VOXPOP 'You were a true-blue journalist and a wonderfully accomplished chronicler of your times, and all of us in Malaysia thank you...'

Author of 'Malaysian Maverick' Barry Wain dies

Cala: I bought both editions of Barry Wain's (2009, 2012) ‘Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times' and read them from cover to cover.

In an age where truth is a rare commodity in the Malaysian political landscape, his commitment to tell the truth, no matter how unpleasant it is to the powers-that-be, will be treasured dearly by the people and many generations to come.

Undeterred under pressure, he had once commented that every chapter in his well-researched book contained more than 100 citations to back his findings.

Though his life in this world is relatively short, I feel he is well rewarded judging from the support and encouragement he received from his readers. Thank you, Barry Wain. You have shown Malaysia what it really is.

FellowMalaysian: This is a fitting eulogy for a consummate writer whose dedication to his work is second to none. As a reader, I certainly learned so much about the devious dealings of Dr Mahathir Mohamad from Wain's book.

It was sheer joy to read how he had to condescend himself for a series of meetings with Mahathir. And his revelation of Bank Negara under the instruction of Mahathir to dabble in forex trading right up to 1997 and the casino-style operation within the bank's compound (albeit in a clandestine manner) was nothing short of exhilarating.

I humbly bid farewell to a great man whose work I will always cherish.

Abuminable: Fare thee well, Barry Wain. You were a true-blue journalist and a wonderfully accomplished chronicler of your times, and all of us in Malaysia thank you for documenting so meticulously the rise and fall of a tinpot despot-wannabe named Mahathir Mohamad.

Indeed, many of us would rather bid him farewell rather than you.

Gandhi: My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. It's not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the people at large.

Wain has made a great contribution to the society by writing honestly a factual book about the deeds of an obnoxious leader. He'll be missed by everyone. May his soul rest in peace.

Cogito Ergo Sum: It is never easy to accept the passing of a great scribe. It is simply because the standards set by such people, and Wain was one of them, is so high that it will be impossible to emulate.

He has left a huge legacy behind that will live long and a standard so high, the rest of us can only use as a benchmark. Goodbye friend of the people. You gave back journalism its pride.

EPF expected to declare a dividend of 6pct and above

Ah Boss: The Employees Provident Fund dividends should be based on real profits. I am concerned because EPF has been accused of not-so-prudent lending and investments, like the loans to Felda.

EPF should declare the actual profits it made, and how the dividends are arrived at. I am also disappointed that our pension fund is prepared to team up with certain developers in projects that may yield dividends only in the long term.

Is it fair to those who are retiring in the next 10 years? The investment guidelines should be made public as well as all bad debts.

Mushiro: The declared dividends have got nothing to do with the ROI (return of investment) on EPF funds. The dividends are based on political environment, like an impending election.

I believe the losses in EPF is colossal, especially with instructions to boost up Bursa Malaysia, bail out cronies companies, Umno's emergency projects and anything that is loss-making.

The EPF should open up its audited accounts to the public as its funds are from the workers in Malaysia.

Disgusted: Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) can declare a dividend of 8 to 9 sen per unit. Why can't EPF do the same? They must have really dynamic world-class investment managers.

Starr: Never mind about dividends, we should be happy if the EFP does not lose its paints off given the scenarios that the government keeps on borrowing from the pension fund to fund its perennial budget deficits, especially the huge handouts currently being dished out.

The only comfort we can draw is the strong EPF's cashflow due to the compulsory monthly deductions from members. The only risk to members is the government's attitude of ownership and debt culture vis-a-vis the EPF.

The money under EPF's management ultimately belongs to the members and should not be treated as its own. Proper levels of accountability and transparency must be maintained by the EPF's management at all times.

The embedded culture of excesses and corruption has already led the nation into high gearing. Although the federal government is still in denial, the culture of excesses of Umno-BN government over the decades is a worrying trend which has brought many Eurozone countries to their knees.

Artchan: Indeed, an EPF dividend of 8 percent should be more realistic.

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