FREELITTLEBRAIN

3 PJ restaurants - Raju’s restaurant, Sri Paandi restaurant and Restoran Gasing ordered to close

2018-06-04T23:16:00.004-07:00

2 famous banana leaf restaurants and a Chinese kopitiam in Seksyen 5 Petaling Jaya were ordered to close operations for being dirty in a morning raid (Tuesday, 5 Jun 2018) by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) health officers.

It was reported that the three eateries - Raju’s restaurant, Sri Paandi restaurant and Restoran Gasing, - are all located in one same row along Jalan Chantek 5/13.

During the raid, officers found rat droppings and cockroaches inside cupboards, on the floor and even in one of the refrigerators.

Another violation was the absence of grease trap resulting in oil and grime flowing directly into drains behind the eateries.

One of the three restaurants was also fined for using the back lane to wash dishes and cooking. Waste water was also dumped into the drain.

“A total of 12 compounds were issued today and the restaurants will remain closed until the restaurant owners address all the violations and after MBPJ is satisfied with the cleanliness of the place,” said MBPJ councillor Sean Oon, who headed the raid.

Tommy Thomas - the new attorney-general

2018-06-04T18:36:00.001-07:00

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V has given his consent to the appointment of Tommy Thomas as the new attorney-general.

Tommy Thomas

Comptroller of the Royal Household Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said His Majesty had, on the advice of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, given his consent to the appointment according to Article 145 (1) of the Federal Constitution.

Statement issued by the comptroller of the royal household Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also called on all Malaysians to accept that the appointment of the attorney-general should not create religious or racial conflict as every Malaysian should be fairly treated regardless of race and religion,” he said.

Article 145 (1) of the Federal Constitution states that "The Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall, on the advice of the Prime Minister, appoint a person who is qualified to be a judge of the Federal Court to be the Attorney-General for the Federation".

Article 145 (5) states that "the Attorney-General shall hold office during the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and may at any time resign his office and, unless he is a member of the Cabinet, shall receive such remuneration as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may determine".

Mavcom chief earns a monthly salary of RM85k from flight passengers

2018-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Is it justified for Mavcom chief to earn a monthly salary of RM85,000 which is more than four times the basic salary of the prime minister?

Should there be structural and institutional reforms to do away with the GLCs?

Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) executive chairman earns a monthly salary of RM 85, 000 and it comes from money paid by flight passengers.

He said that this is over four times what the Prime Minister himself earns.

The Government will be reviewing the salaries of all chairmen of statutory bodies and government-linked companies.

Loke said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad instructed the salary review after it was revealed that the Mavcom chief's monthly salary and allowance totalled RM 78,300 in 2016.

"There was a 3% increment in 2017, and a further 5% increment in 2018, so he is earning about RM 85,000 a month, that is more than what the prime minister earns. His basic monthly salary is just about RM 20,000.

"I raised this in the Cabinet meeting this morning and the Prime Minister has directed the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa to review all salaries – not just of the Mavcom chairman, but also chairmen of other statutory bodies and GLCs," said Loke.

Mavcom's current executive chairman is Gen (R) Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad.

Loke said the Trnasport Ministry has no immediate plans to abolish Mavcom, which was set up in 2016.

"Mavcom is funded by passengers, not the Government. It received an initial funding of RM 90 mil from the Government, but no additional grant was given after that.

"Their estimated collection – RM1 from each passenger – is RM 35 mil per annum, and the operational cost is RM25mil a year," said Loke.

Mavcom's executive chairman Gen (R) Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad

Dr. Mahathir Mohamad - a Malaysian legend

2018-05-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

Finally Malaysia longest-serving Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has returned and became the world’s oldest leader.

After leading Malaysia from 1981 to 2003, now the 93-year Pakatan Harapan (PH) president Dr. Mahathir Mohamd, has finally unseat the scandal-tainted - the multi-billion-dollar scandal 1MDB current Prime Minister Najib Razak in the May 9 the Malaysia 14^th General Election which ended the UMNO–BN 61 year monopoly power.

By using PKR's logo to contest, Pakatan Harapan (PH) is the opposition coalition led by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) president Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, which comprises PKR, DAP, Bersatu and Amanah, and the Sabah-based Warisan.

The PH has secured 113 seats in the House of Representatives compared to just 79 for BN out of 222 in total to form the federal government.

Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was sworn in as Malaysia's 7th Prime Minister on Thursday night (May 10 2018). The start of the MAHATHIR legend marks the end of the RAHMAN legend about Malaysia’s Prime Minister with Najib as the “N”.

The RAHMAN legend was started with Tunku Abdul Rahman (R) and ended with Najib Razak (N) as follows:

1. Rahman - (Tunku Abdul Rahman)

2. Abdul - ( Abdul Razak)

3. Hussein ( Hussein Onn)

4. Mahathir ( Mahathir Mohamad)

5. Abdullah (Abdullah A. Badawi), and

6. Najib ( Najib Razak)

The new Malaysia’s legend of MAHATHIR will be as follows:

1. Mahathir Mohamad

2. Anwar Ibrahim

3.?

Dr Mahathir Mohamad - 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia


Tunku Abdul Rahman

Abdul Razak

Hussein Onn

Adullah Badawi

Najib Razak

Residents living near Nilai industrial estate face air pollution challenges

2018-05-05T05:58:00.003-07:00

Residents living near industrial areas are facing industrial pollution problems as industry produces pollutants such as organic substances, toxic chemicals, noise and odor. They usually file the complaints about health including a wide range of symptoms, diseases especially poor quality of life.

Undeniably, the convenience of the residents of Nilai living near industrial areas are being close to commercial hubs and Nilai industrial estate, however, the foremost emerging problem arises, they are facing with the problems related to environmental pollution.

They are suffering from some of the air pollution which is mainly caused by gas emission and the exceeding permitted levels of numerous toxic substances from the factories nearby.

The causes of Nilai’s environmental hazards caused by the multi exposure to chemicals combined with exposure to odors can be attributed to the output from manufacturing; it’s industrial air pollution.

The effect of the daily deteriorating quality of air which contributes to poorer health is becoming evident daily, some gradual, some sudden. This is threatening resident’s livelihood.

Undeniably, economic development is certainly leading to increase the level of air pollution; the people and the surrounding environment are seriously affected by the poor air quality. In no doubt that air pollution is the price pay for development.

Economists use opportunity cost to weigh decisions, in order to make the best decision and get the biggest benefits. If the air pollution continues to rise at an alarming rate, it will wreak havoc on human health and it’s a terrible cost to society.

The question remains: Should drastic action be taken against the defaulting companies along with the improvement of the weak emission control measures which have resulted in an increase in air pollution?

Pollutants gas released into the atmosphere, photos taken from Tasik Ujana

Laman Azalea, Nilai Impian – Nilai’s best guarded and gated residential

2018-05-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Laman Azalea, Nilai Impian is the guarded and gated residential. It’s a clean, green, and beautiful place to live. It located beside the 16-acre beautiful view of the scenic lake Tasik Ujana.

Developed by Sime Darby Property, the 2-Storey Terrace/Link House are stylish in design and the land size of Laman Azalea is 19.79 acres, the prestige property is branded and located in the prime residential area in Nilai. That being said, it is Nilai’s best guarded and gated residential.

The property is strategically located near Nilai town Centre and beside the KL-Seremban Highway which linked to major highways like North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE Highway), Maju Expressway (MEX). It’s about 20 km to KLIA, 19 km to the federal government administrative center of Putrajaya and about 15 km to Xiamen University Malaysia Campus.

The convenience of Laman Azalea is being close to commercial hubs Nilai 3 Wholesale Centre and Nilai industrial estate.

The 171-hectare Nilai 3 Wholesale Centre takes root in 2001 and offer a lucrative business hub location for wholesale and retail market ventures. It also offers good growth potential for distribution activities, especially given the expected increase in textile sector business.

Growing at the tremendous rate, the hub becomes “the biggest Wholesale Centre in Malaysia” in no time. Collectively, it attracts more than 150,000 visitors to flood the Wholesale Centre every weekend.

The great majority of their resident populations are professionals whom come from Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Serdang and elsewhere in Selangor. They travel daily to work, thus longer periods traveling to and from work have therefore become an accepted part of their daily routine.

Laman Azalea, Nilai Impian, enjoys the advantage of being located near the border of Selangor, Malaysia's most industrialized state and Negeri Sembilan which is a fast developing state, is easily accessible from several towns in both states.

Boasts of good infrastructure facilities, civic amenities, excellent connectivity and meticulously planned roads, Laman Azalea that have been springing up in the vicinity is also emerging as a residential hot spot and magnets for the well-heeled professionals and buyers.


Well-equipped spacious guardhouse

Tasik Ujana, Nilai Impian - Nilai's best beautiful sunrise and sunset spot

2018-05-01T05:31:00.003-07:00

The Tasik Ujana is the beautiful place with quiet environment and it’s the built environment. The Sime Darby Property has fundamentally transformed the 16-acre landscapes and greatly modified the natural environment into artificial amazing scenery in order to provide a better environment.

The natural-appearing, attractive scenery provides a relaxing, beautiful living environment with shade trees for the family to spend time together outdoors besides stay healthy and active.

Facilities such as the jogging path and children’s playground are specially provided for the residents and visitors. There is ample and convenient parking available all along the lake side.

The frequently held Fishing tournament pique the interest of many fishing enthusiasts. It attracted not only the local residents but also people from other places. The big crowd from all walks of life enjoys the fun of fishing and competes for the lucrative prizes besides the thrill of competition.

The Tasik Ujana is a unique place as it can watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset. It continues to attract many morning and evening walkers as well as joggers besides others who merely paused to watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset.

Tasik Ujana

Beautiful Sunrise

Beautiful Sun Rise

Beautiful Sunset

Beautiful sunset

Colorful sunset

Beautiful scenery

Fishing Tournament

Kg Seri Batu 8 Labu – a Chinese Village and urban sprawl

2018-04-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

Kg Seri Batu 8 Labu, Seremban is a small traditional Chinese village in Negeri Sembilan.

