This Irish Joke Is not So Funny

Ireland's finance minister is shocked to discover that Irish banks actually need $43bn in new capital. As mentioned in my talk, the Greece situation is just one of many, its now the turn of the PIIGS - Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain. No matter how you look at it, Italy and Spain are really too big to fail - if things start turning bad there, help will be swift, so those two countries are not a big issue. Now its Ireland's turn. $43bn is very big to Ireland. Ireland’s banks need $43 billion in new capital after “appalling” lending decisions left the country’s financial system on the brink of collapse.



“Our worst fears have been surpassed,” Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said in the parliament in Dublin yesterday. “Irish banking made appalling lending decisions that will cost the taxpayer dearly for years to come.”

The Irish government, which has already nationalised one bank, Anglo Irish, is now widely expected to end up as the majority owner of every big bank in the country, except Bank of Ireland. Can you imagine the Malaysian government having to bailout half of the banks in Malaysia and ending up owning majority stakes in them, that's pretty bad.

Even Bank of Ireland, which must raise €2.66bn as part of the regulator’s capital demands, is expected to end up with the government as a near-40 per cent shareholder, compared with 16 per cent today.

The agency aims to cleanse banks of toxic loans, the legacy of plunging real-estate prices and the country’s deepest ever recession. In all, it will buy loans with a book value of 80 billion euros ($107 billion), about half the size of the economy.



The information that has emerged from the banks in the course of the NAMA process is truly shocking. The black hole, equivalent to about 20 per cent of gross domestic product, is far bigger than expected. It emerged after the country’s new bad bank, the National Asset Management Agency, announced the acquisition of €16bn ($21.5bn) of mostly real estate loans, setting it on the road to become Ireland’s biggest property owner. But NAMA paid only €8.5bn for the loans, applying a bigger discount than expected – a reflection of their poor quality.

The regulator’s capital shortfall calculation is based on a requirement that banks increase their capital ratios – to 7 per cent for tier one equity, and 8 per cent for core tier one by the end of the year – as Ireland seeks to insulate its banks from the impact of ongoing loan losses.

Dublin-based Allied Irish needs to raise 7.4 billion euros to meet the capital targets, while cross-town rival Bank of Ireland will need 2.66 billion euros. Anglo Irish Bank Corp., nationalized last year, may need as much 18.3 billion euros. Customer-owned lenders Irish Nationwide and EBS will need 2.6 billion euros and 875 million euros, respectively.

“The regulator is taking the bank system by the scruff of the neck,” said James Forbes, senior equity strategist at Irish Life Investment Managers in Dublin. “Allied Irish has a lot of work to do to avoid majority state ownership, Bank of Ireland less so.

Ireland may not be able to afford to pump more money into the banks. The budget deficit widened to 11.7 percent of gross domestic product last year, almost four times the European Union limit, and the government spent the past year trying to convince investors the state is in control of its finances.

“The bank losses, awful as they are, represent a one-off hit. It’s water under the bridge,” said Ciaran O’Hagan, a Paris-based fixed-income strategist at Societe Generale SA. “What’s of more concern for investors in government bonds is the budget deficit. Slashing the chronic overspending and raising taxation by the Irish state is vital.”

The bank plan is the latest building block in the stabilisation of the Ireland's economy, which has suffered the most severe contraction of any industrialised country: gross domestic product shrank by a cumulative 12 per cent in the three years to 2009. The announcement came as the government announced landmark deal with trade unions, under which future pay rises for the 350,000 public sector workers will be contingent on equivalent savings from the improved delivery of public services.

After a fiscal tightening equivalent to 6 per cent of GDP since 2008, the government is still targeting €2bn of cuts in both 2011 and 2012 and a further cut of €2.5bn in the following two years to bring the deficit back to below the European Union target of 3 per cent of GDP by 2014.

The New Economic Model

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY
THE HON. DATO' SRI MOHD NAJIB TUN RAZAK
PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA
AT
INVEST MALAYSIA 2010
ON 30TH MARCH 2010, AT 8.15 AM
SHANGRI LA HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR
-------------------------------------------

INTRODUCTION

1. Thank you for that very kind introduction. I want to say how delighted I am to be here with you today. Business leaders and investors are crucial to the health of Malaysia's economy - and our society. I want to thank you for the work you do, the contribution you make, and your involvement in the important discussions being held here over the coming days.

2. The theme of Invest Malaysia 2010, 'Powering Global Excellence', is a fitting one given the forward looking nature of Bursa Malaysia and the aspirations we share for our nation and our businesses. It is also precisely what I want to talk about with you today. In a new year, in a new context, in a world emerging from recession, we are focused on:

- How to ensure a sustainable and robust recovery in the short and medium term
- Enhancing Malaysia's competitiveness
- Sparking private investments and growth
- Putting the country on a trajectory to achieve high income levels
- Building an innovative economy and
- Bold transformation and economic reforms to modernize our economic model for the future.

3. Such an ambitious agenda may have seemed rather idealistic 12 months ago. When we gathered here last year, the economic context was very different. The world was in the depths of the first truly global recession. Over twenty million jobs were lost. Trillions of dollars of wealth evaporated. Economies around the world faced GDP contraction. Industrial production and capital investment fell dramatically.

4. We were all happy to welcome 2010. But, while Malaysia felt the impact of this recession, I believe we weathered the storm and made progress against the odds. We refused to be passive bystanders as the downturn swept across Asia, and instead acted decisively and swiftly.

5. We injected RM67 billion of stimulus funding, and found the balance in our budget between investments our nation needs and belt-tightening required to reduce our deficit. We introduced a range of incentives and service-sector liberalisation initiatives that are opening Malaysia to high quality investment opportunities in key economic sectors.

6. We are now beginning to see the results of these actions. Fourth quarter 2009 GDP figures indicated growth of a higher-than-expected 4.5 percent. Stimulus packages are driving hundreds of job-creating infrastructure projects. Exports have rebounded, and quality foreign investments are flowing into Malaysia. The fiscal deficit is forecast to fall from 7 percent to 5.6 percent in 2010. The Industrial Production Index rebounded strongly to a 12.7 percent growth in January 2010. Total exports rose 37 percent to RM52 billion and imports increased by 31 percent to RM40 billion. (the focus on absolute fiscal deficit number and the willingness to set a target, more importantly an achievable target, is what's driving the ringgit higher)

7. Positive private sector activity is also a deeply encouraging sign of recovery. Coca-Cola has announced a 1 billion Ringgit investment that could create up to 2,000 to 3,000 jobs in Malaysia. Maxis' multi-billion dollar IPO is the largest ever in Southeast Asia and represents the sort of entrepreneurial vision that I see every day in our Malaysian companies. JCY Berhad is also a proud example of a positive private sector activity that started small and now produces 25 percent of the world hard disc drives. Moving forward there will be more divestment of government holdings, capital can be raised, innovation can flourish, and wealth can be created in ways that benefit the wider Malaysian economy. (to be fair, JCY did not need to list back in Malaysia as it could have gotten better valuations in Singapore or HK, it was gracious of the owner to do so, and a coup of sorts for CIMB)

8. The global economy has not fully rebounded from the shockwaves of the past two years. No country - including ours - can be immune from the effects. But I can tell you today that Malaysia's economic recovery is on track. The decisions of this government - and the vision of a dynamic private sector - have helped lay a foundation for the next stage of Malaysia's economic development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

CHALLENGES WE FACE

9. But, we have so much farther to travel on our national journey. As a government - and as Prime Minister - our aspirations for Malaysia and the Malaysian people go far beyond guiding our nation through a recovery. Indeed, the work we have done over the past year will be wasted if we simply retreat back to the status quo. That is unacceptable to me. I pledge this: we will work tirelessly to develop and implement the economic reforms that our nation needs to grow, our businesses need to succeed and above all, for our people to prosper.

10. The world economy - both before and especially since the financial crisis - has changed significantly. Policies which in the past led to high levels of growth and helped reduce hard core poverty will no longer be enough to raise income levels and create the high-value economy we want to see. We cannot depend solely on new capital to fuel growth. Rather we must use it more effectively to increase productivity, stimulate innovation and enhance the skills of the Malaysian workforce. We risk losing our competitive edge altogether if we do not act quickly to address structural barriers to growth that stand in the way of an effective response to the changing economic environment.

