KahKahKah

Budget 2010 - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Gets Ready To Present The Annual Budget

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:10:00 +0800

AS Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak gets ready to present the annual budget for the forthcoming fiscal year, he will be faced with a daunting task at hand responding to the downturn in the economy, arresting job losses, reviving demand in the various industries, give special focus to social welfare and much more.

He will be doing all this against a backdrop of weak global economic conditions, not knowing how quick the turnaround is likely to be.

Even though the declining growth led by a slump in exports and domestic demand warrants some sentiment booster, one should be aware that the Government is sitting on a high fiscal deficit, which is likely to be around 7.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) for 2009. This is on the back of two fiscal stimulus packages introduced over the past nine months. While the prognosis is that a third stimulus package will not be required, it is still too early for this to be altogether discounted.

The Governments budget strategy must clearly be to support the economy now but, at the same time, keep an eye on the fiscal deficit to make sure that it comes back to an acceptable level in the not too distant future. The emphasis of the budget will likely be on social infrastructure (education and health), rural development and agricultural growth and perhaps further measures to aid sectors such as small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and exports.

The measures announced to liberalise the services sector, including the removal of the Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) guidelines on equity conditions, must be complemented by longer term initiatives to lift productivity, improve competitiveness and the broad economic performance.

It seems clear that with tax collections declining, significant direct tax cuts are not expected although the Second Finance Minister indicated recently that something might be on the cards.

However, there would seem to be a case for sector specific or goods specific indirect tax cuts. This may help alleviate the plight of consumers in the lower income group who have been caught in the economic downturn spiral. The removal of sales tax for the motor industry was bandied about and the case remains valid particularly for commercial vehicles, as this should help businesses.

Businesses in general will continue to welcome measures to enhance competitiveness and reduce business costs. Some of the tax measures called for include:

● Active review of the existing tax system. The key challenge is to ensure that the tax system grows in tandem with the aspiration towards achieving developed nation status. Thus, a progressive tax system is one which is responsive, fair and transparent;

● Revamping the current withholding tax system, which is cumbersome and adds to the cost of doing business. A simpler system should be considered to allow businesses to comply in a more cost-efficient manner;

● Deferment of implementation of onerous contemporaneous transfer pricing documentation requirements and thin capitalisation rules. These rules are inappropriate at this point in time when business conditions do not permit added costs;

● Adopt a more broad-based approach to help employers retain Malaysian workers. Thus, cash grants can be given to employers as an alternative to granting double deduction for the cost of employing retrenched Malaysian workers. This will help dissuade employers from retrenching Malaysian workers;

● Allow companies up to 12 instalments to settle their final tax liability. This will help the cashflow of businesses;

● Liberalise the tax deduction and tax incentive rules. Remove the archaic treatment of tax filing fees, secretarial fees, and etc;

● Allow group relief (tax losses) at 100% rather than 70%. Extend this measure to small and medium companies;

● Increase the amount of business losses which can be carried back to enable loss-making firms significant relief;

● Review the restrictions on reinvestment incentive allowance as this discourages capital reinvestment for expansion and modernisation; and

● Expedite the conclusion of bilateral free trade agreements, particularly with those countries seen as Malaysias future trading partners.

The longer term strategy must extend beyond addressing current shortcomings and plugging leakages. There must be further widening of the tax base as soon as economic conditions permit. Rationalising taxes is an ongoing process which should ultimately lead to the introduction of the goods and services tax. This should come in sooner rather than later in the light of the need to quickly reduce the high fiscal deficit position.

● Kang Beng Hoe is an executive director of Taxand Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Readers feedback to this article is welcome. Please
e-mail to starbiz@thestar.com.my

Create streamyx dialer for Windows VISTA

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:20:00 +0800

PPPOE Dialer | TMnet Streamyx - Windows Vista

I dedicate this to all the people who use Windows Vista and always dial their broadband before getting online. If you hate dialing this everyday, get a router. It could do it for you in the background (silently).

How To Set The Dialer?

Click the Start button and type network and then choose Network and Sharing Center

Click Connect to a network

Click Set up a connection or network

Choose Connect to the Internet

Choose Set up a new connection anyway

Choose Broandband (PPPoE)

Enter your username and password plus your broadband name (TMnet Streamyx). You can uncheck Remember this password if you don’t want Windows Vista to store your password permanently. For Streamyx users, just don’t forget to include the word @streamyx at the end of the username. Click Connect after you done.

