Relived, " HAZY DAYS Ahead - Malaysia Dealing with a TRIPLE WHAMMY! " (An Ironic Part 2)

POLITICAL ECONOMY - Column: " from THE fringes "

F.T of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Selangor, N.Sembilan and parts of Sarawak,
in addition to Johor and Melaka, MALAYSIA

Tuesday, 29th  September 2015 

HAZY DAYS Ahead - TRIPLE WHAMMY! 

- PART 2

READ 15th September 2015 Column HERE

It has been 2 weeks since I wrote the from THE fringes column titled "HAZY DAYS Ahead - Malaysia Dealing with a TRIPLE WHAMMY! ". I find it both eerie and ironic that I can use the same column written 2 weeks ago in its entirety. Nothing changed!

Perhaps or rather it can be said with conviction that things have become worse. The Ringgit continues its journey to the bottom, political leadership leaves much to be desired and the haze just gets worse as evidenced by the closure of schools.

(  Notice issued by Education Ministry on Monday, 28th September 2015

re the Closure of Schools in Johor & Melaka today i.e. Tuesday, 29th September 2015 )

( Notice issued by Education Ministry on Sunday, 27th September 2015

re the Closure of Schools in the F.T.of KL & Putrajaya, Selangor, NS and parts of Sarawak
yesterday i.e. Monday, 28th September )

( Yesterday's ASEAN500 3 Heads "Summary of ASEAN Haze Talks" by Notrumi )

I would like to take this opportunity albeit a bit late to wish all Muslim readers of from THE fringes, 
"a Blessed Eid Adha. May the Sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail be a beacon for our purification."

( UPDATE to FOLLOW )

( This week's column is based on surveys conducted in KL, Selangor (Thrice in UKM & Bandar Baru -Bangi ), Negeri Sembilan (Nilai & Seremban) and Melaka. Eerily, with just a few updates the "Hazy Days" column published on 15th September 2015 can still be used. )

" Summary of ASEAN Haze Talks " - 3 Heads by Notrumi

CARTOON

by Notrumi
Bukit Damansara, K.L. - MALAYSIA

Monday, 28th September 2015

" Summary of ASEAN Haze Talks, 3 Heads "

ASEAN Showcases its Products at China-ASEAN Expo

ASEAN

NANNING, CHINA

Wednesday, 23rd September 2015

ASEAN Showcases its Products at China-ASEAN Expo

The 12^th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) was convened in Nanning City, Guangxi Province of China on 18-21 September with the theme “Maritime Cooperation.” Some 4,600 booths showcased products and services of enterprises from ASEAN Member States (AMS), China and the Republic of Korea, as the Special Guest Country, in 5 pavilions namely, 

(i) commodity trade; 

(ii) trade in services; 

(iii) investment cooperation; 

(iv) advanced technology; and 

(v) cities of charm. 

Products showcased by enterprises from AMS were well received by Chinese trade visitors including rice, coffee, handicraft, wood-based products, agri-food, jewelry and ornaments, education, tourism and financial services. The 12^th China-ASEAN Investment Business Summit (CABIS) and a series of sideline meetings and events were also held.

Thailand is this year’s CAEXPO’s Country of Honor. H.E. General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, reaffirmed commitment towards strengthening regional cooperation with China in his remarks.  Recognising that China is the largest trading partner of ASEAN, while ASEAN is China’s 4^th largest trading partner in terms of exports and the 2^nd largest partner for its import, H.E. Zhang Gaoli, Chinese Vice-Premier emphasised that China is willing to work with ASEAN to accelerate the negotiations on upgrading the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). 

The 13^th CAEXPO is scheduled to be held on 23-26 September 2016 coinciding with the commemoration of 20^thyear of Dialogue Relations.  Additional exhibition space is expected with the completion of new exhibition halls in 2016, covering possible areas such as tourism, culture, forestry and infrastructure. Viet Nam will be the Country of Honor in 2016.

Malaysia's Own 3M Lacks Direction with Perpetual Check???

POLITICS - Column: " from THE fringes "

F.T of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor & N.Sembilan, MALAYSIA

Tuesday, 22nd  September 2015 

( BLACK, to denote Mourning Period?)