The traditional Chinese village is more like the places that freed from busy lives in the noisy and congested cities. Surrounded by oil palm estate, the places preserved their own paces and original lifestyle.

Although it’s essential to view village, to widen their development base and meet growing needs, but unfortunately, there is no development taking place at the small village and there are no silver-bullets that can just fire to solve the development problem.

Ironically, urbanization has significant economic effects on the town itself and surrounding areas. Moreover, the effects of urban sprawl can be devastating or subtle in and around large, medium-sized, and small cities, as well as small town.

As the populations of the town grow, automatically the demand for goods and services of all kinds will increase, pushing up prices of these goods and services, as well as the price of land. However, it’s extremely difficult for the Kg Seri Batu 8 Labu village to get the effects of urban sprawl as the degree of urbanization in Seremban town remains questionable.

However, the positive consequences as well as the effect of urban growth and sprawl from the fast growing burgh in Nilai town nearby has been provided opportunity for the village becoming magnets for the rapid growth.

Ultimately, the rapidly growing Nilai will be developed into an industrial hub under the Malaysian Vision Valley project, a dedicated rail line to transport the goods will be built to keep the cost low.

On the other hand, according to the reports, the Express Rail Link (ERL) service between KL Sentral and KLIA will be extended up to the upcoming high speed rail (HSR) terminal in Labu, Seremban.

Besides that, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line also to be extended from Kajang to Labu, where the HSR station would be built. This is the fuelling factors for the village’s rapid growth.

The cost of living here is almost the same as the town nearby. Although the prices of goods and services still affordable but it appears a bit high for the villages.

Currently, a small bowl of Pan mee is RM5.00 but before GST consumer only pays RM3.00. Villages accused that GST is the sole and the real cause of price hikes.

Certainly, urban sprawl has both positive and negative effects on the areas and the peoples especially the drastic change in the social structure, thus measure should be taken to prepare the people from drastic changes in respond rapidly to changing economic.

Balai Raya Kg Seri Batu 8, Labu

Main Road

Pan Mee

Is the Two-party system the double-edged sword for BN or PH?

2018-04-20T01:21:00.004-07:00

The coming 14th general election foresee the existence of two-party system in which BN and PH are contesting the 222 parliamentary seats and 587 state seats. PAS is being seen as a mere minnow.

The 93-year-old former Prime Minister Mahathir, who led the opposition PH component parties, is going to put up a battle to oust Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is the incumbent ruling coalition BN leader beside PAS to fight their own battles.

When we speak of political system, a two-party system is a system where two major political parties dominate the government. Either one of the two parties holds a majority seats in the legislature or governing party while the other is the minority opposition party, it’s a result of winner takes all election rules.

Political experts said, Malaysians awoke during the March 2008 general election which vastly altered political landscape. Unexpectedly, they expressed their dissatisfaction and questioned the long existing political status quo. They decided it should be the time for a change which made the Malaysian political scene richly volatile.

Although the incumbent coalition BN securing a simple majority of 133 seats to win the victory and back to power, however, losing the popular vote with 47.4%. The opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has posed itself as a formidable foe to BN and becoming a viable alternative.

The dramatic result raises question about the future politics of Malaysia’s two-party system policy.

Unexpectedly, in an unprecedented political U-turn, rather in what is perhaps his biggest U-turn ever, Mahathir recognize and grab the chance political opportunity presented to became the leader of the alliance of opposition parties of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), PKR, DAP and Amanah, bidding to oust the incumbent Najib, who is claimed to be engulfed in a massive financial scandal.

With the transformed new political landscape, the political scenario became complicated, fast-paced and confusing especially the shaping up of coming battles featuring EX-UMNO politicians versus current UMNO politicians, according to the political observer.

The Mahathir-led opposition, however, achieve cooperation and understanding to make the two-party system become a reality.

Unexpectedly, the PH chairman Mahathir announced that all 4 parties in the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan i.e. PKR, DAP PPBM and Amanah parties will be contesting the coming 14^th General Election under the PKR logo. The opposition pact made the decision as they could not contest using PH logo since PH has not received approval from ROS to register as a formal party, as well as PPBM has been order to deregister.

Pakatan Harapan allocated 52 seats to Pribumi, followed by PKR 51 seats, DAP 35 seats and Amanah 27 seats in the coming 14^th General Election.

Some political analysists said, the decision to use one logo is impossible to achieve in the past especially DAP has used the Rocket symbol for not less than 60 years and other component parties are also partial to their party symbols respectively.

However, the disbandment notice issued by the Registrar of Societies (RoS) to Pribumi serve as a catalyst in the using a common symbol to context beside it’s the best way of winning the coming 14^th General Election.

Some political analysists found out that it’s unwise for the ROS to block the PPBM from using their symbol to contest, thus provide the opportunity for the opposition alliance to use the common symbol PKR in contesting the seats. It may make it easier to persuade potential supporters to support them to achieve a good performance.

Moreover, with all the achievements in the past, Mahathir has an impressive record of administering the country besides the success stories of opposition rule in Selangor and Penang. Even the Auditor-General’s office also confirms that opposition coalition has brought tremendous changes to both Selangor and Penang.

Some political observers say, the ruling UMNO has used all the resources and energy to mount an all-out attack PH by accusing the DAP of controlling the alliance. The mass “strategic lies” about DAP created is being used as a weapon by the BN-UMNO owned or controlled mainstream mass media and the social media against its political enemy the PH.

Aggressively, Najib and his allies have also increased their attacks on the opposition parties with which Mahathir has since aligned himself. They asserted that the alliance is dominated by the largely Chinese DAP, whom they present as hostile to and even anti Islam. Some opposition leaders denounced the aggressive attack as inflammatory and unsubstantiated allegations.

On the other hand, some political experts said the issues used by opposition to attack UMNO no other than the 1MDB, the spiraling cost of living, GST, the weak ringgit, cut in subsidies, poor management of Felda and Tabung Haji, less allocation for scholarships, suppression of human rights, Malaysian land and energy assets being sold to foreigners, as well as China's investments in Malaysia. The opposition would use any issues to turn the people against the government.

Among the general public, 1MDB is seen as the ultimate case of the abuse of entrusted power for private gain and corruption at the highest level. However, the opposition's main focus was not 1MDB but merely using it as the excuse to attack the UNMO politicians.

Undeniably, social media had become a political platform for both the BN and opposition cyber troopers to create fake news and negative perceptions that went against each other.

Some political observers believed that although recently Umno’s “popularity” is at an all-time low, but the opposition is not that strong either, as the non-Malay support for the opposition seem to be stagnated or softened.

On the contrary, in what is seen as a "teacher vs student showdown", some political observers predict that Mahathir stands to become the world's oldest leader if the opposition wins.

However, according to some political analysts, the Mahathir-led opposition looks unlikely to unseat the Najib-led BN. Without enough resources and fighting on two fronts, PAS was “digging its own grave” and unable to put up any fight outside the safe seats.

Some of the more vocal political analysts pointed out that the redelineation of electoral boundaries for peninsular states was drawn to the advantage of the ruling party. It has failed to ensure the number of voters in constituencies is “approximately equal” as it has amplified the ratio between the smallest and largest parliamentary constituencies.

Moreover, as ethnicity was one of the criteria considered during redelineation, thus it resulted fifteen parliamentary constituencies, which were previously mixed constituencies, have transformed into eight Malay-dominant and seven Chinese-dominant constituencies.

The 14^th general election will be one of the most important political events for the Malaysian which attracts a great deal of international attention. However, what matters is, can Najib keep the BN dreams on track or the BN boat is turning over in the ditch?

Never the less, the utmost important question remains: could Mahathir pull something out of the hat and become a game-changer?

OMF Bungalow Cameron Highlands – for Christian only

2018-04-12T19:03:00.003-07:00

The OMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship) bungalow, built in Cameron Highlands in 1933 at 1530 meters above sea level, was constructed by a Chinese businessman Leong Sin Nam (梁桑南) from Ipoh.

The name Yi Yun Court “怡云阁”, which means “enjoying panoramic views of cloud atop the pavilion”, greets the guess at the entrance of the bungalow.

The historic bungalow had been built in a unique and beautiful architectural design, in such a way that he inscribed the congratulatory message“情良中心”（Love Center）from the Governor of the Straits Settlements Sir Cecil Clementi Smith (马来联邦钦差大臣,海峡殖民地总督金文泰)to him in the building.

The first Chefoo School was opened in China in 1881. It moved to Cameron Highlands in 1952. From 1954 to 1959, Chefoo School used the bungalow as a school for missionary kids.

In 1964, the Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) bought over this bungalow to serve as place of rest, refreshment and spiritual renewal for Members of OMF as well as local pastors, leaders and other cross-culture full time missionaries’ workers from other Christian organizations.

The bungalow has 9 rooms which can accommodate 26 adults. Although it may be fading out of public as it initially only cater for missionary to stay but later on, it opened to all Christian for holidays.

Ipoh Yong tau foo - the Famous Hakka dish

2018-04-10T23:10:00.004-07:00

Yong tau foo is also called stuffed bean curd and it’s delicious. More often than not, the tau foo is stuffed with fish, pork and a variety of soy products and vegetables paste.

For Yong tau foo to be sold as Halal to the Muslim by Muslim hawkers or in the shopping Mall food court there is some alteration in the recipes. The ingredient pork in the paste is replaced by Halal chicken meat and other ingredients also from Muslim Food Caterers.

Yong tau foo is a Hakka dish originated from China. Yong means to stuff with meat ingredient fillings in Hakka dialect. The relative poverty Hakka whom migrated to overseas bought together with them this simple delicious food but later became popular in oversea.

The famous Ipoh town lies at the heart of Kinta Valley, once the world’s richest tin mining area. It attracted the vibrant explorers especially Hakka, they bring along the Yong tau foo recipes which became the famous specialty in the former tin mining town rather than the usual Malaysian staples.

Most hawkers in Ipoh like other places, open in the early morning and shut after lunch, or as long as the stocks last. But this famous scrumptious Yong Tau Foo stall “Dai Shu Geok” or Restoran Choong Kee Pokok Besar in Pasir Pinji is open from 8.30am to 5.30 pm daily.