Click the Start button and type network and then choose Network and Sharing Center

Choose Manage network connections

Just drag that TMnet Streamyx icon and drop it in the desktop to have the shortcut to the dialer. Finish.

How to Change Your Streamyx Password

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:10:00 +0800

* Login to the TM Bills Page

* Select Change Password from Account Management (near the bottom of the page)

Difficulties connecting to Streamyx

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:10:00 +0800

Telephone lines: Faulty line or suspension of account (because of non-payment)

Check your phone line:

* Make sure your phone line is functioning
(not suspended)
* Lift your receiver and check for a dial tone,
noisy line or crossline

If there is no dial tone or problem with the telephone line, call TM Customer Contact Centre (100) and select Internet Services to file a fault report.

Hardware set-up: Wrongly set-up, loose connection

Check your modem/line/microfilter connectivity:

* Ensure all physical connections are done correctly
* Ensure all cables are fitted properly
* Please ensure your modem is turned on
* If still in doubt, try replacing the cables

Faulty hardware : Modem, network card, splitter

Check your modem Link/DSL light status:

* A blinking light may mean a faulty modem, a faulty splitter or a lost connection
* Reboot your modem (switch it off, and then on again)
* Make a direct connection from the wall socket straight to the modem, bypassing the splitter
* If still in doubt, try replacing the cables

If the light is still blinking, it may be due to a network problem. Call TM Customer Contact Centre (100) and select Internet Services for assistance.

Adoption, what are the minimum requirements to sign up as an adopter?

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:10:00 +0800

You have to show that you are able and capable of raising the child in a safe and healthy environment.

- Financially secure enough to afford raising the child(ren)
- Emotionally secure enough to raise the child(ren)
- Be able to provide a adequate home (in terms of size, local schools, etc)

Adopting siblings, minorities, and older children should not be a problem through the foster system. There is always a high demand for foster/adoptive parents for such cases. Contact your local/state agency in charge of the foster system (DFPS, CPS, or some other acronym) and they will tell you everything you need to know. You will have to become certified as a foster parent/home, which includes classes, home inspections, background checks, and interviews (called a "home study").

A history of depression may or may not be a problem. If you can show that you are 'controlling' the depression through therapy or medication, and that you have not had a serious incident for some time, it shouldn't be a problem. (My wife has such a history and we didn't have a problem.)

Owning a house may not be a requirement. If you are renting a place large enough to house the children, you should be okay. It helps to own because it shows financial stability, but likely isn't a requirement.

I also agree that Peggy is completely wrong. My wife and I are both heavy and it was never an issue. Also, your religion is irrelevant; in fact, I believe it would against the law for the state to deny a placement on the basis of religion.

Kayaking? is it easy the first time?

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:10:00 +0800

The great thing about kayaking is it's easy to get started in yet there's almost no upper limit to the types of water one can explore.

If someone just handed you a kayak and paddle, you'd be able to figure out a lot of it pretty quickly.

If you rent a kayak from a reputable outfitter, they should do a brief orientation showing you how to hold the paddle, some very basic technique, and where to go (and not to go).

If you decide you want to start going regularly, you can go take a lessons. You'll learn more about the equipment, safety, where to paddle, and a lot about efficient technique. After a full day lesson, you'll learn enough so you can go out paddling without your arms falling off.

Some advice: wear your personal floatation device (lifejacket) no matter how good a swimmer you and your bf are. Dress for the water temperature, which usually means at least avoiding cotton (synthetic or wool are good).

(Gambar) Noryn Aziz dan Zahida Rafik Dapat Anugerah Ahli Mangku Negara - A.M.N?

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:00:00 +0800

Aktres Zahida Rafik dan penyanyi Noryn Aziz dianugerahkan pingat AMN oleh Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah di Istana Shah Alam hari ini. (20 April 2009)

Bersempena dengan penganugerahan tersebut, kedua-duanya bakal menerima pingat dan sijil penghargaan daripada Sultan Selangor. Sejurus dimaklumkan kedua artis ternama ini meluahkan perasaan gembira dengan anugerah tersebut sekaligus merakamkan ucapan setinggi-tinggi terima kasih kepada Kerajaan Selangor.