11. We can no longer rely on just a few sectors of the economy to drive our growth. We must diversify and provide incentives in new strategic industries where our nation has expertise, strength and potential for even greater success. As we expand into these areas, we should also consider the value that we can gain from the competencies of the Malaysian workforce - those living here and Malaysians abroad. They - with the support of foreign talent where appropriate - can provide the brainpower, the intellectual capital and skills to help us realize our goals more meaningfully. I invite Malaysians who have left our shores to look home once again and to participate in this transformation process to realize Malaysia's full potential.

12. Our education system must continue to be re-evaluated and improved to create the workforce of the future, with a commitment to merit-based programmes. These will reward excellence and nurture talented graduates who excel in strategic and creative thinking, and entrepreneurial and leadership skills that will drive success in the decades ahead.

13. We need a government that enables and empowers the private sector. This means re-shaping and energizing the public sector to be more responsive and accountable to the needs of private citizens and businesses.

14. We must also recognize that some policies, which served a purpose in a previous era, may now be impediments to success, distorting the market and putting us at a competitive disadvantage. For instance, the government is consulting on a series of fiscal reforms that will reassess the subsidy system that exists in Malaysia and broaden our revenue-raising base through the proposed introduction of a goods and services tax. They will bring Malaysia in line with international norms and reduce an unsustainable reliance on a small number of industries, businesses and taxpayers. These are essential, common sense reforms that will allow us to move forward together as a nation, while ensuring that we enhance and strengthen safety net programs that support the welfare of Malaysia's most vulnerable citizens.

15. Cumulatively, these deficiencies go a long way in explaining why Malaysia's private investment has not recovered to pre-Asian crisis levels and - as you know - pose a threat to our long-term position as a home for international and domestic investment.

16. Addressing these issues is not just about having a clear vision and the right policies. It's also about having a determined political will, effective execution and the full support of the Rakyat. Do we have the courage and boldness to rise out of the middle income trap? I believe we need to build a national consensus on this issue. Because growth is beginning to revive, some are questioning the need for urgency to break the habits of the past. There are now calls to protect the status quo. Do not be fooled. We need a new way of doing things. While the recovery has begun, we must act now to position Malaysia for the future. And this is the choice we now face: To rise out of the "middle-income" trap that will be a precarious position for any nation in the new global economy; or to stick to what we know, and what is comfortable, by hoping the world will adapt to us. Our choice, and the job of the government, is to pursue economic policies that succeed in the knowledge industries of the future, with high-wage jobs and prosperity that can be shared by all. (it could be just rhetoric but at least it shows an absolute awareness of our problems, identifying it is paramount, now the execution part, I guess we all could be cynical but I would like to give our PM the benefit of the doubt for now)


Ladies and gentlemen,

NEAC REPORT

17. Today, we take an important next step in that journey. The backbone of our long-term policy agenda will be a new economic model - which will be integrated into the 10th Malaysia Plan and with a longer-term vision that will be delivered through the 11th Malaysia Plan. These can transform the Malaysian economy to become one with high incomes and quality growth over the next decade.

18. The New Economic Model is a vital part of the Malaysia we are building, the structure that will serve our people for the future. As a metaphor, think of a house under the Malaysian sun. We need a roof - an overarching philosophy that encompasses all parts of the building. In our case, 1Malaysia is the roof that we gather under. The Government Transformation Program - a programme of delivery on six key areas - is one pillar of this home. A second pillar is the Economic Transformation Plan that will deliver the New Economic Model. And the floor, the basis where all Malaysians will move forward are the 10th and 11th Malaysian Plans..

19. In the months after I became Prime Minister, I set up an independent National Economic Advisory Council, and tasked it with a thorough review of Malaysia's economy. I asked it to make bold, yet practical, recommendations for a new economic model to transform the Malaysian economy. And I can announce today that I have received the NEAC report.

20. The Report details in a frank manner, the state of the nation's economy - its strengths and its shortcomings - and assesses the current policies and potential areas of future focus for Malaysia. It is a comprehensive and insightful analysis. I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Chairman of the National Economic Advisory Council, Senator Tan Sri Amirsham A Aziz, the members of the NEAC and the Secretariat team. Their work and service to the nation deserves not only our recognition, but our appreciation.

21. Today, I and the cabinet - with the counsel of NEAC - will begin our detailed deliberations on how we move forward from here, particularly as we move from this report to a roadmap for the future. But this cannot be an old-style political debate. The new economic model has wide-ranging implications for the people of Malaysia, and we cannot afford to bypass their views on this matter. Like investors, this government accords high marks for transparency. Whether in the budget or the recent Government Transformation Programme, where thousands of public citizens were involved in the process, I have instructed that this report be published and made available to the general public to gather their input and provide them with an opportunity to be part of the decision-making process over the coming months. It is only through consultation with the Rakyat and all the other stakeholders that we can achieve a strong, convincing and effective plan to implement our New Economic Model.

22. I have made clear on many previous occasions that the era of "government knows best" is over. The Rakyat - and groups such as business leaders and investors - want and deserve input into the policy making process. We must develop a more consultative approach to engaging our most important stakeholders. Only through such a process can we broaden our viewpoints, challenge conventional wisdom, and help build transparent and open consensus for the right way forward. This is the path we will follow. People will come first.

Ladies and gentlemen,

NEM PRINCIPLES

23. As this consultation moves forward, I want to set out three principles that I believe should guide our nation's thinking and the development of a New Economic Model. I want - as Tan Sri Amirsham has outlined - for all of us to visualize the impact of the NEM by standing in the future and envisioning what the NEM should mean to each of us as an individual and as a business.

24. Three principles emerged clearly from the NEAC report - firstly, high income, secondly, sustainability and thirdly, inclusiveness. These three principles will drive our economic progress for us to become a fully developed nation; a competitive economy strategically positioned in the regional and global economic landscape, environmentally sustainable and a quality of life that is all inclusive and encompassing.

25. We should ask ourselves this fundamental question: Will the New Economic Model create High Income jobs where the Rakyat benefit from a competitive economy, and a better way of life? This is the raison d'être of the New Economic Model. We want to see a Malaysia that makes a quantum leap from the current 7,000 U.S. dollars per capita annual income to 15,000 U.S. dollars in ten years as stated in the NEAC Report. The new economic model must be built from here. It will be no easy task, but the rewards will be great if we make this transformation . The challenge is how will we do it. This means building upon existing sectors and maximizing the potential of new ones through innovation.

26. Creating a high income nation will mean higher wages throughout the economy as growth is derived not only from capital, but from greater productivity through the use of skills and innovation, improved coordination, stronger branding and compliance with international standards and Intellectual Property Rights. In a knowledge economy, investment in new technology, multi skills, innovation and creativity, and increased competency are the drivers of public and private sector performance. We expect investment and competition for the best talent through paying higher wages. Even wages for blue collar workers will be based on them acquiring higher competencies, with their performance more readily benchmarked against international competitors. With more skills, comes greater responsibility, and better, higher paying jobs.

27. Among other findings, the NEAC Report highlights that today 80 percent of the workforce have education only up to SPM qualifications, Malaysia's equivalent to the O-levels. This is not in line with a high income economy that we aspire to be., We need continuous education ,on-the-job training and re-skilling to benefit from new technologies. And by building a highly skilled workforce where productivity and competitiveness drive growth, the costs of doing business will still be competitive as capital is used more efficiently and with emphasis on quality of workers. This means a reduced dependency on unskilled foreign labour, and greater attention to multi-skilling of employees who can increase productivity. This change will also require that government raise the quality and productivity of its own workforce. I believe we have begun along this path with the Government Transformation Program, amongst others, which will enhance the nation's infrastructure and improve access to quality education.

