On 9 May 2015, I raised the question, “How long can Najib last?”
Poorer economic conditions likely to hit government budget
Petronas’ profit before tax has slumped by about 43 per cent so far in the current financial year and this is bound to have an effect on government revenue and Petronas’ own reinvestment plans.
In fact, profit before tax was almost halved in the second quarter compared to the same period last year while cash flow from operating activities dropped by a third.
TPP: Will Najib ignore Stiglitz’s appeal?
This is Najib speaking at the UN general assembly, where he delivered an impassioned speech about the need to oppose extremism. (Check out 2:45 in the video to see the other Malaysians at the UN.) All well and good, but will he oppose extremism, whether religious or racial, which threatens to tear us apart in Malaysia? We are watching, and so far not many are convinced by his resolve in reining in the bigots out to create trouble here.
Imagine a city with fewer cars: Park(ing) Day in George Town
Over 40 teams of Penangites were involved in creating mini pop-up public parks on 50 parking lots scattered around the heritage zone of George Town on 19 September.
Petronas’ $36bn LNG project in Canada runs into turbulence
Petronas’ $36bn LNG project in British Columbia, Canada has hit some turbulence in the wake of depressed LNG prices. And the scandals plaguing the Najib administration have not inspired confidence, judging by the readers’ comments in response to online news reports about the project.
Ringgit hits 17-year low as another key test looms
Check this out, the position at 28-29 September, courtesy of The Edge.
| Change so far in 2015 | |||
| Currency | Latest bid | End prev year | % Move |
| Japan yen | 119.29 | 119.66 | +0.31 |
| Sing dlr | 1.4307 | 1.3260 | -7.32 |
| Taiwan dlr | 33.280 | 31.718 | -4.69 |
| Korean won | 1195.24 | 1099.30 | -8.03 |
| Baht | 36.43 | 32.90 | -9.69 |
| Peso | 46.92 | 44.72 | -4.68 |
| Rupiah | 14715.00 | 12380.00 | -15.87 |
| Rupee | 66.13 | 63.03 | -4.68 |
| Ringgit | 4.4750 | 3.4965 | -21.87 |
| Yuan | 6.3644 | 6.2040 | -2.52 |
And the end is not in sight. Another key test looms this week.
As China envoy visits Petaling Street, Jamal is reined in (Updated)
By reportedly warning that a group of protesters would turn up again in Chinatown today to demand whatever, Jamal took a step too far.
Three ways the Attorney General’s Chambers can really honour Kevin Morais
By many accounts slain DPP Kevin Morais stood for justice and integrity in the battle against corruption. Many have paid him tribute, the latest one below.
Francis proclaims ‘right of the environment’, decries exclusion at United Nations General Assembly
The Bishop of Rome, Francis, has proclaimed an existing “right to the environment” and linked degradation to poverty, inequality and exclusion in a powerful address to the United Nations.
Francis addresses joint session of US Congress
Francis on Thursday (24 September) made history by becoming the first Bishop of Rome ever to address a joint session of the United States Congress.