( YELLOW, to denote ROYAL Help Required? "

Not many knows about the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. A company established in 1902 which celebrates its 113th anniversary this year. What was born as a small-scale mining venture back in 1902 has grown into a global powerhouse whose products improve the daily lives of people around the world. It is now known worldwide simply as 3M !

Malaysia has its own version of 3M. Malaysia's 3M consortium combined has more years of political experience put together compared to Minnesota's 3M. Similar to Minnesota's 3M, Malaysia's 3M consortium(if one can call it such) also aims to improve the lives of Malaysians politically by advocating transparency and improving the economic well being of the citizens of Malaysia.

The first 'M' in Malaysia's 3M consortium is none other than former premier Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, a statesman that needs no introduction whether one loves or hates him. The second 'M' in the alliance, if one can call it such is former DPM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin and surprisingly still UMNO Deputy President and BN's Deputy Chairman in spite of what was rumoured should have happen in UMNO's first and often-delayed Supreme Council meeting on the 9th of September after Muhyiddin was dropped in July's reshuffle. Both Tan Sri Muhyiddin and Dr. Mahathir were seen together in Bosnia attending a few events.

Finally, the third 'M' in Malaysia's 3M is in itself a consortium of light-heavyweight politicians. They are 'light' former Terengganu MB Dato' Seri Ahmad Said aka "Mat Said" the existing Kijal state assemblyman, a man trying to carve his own name but will still be considered to be a shadow of Dr.M i.e. Kedah MB Dato' Seri Mukhriz Mahathir (who finished fourth in the UMNO VP elections) and second-ranked UMNO VP Dato' Seri Mohd.Shafie Apdal. Each of the 3 light-heavies would on their own struggle to command the allegiance of 2-5 divisions but their combined strength should be able to see them garner 10-15 UMNO divisions, if not more.

Combined, all 3Ms should be able to secure allegiance from 20 - 30 UMNO divisions, with a further upside potential of another 10 - 17 divisions. Impressive but not even good enough to threaten the standings of a graduate with a CGPA of 3.85 let alone an alumni of UK's Cambridge.

( The Late Kevin Anthony Morais, Deputy Public Prosecutor )

* picture courtesy of MStar

Well as I'd written earlier in August (read from THE fringes 2 August 2015, HERE ), and still writing now - the 3M consortium of Malaysia have been checking the Bugis warrior incessantly but to no avail. Political apathy is starting to set-in. The killings of DPP Kevin Anthony Morais and line-leader Arzurizan Abd. Rahman aka 'Zul Badak' though seemingly not related to the present shenanigan has sort of ensured a 'pause of sorts'.

As in chess, perpetual check seemed to be the pattern.
BERSIH 4.0 was partly negated by the Red Shirts of Himpunan Maruah Melayu. A leader who in 1998 was aghast at street demonstrations and called those attending rallies some colourful names was seen at a rally in KL. Another leader who branded a former colleague 'traitor' for accepting foreign funds is now a 'black pot'. Even PR 2.0 seemed to be in doubt...such are the machinations in pursuit of the throne at Putrajaya.

Perhaps, the time is ripe for a '3rd Force' to rise and ideally it should consists of those without any affiliations to either BN or PR (both PR 1.0 or the yet to be ascertained PR 2.0).



- More Story to Follow -

Malaysia Day on 16th September is also the day the "7 Wasiat Raja-raja Melayu" (7 'Wills' of the Malay Rulers) was swept aside for what can be said a "Nation forming" exercise. It is also the date the then terrorist empire of Italy hunged freedom fighter Umar Mukhtar in Libya in addition to it being the late Lee Kuan Yew's (Singapore PM) birthday.

Many had suggested that references to the economy should be made now and then. Taking heed of the suggestion made, I had already decided to make certain 'adjustments' to future articles

( This week's column is based on surveys conducted in KL, Selangor (Bangi, Kelana Jaya, Puchong, Subang & Shah Alam) and Negeri Sembilan (Seremban). The writer decided on a self-imposed exile on Wednesday to recuperate by signing up for a training programme conducted by a sports NGO despite numerous event invitations on Malaysia Day.)