Beside the delicious Yong tau foo, clear soup noodle, curry mee and asam laksa, the outstanding item is the deep fried stuffed turnip or ‘Sar kot” that more local people are looking for than ever before. I think it’s the only item you can have here that you just can’t get elsewhere, even the food court just next to it which has taken over its previous location.

Undeniably, the crispy and tasteful Sar Kot that have unique flavors which is not available anywhere in any other place.

Sar Kot

Curry Mee and deep fried Sar Kot

Restoran Choong Kee Pokok Besar

Long queue

Price after GST

Price before GST

The Restoran

The Bill

Price hike keeps on

2018-04-07T06:24:00.001-07:00

Although GST does not become part of the business operating cost, however the price hike keeps on and do not show the signs of decline or stabilization.

The general public feel the pinch and noticeably uneasy in response to the escalating price hike that burdens them and thus the high cost of living. So much so that it worsens the public perception towards GST and aggravated the anger, despite the assurance and various efforts of the government in keeping the prices of goods remain the same after GST.

Some observers believe that the businessmen have taken the advantage of the GST to raise the price especially the food in the restaurants and road side stalls.

Noticeably, the price of “Yong Tau Foo” is RM 0.60 per piece before GST, but after GST it is RM 0.95 per piece. This has raised the cost of eating out. Undeniably, the price hike has pinch in the pockets of consumer.

Yong Tau Foo

Price before GST

Price after GST

GST is not the main cause of price hike?

2018-04-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

The public in general feel the pinch since the implementation of GST and non-stop complaining about the negative impact especially the hike of the prices.

GST is used by the government of the day to generate tax revenue which is broadly based and applied to everyone whether rich or poor. It’s a simple and efficient form of indirect taxation on valued added goods and services.

GST rollout in Malaysia effective from 1 April 2015. It replaced the current existing 10% sales tax and 6% service tax respectively. It’s the main part of the government’s tax reform programme to enhance the capability, effectiveness and transparency of tax management.

The government is targeted to lower the personal and corporate income tax rates while collecting good revenue for the government. It does not become part of the business operating cost as it’s charged to the end consumer , so it doesn’t increased the financial burden of doing business. The company merely act as the collecting agents on behalf of Malaysia Customs Department.

The 6% value added tax is levied on most transactions in the production process, with exception of blocked Input Tax. Many domestically consumed goods i.e. fresh foods, water, electricity are zero-rated, while some supplies like education and health services are exempted.

However, the public in general feel the pinch from the implementation of GST and began to complain about the negative impact especially the hike of the prices as GST makes necessities such as food, clothing, transport, houses and medical treatment more expensive to the rich or the poor, adversely affecting the equity of the society.

According to the first series of the Auditor General’s report 2016, GST revenue collected from local goods showed an increase of 85%, from RM14 billion in 2015 to RM25.97 billion last year. Meanwhile, GST on imported goods rose 17% from RM12.9 billion to RM15.2 billion.

Based on experiences in other countries, at the implementation year, the inflation rates were 2-3% above the normal rates registered in prior years once the GST was implemented.

As a result, the Ministry of Finance had conducted a price impact studies to find out the effect of GST implementation on 729 types of consumer goods and services from 95 industries. Although the result showed that the Consumer Price Index is expected to decrease by 0.10%, instead GST caused higher inflation in 2015.

According to the projection by the authority, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) might have an on-off lifting the inflation as high as 3.5% to 3.8% in 2015 when GST was implemented.

The price of many of the targeted consumer goods may increase but should go down later on. Theoretically, the Ministry of Finance Secretary-General Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah hope that this is a one-time price spike after GST implementation, follow by the moderate downwards of the inflation rate. He believes that within a year to one and a half year after the implementation of GST, inflation will taper and eventually resume to its normal rate.

In addition, the experiences of countries in implementing GST together with pre-GST simulation in Malaysia highlight positively the effect of GST on Consumer Price Index and reduction of prices. But, in fact, it’s the other way round.

The Department of Statistics, according to the data accumulated, it showed that the price increase has occurred every year even before the implementation of the GST. However, it indicated GST is one of the factors causing in price hike.

The uptrend of rising prices for consumer goods occurred since 1980s. In other words, the continuing of rising prices has started to take place 35 years ago long before GST is implemented. CPI report further indicated that there are other contributing factors besides GST which cause price hikes.

Nonetheless, the public are noticeably uneasy in response to the escalating price hike despite the government efforts in keeping the prices of goods and services to remain stable or cheaper but it fails. The price hike keeps on and do not show the signs of decline or stabilization. This worsens the public perception towards GST and aggravated the anger as they are burdened by the rising prices and thus high cost of living.

The public can’t stop complaining about the continuously of price hikes in goods and services, despite the assurance and various efforts of the government in keeping the prices of goods remain the same after GST the prices continue to increase.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the National Cost of Living Action Council which was chaired by him on two occasions recently found that the rise in prices of goods is not caused by the imposition of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) but due to the action of the middlemen in manipulating the prices of goods had burdened the people who had to bear the rising cost of living.

Although there are some increase in price due to increase production cost, rise in import, due to weaken ringgit, but why the value of ringgit has risen but the price of goods and services do not go down, instead keep going up? This is where the cartel plays a role as middlemen who make a hefty margin.

The Minister in the Prime Minister Department Idris Jala, who in 2010 had warned that Malaysia could go belly-up by as early as 2019, which is ahead the 2020 deadline for the country to become developed nation.

The social media have also reported on this matter, which made the headlines in Nov 26, 2013 that “Desperate for GST, Najib admits it – Malaysia can go bankrupt”.

The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia on Oct 20, 2017 said that the goods and services tax has caused many businesses to close. On the other hand, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the implementation of GST was necessary as the country risked becoming bankrupt like Greece if it resorted to borrowing.

The introducing GST is because the existing taxation system was not efficient as only 1.34 million workers out of 14 million paid income taxes and GST is the only equitable taxation system. The additional revenue would allow the government to finance future development and improving the weak financial position especially the debt level of close to 55% of GDP.

Although GST being seen as a fair tax system for all. But putting all bets on prices hike may seem unfair to the public that ought to buy the necessities at whatever the prices.

On the other hand, the negative impact of the implementation of GST is the prices of goods and services had raised especially the food in the restaurants and road side stalls.

Undeniably, the price hike has a larger consequence than the obvious pinch in the pockets of consumer, so what is your opinion?

U.S Not Embracing GST: The real reason the American Dream is fading?

2018-04-04T20:13:00.002-07:00

GST is a common transaction type of tax revenue collection globally. It has been shown to be a simple, efficient and successful form of indirect taxation. It’s paid indirectly by the final consumer of goods and services while paying for purchase of goods or services. Commonly it is used to generate tax revenue and broadly based which is applied to everyone whether rich or poor.

However, it’s interesting to note that U.S, the most economically advanced democracy, is the only major economy that doesn’t implementing GST; it’s a rose among thorns. Instead, U.S holds on steadfastly on its sales Tax regime, which states enjoy high autonomy in taxation.

It’s reported that although Canadian Province, British Colombia has implemented GST, but 2 years later reverted to the previous old system, i.e. Provincial Sale Tax or PST, due to the broad challenges to implementation.

On the other hand, the European Union, which is the original place for implementing Value Added Tax (VAT), has felt the need to commence a thorough review of the VAT system that is currently prevalent in its member countries.

Ironically, in term of collecting tax revenue, VAT is an effective tool. It has become a major source of revenue in these years. By 2008, VAT hit the highest record by collecting 21.4% of the national tax revenues of EU member states.

Historically, VAT was first introduced in Europe by France in 1954, thereafter adopted and implemented by the member States of the European Economic Committee in 1967 due to its practicality and efficiency.

Undeniably, although the operational costs to taxpayers and tax administration were reduced by the simpler VAT system, but unfortunately, due to the complexity in the VAT rules in the member States, the EU has become a less attractive place investment.

In the U.S, the levy of Sales Tax is largely on retail sales or on supplies to the ultimate consumer and all intermediaries is generally exempted. In addition, States in the U.S also have the power to levy and collection on many specified services. Inter-state supplies of goods and services are not liable to sales tax in the U.S., unless the supplier of goods or services has a presence in the selling state.

Goods or services that may be exempt from Sales Tax in the U.S are often liable to a use Tax levied in the State where these goods are used or consumed. Local Municipal Corporations in each State in the U.S also impose sales taxes on goods and services, thereby making the sales tax regime further complex.

The levies of Sales Tax in the U.S are largely on retail sales or on supplies to the ultimate consumer and all intermediaries are generally exempted. States in the U.S also have the power to levy and collect on many specified services.

In the U.S, intermediate supplies are not taxed, and the Inter-state supplies of goods and services are not liable to sales tax, unless the supplier of goods or services has a presence in the selling state. Goods or services that may be exempt from Sales Tax in the U.S are often liable to a Use Tax levied in the State where these goods are used or consumed.

Local Municipal Corporation in each State in the U.S also empowered to levy substantial taxes on sale and use of goods and services, thereby curbing the tendency of States to impose sales tax at a high rate besides making the sales tax regime further complex.

In order to increase the efficiency of the tax revenue collecting system, Sales Tax compliance by businesses is generally done with the help of software packages marketed by many large software companies.

Specifically, due to the inherently complex nature of implementation, economic researcher have found corruption at lower levels arising from multiplicity of compliance and inconsistent interpretation of provisions by Tax Authorities is not common.

In the U.S, automated software packages and the State support does alleviate the compliance burden on businesses. Due to the Constitution impediments are absent in the Sales Tax regime of the US, hence, it is unlikely that the US will consider introducing a unified GST across the nation in the near future.

The question remains: Is it not embracing GST is the real reason the American Dream is fading?

The sleeping Lion has woken up to shake the world

2018-03-28T01:26:00.001-07:00

White House slapped US$60 billion worth of Chinese products seem to be deliberately provoking trade war as U.S had accused China not fulfilling promises to further open financial services and agricultural markets. It is also said that it was purposely designed to counter the threat of china emerging as a major technology competitor. Strategically, the action is aggressive and delicately provoking trade war which would have been unwise as it’s like adding fuel to the fire.

