The global economic landscape has changed after the 2008 financial crisis

I have always looked forward to your articles as they present a good insight into World conditions without the hyperbole. Reading the latest,The global economic landscape has changed after the 2008 financial crisis, and the New Normals I have several question to ask your view. The global economic strategies for ALL countries big and small have always been based on the assumption of continued growth, and even 'new normal' economic landscapes are discussed premised on different patterns of growth. Balanced budgeting and stagnation are 'dirty words'

In the current era of rising oil, food and commodity prices, depleting forests and rare earth resources, irreversible global warming and climate change resulting in great floods and severe drought occurring at the same time, it seems to me that Global economic modeling based on continuous growth in our World of finite resources (unless we have found a way to mine the Moon?) is, to put it mildly, a very irresponsible act. Can we afford to assume that the world's economic systems can grow continuously without reaching its 'peak'? A peak situation in any resource or commodity means the stage where consumption or demand exceeds supply. Are Governments and the United Nations turning a blind eye to this imminent catastrophe?

Instead of discussing World economy based on 'eternal growth' demands, economists and politicians should begin to chart economic situations based on "peak" conditions, ie, for each resource, asset or commodity, declare when that peak situation will be reached, what will its maximum productivity be, is there a sustainable way to maintain growth in this area, what are the alternatives if a certain resource is completely depleted, etc etc. Peak Oil has been extensively discussed already, but have we wondered for example, can we survive without forests, if timber and wood based companies continue to chart continuous growth in forest products? Or, what is the maximum number of vehicles we can put on Earth without permanently and fatally clogging our systems, and what can we do if Rare Earth resources are depleted?

Because we lack the political will to do the right thing (eg Pres Obama refused to let GM, Ford and Chrysler "die", and we allow oil and food prices to be speculated on), we are now seeing a world of continuous strife, where in some countries today, the proverbial straw has broken the camel's back (Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen). Expect to see more trouble ahead of us in 2011.

Human Greed will be the death of Earth.

Foreign workers staying in Slums!

This morning, after my usual morning walk at the Bukit Kiara Park and Arboretum, (part of Taman Tun Dr. Ismail), I chanced on a sight that maybe is portentous of the deterioration of the quality of our living areas in the years to come. At the edge of this Park, I have been noticing a large area hidden by a high zinc fence, and accessible only though a closed gate. As I passed by, a Bas Kilang blocked my way, waiting for the gate to open. When the gates opened, I saw what was inside, and was horror struck. There were rows and rows of those 20-foot Containers that have been converted into living quarters. I could not see more, as I have to drive on again, as the bus drove inside the fenced area, but these questions came to my mind:

• Is this the way employers of large numbers of contract foreign workers are housing their migrant staff?
• Have the amenities been properly constructed with adequate water and sanitation facilities? For example, have the sewage maintenance of the area been properly taken care of?
• Even though the whole area is hidden from public view, do the residents around the location know of the area being used as a "hostel" for migrant workers?

If my observations are correct, then I think we as Malaysians have a lot of thinking to do, and ponder if our massive dependence on foreign workers and maids are having a serious deleterious effect on the environment and the social fabric of our nation. In trying to keep wages and costs of employing migrant workers down to a minimum, to maximize profits, are we not in turn, creating large pockets of slums and sleazy residential areas in the country. Are we also ensuring that these contract migrant workers, on completion of their projects actually return to their native countries? The ever increasing number of illegals plying their businesses in all parts of the city is testament to the view that most of them stay back. These slums created to house them just encourage them to do so, what more if they have started families here already. At last 'count', almost 3 million foreigners are in Malaysia, working in construction, security, restaurants and homes, and doing illegal businesses.

Foreign workers staying in Slums!

God save our Forests

I read with utter dismay, the news report that our dwindling forest reserves are again being threatened Preserving K. Langat South peat swamp forest . What makes this issue even more upsetting is the fact that the State Govt has apparently turned back on its policy of banning any further encroachment in this area. Orders made in 2008 prohibiting logging from this reserve have now apparently been revoked, and greedy businessmen, with only an eye for profits have been active since, asking for logging licences again.

Unfortunately, efforts made by State and Federal Govts to protect the environment, like the banning or limiting the use of plastic bags, will come to naught, if with the stroke of the pen, the same State Govts approve forest reserves to be exploited for plantation and other projects. What is the use of designating these areas as Reserves then?

Looking at the big picture, there is no end in sight for these destructive policies, as under the Constitution, Land, Forests and Water are matters of the State. What our leaders and politicians have to do is to agree to that these matters should be treated as part of our Heritage, and to be protected as such in a bi partisan manner, not as at present, when these priceless resources and assets are used to reward cronies and for short term monetary gains. Change we must, if we want to leave our valuable flora and fauna for our future generations. To me, allowing a Timber corporation to cut down a 100 year old tree from a virgin forest for immediate gain is like allowing murder to be committed in front of our eyes. Do our leaders have the courage to change?

I don't think so.... God save our Forests

Are we decent enough?