" The Seduction " - 3 HEADS

CARTOON

by Notrumi
Bukit Damansara, K.L. - MALAYSIA
Monday, 21st September 2015

( Part 1 of 5 ) 

 ( Part 2 of 5 )

( Part 3 of 5 ) 

 ( Part 4 of 5 )

( Part 5 of 5 )

ASEAN and Hong Kong Seek Closer Economic Relations

ASEAN

Jakarta, INDONESIA

Thursday, 17th September 2015 

ASEAN, Hong Kong Seek Closer Economic Relations

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (Hong Kong SAR) expressed its strong interest to develop mutually beneficial economic relations with ASEAN. Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR H.E. C Y Leung said that ASEAN’s economic dynamism presents tremendous opportunity for both sides to expand trade, investment and services linkages. He conveyed this during a meeting today with Secretary-General of ASEAN H.E. Le Luong Minh at the ASEAN Secretariat.

Secretary-General Minh appreciated Hong Kong’s keen interest in furthering relations with ASEAN within the framework of One-China policy. Both Secretary-General Minh and Chief Executive C Y Leung noted the continued growth and expansion of economic relations between ASEAN and Hong Kong in recent years, with total trade volume amounting to US$99.4 billion in 2014. ASEAN as a group is Hong Kong’s second largest trading partner. Hong Kong’s investment flow to ASEAN in 2014 recorded an all-time high of USD 9.5 billion.

In welcoming the progress made in the negotiations of the ASEAN-Hong Kong SAR Free Trade Agreement, SG Minh and Chief Executive C Y Leung expressed hope that the talks could be concluded in 2016.   

Chief Executive C Y Leung also conveyed that Hong Kong could offer advantages of the “one country, two systems” model to serve as a connector between ASEAN and mainland China. He added that Hong Kong is keen in exploring cooperation with ASEAN in other areas such as arts, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

SG Minh briefed the Chief Executive on recent developments in ASEAN, including preparations for the formal establishment of ASEAN Community at the end of this year. He further conveyed that ASEAN is finalising its Vision for the next 10 years which will be adopted later this year.

HAZY DAYS Ahead - Malaysia Dealing with a TRIPLE WHAMMY!

POLITICS - Column: " from THE fringes "

by Amirul HM

F.T of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor & PULAU PINANG, MALAYSIA

Tuesday, 15th September 2015 

HAZY DAYS Ahead for MALAYSIA !!!

TRIPLE WHAMMY 

of Political  INSTABILITY, Economic UNCERTAINTY 

& Environmentally UNHEALTHY

 ( "Hazy" komTAR - a Productive Asset, White Elephant or an Eyesore? )

* view from the Ferry in PP, looking back at the Pinang Island.

( Generations, Wondering what will happen to Malaysia. 

The picture though is much brighter and more positive if one is to look ahead )

* view from the Ferry in PP, looking ahead towards the Mainland.

This week's article is derived from a motley crew of;- 

- a Motor Club (whose members are predominantly based in KL and Selangor);
- a DBA/MBA preview (who had attendees coming not just from KL/Selangor, not only come from Johor and Pulau Pinang but also from Thailand, Myanmar and a few African countries);

- a Co-operative first AGM (whose members came from Perak, Pahang, NS, Melaka, Johor in addition to Selangor and the Federal Territories of KL and Putrajaya);

- agents and staff of a financial planning outfit;

Also, people met along the way from KL to Pulau Pinang and back, not forgetting the media corps who attended the 9/9 post-UMNO Supreme Council meeting PC.

(Article to follow)
...but first, a 25 seconds clip of the post-UMNO Supreme Council Meeting media conference attended by The ASEAN 500.

( Scrutinise the faces of the UMNO leaders on stage )

The "Muka Ketat" (Tight-faced) of those seated on the stage during the PC says it all.
It's obvious that nobody got what they wanted. When Ku Nan (UMNO's Secretary General) ended the PC after the third question, many looked at each other. Even before the PC begun, word filtered down an hour or so earlier that its status quo.