Just hours after Donald Trump’s announcement, China struck back to impose levy 15 per cent tariffs on 120 types of products including fruit, wine and steel pipes, worth US$977 million, 25 per cent tariffs on another 8 categories of products worth US$2 billion including pork and recycled aluminum. It’s allegedly, moreover, that China is ready to respond further in case the U.S measures were really implemented.

The American dared to take such drastic action against China because of their track record of winning. China, as usual will lose and fulfill the demand to make demanded concessions and give priority to the U.S’s interest.

History does, in fact, repeat itself. Look at all those horrible battles that took place in China, especially the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded China. The eight nations were the United State, Japan, Russia, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary. When the international legations in Beijing were besieged by Boxer rebels supported by the Qing government, the coalition dispatched their armed forces, in the name of humanitarian intervention to defend their citizens in China, and a number of Chinese Christians who had taken shelter in the legations.

The war ended with a coalition victory, followed by the signing of the Boxer Protocol on September 7, 1901, undertaking to execute 10 officials said to be linked to the outbreak. The compensation has to compensate war reparations for a total of 450 million Chinese ounces of silver to the eight countries. The said amount is to be paid in 39 years besides seizure of valuable things.

Over the years, the U.S and China had had 3 major trade confrontations over textile in the 1980s, intellectual property in the 1990s and exchange rates in 2005. It was a height that we had never even dared to think about before, almost every time China was at inferior position and forced to make a lot of compromises compare to U.S which just made a token compromise.

Some economy analysist say, currently the actions taken by China is a temporary measure in the form of protest but it’s totally restricted. End of the day, China has to surrender and once again make concessions such as reforming the state owned enterprises at least contributed to the current imbalances.

However, some pro U.S observers even said, China would be cautious as the trade between U.S and China is much more important to the Chinese economy rather than for the U.S. On the other hand, varies studies suggested that it is the other way around due to the America’s economic might is fading.

According to Investopedia, U.S has been at the top list of the national economies globally since 1871. However, as the Chinese economy experienced astonishing growth in the past decades and began an unprecedented economic catch-up in 1978, surpasses Japan as world’s second largest economy since 2010. Nevertheless, it’s said that China is gaining on the U.S and catapulted to become the world’s second biggest economy. Surprisingly but not unexpected, some economists even claimed that China has already overtaken the U.S to become the world’s largest economy.

Historically, industrial revolution increased the efficiency and reduced the cost of production which caused Britain, the U.S and other European nations to produce goods far more than their populations. Moreover, the continuing industrial innovations in manufacturing, technological breakthrough and financial efficiency not only helped the U.S achieved high production but chart a course for U.S to become the world’s largest economy in 1900 and continuing to maintain U.S economy, political and then military dominance in the strategic economy environment that never stops evolving.

Although innovation never stops in the U.S and the Great Britain, never the less they are going through a process of de-industrialization. On the other hand, China not only industrialized on a spectacular scale but never stop innovating. The successful innovation and new technology is no longer progressing, instead its pace is accelerating faster than ever before. Under the circumstances, it brings China “huge soft power” and the ability to influence world economy.

With the equal access to advance industrial technologies, in addition to a much larger population, it had resulted China the dominant economic power, so as the political and military dominance in the world for the 21^st century.

IMF has asserted that China had produced 17% of the world gross domestic product in 2014 exceeding U.S’s GDP of world’s 16%. As reported by the source, it predicts that China will account for 25% of the world’s economy by 2030. The impressive prediction will continuing to attract the best brains fled to China in the hope of better lives.

According to reports, currently the trade between two countries actually supports not less than 2.6 million jobs in the U.S across a large wide range of industries, including the jobs that created by the Chinese company in the U.S. As time goes on, the Chinese middle-class consumers will exceed the entire population of the U.S by 2026. The U.S companies can exploit the significant opportunities to tap into the new and lucrative customer base that can further boost the employment and economic growth. Even economic data show that nations have trading closely with China outperform other nations with less integrated trade ties.

In 2015 alone, China had purchased $165 billion in term of goods and services from the U.S, representing 7.3 % of U.S exports and about 1 % of total U.S economic output.

Although some U.S manufacturing jobs have been lost due to trade deficit, but U.S firms manage to sell high-value products to China, including semiconductors, cars, trucks, construction equipment which support a very large number of jobs. In addition, U.S firms also export business and financial services, totaling $6.7 billion in 2014 and $7.1 billion in 2015. By 2030 the exports to China is estimated to reach more than $520 billion.

As China has become an integral part of the global manufacturing supply chain, its exports are comprised of imported components for final assembly. If the value of the imported components subtracted from China’s export, so much so the U.S trade deficit with China is reduced by half to about 1% of GDP, which is about the same amount as the U.S trade deficit with the European Union.

China has grown to become the 3^rd largest destination for U.S goods and services in 2000. U.S exports to China directly and indirectly supported 1.8 million new jobs and $165 billion in GDP in 2015. The total economic benefits generated from investment by both countries respectably amounted to 2.6 million U.S jobs and about $216 billion of GDP.

Goods manufacturing by China also lower the prices in the U.S markets, dampening inflation and putting more money in American wallets. U.S consumer prices are 1% to 1.5% lower due to cheaper Chinese imports. The typical household earned about $56,500 in 2015; goods imported from China therefore saved the families up to $850 that year. Besides, if China stops buying Boeing, 180,000 American jobs could be lost.

Ironically, the U.S has enjoyed a dominance role in the global economy especially trading with China for such a long time, but the scenario might begin to change with the rise of emerging China.

Some political analysts said, White House slapped US$60 billion worth of Chinese products is a “Thucydides trap” and is a catastrophic strategy to keep China down.

More than two centuries ago, Napoleon Bonaparte said: “China is a sleeping lion. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will shake the world.”

On the other hand, China’s President Xi Jinping say, today, the lion has woken up. But it is peaceful, pleasant and civilized.

A central question that some political analysts ask is: Have you ever seen a peaceful, civilized and not aggressive lion?

In the art of War, Sun Tzu say, if you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat and puff oneself up one’s own cost.

The question remains: Does keeping China down is the answer to the fading American Dream?

Is Mahathir on track to win the 14th General Election?

2018-03-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

Politically, incumbents may normally win; this has been true for a long time, however, the on-coming Malaysia 14^th general election might shatter the myth as the opposition leader, 93 years old Mahathir is a lot more popular than any other incumbent.

There is now the more than theoretical possibility that Mahathir will return to lead the country should the opposition win the election. Impossible, though unlikely, but the chances of happening are not exactly slim. We can’t denied the possibility of happening as politics is an art of impossible.

The assumption could not be accepted and rejected sharp by pro-ruling coalition parties and BN as the underlying assumption is identical and false, but why the pro-opposition and most of the grass root voters strongly accept uncritically?

Although the electoral system makes ruling party defeat impossible, Mahathir former UMNO president and prime minister 22 years in power, now leader of the alliance opposition parties is nonetheless, bidding to oust the incumbent. It is said that he is denounce political correctness.

Ironically, under current political system, it’s believed that the electoral system makes ruling BN defeat impossible although quite a number of the Malaysians are angry with Najib and his administration. Undeniably, BN has control an incredibly strong political machine, with 1.6 million civil servants or about 11 percent of the labor force across the country.

The Malaysia’s bureaucracy is one of the biggest in the world. The ratio is the highest of civil service to population in the world with 1 civil servant to 19.37 citizens, while Singapore is 1: 71.4 people and Indonesia is 1:110.

Crucially, it's understandable that the policy of the BN government has always been focused on patronage politics of racial derived from a centralized political system which dispensing largesse from UMNO. In addition, UMNO was also accused to capitalize the distribution of state money through affirmative action schemes to mostly rural Malay base with a significant lump sum siphoned off.

Undeniably, the lack of solution to the long-term negative consequences of UMNO Malay-centrism on Malaysian nation building that led to the poor management of public resources and failure in policy implementation cause the dissatisfaction in the first place.

Despite their unchallenged status, the economic burdens on the middle and lower classes are increasing while the nation is experiencing high economic growth. It make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

According to UNESCO Institute for Statistics, Malaysia is one of the top 10 countries with the highest student mobility in the world with more than 56,000 students studying abroad.

Among the students, the government is funding around 7,736 students abroad. The top destinations for Malaysia students go to study are Australia, United Kingdom, USA and Canada. Other non-English speaking countries are Egypt, India, Japan, South Korea and Russia.

Graduates who have studying abroad may well change the way they view all kinds of things which previously might be taken for granted. On top of that, the education helps them to understand besides analyze problems and phenomena from a longer-term worldwide perspective. Moreover, long-term exposure and experience in other culture especially advanced countries may have the tendency to developed the graduates to think objectively regarding own country, tolerate differences and recognize and appreciated diversity.

Undeniably, most of the scholarship recipients look at the government-funded education as a privilege, a right and not a responsibility although the paradox of policies entails major social cost. They have conspicuously failed to look at government policies objectively besides political significant and unintended consequences.

Not surprisingly, many of the English educated Malay elite who were successively selected to received western education since independent till now are assessed the government governance and valued the entire demonetization effort to a certain degree is a failure.

The problems of governance that arise in the states governs by UNMO are the repercussion of poor financial management, poor management of public resources and failure in policy implementation by the persons in charge who lack commitment, integrity and the relevant knowledge.

However, it seems almost certain that the poor governance has reached the end of the line, all which is left to the elite Malay community to deal with the long-term negative consequences of UMNO’s Malay-centrism on Malaysian nation building.

Some political observers have been seen over the last decades a gradual increase in the amount of Malay elite and the Malay elite era is emerging. In other words, one huge definite change over last decades has been the emergence of large enough English educated urban middle class Malay elite to contain the heat pulse completely. They appreciated the social stability and cultural pride and believe that only under a reformed system of good governance can bring, instead of acting out of highly augmented fear of economic and the irrelevance of politic as a community.

In the same time, the Malay policy along ethnic line should never supposed to be the goal in itself as the ultimate purpose of a racial collective is to ensure its own survival. Some political observers believe that the Malay-centric nation building policy requires Malaysian nation building to remain successful.

