Echo

Shark Tale

After UN meeting rejected proposal to regulate shark fin trade.

Millions of hammerhead and whitetip are extracted from seas each year, mainly to satisfy a burgeoning appetite for sharkfin soup, a prestige food in Chinese communities around the world. The demand for fins has slashed populations by 90 percent in several regions.

The fish are often tossed back into the water after their precious fins have been sliced away.

Who let the dogs out?

"Bumiputeras should own 67 per cent of the country's wealth, in accordance with the population ratio." ~Ibrahim Ali, President of PERKASA.

33% of population sustaining and creating more than 80% of the nation's wealth, only to be shared by the other 67% of people?

As far as I am concern, the non-bumiputeras have never ever attempt to control the nation's economy. The non-bumiputeras, especially the Chinese, slogged tirelessly day and night to earn a living. First, they eke out a meagre living. Penny by penny, they accumulated and they strived unflaggingly to protect and to grow their wealth. Because, they believe that Heaven is fair and will award those who work hard to earn an honest living and that diligence is the key from rags to riches. With that said, surely, the non-bumiputeras wouldn't hinder other ethnic groups from sharing the economic pie as long as everyone works for it.

Furthermore, when there is a bumiputera-dominated government (Malay-dominated to be exact) and a Pro-Malay policy for more than 5 decades, and only a handful have benefitted from the New Economy Policy (NEP), who is to blame?

Open your eyes, my dear friends. You do not need to beg because you are not as weak as the government wants you to think.

And think again, 33% of population sustaining and creating more than 80% of the nation's wealth, only to be shared by the other 67% of unproductive people just doesn't make any sense. And to distribute the country's wealth by population ratio? Imbecilic.

马华328特大 重选成绩

今天的马华，四不象。

NEM or NEP?

Najib unveiled the New Economy Policy Model this morning yet the impact towards Malaysia's financial market is minimal, up only 0.01% to 1319.35. With all the hooha prior to the announcement, I can't help but wonder why is the market not taking it more positively? I spent 15 minutes to go through the PM's keynote.

Very ambitious goal, I would say. Or maybe it's just a wishlist, to double the dollars per capita annual income to USD15,000 within 10 years, albeit it is not entirely impossible as Singapore had achieved this in the 90s. The question is HOW are we going to make this a reality? Just by privatising a few GLCs and gazetting a few parcel of lands for development? Come on!

However, one thing is sure to stay. There will still be two groups under the 1Malaysia umbrella, the Bumiputera and non Bumiputera, as mentioned repetitively in the keynotes.

"For instance, one important consideration will be developing a competitive and transparent tender process, with set and clear rules for the whole Bumiputera community, made of both Malay and other indigenous groups. This is set out as a common-sense enhancement of our policies for a new economic reality and where Inclusiveness is a key component in our new economic model. In practice, this approach will mean greater support for the Bumiputera, a greater support based on needs, not race. The Bumiputera segment still forms the majority in the vulnerable groups by any measure, and while our new approach will help those on low-incomes from any group, it will still largely benefit the Bumiputera community and at same time provide for the disadvantaged of other communities."

"The NEAC report sets out its view that the previous mechanism that concentrated on target setting should now focus on structured and dedicated capacity building investment that allows the Bumiputera to take advantage of new opportunities in the economy. In addition, fair access and opportunities to retraining, upgrading of skills and ability to gain employment will also be emphasized for all Malaysians."

"...transparent process will be implemented to ensure that potential private sector bidders meet a minimum set of criteria, including financial standing, track record in business expansion and management excellence, and that their proposals help grow the Bumiputera and 1Malaysia causes."

NEM replacing NEP. Same script, different title.

ECards for Sale

Do let me know if you want eCards design by Sung Studio:) There are more designs in my portfolio.

Keyword: Chinese New Year, eCard, greeting cards, 春节贺卡，牛年

Happy New (牛) Year

Due to tight schedule and last minute rush to wrap up my work before Chinese New Year, I foresee that I will not be able to update my nook for the rest of the week. So here it is, my early greetings with an e-card from Sung Studio - a card specially dedicated to my little sis born in the year of the Ox.

牛主乾坤春浩荡，

人逢喜庆气昂扬。

祝各位，

春节快乐！