I tried dutifully to read through your column, Are we decent enough? and I must express my appreciation at the noble ideas propounded therein. However, it was heavy reading, and all the while that I was going through it lugubriously, I kept remembering reading in TheStar recently of an Indian foreign worker, whose student daughter committed suicide in Chennai, because the mother was conned wholesale while being tricked into working in our beloved nation. It seems, according to the Star report, the poor lady came to work for a family, was not paid for several months, then was driven out of the house, still unpaid for her labour. She managed to find work in a restaurant, at below minimum wage, and she was conned there too, and was again driven out. She managed to contact some social workers who are arranging for her to go back to India, penniless, and finding out that working in Malaysia has been her worst nightmare. Worse still, her daughter, having enrolled in a local college was hounded for her tuition fees, and when she found out that her name was on the list of delinquent non paying students, she was so ashamed she took her own life. Can you imagine what her mother is going through now, and we ask our fellow Malaysians, "Are we decent enough"?

There are many many stories that I can relate to foreign maid/worker abuse, and even just in my neighbourhood, I can give you sufficient examples that we Malaysians, as a rule, are NOT decent at all. I will just run through some examples... no day off, no minimum wage, washing 3 cars daily, before 7 am, with no breakfast, not allowed to meet other friends, maid tasked to be a caregiver, house cleaner, gardener and grass mower, house painter, and so on and so forth.

It's a sad time to be Malaysian, and the politics don't make it better...

unease over temporary licences for Swiftlet farms

Reading this news report cautiously, Temporary licences for Swiftlet farms? , I just cannot help but feel that the State Government is, at best, taking the lazy way out of a serious problem, and at worst, 'pulling wool over our eyes' legalizing an issue that potentially causes much harm to our environment, thus abrogating its social responsibility.

How much licensing revenue can the State Govt. hope to collect? It will be a pittance, compared to the profits that will be made by the swiftlet business operators. The more important question the public should ask regarding this licensing move, is "How long have these operators been doing this illegal business, and have they been conducting their businesses in a manner that does minimum harm to the environment, and does not destroy the peace and equanimity of the areas from which they operate?" If no guidelines on swiftlet farming have existed till now, does it mean the State govt is condoning such activites, even though they damage the environment, and cause distress to the rakyat living close to the businesses. What will happen to those outlets that are now covered by 'legal' licences, but which when the guidelines are promulgated in 6 months' time, they are found to be in breach?

If one was to make a trip to Muar, or to Sitiawan, for example, one can actually see some of those ugly blocks of 'swiftlet outlets' all around the town, with swiftlet songs being piped into those buildings 24 hours a day.... You wonder if such outlets actually comply with the basic health requirements of a local authority, and more importantly, if the rakyat staying around those outlets are affected by the droppings and filth emanating from those outlets.

Then there is also the issue that if the swiftlet outlets were built in remote areas, will they cause a danger to aircraft flying nearby, as we know that "bird strikes" on aircrafts landing or taking off can be disastrous...

Let's hope the Selangor State Govt will be more circumspect in this matter.

unease over temporary licences for Swiftlet farms

Factual errors in History books.

After reading the letter in your papers, very well articulated by Dr. Ranjit Singh re:Factual errors in History books. I really feel that, unless those senior officials in the Government, those who decide on policy and strategy comprise of enlightened people, who are completely devoid of DISTRUST of the other races, and more importantly, who do not feel insecure facing the facts of civilization, Malaysia does not stand an iota of chance for success in its efforts to make the country a united and progressive nation, not in this century, or the next.

We know the Constitution and the Rulers provide more than adequate protection for all, especially for the Malays and Islam. Nothing will change that. Why then should senior Govt officials feel so insecure that they have to "bend" the truth so that the future generation will feel comfortable? If History is taught with understanding and love for the country, there is no need for the distortion of facts.

Watching the Classic historical movies in TV, you can see that despots in History want to change it as they feel insecure facing facts. Do we have to talk about helping the deprived, whether they are Malays or others, by first distorting facts? Will the Malays feel that their country is being "run over" by others, if we recognize the deeds of Kapitan Yap or Tan Siew Sin? Respecting the roles of all heroes of Malaysia, regardless of creed, will surely breed respect in return.

When will we learn to be magnanimous?

Why should Malaysia involve itself so much in F1, which is just a millionaire's playground?

I was glad finally someone expressed his views on Malaysia's involvement in the F1 Proton's RM2.4billion 'joyride' is a bad idea as I feel that our country's leaders and decision makers are just using our taxes to have fun and to boost their own egos. 'Disappointed', the writer of this letter expressed it very well. " We are already paying a high price for Proton cars here, much higher than similar size cars in other countries ", he said. it's really sad and it's true.{I have read that the Suzuki Alto from Maruti India, will be imported CBT (completely built up) into Malaysia and will be retailed around RM 55,000, BUT this car RETAILS in India at only USD6000}.

However, what really amazes us, the poor citizens of the nation, is that, Malaysia, a developing country trying to achieve a high income and developed status, is doing it the wrong way. I am sure we would have noticed that NOT LESS than 3 Malaysian parties are now involved, overtly or covertly, in "sponsoring" the F1, namely, Proton with its Lotus brand, AirAsia also with its Lotus brand, and then there is Petronas pushing the Williams car...

Are all these expenditure necessary? Air Asia, maybe I can see that it is a part of its aggressive global branding strategy, but does Petronas and Proton need to spend so much of our money for the same purpose?

I think Petronas has been doing well even without such extravagance, and Proton? Maybe it should just send its executives to Perodua, to learn a thing or three from them, how to make a successful car for the rakyat. Having 'good' advisers does not mean it will make a profit.