In other words, it is most likely that the Malay-centric concept should go along with system-centric system which contains broad ethnic diversity where government is relatively capable. Otherwise, the country divides even further rather than unite together. The middle class is either stagnating economically or disappearing while the poor getting poorer and the rich keep getting richer, increasingly, class division and economic disparity becomes an emerging theme as anger mounts. Reforming Malay politics by English educated urban middle class Malay elite that accept multiculturalism seems to be the solution to the existing problem.

Unfortunately, it is recognized in greater circles that the opposition coalition is fragile as it is only an election-winning machine. The alliance between the opposition parties precisely turns out to be a marriage of convenience rather than ideological affinity. Lack of underlying comity and ideological affinity to hold the opposition coalition parties together is their contingency dilemma which is the difficult obstacle to overcome.

Ironically, issues come and go, but the underlying unease remains no matter how many rebuttal to spine a given issues. However, BN the ruling party is still facing unsolved problems with issues like mega scandal 1MDB, GST, abuse of power, mismanagement, Islamism besides prices soaring. In addition, skyrocketing prices have also made housing a political issue and has really added fuel to the fire.

On the other hand, the young voters needs to be convinced that the opposition can do better than the current ruling BN by lowering the cost of living, job opportunity, tertiary education and non-halal matters and etc.

Ordinary voters have preferences about what the existing government ought to do and elect them and vice versa. However, some of the incumbent’s politicians have lost some votes in recent years; but neither opposition support has high enough to unseat them.

More often than not, in protesting, quite a number of the voters who decided to stay away and refuse to cast their votes during the election which created the situation that those bad politicians are elected by good people who refuse to vote.

Undeniably, the current electoral system makes ruling BN defeat impossible. In the coming election, the task to defeat becomes even harder as the Election Commission embarks on an exercise to redelineate electoral boundaries, allegedly to dilute the opposition influencing power and given more say to the rural Malay voters, thus made the ruling BN in an even better position than in 2013.

Contrary to what some have suggested, although most voters are unhappy with the current ruling BN but it doesn’t mean that most voters who will actually cast the vote on Election Day will vote for the opposition.

Things happen and it matters and people often prefer political positions that advance their own interest. But the things aren’t looking so good for Najib, with a lack of significant achievements and “scandals piling up”, although the economy currently is considered a positive economic.

2013 General election saw BN lose its 2/3 majority in parliament along with the popular vote. However, BN maintain its power by gerrymandering. The nearly 4 years since scandal happened after scandal, relentless crackdown, the fracturing of the opposition caused the long-term decline in public’s confidence in the ruling BN, but BN will still in power.

The real bottom line seems to be that, a lot hinges on issues and events and they are highly uncertain. However, there is some reason to believe that a betting person should regard Najib’s re-elected is more likely than not although his political performance doesn’t tell the whole story. By the same token, incumbent usually win the re-election. Although it has a lot to do with gerrymandering, but studies show that incumbency effects are very real, the incumbent usually wins.

In an uncertain world, the one thing really happen is the incumbent politician usually gets re-elected. This, however, has been true for a long time.

On the other hand, research suggests that’s not what happens matter, we tend to base on our opinions on beliefs when presented with contradictory facts, we adhere to our original belief even more strongly. This phenomenon effect is call backfire and it plays an especially important role in how to shape and solidify our belief on highly partisan issues.

The question remains: Can Mahathir capitalize on the BN’s unpopularity and its proven ability to win the coming election?

Mahathir struggles to win power

2018-03-18T06:29:00.003-07:00

Politic is an art of impossible is proven by Mahathir once again. Mahathir joked that in the worst-case scenario, in the event Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) is deregistered, he is even willing to contest as a DAP candidate.

Mahathir made such a statement following ROS announced on 9 March that it has given Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) 30 days to respond to its queries and present the necessary documents or face deregistration.

Having made such a strong political statement, Mahathir demonstrated that politic is an art of impossible is impossible to deny.

Ironically, the allegations of racism and Chinese chauvinist DAP political party by the mainstream media caused many have a deep fear of the party especially the Malay establishment. Undeniably, most of the Malay establishment view Chinese chauvinists would destroy Malay supremacy and Islam supremacy should they in power to form the government. Thus, Chinese-based DAP was the main victim under Mahathir authoritarian regime.

All the while, especially during Mahathir’s tenure, painting the DAP as the bogeyman for the Malay is the ultimate political strategy to kill DAP and get support by the ruling regime.

From their point of view, the propagation of race-based narrative as UMNO is the only one to protect Malay’s right which preventing the Chinese from controlling the country in addition to safe the Malay from suffering like the fate of the Palestinians. This is the only effective strategy for the continue survival of the party based upon the construction and perpetuation of the Chinese-based party DAP.

Falling into racial and ethnic political allegation, Mahathir has personally claimed responsibility for demonizing DAP as an Chinese chauvinist party. When he was in power, under his strong arm tactics and strategy, Lim Kit Siang and his son, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng were held under the ISA “Operasi Lalang”, a massive crackdown in 1987, yet they have now accepted him as the opposition leader.

In power for 22 years, Mahathir became the Malaysian longest serving prime minister. While in office, he jailed several opposition leaders. He said the mass-arrest and detention of opposition including Lim Kit Siang and his son Lim Guan Eng in 1987 happened was based on the recommendation of the police.

However, some political analysts say that in current political situation, any decision taken could have a great political impact for the future. Even the multi-billion- ringgit 1MDB corruption allegation was not effective enough to remove Najib, thus Mahathir is the only person that can ousting incumbent Prime Minister Najib and the Barisan Nasional.

Some political analysts say that the widening rift between the opposition leaders contribute to the polarization of Malaysia and will have difficulty dealing with the public dissatisfaction with government performance and it doesn’t necessary translate into perceptions that opposition parties could do a better job, thus overthrow the existing government.

Mahathir knew pretty well that only opposition alliance would have the best chance of winning over the coming 14th general election. Without any hesitation, Mahathir joined the opposition and formed a new political party “Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malayssia (PPBM) together with Muhyiddin, a former deputy prime minister and former UMNO deputy president.

Most political analysts and opposition supporters can stand their ground diplomatically without damaging the relationship by saying Mahathir is the only person who can shake the BN by winning the significant portion of Malay votes to win over the next general election. He can penetrate and sway or uproot the rural Malay support base which own by UMNO and PAS.

More often than not, currently the political strategy of UMNO is tailoring its strategy to attract the attention of the Malay rural voters by religious and race issues.

Confidence in the political opposition may have grown strongly to win over the coming general election; Lim Kit Siang expressed willingness to work with Mahathir to save Malaysia from becoming a failed state which is entirely man-made catastrophe. However, the barriers against the opposition winning are plenty.

The question remains: Under the current political scenario, can Mahathir lead the opposition to win the coming general election?

Soaring prices: Government of the day and its policies to be blamed?

2018-03-10T22:35:00.002-08:00

Over those years, majority of the people live in Malaysia have been frequently complaining bitterly about how expensive things are and how the stuffs used to be cheap.

Ironically, we always expect the stuffs to be cheaper as the production is more efficient instead otherwise. The consequence is people keep on complaining how expensive things are and the implication is majority of the people cannot afford most of the things. Not surprisingly, this is common phenomena in our society.

In an attempt to put out the fire but if it is not efficiently and professionally done, worst still, the impulsive action were politically exploited; it could have like pouring water onto the fire which caused more damage than what originally triggered the anger of the people. The consequence is the "paradox of tolerance" could not have existed as the ability to be tolerance eventually is destroyed by the "intolerances".

The economy of Malaysia recorded a sterling growth of 5.7 % in the 1^st quarter of 2017 and the World Bank revised upwards the GDP forecast from 4.9 % to 5.2 % for the year of 2018.

The 2018 Federal Government Budget in its latest economic report, the Treasury discovered that 42.6 % of the government revenue came from income tax while 22.8 % came from the GST indirect tax.

Over those years, the people have been frequently blamed directly at the government of the day and the implementation of the policies for discriminating against and provided little protection to maintain the standard living of the households especially the standard of living of people on low and middle incomes groups. It caused many families and individuals from lower and middle income households are worst off.

The authority has also failed to take into account different housing costs of different households, the higher cost experienced by house living in city and remote areas and the different levels of spending on health care across households.

The underestimated the effects of the soaring prices greatly affected the low and middle income households. It is near impossible for working class groups to purchase houses, it seem to be an impossible dream. They have to cope with higher cost of living with expenses on essentials rising, and frequently resulted in a lack of the ability to purchase.

In addition, underestimated the average effects overall that households are not made worse off which caused the dissatisfaction toward the authority. In fact, the people living standards of many low and middle incomes household are reduced and worse off.

Ironically, the social action taken by the authority for social compensation is not socially justified, as well as the disappointment of the redistribute effect frustrating to justified expectation.

It’s undoubtedly true that the government of the day and its policies were blamed to hold responsibility for the failure to take into account the different spending and saving patterns of the middle and low income households. Moreover, the “price watchdog” is not function effectively to protect the middle and low income expenditure which causes the deteriorated of the living standards.

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an effective tax policy is the one that collect revenue to finance public expenditure on transfer, health and education that favour the low income households as well as on growth enabling infrastructure that can increase social society.

The soaring prices that cause cost of living keep on rising is due to inflation - that is persistent increase in the average price level. Undeniably, modern economies inflation is a common phenomenon to activate the economy growth. Ironically, most responsible Central Bank deliberately targeted a low rate of inflation of 2 % in consistent with sustain economic growth.

On the other hand, a zero inflation economy could cause problems to the economy as a whole as the economy is stagnant. The secular stagnation means that the economy has stopped growing. For instant, consumers and companies are saving more that the economy needed.

The ultimate target economist insisted seems to be incomes rising faster than prices and cost of living. If the cost of living increase 2 % but the average incomes are rising at 5 % a year, than the real income is increase by 3 %, despite the increased of cost of living, the consumers are better off. However, if prices are increase but incomes remain the same, then the real income is falling, and consumers are effectively worst off as they can not off to buy as many goods. This is the situation frequently complaining bitterly by the majority of the people.

