RM1.3b Scorpene support contract
Boustead Holdings Bhd has revealed that one of its companies has received a letter of award from the government for a RM1.3 billion ‘in-service support’ contract for the navy’s Scorpene submarines.
The total contract sums amount to 193 million euros (RM785 million) and RM532 million, running up to 2015. That adds up to RM1.3 billion.
This is different from the RM115 million euro (RM467 million) contract amount with Perimekar Sdn Bhd, which Najib announced in 2008 – something that I don’t understand.
The other question is, what kind of expertise does Boustead have in submarine maintenance? “There is talk of transfer of technology, but if you look at what kind of technology has been transferred to Malaysian car manufacturers, you wouldn’t be too optimistic,” said a political economist.
The shrine that Ting Pek Khiing built
Ting Pek Khiing built a shrine at the Bakun Dam site after its cofferdam collapsed more than 20 times, a business weekly has revealed.
Photo credit: Abdul Ghani Ismail/The Edge
The Ekran boss brought in a priest from Taiwan to conduct prayers, and six animals were slaughtered, the Edge weekly said in its latest edition: “It is believed that the shrine and prayers helped in getting the coffer dam done.” (A cofferdam is a temporary water-tight enclosure within a body of water that is pumped dry in order to create a dry work environment for the construction of the dam proper.)
Perhaps there were a lot of restless spirits hovering around who had to be appeased? Remember the Bakun Dam affects native ancestral burial sites, apart from destroying the forests and uprooting more than 10,000 people – which might explain why the dam appeared to be jinxed from the start.
Photo credit: Abdul Ghani Ismail/The Edge
The Ekran boss brought in a priest from Taiwan to conduct prayers, and six animals were slaughtered, the Edge weekly said in its latest edition: “It is believed that the shrine and prayers helped in getting the coffer dam done.” (A cofferdam is a temporary water-tight enclosure within a body of water that is pumped dry in order to create a dry work environment for the construction of the dam proper.)
Perhaps there were a lot of restless spirits hovering around who had to be appeased? Remember the Bakun Dam affects native ancestral burial sites, apart from destroying the forests and uprooting more than 10,000 people – which might explain why the dam appeared to be jinxed from the start. M’sia has “largest illicit cigarette incidence”
In 2009, as much as one out of three packets consumed in Malaysia was illicit, a cigarette firm has revealed.
The firm, JT International, cited the Global Tobacco Report by Goldman Sachs Research, which estimated that “the Malaysian market boasted the largest illicit cigarette incidence in the world in 2009”.
Becoming global-caring people
We continue our thought-provoking discussion on the deeper meaning behind the issues at stake.
This time John Hilley, from that “piece of land called Scotland”, responds to tunglang’s views on work passion and creativity (see preceding post) and challenges some of the prevailing assumptions about nationalism, development, and global competition.
Dear tunglang Thanks for that heartfelt statement on the higher moral value we might place on the work we do, or strive to do.
A lack of work passion and creativity?
Are we a nation that lacks creativity and risk-taking?
Blog reader tunglang shares his thoughts with us:
Have you heard about work passion? It has nothing to do with your paycheck amount or job prestige or social status. It has more to do with your own inner calling, your love for the work you enjoy doing that makes Monday not that dreaded day of the week. It is what some of us don’t care to listen carefully to in the busy, rat race to achieve or to meet social acceptance, regardless whether we are happy with our work or not.
Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-15
- Susan Boyle has some serious competition: check out this new talent! http://youtu.be/iiFZcu9UsIk #
- This is NOT Obama! http://www.stevebridges.com/obamavideos-promo-jan2010-lg.html #
Poll: Do you support capital punishment?
Of late, we have heard a lot of talk in the news about the death penalty. Some of our politicians talk as if the death penalty has widespread acceptance.
So I am curious to know to what extent ordinary people really support capital punishment.
Personally I am against the death penalty for a number of reasons.
Globally, more and more countries are doing away with capital punishment. According to Amnesty International, more than two-thirds of the countries in the world have now abolished the death penalty in law or practice:
- Abolitionist for all crimes: 95
- Abolitionist for ordinary crimes only: 9
- Abolitionist in practice: 35
Wanted: Far-reaching reforms
I notice press reports mentioning the DAP’s three promises should Pakatan take over Putrajaya:
- RM1,000 annually for senior citizens
- Free nationwide wifi
- Abolition of the postal summons (saman ekor)
Capital outflow from Malaysia – where to?
Much has been said about the capital outflows from Malaysia. But where exactly are Malaysian firms investing in?
The top 10 destinations outside the country for Malaysian investments in 2009 were:
- Singapore – RM5.8 billion
- Hong Kong – RM4.3b
- Mauritius – RM3.4b
- Indonesia – RM2.2b
- The Netherlands – RM1.9b
Malaysia not very ‘happy’; many ‘struggling’
A Gallup global survey reveals that Malaysia is way down in the list of ‘happy countries’.
Respondents were asked how they felt the previous day and had to rate “whether they felt well-rested, respected, free of pain and intellectually engaged”.
Denmark is the ‘happiest’ country in the world, according to the Gallup survey results published in Forbes.
The ranking among Southeast Asian nations is as follows:
79 – Thailand
81 – Singapore
85 – Indonesia
91 – Burma (and Bangladesh)
94 – Malaysia and Philippines
96 – Vietnam
130 – Laos
148 – Cambodia
A ‘spy camera’ that beeps?