Despite many leaders being seen in Putrajaya in the run-up to the Supreme Council meeting and an alleged list of leaders being dropped, nobody significant was expelled. Thus, despite initial confidence of certain factions being able to push through their agenda it can be concluded that the President and forces aligned to him don't have the numbers, yet! An unofficial truce may have been called, respite for both sides to contemplate which card(s) is(are) to be used next and to retrieve casualties littered on many fronts. Things may definitely change though in the run up to December's UMNO assembly.

As for now, the only party growing stronger is PAS. The dissidents had voluntarily purged themselves save for Husam and a few insignificant others. Bersih 4.0 proved that newpolpat(new political party) PAN are unable to ensure a substantial turnout of Malays as opposed to a PAS' directive. As a result of this miscalculation, DAP and the majority Chinese crowd in Bersih 4.0 are again seen as power grabbers which PM Najib and his merrymakers will definitely capitalise on in the coming weeks if not days.

While the soon to be launched Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) may have some support in the Klang Valley, a survey done over the weekend in Pulau Pinang indicated a low exodus of members from PAS to the party much accused of being DAP-funded and evangelical (it was previously doing the rounds as Gerakan Harapan Baru(GHB) or,  translated means the evangelical sounding "New Hope Movement"). Even those who had joined PAN or Amanah in the initial euphoria are privately having doubts. A message I received from a PAS supporter working in the government says it all -

" Look at how long Ku Li and Semangat lasted;

and Sabu is not even half the man Ku Li was.

Go do the maths! "

One can call PKR a lot of things but they are no definitely no idiots in trying to maintain their grip on power in Selangor. The disastrous "Langkah Kajang" caused many neutrals to shy away from them having seen the terribly ugly side of PKR thirst for power at the expense of respected Tan Sri Khalid who also had backing from the palace. Many would have sounded the alarm bells of the existence of a purported Islamic and amicable PAN which is easier for DAP and its supporters to swallow but which in essence is actually a more Islamic PKR chasing after perhaps the same pool of supporters. When PKR's President Wan Azizah and MB Azmin announced they will still talk to PAS, the power preservation game is still in play.

Though a far-fetched scenario, a weakened UMNO and a stronger PAS could realistically form many state governments if snap elections were called. Then again in the "100 days of Madness" starting from the day an UMNO Deputy President and the second-ranked Vice-President being dropped in a cabinet reshuffle, stranger things have happenened and I dare say will continue to happen!

( This week's column is based on surveys conducted in KL(Bukit Kiara, PWTC and TTDI), Selangor (Kelana Jaya, R&R Awan Besar and Shah Alam) and Pulau Pinang (both Island and Mainland). The writer was totally exhausted after the trip to Pulau Pinang only finishing the column a few minutes before the publication dead-line.)

WALL STREET JOURNAL LAUNCHES NEW, EXPANDED PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITIONS IN ASIA!

MEDIA

HONG KONG S.A.R ( and LONDON and NEW YORK ) 

Monday, 14th September 2015

WALL STREET JOURNAL LAUNCHES 

NEW, EXPANDED PRINT AND DIGITAL EDITIONS 

IN ASIA 

AND EUROPE

New editions have 50% more content, replacing compact versions

The Wall Street Journal today intensified its push for international growth with the launch of new, enhanced global print and digital editions in Asia and Europe, further cementing the Journal’s position as the essential business read for executive decision makers around the world. 

Available Monday through Friday, the global print editions expand in both size and scope, with a broadsheet format mirroring the U.S. edition and a wider and more diverse selection of the Journal’s peerless reporting, insight and analysis. While the Journal will now be globally consistent in style and sections, regionally relevant content available throughout each day’s paper will be curated for readers in separate Asia and Europe editions. Distribution of the print editions will focus on key cities closely aligned to the Journal’s business-oriented readership, while the revamped digital offerings will offer an improved mobile experience to readers around the world.

“Today’s launch signals our commitment to delivering the best products possible to our customers, where and when they want them,” said William Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Dow Jones and Publisher of The Wall Street Journal. “We are passionate about innovation across all aspects of our business. We are determined to grow our audience and expand our engagement with our consumers with compelling content.”