As we know, cost of living is the cost of maintaining a certain standard of living. Changes in the cost of living over time are often operational in a cost of living index. Differences in cost of living between areas often used to measure in terms of purchasing power parity rates. It also used to compare the cost of maintaining a certain standard of living in different geographic areas.

Prices increase is the product of the dynamic economy. Globally prices have been increasing; therefore price increase itself is not a local phenomenon and political issue but unduly soaring prices caused, almost invariably on both a local and a national level with direct effect on living conditions.

The index for Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages spiked 4.7 % in Kuala Lumpur and 4.5% in Selangor. The persistent increase in the average price level caused the low and middle income groups feel the pinch as the monthly basket of goods sharpest spikes in prices which resulted that they must pay higher prices for the same goods and services. They can’t afford to buy as many goods used to buy before. The items that saw sharpest spikes in prices are non-other than transport and food which is the essentials and major goods and services for the groups concern.

It is relevant also to note that another fueling price soar is the high petrol price. As usual, unscrupulous businessmen will jump on bandwagon and raise prices by a large quantum than actual cost increase. Lax enforcement by the relevant authorities encourages them to do so. In addition, the higher price of rice globally and the depreciated value of the ringgit also contributed to a price hike.

Theoretically, under free market competition, no one has the power to influence or set price. The demand and supply determines the price of a product and the price determines what to produce and who can afford to consume. The supply and demand mechanism besides being the natural consequences of economic forces provides the most efficient economic outcomes possible.

When the price of the items that is normally purchased increases or decreases, the consumer tends to buy less or more of it. This is because an increase in price makes the consumer poorer and requires a larger portion of income to purchase the same amount that buy at the lower price. Price increases decrease real income and vice versa, this is referred as income effect.

As the price of a good falls, the good becomes relatively cheaper and consumer often substitutes the good for other goods that are relatively expensive. This is substitution effect.

More often than not, the governments of the day have been setting maximum or minimum prices since ancient times. Conjunctionally, the Old Testament prohibited interest on loans; medieval governments fixed the maximum price of bread. In recent years, the government in the USA has fixed the gasoline price, the rent on apartments in New York City and the minimum wage.

At times governments of the day go beyond fixing specific prices and try to control the general level of prices, as was done in the USA during both world wars, the Korean War and by the Nixon administration from 1971 to 1973.

Even though price control fails to protect many consumers and might hurt others party of interest, but it hold out the promise of protecting group that are particularly hard pressed to meet price increases. Politically, to get their votes, the maximum price for bread is to protect the poor who depended on bread to survive, rent controls are to protect those who were renting when the demand for apartments exceeded the supply and landlords were preparing to “gouge” their tenants.

Unfortunately, the negative side effect of the price control is unwelcome by economist as it worsens the economy growth particularly it can distort the allocation of resources. If the government imposed the measure of price ceiling, it can cause shortages; on the other hand, price floors which prohibited prices fall below a certain minimum can cause surpluses.

Under present circumstances, although the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism is responsible towards the consumer protection affairs but the special team are mainly check on cases of extreme profiteering especially by middlemen.

There was an obvious disparity between production costs and retail prices as middlemen are taking advantage by charging more than they should. The enforcement of the Ministry was blamed because too long the ministry has been lax in the enforcement causing prices to soar due to profiteering. The middle and low income groups have been particularly affected by poor economy performance.

Undeniably, the economy system inevitably fails, taking entire corrupt system down with them and often leading to immense suffering. Inevitability, one way to try and prevent the tragedy is through exploiting the highly trained economic experts. Famous economists or the successful businessmen are by far the best personnel to play a vital role in formulating economic policy and managing the economy of the country. Politicking has no business in the economy.

As Abraham Lincoln once said that, you can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

The famous quote by Abraham Lincoln pertaining good government is “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."

Pangsapuri Bayu Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

2018-03-07T03:58:00.001-08:00

In conjunction with the influx of people, the housing developers in Nilai is building affordable house to the pace of their population growth. Among the affordable housing schemes developed, Pangsapuri Bayu 1, Desa Melati Putra is an intermediate cluster of low-density apartments in Nilai.

With a lot of open space, the peaceful and quietness with 24 hour security residential area make it as an ideal place for the people who are working in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya to stay. In addition to the convenient transportation of KTM, the residents found it the area is one of the best residential area.

It located at the strategic location, which is both 1 km from INTI University and Nilai University, 2 km from Manipal University and 3 km from USIM, 15 km from KLIA and 13 km from Putrajaya.

The popular beautiful Melati hiking trail is just 1 km away. It’s the only hiking and trail running route in Nilai, which lies across the border of Sepang and Nilai. With the height of 350 meter to 370 meter from Centipede Hill, Monkey Hill, Cobra Hill, Eagle Hill and Mosquito Hill, make it as the ideal place for fitness training, light exercises, trail run training, recovery run or leisure hike.

It has tranquil and pleasing surrounding with oil palm and rubber plantation trees and is a short distance hikes. The sheer and gentle slope that it has makes it the best place for trail activities. It’s a great workout and a healthy way to spend the day outdoors alone or with family. Melati Na Du Gong situated in the foothills of the trail entrance make it easy to find the entrance.

The excellent location of Pangsapuri Bayu Nilai in the fast growing town, making it feels more “homey” and very attractive to tenants. Emerging as an ideal staying place or anyone working around the KLIA, Putrajaya and KL, the economy activity of the area continued to expand toward more income generating economy.

Apartment with the green

Attractive outlook


Full of trees

The outlook

Public Rest place

Greenish environment

Badminton Court

Lake

Attractive scenery

Good environment

Cobra Hill

Monkey Hill


Rope Hill

Nilai – An Emerging Education Hub

2018-03-02T22:02:00.003-08:00

Nilai, an emerging education hub is a town under Seremban District Council, and then upgraded to Nilai Municipal Council in 2002. It has been growing at a faster rate than other places in the state as a whole.

Due to the Putrajaya, KLIA Airport and Xiamen University at a 15 km radius and surrounding densely populated that promise of jobs and prosperity, among other factors, continues to develop and push people to Nilai.

An initiative by the state government to turn Nilai into an educational hub, thus several foreign and local institutions of higher education such as Nilai University, INTI International University, Manipal International University, University Sains Islam Malaysia and Islamic University College of Malaysia were set up here. It acts as a basic pulling factor. With the influx of great numbers of global learners, the town is occupied by students from all over the world and students over 30 countries can be easily seen in Nilai.

On the other hand, Nilai is one of the closest place to Kuala Lumpur and due to its proximity, and connection through the KTM to Kuala Lumpur, thus cause the influx of people who work in the area of Kuala Lumpur, opting increasingly for condos or rental apartments.

The influx of people, largely young people, they are changing the place, thus the transformation will radically transform the economy. Clearly, the foundations are being laid for a large-scale transformation.

Nilai has emerged as popular centers with the operating of several major shopping Hypermarkets such as Tesco, Giant, Mydin, Nilai 3 Wholesale Centre and Nilai Square. Moreover, the proposed new AEON Nilai Shopping Mall set to be one of the biggest AEON mall in Malaysia with the total lettable area of 1.2 mil ft2, targeted opened in 2018. The 24-hour KFC Nilai Square outlet is the first certified Eco-friendly Restaurant besides 3 McDonald outlets.

Currently, the medical faculty of the International Islamic University Malaysia and the International University College of Nursing were being constructed besides the construction of the RM 1.2 bil Education Ministry complex, the Aminuddin Baki Institute, Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Pendidikan Teknik, English Language Institute, Tunku Kurshiah College.

The Britain’s Epsom College has acquired land in Bandar Enstek to venture outside the UK and the setup of Epsom College Malaysia is the first institute outside England. In addition, the City University College of Science and Technology also signed an agreement to acquire a 40 ha land recently.

The continuing development of the small town foreseen the sustainable development both in the advanced economies and the developing sector.

Beautiful Sunset

Beautiful Sunrise

INTI International University

Cobra Hill is one of the hills in the Melati Hill

KLIA can be seen from Melati Hill

Eagle Hill is one of the hills in the Melati Hill

Laman Azalea Nilai Impian

Tasek Ujana, Nilai Impian

Limbang slices one of the world's richest countries Brunei into two

2014-09-27T19:01:00.003-07:00

Limbang Division, a division slices one of the world's richest countries Brunei into two; the product of the political action and historic consensus which resulted West Brunei to the west and Temburong District in the middle of Limbang and Lawas district.

Limbang is a border town and the major town of Limbang District in the Limbang Division. It located on the banks of the Limbang River in the North-Eastern Region of Sarawak, sharing the border with Miri, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei and Indonesia.

Administratively the region is divided into Limbang and Lawas district which cover an area of 7,790 square kilometers with a total population of 75,000 which comprises of the major ethnic groups are Melayu/Kedayan, Chinese, Lun Bawang and Bisaya.

Geographically, Limbang can be divided into 3 major natural regions, namely the coastal alluvial plain, the central undulating low land and rugged forested hinterland highlands. A bustling Malay water-village directly across river simply adds to the charm of the town. Three main rivers are Sg Limbang, Sg Lawas and Sg Trusan with theirs tributaries serving as the main transport of the areas.

Bukit Mas is a 210 m high jungle-clad limestone outcrop which dominates the Limbang town. There is a small Buddhist shrine halfway up the summit road. The summit offers excellent views of nearby Brunei and is accessible via a steep road leading off Jalan Pandaruan, or by foot via a long staircase leading from the Lake Garden at the eastern end of the town. Limbang is the starting and ending point of the Headhunter's Trail to and from Mulu National Park.

Logging in Limbang has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy historically; however some clear changes occurred currently with small holding agriculture, commercial plantation and commerce overtaking as the main economic contributor.

Due to high-valued currency unit and therefore the high purchasing power of Bruneians (the exchange rate is a Brunei dollar to RM2.20) besides its vicinity, Limbang is thus became the popular weekend destination among Bruneians since becoming part of Malaysia in1963.

In contrast, the vicinity of Brunei causes an increase in the capacity of the economy to market various consumer goods as well as services related to leisure and entertainment.