I see a ‘spy camera’ has been found in Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim’s office.
Oh my, there’s never a dull moment in Malaysia.
This is a so-called ‘spy camera’ – actually a video camera placed among the curtains – that beeps when the battery level is low. (That’s how the camera was found.)
An early general election?
What can we expect from the next general election, which a few believe may coincide with the Sarawak state election?
The last general election was widely described as a watershed general election, but real change is still some way off, although we are now closer to a viable two-coalition system.
New Botanic Garden chief seeks volunteers
The new Ketua Penguasa of the Penang Botanic Garden, Tengku Idaura, has a monumental challenge ahead of her in restoring and improving the Garden in line with best practices.
She is seeking the assistance of volunteer botanists and garden enthusiasts.
Says Tengku Idaura:
It’s heartening to read the comments about the Penang Botanic Gardens. After working here for seven days, I feel downright discouraged at the volume of tasks ahead of me. Most of all, can I remove all the unnecessary structures which the officials would declare as “structurally sound” and therefore…
Is this Obama?
Some light relief for a change. Enjoy.
Part Two below
Leaning Arch’s last stand
Watch the last few moments before the Leaning Arch at the Penang Botanic Garden came crashing down.
Oops! That wasn’t supposed to happen – Photo credit: guangming.com
Oops! That wasn’t supposed to happen – Photo credit: guangming.com The Taib saga continues
Have a look at the latest revelation in the ongoing saga of Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud.
Go to the Sarawak Report here.
An almighty C-R-A-S-H, a miraculous escape
The demolition of the ‘Leaning Arch of Penang’ at the Botanic Garden went horribly wrong when the large structure inadvertently toppled over, crashing through a metal hoarding.
At precisely 8.45pm, a hydraulic breaker mounted on a crane began slamming against the upper portion of the leaning arch. The jackhammer-like machine tore bits of concrete from the arch and eventually punched a gaping hole just above the centre of the arch. The arch didn’t stand a chance nor did it put up much resistance.
At precisely 8.45pm, a hydraulic breaker mounted on a crane began slamming against the upper portion of the leaning arch. The jackhammer-like machine tore bits of concrete from the arch and eventually punched a gaping hole just above the centre of the arch. The arch didn’t stand a chance nor did it put up much resistance. Anti-ISA protest greets Anifah in London
Apparently, the “Abolish ISA” chanting could be heard from inside the Malaysian High Commission in London. Foreign Minister Anifah got out of his car and came over to talk to those at the vigil for about half an hour.
Anifah meets the protesters in London on Sunday, 8 August – Photo by PocketFiat; see slideshow here.
Those who were already inside the High Commission waiting for his speech to them, apparently ended up waiting for quite some time.
0030: A group of about 30 people are protesting against the ISA outside the Malaysian High Commission in London.
Anifah meets the protesters in London on Sunday, 8 August – Photo by PocketFiat; see slideshow here.
Those who were already inside the High Commission waiting for his speech to them, apparently ended up waiting for quite some time.
0030: A group of about 30 people are protesting against the ISA outside the Malaysian High Commission in London. Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-08-08
- Ganesan orders Nizar out of the Perak State Assembly ; Nizar refuses to budge. LIVE – https: #
- Live – Coverage of Perak State Assembly sitting this morning #
- 300-400 people gathered at Brewster Road for the Ipoh vigil last night. (No arrests – apologies for incorrect info last nite). #
- Shu shi released. But has to appear in court tomorrow for mention of charge re section 19 police act. #
- They are now serving shu shi of awam with a warrant of arrest in penang in connection with a 2008 case. #
- The 4 arrested in penang will be coming out soon. We are waiting near the station. Abolish the ISA! #
- 4 people have gone into the police station in penang to post bail for the arrested 4. #
- Lawyer told me that ocpd promised that the 4 arrested in pg would be released on police bail tonight. #
- 30 people are holding an impromptu vigil outside Jelutong police station, penang. Motorists honking in support. #
- Cops have given 5 mins for pg vigil to disperse. But many already left. Others leaving now. They have made their point. #
- Syd Ibrahim chief of GMI and Mafrel arrested in PJ. #
- lly lighted their candles bright. I horned as I passed and they were so happy to respond, just like carnival time! Its officially over. … #
- tat one arrested. #
- Eyewitness from IPOH – vigilers gave polis the slip by gathering at the other side- other entrance of Parkson Grand on Brewster Rd. Ap … #
- Eyewitness from IPOH – PEACEFUL but one was arrested. I was driving, circling trying to get in but all entrances and exits were closed … #
- FWD fr eyewitness – Now we gathering in front of pj police station to show support. Fru in front of police station protect their station … #
- to catch ppl. #
- Suaram penang coordinator ong jing cheng arrested in penang. #
- Darshan Singh, Kris khaira, Chon kai arrested at ISA vigil at speakers square in penang. Now in truck. Cops outnumber protesters. #
D-Day is on Monday
That’s Demolition Day for the two Penang Botanic Garden arches – scheduled for Monday. Or rather it should be Demolition Night.
Cranes are expected to slam into the arches from 8.00pm to 11.00pm, and work is expected to last six days.
Cranes are expected to slam into the arches from 8.00pm to 11.00pm, and work is expected to last six days.