Hairan kerana atas kriteria apakah yang membuatkan mereka menerima penganugerahan ini. Ya, Noryn mungkin kerana penglibatannya dalam bidang nyanyian sehingga memperoleh tiga pingat emas dan satu perak menerusi kategori pop, R&B jazz, komposisi asli serta broadway, selain dinobatkan sebagai Penyanyi Pop Terbaik di pertandingan World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) di Los Angeles, Amerika Syarikat (AS) pada tahun lalu.
Namun bagi Zahida? Sama-samalah kita tepuk dada tanya selera.

10 Kelebihan Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:30:00 +0800

Melindungi komputer anda daripada lampiran yang merosakkan
Setiap kali anda menerima sisipan/lampiran tidak selamat dan berpotensi mengandungi virus, SP2 akan memberi amaran. Virus-virus ini boleh merebak melalui Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook Express, dan Windows Messenger.

Meningkatkan privasi ketika melayari Web
SP2 membantu melindungi maklumat-maklumat peribadi pada PC dengan penyelarasan keselamatan kepada fail-fail dan bahan yang dimuat turun menggunakan Internet Explorer.

Mengelakkan muat turun bahan tidak selamat
Internet Explorer Information Bar memantau dan memberi amaran bahan-bahan yang mempunyai potensi virus setiap kali Internet Explorer memuat turun bahan-bahan tersebut. Anda diberi pilihan untuk menyekatnya daripada dimuat turun melalui fungsi ini.

Mengurangkan pop-up yang tidak menyenangkan
Internet Explorer Pop-Up Blocker menjadikan pelayaran Internet lebih mengasyikkan tanpa gangguan iklan-iklan yang muncul setiap kali membuka laman-laman tertentu.

Perlindungan firewall sepanjang komputer digunakan
Windows Firewall dalaman dan berkuasa ini akan diaktifkan secara semulajadi setiap kali komputer dibuka. Ini membantu melindungi Windows XP daripada virus dan cecacing yang disebarkan melalui Internet.

Mengawal sendiri penyelarasan keselamatan
Windows Security Center membolehkan anda melihat dengan mudah status keselamatan dan menguruskan penyelarasan keselamatan utama dari satu tetingkap.

Mendapatkan pengemaskinian perisian dengan mudah
Automatic Updates Windows XP yang ditingkatkan memudahkan anda mengakses pengemaskinian Windows. Sebagai tambahan, teknologi baru telah dimasukkan bagi membantu pelanggan dial-up mendapatkan peningkatan dengan lebih berkesan.

Membantu melindungi alamat e-mel
Ciri tambahan Outlook Express membantu mengurangkan kemasukan emel-emel tidak diingini dengan menghadkan kebarangkalian alamat emel anda digunakan oleh mereka yang tidak bertanggungjawab.

Bertindak terhadap kemusnahan disebabkan pelayar tambahan
Add-On Manager di dalam Internet Explorer membolehkan anda melihat dan mengawal dengan mudah penambahan bagi mengurangkan potensi kemusnahan dan menikmati pengalaman perayauan tanpa masalah.

Tanpa wayar dengan lebih mudah
SP2 meningkatkan sokongan untuk tanpa wayar dan meringkaskan proses pencarian dan penyambungan rangkaian di rumah mahu pun di luar.

(Gambar) Fasha Sanda Bertudung

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:10:00 +0800

Bukan main manis lagi seorang artis yang tgh hot ni. Kalau kau macam ni, kan ke sejuk mata memandang. Biasa la tu, artis. Hehe..

gambar diambil semasa sambutan hari jadi ke 25
pernah digosipkan dengan bekas suami orang
pernah diboikot wartawan
pertama kali gambar bertudung diambil
dikatakan punca perceraian seorang lagi artis wanita yang comel

(Gambar) Dynas Mengandung Makin Mengancam

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0800

Kalau isteri anda mengandung dan bertambah seksi serta mengancam seperti gambar Dynas mengandung di atas, adakah anda akan memastikan isteri anda mengandung setiap tahun?

Dynas yang sudah mengandung anak sulung hampir 4 bulan. Jarang muncul di dram² tv kerana Dynas kini sedang mengalami alahan perempuan mengandung. Dynas cepat merasa penat dan letih. Atas sebab itu, Dynas berehat seketika dari melibatkan diri dengan aktiviti² seni

P.S: Bertambah bulat dan mantap si Dynas nie bila dia mengandung. Tahniah dan semoga selamat melahirkan anak kelak. Mesti anak Dynaz comel macam maknya nanti.