“Global expansion of The Wall Street Journal is central to the success of our enterprise,” said Gerard Baker, Editor-in-Chief of The Wall Street Journal. “Our new global editions will cater to the needs of a rapidly growing audience of readers who are demanding trusted content and insight about business matters, coupled with an indispensable source of news on U.S. politics and the economy. While the new global Journal will enhance the print offering to readers around the world, it will also help introduce many more readers to the rich, real-time platforms for our global journalism on digital devices.”

Content will include the Journal’s expert core coverage of business, finance, economics, politics and technology, along with expanded commentary and analysis from the Journal’s stable of global columnists, including Greg Ip on the global economy, Andrew Browne on China, Simon Nixon on Europe, Yaroslav Trofimov on the Middle East and Jerry Seib on Washington. A new Markets Digest page will feature major global indexes and rates all in one place. In addition, the new editions will include many of the Journal’s hallmark features including What’s News, Heard on the Street, Personal Journal, Opinion, a regional weather map, a weekly Review and Books section, and global arts and entertainment coverage.  A new daily crossword puzzle, launching today, will appear globally in all editions, including the U.S. paper.

Appearing as a two-section daily Monday through Thursday, the paper will include a third section each Friday featuring the Journal’s Off Duty lifestyle content – food, travel, fashion and more – as well as its Mansion global luxury real estate coverage. WSJ. Magazine, the Journal’s luxury lifestyle publication, will be distributed with the newspaper monthly.

All content will be available via the expanded regional iPad and Android editions, also launching today, marking a strengthened global digital presence for the Journal.

The Asia and Europe launches will be supported by celebratory events in Singapore and Paris this week. A series of month long activities in select cities, designed to introduce the global editions and promote Dow Jones’s wider stable of products and brand to a larger audience, will continue through 2016. The first of these will debut in London next month with targeted advertising, extensive sampling and a variety of events for customers.

###

About Dow Jones

Dow Jones is a global provider of news and business information, delivering content to consumers and organizations around the world across multiple formats, including print, digital, mobile and live events. Dow Jones has produced unrivaled quality content for more than 125 years and today has one of the world’s largest newsgathering operations globally. It produces leading publications and products including the flagship Wall Street Journal, America’s largest newspaper by paid circulation; Factiva, Barron’s, MarketWatch, Financial News, DJX, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, Dow Jones Newswires, and Dow Jones VentureSource.

About The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal is a global news organization that provides leading news, information, commentary and analysis. Published by Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal engages readers across print, digital, mobile, social, and video. Building on its heritage as the preeminent source of global business and financial news, the Journal includes coverage of U.S. & world news, politics, arts, culture, lifestyle, sports, and health. It holds 36 Pulitzer Prizes for outstanding journalism.

ASEAN Parliamentarians Pledge Support for a Rules-Based ASEAN

ASEAN

Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA 

Monday, 14th September 2015

ASEAN Parliamentarians Pledge Support

to the Realisation of a Rules-Based ASEAN

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) convened its 36th General Assembly on 7 – 11 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Consonant with the aspiration of ASEAN Community Post-2015, the assembly focused on the theme “Engaging a People-Oriented, People-Centered ASEAN Community towards Inclusiveness.”

The General Assembly (GA) kicked off with the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA). The WAIPA Meeting deliberated proposed resolutions pertaining to the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls, gender equality and the elimination of violence against women and children in ASEAN.  

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the GA, H.E. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Pandikar Amin Mulia, President of AIPA and the Speaker of the House of Representative of Malaysia expressed optimism that parliaments can do more to help bridge the gap in international relations, especially through parliamentary diplomacy. He underscored that AIPA, through its established parliamentary network across the region as well as at the international level, would be a valuable alternative channel of diplomacy for discussion and negotiations on issues affecting the region.

Meanwhile, Hon. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, encouraged the AIPA Secretariat and ASEAN Secretariat to continue to build the relationship through joint activities and develop mechanisms and indicators for effective reviewing and monitoring. He emphasised that such role is essential in supporting the implementation of ASEAN policies and agreements, as well as in building cohesiveness of ASEAN decision-making process.