28. Second, the New Economic Model must include a commitment to Sustainability, not only in our economic activities, but in considering the impact of economic development on our environment and precious natural resources. There is little value in pursuing a future based entirely on wealth creation , Pursuing growth that deplete resources and displace communities will have dire consequences for future generations. This is a false and futile choice. We can have a powerful and dynamic economic approach, but one that protects the nation we love for future generations. High and sustained growth and environmental stewardship can and must go hand-in-hand. As I stated when setting up the NEAC, simply being richer falls far short of my expectations. Not only do I want the Rakyat to earn better but they must also live better. Raising the quality of life must be an integral part of the New Economic Model.

29. Finally, is the New Economic Model Inclusive? We must recognize the imperative that we harness the potential of all Malaysians, and that all share in the proceeds of increased national prosperity.

30. Inclusiveness is a key prerequisite for fostering a sense of belonging and engagement in the NEM. I want to take a moment here to touch on this issue of an inclusive New Economic Model that will ensure that no one is left out in contributing to and sharing in the creation of wealth as we progress. While perfect equality is in reality impossible to achieve in an open, global economy,an inclusive society will ensure that we can narrow inequalities in our nation, help those who need help most and engage all of Malaysia's talents in our effort to build a competitive economic workforce.

31. Reforming our approach to fully meet these new challenges will require a change in our national mindset. In the short-term, there will be entrenched opposition. Some economic sectors may experience adverse effects. The process of change is never easy, and there will be painful moments. But for the long-term strength of our nation, we cannot afford to duck these issues any longer. If we are to truly tackle inequality and become a beacon of progress in our region, we must bring a sense of urgency to reform.
Ladies and gentlemen,

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AS PART OF INCLUSIVENESS

32. The New Economy Policy launched about forty years ago with its affirmative action policy has served the nation well , balancing the economic growth strategies of our nation with the need to address structural inequalities and promote social harmony. Poverty has been drastically cut, standing today at around 3.7 percent. As a nation we should be proud of this achievement. It is one that many other multi-racial nations would like to emulate. However, we still have an unacceptably large segment of low-income households in Malaysia. We the Government are now dealing with 21st century problems that require fresh 21st century approaches.

33. The NEAC report sets out an approach to tackling poverty and renewing our affirmative action policies for a new and more competitive economic context. This will be part of the public consultation, but the government feels there is merit in much of this proposal and I want to set out the broad parameters here.

34. Our first priority must be to eradicate poverty, irrespective of race. We cannot have the high income, sustainable and inclusive economy we seek when disparities in income are not addressed.

35. So there will be a renewed affirmative action policy in the New Economic Model, with a focus on raising income levels of all disadvantaged groups. It will focus on the needs of all our people - those living in the long houses in Sabah and Sarawak and poor rural households in Semenanjung Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), who often feel disconnected from the mainstream economic activity. Fishermen. petty traders.and small farmers also fall under this category . Not forgetting the Orang Asli and low income urban dwellers, eeking out a livelihood in tough economic circumstances. The proposal in the NEAC report suggests a focus on the bottom 40 percent of Malaysia's income strata - both individually and regionally. These are the disadvantaged groups where special attention is still required.

36. The ultimate goal - in time - is that no Malaysian lives in poverty, that all get the chance to succeed and share in prosperity. While there are those who struggle on low-incomes and in harsh conditions, we will always provide special support to help lift them out of the poverty trap.

37. The New Economic Policy has been a milestone of our society for decades, a policy I have fully supported and admired. Its original objectives are still relevant, but it is time to review its implementation. We will chase the same goals, but transform the way we do things. Our renewed affirmative action policy, therefore, will be built on four principles:

- it must be market friendly,
- it must be merit based,
- it must be transparent and
- it must be needs based.

(the last part is significant addition "needs based", this would lead to a more progressive affirmative action policy rather than just an absolute numbers game that is manipulated by the "in crowd")

38. For instance, one important consideration will be developing a competitive and transparent tender process, with set and clear rules for the whole Bumiputera community, made of both Malay and other indigenous groups. This is set out as a common-sense enhancement of our policies for a new economic reality and where Inclusiveness is a key component in our new economic model. In practice, this approach will mean greater support for the Bumiputera, a greater support based on needs, not race. The Bumiputera segment still forms the majority in the vulnerable groups by any measure, and while our new approach will help those on low-incomes from any group, it will still largely benefit the Bumiputera community and at same time provide for the disadvantaged of other communities.

39. In assessing the results, fair distribution must encompass the whole spectrum of measuring wealth such as equity ownership, other financial and non-financial assets, and access to wealth creating opportunities such as long-term concessions and contracts. Even in measuring ownership, it should go beyond equity to include other properties, business assets such as retail, landed properties, commercial building, intellectual property and other services as well as managerial positions. A valuable example would be the redevelopment of Kampung Baru, a holistic opportunity of wealth creation and value enhancement that goes deeper and well beyond equity ownership. I have instructed the NEAC to develop a detailed framework to operationalise this new model of affirmative action based on a transparent and market based mechanism to achieve fair distribution of the benefits of a high-income economy.

40. The NEAC report sets out its view that the previous mechanism that concentrated on target setting should now focus on structured and dedicated capacity building investment that allows the Bumiputera to take advantage of new opportunities in the economy. In addition, fair access and opportunities to retraining, upgrading of skills and ability to gain employment will also be emphasized for all Malaysians.

41. This approach builds on our experience in implementing the affirmative action policy over many years. When they are implemented in a transparent, fair and empowering way they will yield better results. But for too long, the implementation of our affirmative action policies has not reached those who needed them the most. There is a perception that the non Bumiputera have not benefited from the progress made to date although facts and figures show otherwise. Therefore with the new principles of affirmative action stated earlier, we need to change this perception. We can no longer tolerate practices that support the behavior of rent-seeking and patronage, which have long tarnished the altruistic aims of the New Economic Policy. Inclusiveness, where all Malaysians contribute and benefit from economic growth - must be a fundamental element of any new economic approach. (I see this word repeated "inclusiveness", its a crucial part of the NEM, there is hope yet)

42. These are the principles I want to see guide this next phase of consultation. Can we build a new model that creates a high wage, sustainable and inclusive economy where together we prosper? I believe we are within striking distance. I believe there is widespread support for it across Malaysia. And I believe - knowing the ingenuity and creativity of the Malaysian people and Malaysian businesses - we can and will make such aspirations our national economic reality.

Ladies and gentlemen,

FROM PRINCIPLES TO A PLAN

43. The question then becomes: how do we get there? The work of the government and the NEAC is far from over with this initial report. This is a two stage approach. We must now ensure a robust and thorough consultation and then the development of a detailed blueprint or roadmap on how the New Economic Model and accompanying economic reforms are to be implemented. For instance, working groups akin to the labs that drive development of the NKRA Government Transformation Program will be held, made up of participants from both the public and private sectors to drive the strategies behind the new economic model, culminating in a second report that is a detailed transformation roadmap. We will, in effect, develop an Economic Transformation Program to deliver on this new economic model.

44. To achieve this transformation, the NEAC has set out a series of strategic reform initiatives.

45. The eight Strategic Reform Initiatives focus on:-

1) Re-energising the private sector to lead growth;

2) Developing a quality workforce and reducing dependency on foreign labour;

3) Creating a competitive domestic economy;

4) Strengthening the public sector;

5) Putting in place transparent and market friendly affirmative action;

6) Building knowledge base infrastructure;

7) Enhancing the sources of growth; and

8) Ensuring sustainability of growth.


46. All eight initiatives are complementary and cross cutting in their impact over all sectors of the economy. All three goals of the NEM require that we achieve significantly higher growth rates in GDP in the next decade. As such, several of the policies we must pursue relate to the foundational issues, to enable accelerating the growth momentum through a holistic approach to remove all barriers. They emphasize the need for capacity building rather than just nation building as the sustainable way forward.

47. Adding to the NEAC report, what I would like to suggest is to focus our efforts effectively by targeting specific key sectors, or what I would call the National Key Economic Activities (NKEAs). These are the areas where our economy has the potential to thrive as we move into the high income bracket. In the past, the government has played a paternalistic role in recommending and promoting the sources of growth that should be undertaken by the private sector. Yes we need to provide some guidance, but we are aware that the government should not be making investment decisions for the private-sector.

