‘I find Jean Todt’s reaction to news that he was to be paid RM1 million as a tourism ambassador very amusing and simultaneously, an insult to the intelligence of Malaysians.’
On Todt distressed by Azmin's allegations: Ng
KS Deol: I find Jean Todt’s reaction to news that he was to be paid RM1 million as a tourism ambassador very amusing and simultaneously, an insult to the intelligence of Malaysians.
With the caveat that Ng Yen Yen conveyed his reaction accurately, I for one want to ‘express my disappointment’ with his reaction.
If he is a wealthy and a well-recognised man, why, I ask him, did he accept the offer?
Someone wealthy enough to move within a circle of friends who can book entire hotels or spend a million ringgit in one week in Paris or London should have been ‘insulted’ to have even received an invitation from the Tourism Ministry that comes with such a pittance attached.
Furthermore he apparently has taken the position voluntarily, which means he loves this country. If that is so, why take money then?
I love this country too and when I travel or connect with people from other countries, I exhort them to visit Malaysia.
Of course, the circles I move around in are more likely to come to Malaysia and spend RM10 in a ‘mamak’ shop or book an entire backpackers inn but nonetheless I like to believe that I have contributed in some way towards my country’s tourism industry.
I do that voluntarily too but unlike Todt, I don’t expect or want money.
So Ng Yen Yen, please convey to Todt that I am ‘affronted’ and ‘distressed’ that somehow money is involved when he supposedly took the position voluntarily.
If Yen Yen is still keen on pursuing this ‘voluntary deal’ let me remind her that Todt’s friends already come to Malaysia during the Monsoon Cup.
Perhaps she can publish how much money is generated from his friends there as opposed to the money spent on the Monsoon Cup.
On Nazri disappointed with rulers’ decision
Baiyuensheng: The recent Malay Rulers Conference decision to veto the religious conversion amendments to calm strained race relations in the country was quite disappointed to say the least.
I think the situation has created an uneasy feeling among the populace in that the monarchy has repeatedly meddled in the affairs of governance and in the administration of the government elected by the people.
Their show of 'power' will not go down well among the people and may spark interest in a debate on their role.
John Johnson: We, of course, are all disappointed too. It is indeed courageous of Nazri to admit his disappointment. For once he has got the guts to say it publicly.
One can see why the rulers are delaying this. It is going to affect a lot of issues and, of course, no one wants to give away the privileges and the 100% control that they sometimes have.
Look at Bambang in Indonesia. He has done sweeping reforms and even a mayor of a city is behind bars for corruption. This is the way to go for a clean and incorruptible government.
There are too many obstacles created by people in high places and these must be eradicated.
On PM announces bold economic liberalisation
P Sivakumar: The PM along with this stimulus package and reforms has announced the setting up of a private equity fund (Ekuinas) to boost bumi investment in unlisted companies.
A similar private equity fund should equally be set up for the Indian community. The Indians have been lagging behind without an increase in their equity holding for the past 39 years since 1971 with 1.5 % to the current less than 1%.
While this issue has been settled with a 3% equity projection in the last Malaysia Plan, it is time the community be included in this stimulus package with an open mind and a political will.
The Indian community should be assisted not because of protests from them but because they should be treated with equal and fair terms.
In quoting the PM’s own words: ‘Every Malaysian should feel that he or she has a place and a promising future under the Malaysian sun’. ( The writer is Malaysian Indian Business Association [Miba] president )
Dr Lim Teck Ghee: The government's announcement that it is repealing the 30% bumiputera equity requirement for listing is long overdue but still welcome.
It is not so much the percentage share issue that is at the heart of concern. It is whether we are in fact really transitioning to a freer, more robust, more race-blind and investor friendly economy.
We have been stuck in a crony-ridden, inefficient, racially-biased and corruption-prone economic system for too long.
Even the government now admits that the failure to achieve set targets was due to leakages - deviations and abuses that were clear for a long time but which were tolerated.
The bumiputera equity leakage over the years amounted to over RM52 billion alone if the government's estimates are to be believed.
What is important now is to see whether these new principles will be implemented or will remain rhetoric as has happened with many of the BN's promises.
The devil is also in the details and the public will be watching closely to see what happens next.
There should be full disclosure of the methodology used for measuring corporate equity ownership (is it still par value or market value as called for by many quarters), how the bumiputera and other ethnic shares have been computed, how the new institution Ekuinas will work etc.
Such information should be disclosed to the public in the interest of transparency and accountability. Otherwise we are likely to see more ‘wayang kulit’ on the corporate equity issue.’ ( The writer is president, Centre for Public Policy Studies)
On BN MP still awaiting Kapit-Sibu trunk road
Chris Jong: Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi,
You have admitted that your father, Leonard Linggi Anak Jugah (MP for Kapid 1978 - 1986) and grandfather Temenggong Jugah (MP Kapid 40 years ago) and now you have all spoken and requested for a road to link Kapit to Sibu but have all failed to see it realised.
I feel this is a disgrace to your family with three generation as MPs of Kapit.
It seems the only way for the link to happen is that you resign now as MP of Kapit as when a by-election is called, BN will definitely make a promise to build the road linking Kapit to Sibu.
Do this for the people of Kapid. Your family owes that to the people of Kapit.
