Utopian

Back in the arena. I am back for more discussion! Things happened recently; the announcement of Budget 2011 and final part of Economic Transformation Program (ETP).

First and foremost. The Budget 2011. Many surprised, many perplexed, the moment as the government speaks its intention to build 100 storey Warisan Merdeka worth RM5 billion, I am pretty sure that majority of us does not want another pride symbol standing in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. High income nation and highest building in the world? Any economic theory for that? Oh, Malaysia economic scales believe the bigger project you working on, the bigger profits you will get, right? Wrong, the bigger project you working on, the bigger losses you will get. Who bear the losses? We are, thank you very much for saving big corporation a.k.a cronies.

Japan's economy remains in lost decade despite huge inflows in its infrastructure projects. Hey, look east policy, remember? Is it viable for a longer term?

I do not know much what is the projection of the big ticket item especially Warisan Merdeka in terms of employment and return of revenues?

The government planning seems convincing. It is too details, consistent, and politically positive. How about the implementation later? Can the government enticing or buy in private sectors to join the forces growing our economy? Is this merely a public relations exercise to obtain votes?

Or shall I claim selected private sector link government chosen before public knowledge? Putrajaya remains know best, know better. How the government could neglects the very basic institutional process which deliberates on transparency and accountability. Selecting most qualified contractors ensuring responsibility of them. Do not return to the government for bails out! You fail you on your own.

Young peoples applaud over government backed housing buying. The inception of Malaysia version sub prime crises. Surveys show housing loans in many major banks are ballooning! Oh, free 1Malaysia notebooks! I get one. Can I sell it to Lowyat?

Mega project including five regional corridors gaining its big prize for millions after so called 'work in progress' What is the current progress of these corridors? Hey, I want to know! Where is the efforts to strengthen our local small businesses?

Secondly, the Auditor General's report. Errors and non compliance of original cost, original planning, overspending and more spending are common findings in many years of the report. Some bought a set of pillow and bed for thousand of RM beyond market price. Some build public facilities and completed behind the schedule. Months later, the facilities are under utilized and showing defects. Some contractors given the responsibility to deliver foods and drinks to school children, but fails to do so. Some overpaid and leakages in spending. In other words, the more government interferes in determining the way of people's life, the more inefficiencies would be occurred in present and future. More and more losses recorded! I suggest the struggle to limit our government must begin now. Tea Party Movement likely?

Third, Economic Transformation Program. I will tell you right after the reading!

Fourth, yesterday is Friday. I had the opportunity to listen a lecture by Dr Kittin from Thailand. He is the expert in political economy in Asia region. He spoke on the nature of Thailand- Malaysia Automotive Industry. Amazing liberalization! Far better than our local auto industries! Create an advantage for Thai to become global player in auto industry. That is why; I always call for more adoption to liberalize our Malaysia's economy. All of us will get the benefit. Why we should protect our local industry for national interest if proven unviable and not competitive? Afraid of competition? How long these industries will be driven by the government?

Proton? Perodua? Liberalize the industry gives buyers more choices. Cheaper too. Anyway, I was very impressed with the presentation of Dr Kittin. Thanks to his wonderful lecture