48. Based on the NEAC new approach that the private sector should drive growth, the government needs to enhance its role as the facilitator for industries to flourish. The majority of the initiatives that have been set out deal with all that is imperative to set the economy right - to remove distortions, barriers and impediments that hinder our economy from progressing up the value chain and to promote healthy competition. Implementing these policies is a pre-condition to successfully tapping new sources of growth. As long as these barriers remain, the growth opportunities in all sectors will not be realized.

49. The NEAC - with the input from across the private sector - has identified key sectors that can be leaders in generating high growth rates. Sectors where our nation is competitive, has a wealth of expertise, the opportunity to leverage specialisation and has gained first mover advantages, as well the traditional comparative advantages. There is much work to be done, but the potential upside requires us to place a focus on these key sectors.

Ladies and gentlemen,

50. Mirroring the process we followed for the Government Transformation Program and its National Key Results Areas, I am committed to undertake a thorough consultation process with all the stakeholders, and ensure the National Key Economic Activities will be selected with the sole criteria of Malaysia's best interest. The NEAC will work with PEMANDU to develop the NKEAs. They will consult the Rakyat and all other stakeholders and, when the 10th Malaysia Plan will be unveiled together with the NKEAs, a special Economic Delivery Unit will be established to spearhead the reform process and finalise and implement the NKEAs. There is still a lot of work to be done to identify a successful strategy for execution and the NKEAs to focus on, but, as a mere indication of what may come in the future, let me give you a few examples of the possibilities we are looking at:

51. In the Electrical and Electronic sector, Malaysia can leverage its early mover advantage. Building on a strong foundation, Malaysia's future in this sector must be focused not only in manufacturing but in research and development and design, where Malaysian companies are driving innovation rather than simply importing it. Among the measures we must consider incentives for high-value research and support for SMEs supplying larger firms on a larger scale basis.

52. Resource based industries in the palm oil and oil and gas sector continue to be emphasized. In the palm oil sector, strengthening research initiatives should lead to indigenous technology that better meets market demand, such as healthy fats and oils, biofuel from biomass, cosmetics and bio-degradable plastics.

53. In oil and gas, we have one of our nation's most visible and valued champions in Petronas. It has built a strong brand internationally, and I believe now we must also help drive growth here in Malaysia with even greater support for local suppliers as it grows. Beyond the core oil and gas sector, however, Malaysia's international energy expertise can help companies in this industry and beyond expand internationally by sharing its know-how, partnering on international bids and offering support on a truly global scale. The strength of having a well-developed pool of local talent and companies which are able to compete globally gives us a lead advantage.

54. In services, the tourism sector has not been exploited to its potential. More can be done to attract new markets from Europe and the Americas to complement the markets from the United Kingdom and Asia. We have some of the oldest forests in the world, rich with flora and fauna and diving experiences acclaimed to be unforgettable. Malaysia can lead in providing environmentally sustainable eco-tourism adventures that are much sought after by the advanced markets. We should aim to provide services which will attract high-end tourists who seek exclusiveness and high value services. We must also be creative as we consider new areas of tourism. From medical tourism - a high-potential growth sector - to eco-tourism, luxury market tourism and visitors related to our growth as a regional education hub. Malaysia's tourism future is bright if we have the vision and creativity to support its diverse growth potential.

55. As an agriculture producing nation that is also heavily reliant on imports of food, there is a strategic need to focus on expansion of the high value agriculture sector. There is potential to create value in rural space through large-scale agriculture, higher yield methods, new technologies, better linkages to the marketplace that will result in greater production and income. We must also promote agro businesses through integrated and modern agriculture practices.. Given that the Bumiputera community is large in rural areas in both Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, an intensified expansion of modernised agriculture activities can contribute both to higher incomes and to the reduction in income inequality. And to compete globally, we must commit Malaysia's agricultural sector to cultivation and processes that meet, and exceed international standards and best practices, as well as marketing on an international scale.

56. Malaysia also has the potential to embrace a leadership role in green technology and develop a niche in high value green industries and services. We have on the ground expertise in complex manufacturing, and are early movers in the region's solar and alternative energy sectors. And with recent success in commercialization of natural bio-diversity into high value products which are gaining traction among environmentally conscious consumers, Malaysia can become a green hub all the way along the business development continuum - from research to design to manufacturing to commercialization, we have the skills and the public sector's support.

57. There are many areas that Malaysia can explore to expand the sources of growth. I would like to mention another example--the financial services industry, which is both a growth sector as well as an enabler to growth of other sectors. Its growth potential is seen in Islamic financial services, as well as in the derivatives for risk management by local and regional players. Malaysia is now a world leader in Islamic finance, capital market and the takaful industries. We see the potential to become a hub for integrated Islamic financial services. For instance, Bank Negara Malaysia is currently finalizing the establishment of a physical Islamic financial centre and the imminent approval of two mega Islamic banks licences.

58. Competition is no longer only between nations but also between cities. For Malaysia to move into a higher income economy, we must exploit higher returns by adopting strategies to build density, develop clusters and specialize in high value sectors. Recognising this role, cites such as Kuala Lumpur and Johore Baru which includes Iskandar Malaysia must be developed to be more livable and be able to attract talent and be part and parcel of a more comprehensive and integrated urban-rural planning. We must develop stronger clusters that serve as incubators for start up companies, ensure shared services and develop more businesses and university linkages. Evidence shows that development of cities helped raise incomes of surrounding rural areas especially when they are integrated into the supply chain network.

59. There are many more sectors of strategic growth where Malaysia has the potential to flourish. We have strengths in the IT industry. The creative industries - our music, film, arts and cultural expertise - can be an important sector in Malaysia's future. And with a strong base of medical, scientific and manufacturing expertise, we can be a regional home for the fast-growing biotechnology and life sciences sectors.

60. So I call on Malaysian companies, investors and entrepreneurs - to seize the opportunities before us and become regional and even global champions. We must have concerted policy intervention to turn this into reality. Companies that show innovation and foresight to reshape and revitalize their activities would have unprecedented prospects to be world leaders in the future.

Ladies and gentlemen,

PUBLIC-PRIVATE COOPERATION

61. If Malaysia is to achieve its goals, we must build a strong, solid and strategically demand driven market that connects sectors of growth to the ambitious goals I have set out for our New Economic Model. I have already touched on many of the strategies I believe we will require, including modernization of our education system to build a world-class workforce; prudent fiscal reforms that bring greater balance to our revenue and expenditure framework; and market-friendly affirmative action designed to ensure that all Malaysians benefit from this new approach.

62. But underlying all of these strategies must be a new and clear understanding of the respective roles of business and the government. The government is an enabler of wealth-creation. Our role is to ensure stability, openness and fairness in a secure environment that facilitates, rather than distorts or hinders, growth. Competition should be promoted to allow dynamic and efficient markets, and where appropriate, public sector support is needed, we should be there to help. We have also seen in the past 18 months - more clearly than ever - the need for governments to be vigilant in safeguarding economic stability when markets fail.

63. I look around this room today and I see some of the finest private sector talent in the world. You are the torchbearers of wealth creation and growth. We will be active in protecting the interests of the Malaysian economy and the Malaysian people, but we want private sector expertise and investment to flourish. Again, to succeed in a different economic context, we need to look at doing things differently.

64. One of these changes must be a new approach that expands the role of capital markets under our new economic model. Malaysia will not be successful - even in our key sectors - if we simply maintain the status quo. Sparking growth means cultivating innovation, risk-taking and creativity in development of new products or services.

65. Hence, in order to facilitate Malaysia's new economic model, support private sector innovation and to stimulate financing in the higher-risk services and knowledge driven sectors that are critical to Malaysia's future, I would like to see an expanded role for our capital markets, evolving from a primarily fundraising model to a liquidity-driven and risk-diversification model that encourages entrepreneurs and investors to be part of Malaysia's exciting economic future.

66. The development of our capital markets will be further strengthened in the Second Capital Market Master Plan currently being formulated by the Securities Commission, but I also see the acceleration of capital market industries such as the fund management, venture capital and private equity sectors as a crucial part of our drive to create the high wage, high skill economy of Malaysia's future.