In fact, the richness of seafood, local agricultural produce and quaint Kedayan-Malay villages in Limbang are the main attraction for Bruneians as the Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei is just 45 minutes away.

The most popular items that are bought by Bruneians are ikan pahai, a type of smoked fish found only in Limbang, it is crispy and usually eaten with porridge; umbut, a type of jungle fern grown locally, best eaten with sambal belacan and kanji, a processed beef meat dish are the favorite buy . Another good buy is the fragrant Bario rice.

The Esplanade and bustling Tamu or wet market are the main attraction in Limbang. Some well-kept Malay and Chinese traditional villages along Jalan Pandaruan are listed as the key scenic area. Along the road towards the Brunei Ferry, delicious fresh swamp clamp are on sale by a number of Kedayan kampungs folks.

The annual Babulang Festival, a buffalo race celebrated by Sarawak's ethnic Bisaya community once a year in the nearby village of Batu Danau is the unique event that shouldn't be missed.

There are two ways get to Limbang, either by air or road. The quickest and most convenient way to travel from Miri to Limbang is by Maswings ATR aircraft made in Toulouse, France and time taken is 30 minutes. Alternatively, Limbang to Miri distance is 120 km by road passing though Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei and the time it takes to travel is 3 hours and 0.98 minutes. There are Express boat operating two trips daily, departing Limbang at 07:30 and 08:00; Labuan at 12:30 and 14:00.

Limbang River

Pasar Tamu

Dabai

Durian Limbang

Tomorrow will be better

Sea food

Durian Limbang

Loving couple

Local product

Red Durian

Good Harvest

wild durian

Tua Pek Kong Temple

Tua Pek Kong

MASwings

Limbang – Head Hunter's Trail to or from Mulu National Park

2014-09-27T02:00:00.001-07:00

Limbang is by far the most famous division in Sarawak. It's the start or end point of the Head Hunter’s Trail from Mulu National Park. It slices Brunei into two and separates the diminutive sultanate from Sabah. The longstanding territorial claims by Brunei on Limbang has been on the back burner for such a long time which play a major factor for making its popularity.

It became the center of attention once again when Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, signed a landmark deal on March 16, 2009, officially ending the longstanding territorial disputes between the two countries. The political calculation behind the territorial settlement is clearly to strengthen the developing bilateral strategic partnership.

The toll-free Malaysia-Brunei Bridge linking Limbang District, Sarawak and Temburong District, Brunei continued to attract public attention and media coverage. In December 8, 2013, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei opened the RM25 million toll-free Malaysia-Brunei Bridge linking Limbang District, Sarawak and Temburong District, Brunei.

Spurred by the opening of the RM25 million bridge, Sarawak Public Works Department had allocated RM140 million to upgrade infrastructure in Limbang and another RM70 million for Lawas.

The bridge facilitates travel between Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei which cut down a five-hour ferry ride across Sungai Pandaruan to merely five minutes. As a catalyst for regional development, the bridge linking Brunei and Limbang will encourage economic growth, tourism and enhance economic opportunities for the neighboring countries.

Brunei was once a great power and empire in the island of Borneo-Kalimantan. Since 1890 the 26th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin had contested the seizure of Limbang by the Second White Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Brooke. However, decolonization had changed the status of Limbang that resulted in becoming part of Malaysia in 1963 and Brunei gaining independence from Great Britain in 1984. Since then, Brunei never stopped claiming that Limbang is part of Brunei.

Limbang Airport

Symbol of Limbang

Buffalo at round about

Limbang town

Malaya water village across river

Another view of Limbang town

Round About

Limbang Market

Welcome to Limbang Market

Malay School

Shop houses beside Limbang River

Btg Limbang

Bangunan Dewan Perniagaan Limbang

Purnama Hotel (the big building at the back)

Road Side Market

Marudi - Baram Regatta, Char Kueh Tiaw and Tapah Fish

2014-09-23T05:19:00.004-07:00

Marudi timber trade fuels local economic boom in the 70s and 80s. But the timber companies have since closed as all the primary forest have been logged and planted with oil palm. The population of this town has dwindled to less than 5,000 now, crippling the town’s economy and its pride. However, the legacy was constantly reminded.

Timber was the staple of Marudi trade for much of the 70s and 80s. Fueled by world demand, the timber trade brought immigration and fostered economic development, which transformed regional environment far more radically. However, the heavily depended on timber to fuel its economic boom has ended as most of the timber was harvested.

The timber industry seems to be blamed for business being slow and the streets in this town are quiet. New commercial and housing development have come to a standstill.

While the Baram Regatta which held once in three years is the biggest gathering of people in the Baram River basin, started since the peace-making treaty to end tribal wars some 115 years back. It has always been attractive, upgrades and added programs and events activities such as cultural performances, traditional sports competition, Baram Idol, eauty pageants, exhibitions and many more have made the area a draw in itself for tourists to the festival.

Baram Regatta has its social and historical significance. It was first held in Claude Town (Marudi) from the 9th to 10th April 1899, marking the great peacemaking on the 3rd of the regatta.

Charles Brooke believed that the Baram Regatta would be a solution to their predicament, having hosted the first regatta, the Sarawak Regatta in Kuching in January 1871; Rajah Brooke mooted the idea and decided to promote it to the tribes living in the interior.

The controversial idea was conceived by Marudi British Resident Charles Hose who wanted to find a solution to end tribal conflicts and head-hunting activities among the various ethnic groups in the Baram district.

Charles Hose realized that with the exception of the Penans, all other tribes in Borneo utilize rivers extensively to traverse and to create boundaries as they expand their lands. The idea was taken on eagerly and soon felling of large forest trees was seen and war boats were carved from a single tree trunk, normally from the “engkabang” tree that could seat 30 warriors.

The tree trunk was normally hollowed out with the use of fire and adze. Its masthead was shaped into a head of the majestic hornbill, given that the hornbill is highly revered in the Orang Ulu culture, regarded as a vessel for the spirits to communicate with the people.

The great peace marked an end to subjugation by the Madang; Kayans (Upper Rejang) and Lirong (Ulu Tinjar) of the Kayan and Kenyah of Ulu Baram. The focus of the celebration was to forge peace among the people and loyalty to the Government, pledged by every rival group leaders before the Resident Claude.

Hence, the event has over the years transformed into an event that allows visitors and locals to have the opportunity to experience the authentic rich cultural and historical heritage of Baram.

Marudi is famous for three things:

i. Lai Lai Coffee Shop Marudi Char Kueh Tiaw has claimed the title of the town’s best Char Kueh Tiaw since it opened many years back. It’s next to Mount Mulu Hotel. This is the original homemade Kueh Tiaw fried with bean sprouts and egg. The Kueh Tiaw is thicker that give the noodles a stronger bite. This is the difference between a handmade and a machine made. To serve, place a fried egg on top of the Char Keuh Tiaw. It’s simply delicious.

ii. Marudi freshly and fragrant baked Bread, a remnant of the White Colonial Days. Most people order loaves of bread to bring back to Miri or other parts of Sarawak whenever they make a stopover in Marudi. This special bread is made by the Phang family and the texture of the bread is reminiscent of the bread made by the Colonial Officers who enjoyed their English breakfast and afternoon teas. It has a special shape and most government officers continue to have some toasts every day in the shop.

iii. Tapah Fish, the river catfish locally known as ‘Ikan Tapah’ or its scientific name Wallago attu. It was common for the dwellers to catch 100 to 150 fish each spawning season from November to December. The fish could range in weight from 5 to 30 kg. Big ‘tapah’ fish are sold at RM40 per kg while the smaller ones are sold at RM30 per kg.

Baram River

Char Kueh Tiaw

Raw Kueh Tiaw

Fries Kueh Tiaw

Lorong Empat

Main Road Petty Trader

Mount Mulu Hotel

Fragrant Baked Bread

Dry Tapah fish

Marudi - Cultural Heart of Sarawak’s Highland Tribes Folk

2014-09-21T04:27:00.004-07:00

A quiet town situated inland from Miri, similar in size to Kapit, Marudi is a town on the Baram River in the north of Sarawak which borders Sabah and the small country of Brunei.

Marudi is the cultural heart of Sarawak’s highland tribes folk, collectively called Orang Ulu. A riverine town about 100 km upriver from Kuala Baram, Marudi is the largest town in the sparsely-populated Baram district. It is also the district administrative headquarters and has been since the days of the White Rajahs.

It has a riverfront, a couple of buildings riddled with small shops, restaurants, the occasional hair salon, hotels and at the top, a museum on Marudi.

Marudi town is, as usual, dominated by Chinese has Chinese association as follows:

Hokkien Association Baram
59, Jalan Kapitan Lim Ching Kiat, 98050, Marudi, baram, Sarawak
Tel : 085-755469
Fax: 085-755049

Baram Foo Chow Association
Lot 29, Jalan Kapitan Lim Ching Kiat, 98050 Marudi, Baram, Sarawak
Tel: 085-755717
Fax: 085-755333

Kwong Tung Community Association Baram
Lot 83, Jalan Kapitan Lim Ching Kiat, 98050 Marudi, Baram, Sarawak
Tel: 085-756678
Fax: 085-755415

Hakka Community Association Baram
Lot 44, Jalan Kapitan Lim Ching Kiat, 98050 Marudi, Baram, Sarawak
Tel: 085-756282
Fax: 085-755076

Like any other town in Sarawak, it is a common sight to see a Marudi Tua Pek Kong Temple situated nearby the Bram River.

The population of Marudi is approximately 83,900 as follows:

Malay        :   4, 800
Iban           : 29, 500
Chinese    :   5, 917
Kenyah     : 11, 031
Kayan       : 11, 387
Kelabit      :   2, 095
Penan       :   7, 724
Bidayuh    :       620
Melanau :       420

There are 3 ways to get to Marudi :

By Air

MASwings Twin Otter from Miri - RM100 return ticket. Maswings fly from Miri to Marudi daily. A mere 20 min flight time as compared with 4 hours by road or 3 hours by boat upriver. This may be a good choice for those with limited time.

