Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Bail out again?
In Malaysia, there seems to be a litany of unresolved issues floating aimlessly like uncleared debris in a pond. We've got disturbing issues coming out of the Attorney General's Chambers, unrest in the police force, the Rulers' rejection of the Prime Minister's candidate for the Court of Appeal seat, just to name a few. These days, the high ideals expoused by our Prime Minister at the height of the 2004 elections have come crashing down earth with a thud. Obviously, the powers that be now has no way of rebutting opposition allegations on corruption and abuse of power, except by warning bloggers who write on politics and socio-economic issues(who have all been tarred with the "unpatriotic" brush)that they are being watched (no less by KJ's vehicle- UMNO Youth). It seems like Ijok all over again, with the "gempur" ragtag team coming out of their little holes to bang on empty tins to drown out any reasonable demands for accountability, transparency and respect for state institutions.
Now, after Malaysiakini broke the story about the brewing financial scandal involving the Port Klang Authority which has been saddled with a RM5 billion debt following the pull-out of Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone (JAFZA)as principal partner last month, the other "traditional" media like The Sun and Singapore's Straits Times have delved deeper into the issue. According to media reports, it is clear that there is no transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law involving this so-called free trade zone. It is as if the glow of money blinded all in UMNO and it became a tidy get-rich-quick scam. The chairman of the company that owned the land is no less than the UMNO treasurer himself according to the Straits Times report. The politicial angle is overwhelming when one reads about the convoluted connections behind the scene. This is not a flattening environment (as Thomas Friedman puts it) which will make foreign investors gain confidence in Malaysia. One must wonder what they think of our grand plans to develop Johor if this PKA scandal is a testament of what doing business in Malaysia is like. The Singaporeans must be watching this scandal with deep interest. I bet they will keep their money bags tightly zipped.
Where is the "goblok" Minister who says everything in cyberspace are plain lies? Why is he quiet? And where is that monkey who claims to know what is best for Malaysia? It would be interesting to hear his views on this brewing scandal. ¶ 1:28 PM
Now, after Malaysiakini broke the story about the brewing financial scandal involving the Port Klang Authority which has been saddled with a RM5 billion debt following the pull-out of Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone (JAFZA)as principal partner last month, the other "traditional" media like The Sun and Singapore's Straits Times have delved deeper into the issue. According to media reports, it is clear that there is no transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law involving this so-called free trade zone. It is as if the glow of money blinded all in UMNO and it became a tidy get-rich-quick scam. The chairman of the company that owned the land is no less than the UMNO treasurer himself according to the Straits Times report. The politicial angle is overwhelming when one reads about the convoluted connections behind the scene. This is not a flattening environment (as Thomas Friedman puts it) which will make foreign investors gain confidence in Malaysia. One must wonder what they think of our grand plans to develop Johor if this PKA scandal is a testament of what doing business in Malaysia is like. The Singaporeans must be watching this scandal with deep interest. I bet they will keep their money bags tightly zipped.
Where is the "goblok" Minister who says everything in cyberspace are plain lies? Why is he quiet? And where is that monkey who claims to know what is best for Malaysia? It would be interesting to hear his views on this brewing scandal. ¶ 1:28 PM
