What's Going On ? What Are We to Do?

What's going on? This, for you, my children, is my take on the financial and economic crisis we hear about now.

Everyday we read or hear of the worsening economic climate in the world. The economies of the giants are falling like ten-pins. First the US, UK then the European Union countries, then Japan (did Japan ever get out of its doldrums ?). Next Korea and then China and Pkistan.

It seems like everyone is experiencing a credit crunch. Then their governments announced bailouts to the tune of trillions. Have the govt been stashing these mountains of cash away or just ordering the federal mint to work overtime? Will more cash make their problems go away?

Ok,what about us? Everything looks hunky dory here. The govt just reduced the price of motor gasoline and Shahir foolishly said that they may talk about reduction again in the cabinet. People think the prices of goods and services will go down but only the naive expects that. In fact when the govt increased the price of mogas to 2.70 there was some good that came out of it. The roads were clear and people drove as if their driving tester was sitting beside them. But not anymore.

OK so the Americans arent in the mood to go shopping this Christmas season. For that reason, our exports will reduce. The manufactoring sector will downshift their gears. Some job cuts may happen.

The government's revenue will also decrease due to the drop in price of oil and palm oil. The govt may cut spending or defer some projects which will cause some unfortunate people to lose their jobs also.

SO what about us? So far we have been insulated from these problems. We dont have any savings with Lehman Brothers so that's good. Most of our money is with PNB and Maybank. Although Maybank was recently in the news for some 'unwise' acquisition, it is still a safe financial institution.

Maybe the biggest single thing the govt should do from now is to practise prudence in expenditure.

As for the regular people like us, we still spend and go shopping although at the back of my mind, I'm not sure if it's a good thing to do.
Many people have suggested for the govt to reduce or abolish personal income tax for next year. That would be real good for us.

The one thing I'm really biting my nails about is a recent purchase. We bought an apartment in Melawati called the 3 Residen. It is overpriced but we went ahead anyway. Now I'm experiencing buyer's remorse. Mainly because of the price.

I guess this incoherent rambling may confuse you further.My message to you is study smart, spend wisely but enjoy your life also.
Till next time.

Nov 15 2008 - Welcome home Ayip

Today Ayip returns to KL. Welcome back Ayip. It is exactly 4 months since he left for Melbourne on July 15, 2008.

I feel that he's not going back to Melbourne which is ok but sad. I hope that he will continue at KDE from where he left off.

This week has been rather depressing because of the triple whammy.

One, I have to keep regular office hours because Mat Agil is going to Haji next week until sometime in January. I've already decided to employ ayip as a temp so that I can still go for my yoga lessons. Talking about yoga, the Fatwa council has deferred their ruling on yoga until later. I hope never.Buat lah fatwa kat benda-benda lebih penting lagi. How can they possibly think that our faith is so weak that yoga can lead us astray , I dont know. I am beginning to resent my tax ringgit being used to pay the salaries of these people..


Two, Trivenus has been a served notice to vacate our premises by Feb next year. Now we have to find a new office. It definitely will be in the melawati area. We like this place because of the convenience and safety. Any move will incur costs.

Three, the maid is going back to Indonesia for raya haji holidays for three months. Even though her work is not thorough, it helps having her around.

Nov 6, 2008 - Happy 20 th Birtyday Ayip

Happy Birthday Ayip.

Our first son - wow, and such an adorable baby. Of the four babies you were the most beautiful. No kidding - just look at the baby pictures - the ones not destroyed by moisture/leak from your bathroom.

You were so beautiful that one time when were at the Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis Jeti enroute to Pulau Langkawi some guy asked me what's your name. Without waiting for my reply he said 'Isabela'. Isabela was the name of Search's number one song at that time. That's how pretty you were. I think even Che Yang, our then maid, claimed that you were her son! Someone told me this.

You're an intelligent kid. That's why you're one of the only four students who aced the PTS exam in std 3. But the Malaysian education system is not for you. It doesnt do justice to someone who is intelligent but cares little for memorizing textbooks. Regardless, we let you plod on miserably through forms 4 and 5. We could have followed a different path for you but still had faith in the education system.

Not anymore. That's why we sent you to Melbourne. So that you receive an all round education. Education is not just about learning from books, it's about living a new experience and being independent. It's about learning how to be on your own and learning from your own mistakes. Semua ni cliche but need to be said.

So far, what I've got from you is how miserable you are feeling and the number one reason is Elec eng is too tough. I hope you dont have the misconception that university life is easy - that you can study the night before and pass. It's not. U have to work very hard. But we also want you to enjoy your life in melbourne. U used to be able to make friends easily.

It also puzzles me why you never even asked about Betsy? It's a pity that you let your unhapiness consume you that even things that are important to you is lost in the misery.

My wish for you on your birthday is wisdom and sense of responsibility. Happy birthday and lots of love.