By Boat

From Kuala Baram jetty in Miri, there are speedboats leaving daily with the first boat scheduled at 7.20 am and there could be as many as 4 trips per day, depending on demand and weather permitting. The express provide transport from Marudi to Kuala Baram, Long Lama, Totuh and Tinjar.

By Road

Going by 4WD trucks from Miri is a little tougher and a little sore by the end of the trip. The road is bumpy and the 4WD will be bouncing along an old logging road, it takes about 3 ½ hours – 4 hours.

Marudi Town

Marudi Town

MASwings Twin Otter

Marudi Airport

One of the big Hotel

District big events held here

Market

Interior Market

Traditional House

BBQ

petty trading on five-foot ways

Tua Pek Kong

Temple Outlook

Amazing Design

Traditional Design

Wooden House along the main road

To Komplek Persekutuan

Indigenous Durian in Sarawak

2014-09-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

The indigenous red and orange durian from the rainforest of Sarawak is unique and rather small in size which can be held by a palm. It is found scattered in mixed dipterocarp forest. The fruit is covered with long sharp spines. The red durian, better known as Durian Sukang and the orange one called Durian Dalit, both are categorized as wild durian.

The wild durian of Sarawak is the King of fruits, although the flesh is thin and the taste is bland but their scent is strong and distinctive.

Comparatively, the red flesh durian is almost creamy in consistency with an invigorating taste reminiscent of the orange durian, yet the taste and flavor is twice as strong as the orange one with its own characteristic unique flavor aroma.

The red is more expensive and a bundle of 5 was sold as high as RM 45 in Limbang road side market.

Red Durian

Orange Durian

Bundle of Durian

Good Harvest in Niah

Limbang Market

Limbang Road Side Market

Limbang Road side market

FREELITTLEBRAIN

3 PJ restaurants - Raju’s restaurant, Sri Paandi restaurant and Restoran Gasing ordered to close

Tommy Thomas - the new attorney-general

Mavcom chief earns a monthly salary of RM85k from flight passengers

Dr. Mahathir Mohamad - a Malaysian legend

Residents living near Nilai industrial estate face air pollution challenges

Economists use opportunity cost to weigh decisions, in order to make the best decision and get the biggest benefits. If the air pollution continues to rise at an alarming rate, it will wreak havoc on human health and it’s a terrible cost to society.

The question remains: Should drastic action be taken against the defaulting companies along with the improvement of the weak emission control measures which have resulted in an increase in air pollution?

Laman Azalea, Nilai Impian – Nilai’s best guarded and gated residential

Laman Azalea, Nilai Impian is the guarded and gated residential. It’s a clean, green, and beautiful place to live. It located beside the 16-acre beautiful view of the scenic lake Tasik Ujana.

Developed by Sime Darby Property, the 2-Storey Terrace/Link House are stylish in design and the land size of Laman Azalea is 19.79 acres, the prestige property is branded and located in the prime residential area in Nilai. That being said, it is Nilai’s best guarded and gated residential.

Tasik Ujana, Nilai Impian - Nilai's best beautiful sunrise and sunset spot

The Tasik Ujana is the beautiful place with quiet environment and it’s the built environment. The Sime Darby Property has fundamentally transformed the 16-acre landscapes and greatly modified the natural environment into artificial amazing scenery in order to provide a better environment.

The natural-appearing, attractive scenery provides a relaxing, beautiful living environment with shade trees for the family to spend time together outdoors besides stay healthy and active.

Facilities such as the jogging path and children’s playground are specially provided for the residents and visitors. There is ample and convenient parking available all along the lake side.

The frequently held Fishing tournament pique the interest of many fishing enthusiasts. It attracted not only the local residents but also people from other places. The big crowd from all walks of life enjoys the fun of fishing and competes for the lucrative prizes besides the thrill of competition.

The Tasik Ujana is a unique place as it can watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset. It continues to attract many morning and evening walkers as well as joggers besides others who merely paused to watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset.

Kg Seri Batu 8 Labu – a Chinese Village and urban sprawl

Is the Two-party system the double-edged sword for BN or PH?

OMF Bungalow Cameron Highlands – for Christian only

Ipoh Yong tau foo - the Famous Hakka dish

Price hike keeps on

Although GST does not become part of the business operating cost, however the price hike keeps on and do not show the signs of decline or stabilization.

Some observers believe that the businessmen have taken the advantage of the GST to raise the price especially the food in the restaurants and road side stalls.

Noticeably, the price of “Yong Tau Foo” is RM 0.60 per piece before GST, but after GST it is RM 0.95 per piece. This has raised the cost of eating out. Undeniably, the price hike has pinch in the pockets of consumer.

GST is not the main cause of price hike?

GST is used by the government of the day to generate tax revenue which is broadly based and applied to everyone whether rich or poor. It’s a simple and efficient form of indirect taxation on valued added goods and services.

GST rollout in Malaysia effective from 1 April 2015. It replaced the current existing 10% sales tax and 6% service tax respectively. It’s the main part of the government’s tax reform programme to enhance the capability, effectiveness and transparency of tax management.

The 6% value added tax is levied on most transactions in the production process, with exception of blocked Input Tax. Many domestically consumed goods i.e. fresh foods, water, electricity are zero-rated, while some supplies like education and health services are exempted.

According to the first series of the Auditor General’s report 2016, GST revenue collected from local goods showed an increase of 85%, from RM14 billion in 2015 to RM25.97 billion last year. Meanwhile, GST on imported goods rose 17% from RM12.9 billion to RM15.2 billion.

Based on experiences in other countries, at the implementation year, the inflation rates were 2-3% above the normal rates registered in prior years once the GST was implemented.

According to the projection by the authority, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) might have an on-off lifting the inflation as high as 3.5% to 3.8% in 2015 when GST was implemented.

In addition, the experiences of countries in implementing GST together with pre-GST simulation in Malaysia highlight positively the effect of GST on Consumer Price Index and reduction of prices. But, in fact, it’s the other way round.

The Department of Statistics, according to the data accumulated, it showed that the price increase has occurred every year even before the implementation of the GST. However, it indicated GST is one of the factors causing in price hike.

The uptrend of rising prices for consumer goods occurred since 1980s. In other words, the continuing of rising prices has started to take place 35 years ago long before GST is implemented. CPI report further indicated that there are other contributing factors besides GST which cause price hikes.

The public can’t stop complaining about the continuously of price hikes in goods and services, despite the assurance and various efforts of the government in keeping the prices of goods remain the same after GST the prices continue to increase.

The Minister in the Prime Minister Department Idris Jala, who in 2010 had warned that Malaysia could go belly-up by as early as 2019, which is ahead the 2020 deadline for the country to become developed nation.

The social media have also reported on this matter, which made the headlines in Nov 26, 2013 that “Desperate for GST, Najib admits it – Malaysia can go bankrupt”.

Although GST being seen as a fair tax system for all. But putting all bets on prices hike may seem unfair to the public that ought to buy the necessities at whatever the prices.

On the other hand, the negative impact of the implementation of GST is the prices of goods and services had raised especially the food in the restaurants and road side stalls.

Undeniably, the price hike has a larger consequence than the obvious pinch in the pockets of consumer, so what is your opinion?

U.S Not Embracing GST: The real reason the American Dream is fading?

However, it’s interesting to note that U.S, the most economically advanced democracy, is the only major economy that doesn’t implementing GST; it’s a rose among thorns. Instead, U.S holds on steadfastly on its sales Tax regime, which states enjoy high autonomy in taxation.

It’s reported that although Canadian Province, British Colombia has implemented GST, but 2 years later reverted to the previous old system, i.e. Provincial Sale Tax or PST, due to the broad challenges to implementation.

On the other hand, the European Union, which is the original place for implementing Value Added Tax (VAT), has felt the need to commence a thorough review of the VAT system that is currently prevalent in its member countries.

Ironically, in term of collecting tax revenue, VAT is an effective tool. It has become a major source of revenue in these years. By 2008, VAT hit the highest record by collecting 21.4% of the national tax revenues of EU member states.

Historically, VAT was first introduced in Europe by France in 1954, thereafter adopted and implemented by the member States of the European Economic Committee in 1967 due to its practicality and efficiency.

Undeniably, although the operational costs to taxpayers and tax administration were reduced by the simpler VAT system, but unfortunately, due to the complexity in the VAT rules in the member States, the EU has become a less attractive place investment.

The levies of Sales Tax in the U.S are largely on retail sales or on supplies to the ultimate consumer and all intermediaries are generally exempted. States in the U.S also have the power to levy and collect on many specified services.

Local Municipal Corporation in each State in the U.S also empowered to levy substantial taxes on sale and use of goods and services, thereby curbing the tendency of States to impose sales tax at a high rate besides making the sales tax regime further complex.

In order to increase the efficiency of the tax revenue collecting system, Sales Tax compliance by businesses is generally done with the help of software packages marketed by many large software companies.

Specifically, due to the inherently complex nature of implementation, economic researcher have found corruption at lower levels arising from multiplicity of compliance and inconsistent interpretation of provisions by Tax Authorities is not common.

The question remains: Is it not embracing GST is the real reason the American Dream is fading?

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Pangsapuri Bayu Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

Nilai – An Emerging Education Hub

Nilai, an emerging education hub is a town under Seremban District Council, and then upgraded to Nilai Municipal Council in 2002. It has been growing at a faster rate than other places in the state as a whole.

Beautiful Sunrise

INTI International University Cobra Hill is one of the hills in the Melati Hill KLIA can be seen from Melati Hill Eagle Hill is one of the hills in the Melati Hill Laman Azalea Nilai Impian Tasek Ujana, Nilai Impian

Limbang slices one of the world's richest countries Brunei into two

Limbang – Head Hunter's Trail to or from Mulu National Park

Marudi - Baram Regatta, Char Kueh Tiaw and Tapah Fish

Marudi - Cultural Heart of Sarawak’s Highland Tribes Folk

The population of Marudi is approximately 83,900 as follows:

Indigenous Durian in Sarawak

INTI International University

Cobra Hill is one of the hills in the Melati Hill

KLIA can be seen from Melati Hill

Eagle Hill is one of the hills in the Melati Hill

Laman Azalea Nilai Impian

Tasek Ujana, Nilai Impian