H.E. Dr. AKP Mochtan, Deputy-Secretary General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs Department, stated that AIPA, as a platform for ASEAN Parliamentarians, is a significant intermediary in the realization of a people-oriented, people-centered and rules-based ASEAN. He pointed out that AIPA is not only well placed to reach out directly to the people of ASEAN but it can also play an important role in enhancing peace, stability and prosperity in the region which is consonant with the mandates of its statutes.

The Dialogue with AIPA Observer Parliaments provided a platform to share ideas and initiatives as well as enhanced commitments on paving the ways to closer cooperation among parliaments in the region and beyond.

Reflecting the prominence of ASEAN, the participants of the GA included delegations from AIPA member countries; observer parliaments from Australia, Belarus, Canada, People’s Republic of China, European Parliament, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russian Federation and Timor Leste; and the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Foundation, ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN WEN), Georgia and Freeland Foundation.

BREAKING - 9/9 UMNO Supreme Council Meeting, 1st after 2M Dropped in July!

POLITICS

Menara Dato' Onn-Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

Wednesday, 9th September 2015

9/9 UMNO Supreme Council Meeting,
(1st Meeting after Muhyiddin & Shafie Dropped in July)

- STATUS QUO, after meeting! Nobody EXPELLED!
UMNO Elections in December 2015.
( Uneasy Truce, The Calm before the Storm? )

( PC after 9/9 UMNO Supreme Council Meeting. Meeting for almost 4hours )

6.55pm - PC Video.
               UMNO Supreme Council - STATUS QUO, after meeting!.
               Did PM Najib Make a Play or, Was Forces Aligned against Stronger?

6.14pm - RUMOURS, filtering down is that "All" remained, Nobody EXPELLED!

( ASEAN 500 and the Media Corps waiting for PC to Start )

Finally, after postponing the meeting a few times it had to happen - the UMNO Supreme Council meeting is taking place today at Menara Dato Onn-PWTC, Kuala Lumpur.

ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One

ASEAN

Bangkok, THAILAND

Wednesday, 9th September 2015 

One ASEAN, One Response: 
ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One

Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention & Mitigation (DDPM) together with the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) will conduct “One ASEAN, One Response Roadshow and ASEAN Resilience Symposium” on 10 – 11 September 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand. The news was released today during the press conference held in DDPM Office by the Director-General of DDPM, Mr. Chatchai Phromlert, and the Executive Director of the AHA Centre, Mr. Said Faisal.

The objectives of this event is to familiarise the participants with the ASEAN’s regional mechanisms on disaster management as well as to introduce to them the “One ASEAN, One Response” vision, where ASEAN Member States from all relevant sectors and stakeholders will unite as one, in responding to disasters.

Director-General of DDPM, Mr Chatchai Phromlert said “we believe this roadshow will bring significant impact towards building better understanding of ASEAN’s framework on disaster management and emergency response as well as building strategic partnership among all sectors in Thailand toward building resilience.  Moreover, we can also understand how the AHA Centre fits in the regional mechanism on disaster management and how DDPM, other relevant ministries and stakeholders in Thailand can fully utilise its support for information sharing, emergency response and also, capacity-building programme for our officials.”

“One ASEAN, One Response is the vision where ASEAN is moving forward.  It envisions unity and solidarity amongst ten ASEAN Member States.  Therefore, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the continuous support of all ASEAN Member States, which enable us further in achieving One ASEAN, One Response,” said Mr Said Faisal, the Executive Director of the AHA Centre in his opening remarks during the press conference.

“The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) provides the legal framework for ASEAN to jointly respond to disasters and to establish effective mechanisms to reduce losses to disasters,” said Ms. Adelina Kamal, Head of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance Division of the ASEAN Secretariat. “AADMER embodies the spirit of One ASEAN, One Response, and as the operational engine of AADMER, AHA Centre would need the support of all relevant sectors and stakeholders to realise the vision of One ASEAN, One Response”, she added.

Participating on the first day will be the representatives from the Thailand National Committee on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, relevant Thai ministries, ASEAN Secretariat, AHA Centre, ADPC and Thai Red Cross. The second day, targeted participants will be relevant civil society organizations, private sector, and academia and ASEAN Member States’ embassies in Thailand. 