67. Related to this issue, the Employees Provident Fund presently dominates local equity and bond markets with up to 50 percent of daily Bursa volume represented by EPF related trades, a situation that is not healthy for the market or for the EPF. Today I can announce that the EPF will be allowed to invest more assets overseas, both diversifying its portfolio and creating more room domestically for new participants. EPF presently has about 6 percent of assets invested offshore and this will increase significantly. EPF will also increase its direct investments in the real economy of Malaysia, as an alternative to market investments - taking positions in healthcare, commodities, property and other long-term investments that match EPF's requirements to protect the real rate of return on its assets. (everything being equal, to get EPF to invest a portion of funds overseas is a good move, as EPF is getting harder to manage owing to the limits we have on available bond issues, we have to brace ourselves for slightly more volatile returns in the future, nothing much we can do except to diversify exposure, you do not want an out of the norm exposure to just local equities)

68. On the institutional front, the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) is the principal Government agency responsible for the promotion and facilitation of investments in the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. MIDA has been instrumental in the nation's transformation under different phases of industrial development over the last four decades and has emerged as a well recognised institution among both foreign and domestic investors. However, the time has come for key changes in MIDA in order to make it a more effective investment promotion agency.

69. I am pleased to announce that MIDA will be corporatized to give it the necessary organisational flexibility to attract and retain the manpower and talents it needs in order to be an internationally competitive national investment promotion agency. The Government has also agreed to empower MIDA with the necessary authority to negotiate directly with investors for targeted projects. In addition, MIDA will also be designated as the central investment promotion agency for the manufacturing and services sectors, excluding utilities and financial services, to enhance the coordination and cohesion among the various investment promotion bodies in the country. These changes will enable MIDA to approve incentives in real time and act swiftly to engage investors more effectively. Finally, MIDA will be renamed as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority while maintaining its acronym, MIDA, which is a well known brand name. (everytime a government linked unit is tasked to carry out a big task, we run the risk of it not delivering, we need absolute transparency, accountability, and results to be measured and visible to all)

70. In addition to this important institutional reform, I believe that we need to look anew at ensuring an appropriate balance between government, GLCs and the private sector in our economy as part of this new economic model. In the years prior to the Asian financial crisis, the private sector contribution to GDP far outstripped that of the public sector, but in the first decade of the new century, the statistics have been reversed. What started as a cyclical necessity of fiscal pump priming has hardened into a dependency and an unsustainable structural condition.

71. I have touched on many of the key principles that will underpin this recalibration of the public-private sector relationship: government reforms to reduce bureaucracy and focus on creating a growth-enabling environment; encouragement and incentives to spur private sector innovation and productivity; a focus on strategic knowledge sectors of long-term growth; and a recognition of the crucial importance that pursuing opportunities in regional and global markets will play in Malaysia's growth.

Ladies and gentlemen,

72. At this venue last year, I outlined a strategy that would see GLCs proceed to dispose of non-core assets; to catalyse and develop the eco-systems of their core sectors; and, to compete on a level playing field with the private sector. Building upon the third principle, I mentioned that Government Linked Investment Companies (GLICs) should be allowed to divest non-core and/or non-competitive assets. (yes, this is a must, a GLC must be focused to add steady value to the assets, if its non strategi and/or uncompetitive, shed it)

73. Today I want to announce further steps that will enhance private sector opportunities and appropriately recalibrate the relationship between the public and private sectors.

74. Going forward, I would like to see GLCs and Government holding agencies pursuing strategic collaborations with private sources of capital in Malaysia in order to provide prospective investors with exposure to the government order book and build national competencies. These coalitions will not only drive the regionalization strategy of Malaysian companies which is vital given the size of the domestic market, but also ensure ready pools of capital are in place and available for quick deployment. In addition, the opportunity to form partnerships with a wider range of co-investors including retail investors, local and foreign mutual funds remains open. If successfully implemented on a large scale, these catalytic coalitions could become a unique form of Public Private Partnership. We already have initiatives moving in this direction. Examples include the upcoming privatisation of Astro and the partnership between Malakoff and Tenaga Nasional on a utilities project in Saudi Arabia.

75. We have made progress in the area of divesting non-core assets and Khazanah alone has over the course of the last nine months divested significant stakes in Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia Airports and PLUS for the purpose of increasing the liquidity of these counters. But more such progress in this area must be made. (there is seriously no need to own more than 40% of any government owned assets)

76. We will be pursuing further such divestments of non-core and non competitive assets that operate in areas where new strategic shareholders have the potential to enhance the creation of value, as compared to them being left within the government stable. Of course, we must ensure that any such divestments stand up to rigorous checks to ensure that they are in the public interest.

77. A transparent process will be implemented to ensure that potential private sector bidders meet a minimum set of criteria, including financial standing, track record in business expansion and management excellence, and that their proposals help grow the Bumiputera and 1Malaysia causes. The bidders will have to demonstrate delivery against set benchmarks of innovation and value creation, and support the goals of the New Economic Model - high wages, inclusiveness and sustainability. To develop these processes, I propose evaluation panels consisting of financial professionals, international industry experts and senior Government officials be appointed to assess private sector bids for GLC-related assets.

78. And because it is so important that public and private sector performance are each enhanced, we will be vigilant in ensuring that transfer of GLC assets into the private sector does not compromise our goals for public sector reform and delivery, or lead to asset stripping that runs counter to the public interest. For a predetermined period of time, this may include the retention of key management and the prevention of involuntary staff layoffs. Equally, I recognize the importance of reviewing existing tariffs and incentives available to GLCs if we are to attract private sector investment, and I propose that any such reviews are taken up at the Cabinet.

79. With clear guidelines and strategic principles in place, I can say that the journey on GLC transformation continues to maintain its momentum, and I can go further today with the announcement that Khazanah has resolved to divest its controlling 32 percent stake in POS Malaysia through a two-stage strategic divestment process. In the first stage, that begins immediately, proper corporate governance and regulatory processes will be adhered to. A full consultation with the various stakeholders will be undertaken. POS Malaysia will be prepared for the strategic divestment by addressing various aspects of its business environment including its regulatory structure, usage of government controlled land and the position and welfare of its employees. The long outstanding matter of low income of some of the staff including postmen will be reviewed. To ensure both public and commercial interests are balanced, the government will undertake a comprehensive review and update the regulatory framework of the postal system.In stage two, Khazanah will draw up a bidding and evaluation process to select a new and entreprenuerial shareholder to further modernize POS Malaysia. Further details of this exercise will be announced later.

80. To promote higher levels of economic investment, expansion and growth, several parcels of land in Jalan Stonor, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Lidcol, Kuala Lumpur have been identified to be tendered out and developed by the private sector. This asset, if not developed will be wasteful and the Government will incur cost of maintaining it. This initiative will be a good kick-off for more outright sale and joint ventures between the public and private sectors in land development. In this regard, I would like to inform you that Government of Malaysia and the EPF will form a joint-venture to promote the development of 3,000 acres of land in Sungei Buloh into a new hub for the Klang Valley. This will lead to over RM5 billion of new investments being made that will have an immediate effect on domestic growth, with an enormous potential for the private sector to participate in prominently.

81. I can also share with you today that we will gradually reduce public sector involvement in activities that compete directly with the private sector. We have begun a review of a number of companies under Minister of Finance Incorporated and other agencies, and I can inform you that we are considering privatization measures related to, Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad, CTRM Aero Composites Sdn Bhd, Nine Bio Sdn Bhd and Innobio Sdn Bhd with more under consideration.

82. In addition, Petronas has already identified two sizable subsidiaries with good track records to be listed this year. These initiatives have the goal to reduce the Government's presence directly or indirectly in business activities that are best carried out by the private sector and are a clear signal of our commitment to promoting competition in the economy, risk taking and long-term economic growth that benefits all Malaysians. (about time)

83. As I have stressed today, we cannot afford to slip back to the status quo. The challenge that stands before us requires an urgent need to review the way things are being done. Institutions, approaches and systems that have worked well in the past may need to be altered to suit the changing global landscape.

