mention IMF and World Bank, the first thing that come to our mind is the book, Confession of an Economic Hitman.

Despite our prejudice towards these two international body, latest revelation on the forex trading loss by Bank Negara Malaysia shows the currency crisis was not entirely an international conspiracy to impoverish the country as Tun Dr Mahathir said in the eye of storm as he pass the blame rouge currency traders.

Economic reports published by these two international bodies carry a lot of weight. It is pointless and could be detrimental to ignore their advise and recommendation.

The Edge and The Malaysian Insights tried to spin the good report on Malaysia in the World Bank semi annual report. Though it fair comment to hear other view, even if it is politically motivated, it is another story to propagate fake news.

In The Mole latest column, That political spin on the World Bank report, the writer express his concern below:

To accuse the financial daily and news portal of committing economic sabotage, it is an emotional response. But, when negativity is widely propagated, it could ricochet back to the economy and be a self fulfilling prophecy.

Read on to hear him debunk and touch the various issues regarding rising prices, tax reform, youth unemployment, budget deficit, national debt, GDP and growth rate.

Shafie, proxies, and cronies should be charged for treason!

The big story since end of last week must be the long anticipated arrest of those linked to Warisan Presidant and former UMNO Vice President, Datok Shafie Apdal.
 
MACC Commissioner, Dato Azam Baki claimed some RM1.5 billion of the allocated RM7.5 billion infrastructure allocated for basic infrastructure of road, water and energy for the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak for 2009 to 2015 was squandered.

Azam's figure would likely be those projects in which MACC could verify from documents. However, the figure could be an underestimated since MACC only consider suspected projects with evidence.

On the ground, corruption is rampant and the denial of basic amenities for orang kampong is widespread.

According to sources, described as Shafie Watcher, the actual amount could be significantly more. The modus operandi involves payment for supplies or constructions not made but verified by other agencies within KKLW.

In places like Tenom, it was found there were four set of water pipes installed but still no water. Solar projects awarded to crony companies at rate of RM230-250 per kWH with a year guarantee but tender at RM30-40 per kWH with 5 year guarantee rejected.

On average, the squandered money could be 80% of the RM7.5 billion budget allocated. The more realistic estimate should be RM6 billion!

The "zaman Tun" layman should remember ...

KAMI RINDU ZAMAN TUN

Oleh Rio Rashid (Facebook)

Kami rindu zaman Tun,
Ketika harga teh 'o' ais ikat tepi 80 sen sebungkus,
Nasi goreng ayam baru RM1.50 sepinggan,
Cuma gaji kerani RM380 sebulan, sebelum ditolak EPF,
Kerja kilang RM415 termasuk OT setiap hari,
Kalau nak gaji lebih RM1000 sebulan, pergi jadi buruh kasar di Singapura.

Bodoh Fucked-up Moron (BFM) interview of Bruce Gale

BFM had an interview with Bruce Gale, economist and writer of Najibnomics yesterday. Someone messaged yours truly early so we were able to hear on the radio. Thanks to YouTube, one can hear the interiew:

Unfortunately, the interviewer was not talking economics but trying to steer the discussion into politics. And, the only political issue it could raise was 1MDB. If it is current and factual, it would have been fine. He was talking based on perception!

Talking about going out of topic and lack of intellect. Did the dude actually bother to read the book?