As part of the “One ASEAN, One Response Roadshow,” the event will also engage other stakeholders, such as Thailand-based civil society organisations, private sector and the academia, on the last day of the roadshow, 11 September 2015.  The AHA Centre conducted the first roadshow in Jakarta, Indonesia in April 2015 and the second roadshow in Manila, Philippines in August 2015. AHA Centre is scheduled to conduct more roadshows in other ASEAN Member States.

SINGAPORE - 2 "Fathers" BUT 1 Country or, is it 2 Countries BUT 1 "Father"?

POLITICS - Column: " from THE fringes "

by Amirul HM

Kuala Lumpur & Singapore City, MALAYSIA (before 1965 Separation)

Tuesday, 8th September 2015 

a Country with 2 "Fathers"

or,

Is it 1 "Father" but 2 Countries?

( Mr. Yusok Ishak, The First President of Singapore? or is it Yusof Ishak!? )

The future of Singapore, at least for the next couple of years will be decided this Friday.

Singaporeans will be going to the polls this week despite Malaysians having a stronger case of voting in a general elections "now" on this side of the Johore causeway. Having just celebrated their 50th year of independence the ruling PAP should pull it through but it'll be no cruise from what I gather.

History is written by the victors and nowadays the capitalists. Hence, many will dispute this version of history I am about to write. After all, its written by a writer who had only "learned" official history till form 3 and even then will now and again challenge the official version being regurgitated by the writer's history teacher i.e. Teacher Kassim. So much so that at one time he was challenged by the teacher along these lines - "...if you think you know better than me, why don't you teach history to the class!?". 
To which the challenge was accepted albeit hesitantly at first and ended up with the writer earning the nickname and being called "Cikgu"(meaning teacher in the Malay language) for the rest of his stay in junior college.

( The Tunku, Father of  Malaya 1957, Malaysia 1963 and Singapore 1965 )

Many Malaysians can easily identify with Tunku Abdul Rahman being the Father of Independence. The mistake many Malaysians make is identifying the Tunku as the Father of Independence for Malaysia whereas by right he is the "Bapa Kemerdekaan MALAYA 1957" or  Father of Independence for MALAYA in 1957. By the same virtue, he is the Father of Malaysia in 1965.

By the same token, even if asked to take an oath many on both sides of the causeway will be loathed to admit that the Tunku is also the Father of Independence for Singapore in 1965. Many, many, many Singaporeans and Malaysians will argue against this depending on which version of history they are "comfortable" with but the fact of the matter is HE(The Tunku) IS the Father of Independence for both countries Malaya(now Malaysia) and Singapore. I suppose, the official version for goodwill purposes will always be The Tunku is the Father of Independence for Malaya(Malaysia) and K.Y.Lee or LKY, the Father for Singapore.

This is where it gets interesting and would be dealt with in Part 2 of this article.
Briefly, in terms of territory I am wary and worried whenever Malaysia have a PM from the north. Reason being 2 out of 3 PMs from the northern states "lost" precious soil to Singapore.
(more story and/or history to follow).

( Flag of Singapore )

Having watched Singapore grow over the years, initially through the eyes of a youngster watching his cousins play football on the once numerous fields available in Woodlands, then mainly through regular visits to relatives from the time the Malaysian Ringgit and Singapore Dollar was at parity till now I've taken an interest in what's happening across the causeway. Regular updates from not just relatives but also a few Singaporean neighbours, friends working in the Republic and even a TV co-presenter ensured I was updated on a regular basis.In fact, I was supposed to head down south for the SEA Games and ASEAN Age Group Chess Championship in June but a brief stay in the hospital negated that. Hence, a trip is long overdue.

From what I gather though all seemed peaceful on the surface there are many simmering issues. The substantial working population of foreigners is an eternal flashpoint. So too are issues like public transportation, the disconnect between elitists highly paid lawmakers and blue-collared Singaporeans and also arising issues from national service to name a few. Money or the lack of it seemed to be a recurring theme. As an example when I pose the question - "Why is it despite Singapore being touted as a high income nation in the world, the Bangladeshis working in Malaysia earns more than Singapore's national service conscripts?" and this too with an exchange rate of RM3 = SGD1. To which half past six answers are normally given


In the final game plan for a better quality of life, I would like to convey to my relatives, friends and Singaporeans in general - "Singaporeans, Moving Forward - May you vote for the Best Leaders amongst you and All the Best for the upcoming General Elections."