84. The announcements I have made today - on new divestments, public and private partnerships, and a renewal of government processes to spark growth - are a sign of our commitment to reform and position our country, our workforce, our companies and our future generations for the challenges of a competitive global economy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

CLOSING

85. In my first days as Prime Minister, I said that Malaysia must be open to change. We have no alternative but to move forward and become a high income country with sustainable and inclusive growth. Change can be painful and short-cuts will be tempting. But we cannot seek only the quick wins. This will be a journey that may cause some short-term pain, but will pay off in a stronger Malaysian future. We need to have a sustained and consistent 'big push' if the reforms set out today are to gain momentum and help achieve our goals.

86. In this regard, this is a defining moment for Malaysia. As we emerge from a global recession, will we have the courage and the vision to pursue an ambitious agenda for change that can seem daunting, but is essential for our nation's future? Our answer is to create high wage jobs, give our children the best educational opportunities, and attract the high quality investment that is the driving theme of this important gathering.

87. At this critical juncture, where we balance our nation's history with its future, I believe we do have the courage to meet Malaysia's hopes and ambitions.

88. But this is about far more than the economic goals of our nation. This is about the life chances open to future generations. This is about raising the sights of low-income families to help them out of poverty. This is about the very fabric of our society where we each have opportunities and responsibilities. It's about placing Malaysia at the forefront of a high-income economy so that we can stand shoulder to shoulder with other fully developed nations. I am confident - with your support - we will choose the right path, move forward, not back, and build a fairer, stronger and dynamic Malaysia for many decades to come. I call upon you to join me in this momentous journey to build a truly prosperous and a new future for 1Malaysia.

The following are some of the highlights of what Najib announced:

* State investor Khazanah to sell 32 per cent stake in Pos Malaysia.

* To list stakes in two Petronas units.

* Facilitate foreign direct and domestic direct investments in emerging industries/sectors.

* Remove distortions in regulation and licensing, including replacement of Approved Permit system with a negative list of imports.

* Reduce direct state participation in the economy.

* Divest GLCs in industries where the private sector is operating effectively.

* Strengthen the competitive environment by introducing fair trade legislation.

* Set up an Equal Opportunity Commission to cover discriminatory and unfair practices.

* Review remaining entry restrictions in products and services sectors.

* Phase out price controls and subsidies that distort markets for goods and services

* Apply government savings to a wider social safety net for the bottom 40 percent of households, prior to subsidy removal.

* Have zero tolerance for corruption

* Create a transformation fund to assist distressed firms during the refom period.

* Easing entry and exit of firms as well as high skilled workers.

* Simplify bankruptcy laws pertaining to companies and individuals to promote vibrant entrepreneurship. ++

* Improve access to specialised skills.

* Use appropriate pricing, regulatory and strategic policies to manage non-renewable resources sustainably.

* Develop a comprehensive energy policy.

* Develop banking capacity to assess credit approvals for green investment using non-collateral based criteria.

* Liberalise entry of foreign experts specialising in financial analysis of viability of green technology projects.

* Reduce wastage and avoid cost overrun by better controlling expenditure.

* Establish open, efficient and transparent government procurement process.

* Adopt international best practices on fiscal transparency.

++
http://malaysiafinance.blogspot.com/2009/02/malaysia-needs-unemployment-insurance.html

Geithner Could Label China As A Currency Manipulator Come April

The Greek debacle has been dying down a bit after attempts by bigger EU nations to placate the markets. While the Greece situation is still dicey, it is still in ICU but showing signs of life and recovery. Now we have a new looming "bear factor" coming to play with a fixed deadline, mid-April.



There have been furious behind the scenes negotiations that have basically gone nowhere. Now the discussions, opinions and grouses are being publicly aired - obviously after the secretive discussions went nowhere, the US BSDs will have to air their attempts to the democratic Senate, telling them that they have tried. Just weeks before he makes a decision whether to label China a "currency manipulator," which could trigger tougher action against Beijing, Geithner said last week that Beijing should allow its yuan currency, which is virtually pegged to the US dollar, to appreciate in a reflection of market expectations.

"We can't force them to make that change. But it is very important that they let it start to appreciate again," he said.

Some experts believe the Chinese currency is undervalued against the dollar by up to 40 percent. The United States and China's other trading partners claim that it gives the Asian giant an unfair trade advantage by making Chinese exports cheaper. US lawmakers have called on Geithner to label China a "currency manipulator" in a mid-April US Treasury report, as they demanded Beijing to revalue the yuan.

The exchange rate is the most important factor in determining U.S. export competitiveness. Every increase of 1 percent in the dollar, averaged against other major currencies, reduces US exports by about $20 billion annually and destroys about 150,000 jobs. The recurrent overvaluations of the past 30 years, when the dollar became overpriced by 30 to 40 percent, contributed significantly to the decline in manufacturing jobs and was the major cause of the huge current account deficits of most of that period.

The policy goal should be a competitive exchange rate that produces a sustainable trade balance, rather than a "strong dollar." Fortunately, the decline of the dollar since 2002 has virtually restored equilibrium in its value against most other industrial countries' currencies.

Fred Bergsten said that the remaining large misalignment is the undervaluation of at least 25 percent of China's renminbi and the currencies of several important economies surrounding it (Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan). How to make a correct statement but with all the wrong examples. Yes, the HKD is undervalued but its not their active manipulation that causes that, OMG its been pegged to the USD for 20 years - if anything it just shows that HK has been a lot more competitive and productive using the same currency.

Singapore is not overvalued, if anything they have let their currency to appreciate as they wanted to be progressive and hive off the labour intensive industries. So Fred's very wrong there. As for Malaysia, well he is right on the dot. As much as the yuan is undervalued, Bank Negara has been keeping the ringgit in step with the yuan for the past 5-7 years. BN is more concerned on pricing Malaysia's industrial competitiveness rather than letting the ringgit appreciate on its own. Taiwan's currency is also slightly undervalued but nowhere as much as the ringgit. Of in my view, if the yuan is 40% undervalued to the USD, the ringgit is about half that.

If China continues to block any rise of the renminbi, the administration should label it a currency manipulator and escalate pressure, including by taking China to the World Trade Organization.

Obama has entered into negotiations for a Trans-Pacific Partnership with seven Asia Pacific nations, a group that could shortly expand to include a critical mass of countries in that region and eventually evolve into the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific that President George W. Bush proposed in 2006. The administration should aim to conclude these talks when the United States hosts the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2011.

The Obama's administration should abandon its plan to increase taxes on the overseas activities of U.S. firms because their foreign investments clearly increase U.S. exports. Several modest tax reforms could enhance our international competitiveness, including to attract direct investment here by foreign companies that would then access many of their global markets from the United States and create jobs here.

The administration and Congress must avoid hurting U.S. competitiveness when they inevitably move to raise tax revenue substantially over the next few years to help curb the budget deficit. Increases in corporate income tax rates would jeopardize exports by raising U.S. production costs. By contrast, a value-added tax or national retail sales tax, or better yet a gasoline or carbon tax, could be fully rebated at the border on exports (and imposed at the border on imports) and thus avoid such harm. Positive export and job expansion would be fostered by replacing some or all of our current income tax system with these alternative devices.

In the past a rising renminbi hasn’t reduced China’s surplus, the United States can’t produce many of the goods it now imports from China, so most of the jobs won't get shipped back even if the yuan is revalued 20%. In many cases, Chinese exports compete with those of other developing nations. If the renminbi rises, those nations would become more competitive – and would also find their currencies appreciating against the dollar, offering new channels for onshoring.
China is an economy in the process of rapid transformation – exactly the circumstances in which a real exchange rate that makes sense one year may be way off base just a few years later.

The U.S. administration feels that the policy of keeping quiet on China and instead engaging its leaders privately has failed. The U.S. grudgingly accepted for a while that China was bound to re-peg in the middle of the economic and financial storm of 2008-09 as it was rapidly losing exports and experiencing a sharp growth slowdown.

A formal U.S. statement that China is a currency manipulator would not trigger automatic U.S. trade sanctions against China; rather, it would lead to a negotiation process that bilaterally—or possibly multilaterally with the IMF—would rectify the situation. Trade sanctions would be the eventual outcome of failed negotiations. In fact, it could take the better part of a year for disputes to be lodged with the WTO and trade sanctions imposed. But certainly even a formal U.S. statement that China is a currency manipulator would significantly raise trade tensions and nervousness in financial markets about a trade war.