INCEIF - IFSB Executive Forum

ISLAMIC FINANCE
Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Monday, 7th September 2015

IFSB – INCEIF Executive Forum
for Islamic Finance to Discuss Resilience and Stability
of the Islamic Financial Services Industry

The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) and the INCEIF - The Global University of Islamic Finance are organising the Eighth Executive Forum on Islamic Finance series on 1 and 2 December 2015. The IFSB-INCEIF Executive Forum aims to provide a platform for global leaders in Islamic finance to discuss selected emerging issues facing the global Islamic financial services industry, emphasising on issues related to supervision and prudential regulation in a manner that harnesses the experiences of a distinguished pool of global experts, academics and practitioners.

With the theme “Resilience and Stability of the Islamic Financial Services Industry: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead”, the 8^thIFSB-INCEIF Executive Forum will focus on key issues affecting the Islamic financial services industry’s (IFSI) stability along with the strategic approaches needed to ensure that the IFSI is able to achieve a level of resilience that withstands the impact of financial turbulences.

It intends to discuss pertinent issues that affect not only national economies and financial institutions, but also ordinary investors and tax payers. More specifically, the Executive Forum aims to cover the updates on the trends and developments in the various segments of the industry (Islamic banking, Islamic capital markets as well as Takaful), the initiatives undertaken by the regulators and international standard setting organisations to further strengthen the resilience of the financial institutions and markets, and emerging issues in the stability of the IFSI, including among others: consumer protection, Shariah-compliant safety nets and cross-border linkages.

The two-day Executive Forum will be divided into seven sessions, which are:

a)     Development of the Global IFSI              

b)    Effective Macro-prudential Policies 

c)     Strengthening Protection of the Financial Sector 

d)    Shariah-compliant Lender of Last Resort (LOLR)

e)     Takaful: Unlocking the Potential and Supporting Stability

f)     Islamic Capital Markets (ICM): Achieving a Rigorous and Robust Regulatory Framework; and

g)    Panel Discussion on Fostering Global Linkages and Cross-border Potentials Towards Enhancing Resilience and Stability

The Executive Forum is targeted for mid to senior-level management who seek to sharpen their skills and deepen their knowledge of the industry’s driving factors, as well as broaden their cross-border perspective. It is ideal for regulators and supervisors of the Islamic financial institutions, key personnel in multilateral organisations and governmental agencies involved in policy planning and development as well as Chief Executive Officers, Board Members or senior management of the Islamic financial institutions, auditors, lawyers, advisers, academics and researchers in Islamic finance.

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About the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB)

The IFSB is an international standard-setting organisation that promotes and enhances the soundness and stability of the Islamic financial services industry by issuing global prudential standards and guiding principles for the industry, broadly defined to include banking, capital markets and insurance sectors. The IFSB also conducts research and coordinates initiatives on industry-related issues, as well as organises roundtables, seminars and conferences for regulators and industry stakeholders. Towards this end, the IFSB works closely with relevant international, regional and national organisations, research/educational institutions and market players.

The members of the IFSB comprise regulatory and supervisory authorities, international inter-governmental organisations and market players, professional firms and industry associations.

For more information about the IFSB, please visit www.ifsb.org.

About INCEIF

INCEIF - The Global University of Islamic Finance, is set up by Bank Negara Malaysia to develop human capital for the global Islamic finance industry. Apart from its academic programmes, which are Masters in Islamic Finance Practice, MSc in Islamic Finance and PhD in Islamic Finance, INCEIF also offers customised executive training programmes and industry-focused applied research in line with its vision to be the knowledge and thought leader in Islamic finance.

INCEIF syllabus is structured with inputs from industry players to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry experience. INCEIF faculty members, who are globally respected among the Islamic finance academia and industry, have a combined wealth of experience and diversity. The faculty, coupled with continuous support from the industry, provides INCEIF students with strong mentoring relationships and opportunities for professional development. For more information, please visit www.inceif.org.