The real-estate boom is turning into a bubble, with home prices rising more than 32% in the largest cities in the last year alone. Ghost towns are popping up all over China as the increase in the supply of commercial real estate, with vacancy rates in office space of 20% in Beijing and 16% in Shanghai, and of residential real estate, especially at the high end of the market, is becoming serious. Even in infrastructure, China has advanced too far for a country at its level of development, as evidenced by empty highways to nowhere, bullet trains that no one uses and fancy, empty new airports.No country in the world is productive enough to take almost 50% of GDP every year, reinvest it into more physical capital stock to produce more goods and services and not end up with a glut of capacity that will eventually cause low returns, rising nonperforming loans and rising implicit liabilities for the public sector.

Letting the currency appreciate is key for achieving the stated goal of increasing consumption's share of GDP.The financial market consequences of such a move could be significant: If the decision is unexpected, global stock markets could fall by several percentage points once the ugly M word is uttered by the U.S. Treasury. And so far, financial markets don’t seem to be pricing in such an outcome. History suggests that even threats of trade protectionism can sharply move financial markets. Take 1987: The U.S. had a very large current account deficit, in spite of the dollar falling since 1985, and the major U.S. trade partners (Japan and Germany, which were running a large surplus with the U.S.) were resisting the U.S. push for further rapid appreciation of their currencies against the U.S. dollar. On a Sunday morning, as tensions were rising, then-U.S. Treasury Secretary James Baker appeared in a TV interview and implicitly threatened a trade war if Germany and Japan were to resist further appreciation of their currencies. The next day, the Dow Jones index fell by 20% in the infamous October 1987 stock market crash.


p/s photos: Ju Daha

Indulgence

Being from Ipoh, I have been to Indulgence a lot, both the old place since 1996 I think. The first few years were splendid, maybe the menu was not as extensive. The owner chef Julie Song works with passion, and never shies away from meshing different ingredients to heighten the senses. It literally was like dining at a close friend's home. Somehow, the menu got a bit adventurous and for a few years it was always a hit and miss with some of the dishes. I have been reading plenty of food bloggers on Indulgence, most were not positive. You's have to wonder at the power of the food bloggers, if they were, Indulgence would have closed shop years ago!

Too many will always say how expensive it was in the end - just because its in Ipoh does not mean everything will be cheap people, that is such a stupid line of thought. We all know that there are great hawker food in Ipoh, Indulgence is gourmet food. I think its time to set things right.

Indulgence is defined both as the act of gratifying desire and as foolish or senseless behaviour. There is a little of each when we pamper ourselves with food. Food indulgence is a form of sensual pleasure. For a moment we break out of our imposed rules of eating to measure and give in to gut desire. Anything forbidden or restricted, anything considered unhealthy, anything costly and rarely available - too much of a good thing is an indulgence.

People who travel from KL, Singapore and Penang to Indulgence arrive with heightened expectations. I have to say not all dishes work perfectly, but over the last two years, I have been back a lot more often as the standards are being maintained very well. There is more cohesion and the service staff were excellent. I always check out the board special as Julie has set great standards in getting in some great imports - the oysters (esp the Kumamotos) and trout were top notch.

Ipoh is a small town but the last dozen of times I was back at Indulgence, it was always nearly full - good crowds for breakfasts, lunches, tea time and of course, dinners. I suspect most of the crowd are from Ipoh. After a while, we all came to an understanding of the good food being served, but more importantly, we know how to order. The food is basically Italian and very modern Australian - yea, not many would agree that there is a modern Australian cuisine but its basically fresh produce from the Asian Pacific region and not being shy to incorporate Asian spices and herbs, coupled with the Aussie penchant for grilling and salads with a zing.

Ok, here is what you should consider ordering:

- the complimentary bread with the salted Bridel butter, always amazing

- the Belgian mussels with white wine

- the smoked duck

- the ahi tuna on brioche

- the baked cheese and mushroom bruschetta

- any of the salads with smoke duck

- the Oba pasta

- SILK (order and be surprised)

- the chicken lasagne

- the mango and passion fruit trifle

- the strawberries with chocolate

- the black and white (go order and be amazed)

- the rhubarb cheese cake

- the Granny apple cheesecake

- the fudgy brownie

Always get the ice lemon tea (its a simple thing yet done refreshingly well) or coffee, or their ice coffee, its done with Farm House milk, cannot get any better.

From a small cafe, the present location brings back old world charm. Every section of the restaurant is a sight to behold. The interior design, furniture and colour schemes work very well. Its not the 5-star every piece of cutlery being expensive kind of setting. Its a lot of wood, a very warm home setting and the lighting is very inviting. Needless to say that Indulgence is a favourite place now for wedding couples to hold photo shoots (yes, ask them first for permission).

The wine list is not extensive but superb selections - yes, here is where you can get the Dona Bernarda 2006 for RM189.

A lot of food bloggers complain about the service. I must say it was bad a few years back but I have noticed a marked improvement over the last year and a half. As in any establishments, things always click better once you know one or two of the wait staff, or the chef. I think Julie knows and have read many of the negative comments - but hey, its always nearly packed - so somebody is doing something right which outweighs the negatives, I mean its been going for more than 14 years!!! Its not for a lack of choice, there's Citrus and Brewster. Its never going to be a cheap place to dine. So go with an open mind and RM100 pp, and judge for yourselves. It seems there are two types of people after they dined there, they either love it or hate it. I love the place.

Indulgence Restaurant
14, Jalan Raja DiHilir
Ipoh
Tel No: 05-2557051
(Pork free.)
http://www.indulgencerestaurant.com/





Kuala Lumpur

4th April 2010,
(Dinner 8.00pm Concert 9.30pm)
El Meson

Address: 61-63 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: +603 2282 8290

Petaling Jaya, Selangor

6th April 2010, 8.30pm
Bentley Auditorium, Mutiara Damansara
Address: Wisma Bentley Music, 3, Jalan PJU 7/2,
Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Phone: +6017 3643202 or +6016 630 4967 or +016 337 4565

Ipoh

11th April 2010,
(Dinner 8.00pm Concert 9.30pm)
Indulgence
Address: 14 Jalan Raja Hilir, 30350, Ipoh.
Phone: +605 255 7051
11th April / RM240 (with dinner)

Kuching, Sarawak

16th April 2010, 7.00pm
The Hornbill Restaurant, Kuching
Address: The Sarawak Club, Jalan Taman Budaya,
93000 Kuching, Sarawak.
Phone: +6017 886 6811

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

18th April 2010, 3.00pm
Beverly Hotel, Raya Ballroom, Kota Kinabalu
Address: Beverly Hotel, Lorong Kemajuan, 88000, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Phone: +6 012 828 5111 or +6012 828 0655 or +6016 822 1822

The State Of Play - March / April

Those who were at the talk would have been aware that I still see imminent dangers of downside for all markets, in particular 2Q 2010. I do think that the second half of the year would be a lot better. Hence even though the S&P 500 and local bourse have been trending up, I would still recommend 50% in cash. We should still be quick to reduce if things start looking shaky again. Watch the VIX indicator - if it starts climbing above 20, be careful.

The other thing is the usual "sell in May" adage, which I must say do rings true in most cases. If you remember I stated that that would not be the case in 2009 and was largely proven correct. 2009 was unusual because I thought that the recovery was underway and that too much funds was still sidelined. This year, I think we would do well to stick to the rule of thumb: Sell In May & Go Away.

Why the negativity - I don't like the uptrend, its a bit hollow in terms of volume and pervading theme. Macro wise there are a lot more black swans and the sovereign debt issue is not over by a mile.

---------------------

Friday, May 01, 2009

Sell In May & Go Away

History repeats itself for a reason, because they do, people never learn and they keep repeating their actions and decisions time in time out. This is the same posting I did 4 years back in May 2006, and repeated this in May 2008, so for all intents and purposes, I should also repost this for May 2009. Personally, I don't think this May-August will be a down period.


There is a familiar saying in capital markets "Sell in May and go away", made popular by author Jeffrey Hirsch who publishes the Stock Trader's Almanac. As I have argued before, in an average 12 months, you'd be lucky to have two periods of bullish phases, each lasting 3-6 weeks. The rest of the time will be punctuated by false rallies and bear traps, or just plain inactivity.

This is closer to the truth than most would want to admit. A broker would never say that to their clients, and most financial markets' employees would not voice that to their bosses. It doesn't help that most of the major corrections have taken place between May and October.

A factor which has not been cited for the May-October effect is bonuses/holidays. In order to put in the good figures for year end purposes, there has always been a convergence of interests for players involved to have a solid last quarter so that bonuses in the new year will be good. Plus, you have extended holidays with the last 2 weeks of December and the first week of January - hence you need the cash and peace of mind to have some fun. Generally nothing untoward will happen during end-December / early-January because of that.... a kind of financial detente. The festivity effect cannot and should not be under-rated. While it sounds naive but it happens. More good things happen when people are happy. Not just holidays, it could include important sporting achievements as well. May-October is also marked by a lack of holidays for all to look forward to - maybe we need to schedule more holidays into this period to effect a change in trend?!!

To sell in May and return after October is a good rule of the thumb, especially for "long only" players. In a revealing study: an investor who placed US$10,000 in the Dow average at the end of April each year since 1950 and sold at the end of October would have a net loss of US$272, while someone doing the opposite would have gained an astounding US$534,323. So, taking May-October off may not be just a good for your health but also saves you a lot of stress, plus improves your job performance smartly. This seasonal effect has more things going for it in developed markets such as the US, but not for the developing markets. Those who are more hard working would seek out gains in alternative markets during the lean May-October period. The May-October effect is there because it is a reflection of the nature of an equity market. You just do not have sufficient liquidity and market velocity to keep going the whole year round, or even 6-8 months.

p/s photos: Tiffany Lee Lung Yee

Beijing Clamps Down On MDICs

This made the earlier article on "China's Bubble Doomsdaysayers" look intelligent. At least Beijing is on the right path, clamp down on the state owned enterprises dabbling in real estate.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Beijing has banned 78 state-owned enterprises from dealing in the property market in a determined move to curb home prices.

The directive from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission yesterday said only 16 state-owned companies whose primary business is real estate will be allowed to participate in the sector.

Analysts say the move will have a negative impact on the stock market and create correction pressure on mainland developers across the board.

"The recent steps and comments from Beijing and state-run media show the central government is not happy with the SOEs' recent high-profile participation in land auctions, which have drawn heavy criticism," Quam Securities sales director Andrew Wong Wai- hong said.

"The recent bidding of record prices for Beijing sites by SOEs was a slap in the face for Premier Wen Jiabao who has reiterated in the national legislative meetings that curbing property prices is one of his main tasks this year."

Wong said the SASAC's message is clear - Beijing is firm in its intention to cool the overheated real estate sector.

"The bullish sentiment [on mainland property] will turn sour after the SASAC announcement," Wong said.

On Monday, state-backed Sino- Ocean Land made a 4.08 billion yuan (HK$4.64 billion) winning bid for a site in Beijing's Chaoyang district, while China South Industries Group bid 1.76 billion yuan for a Haidian district site.

That was followed by Poly Group's 5 billion yuan winning bid on Wednesday for another Chaoyang site.

The back-to-back biddings triggered a lot of public criticism.

State-run media, including the People's Daily and China Central Television, criticized the SOEs for not fulfilling their social duties and pushing home prices higher instead.

"SOEs should follow Beijing's lead in curbing the heated property market," a People's Daily editorial said.

SASAC said the 16 companies still in the property fray include China State Construction (3311), China National Real Estate Development, China Poly Group, China Railway Construction (1186) and Sinochem Corporation.

The list also includes China Travel Services Holdings, China Merchants Group, China Resources (Holdings) and Nam Kwong Group Limited.

"Subsidiaries of state-owned companies that are currently in an adjustment phase should accelerate their pace and make an orderly withdrawal from the market after completing current projects," SASAC spokesman Du Yuanquan said.

Wong at Quam Securities said even though no cut-off date has been set and the 78 firms concerned allowed to continue till the completion of current projects, it is understood each developer will not be able to hoard land for more than two years. So it will still act as a firm cooling measure.

Last month, People's Bank of China and the Banking Regulatory Commission banned financial institutions from lending money to developers who hoard land in a bid to push up prices.

p/s photos: Miyazaki Aoi

Astro @ 4.20 ... 4.22 ... 4.23

Sometimes the price traded reveals a lot if you just think a bit harder about it. Generally, when a company do a G.O., it will trade close to but slightly lower than the G.O. price. That is usually the case as many shareholders or traders do not want to wait till the actual "last day" to wait for submission and then wait some more for monies to be paid back to their accounts.

Then there are the more volatile G.O., usually in deeper and more developed markets, where a G.O. signals a tussle for control. Maybe one or two other parties are also interested to wrest control and ownership, and in those cases the price would immediately spike up much higher than the G.O. - technically speaking the same person/entity declaring the G.O. cannot go into the market to buy at higher prices than the G.O. as then the same person/entity would have to raise the G.O. to the highest price purchased after declaring the G.O.

So, what's happening to Astro? Are some substantial shareholder buying more shares out there to thwart the G.O., hoping to extract a better price? Maybe. You can derail a G.O. if acceptances does not get to a certain level.

A more cynical person might think that AK may be doing a Maxis-dejavu again, i.e. he has a final end buyer for Astro shares at a much higher price, maybe RM4.60 or RM4.80???

Which is which? In my view, somebody is very keen to buy Astro shares AFTER the G.O. announcement. In just reading the tape, this is not the final story to Astro being privatise - there is something else.

What do you think?

"China's Bubble" Warning By Doomsayers

You gotta love it how more and more people just seem to join the chorus once somebody with some credibility says something interesting. China is in the midst of "the greatest bubble in history," said James Rickards, former general counsel of hedge fund Long- Term Capital Management LP. Who is Rickards??? Why is he saying things at all? He's just the counsel at what was the biggest collapse in the 90s.... aahhh. The Chinese central bank’s balance sheet resembles that of a hedge fund buying dollars and short-selling the yuan, said Rickards, now the senior managing director for market intelligence at McLean, Virginia-based consulting firm Omnis Inc. Rickards joins hedge fund manager Jim Chanos, Marc Faber and professor Kenneth Rogoff in warning of an overheating and potential crash in China's economy following a rally in stock and property prices. Now even the World Bank has chimed in to say the same thing.

Are we heading down the road as opined by those above. Beijing has already raised lenders' requirements twice this year. Let's look at some problem areas.



If China’s credit growth were to slow sharply, non-performing loans (NPLs) would spike by the end of the year. Although the problem would not be as large as in the late 1990s, another recapitalization would be difficult without tapping government coffers. The asset management companies set up to recapitalize the banks in 1999 have yet to repay their loans, and nobody is willing to buy their assets at prices anywhere near what would be needed to cover their costs.

The problem seems to be with the politically-connected municipal investment and development companies (MIDCs), which would likely be able to maintain their credit lines. The MDICs are at the center of a risky shell game with local banks, in which land and credit lines are swapped to maximize the companies’ access to financing. However, most infrastructure projects financed by these companies remain a long way from profitability, and land prices used for collateral were seriously inflated last year. If they no longer had access to credit, many MDICs would default, which would spark a tough fight over who is responsible for the redemption of the loans. The China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) estimated that 8,000 MDICs accounted for 14% of new lending in 2009, though other estimates put the figure much higher.

In the Chinese bond market their presence was even larger—they issued RMB250 billion in bonds last year, up from RMB30 billion the year before, accounting for the bulk of the 88% jump in corporate bond issuance through Q3 2009. The State Council recently said it is seeking to regulate these companies, calling their financing a “latent systemic risk in the financial sector.”Chinese regulators have told commercial lenders to restrict new lending to municipal development companies, the official Shanghai Securities News reported on February 24, 2010. Banks were told to stop lending to any projects backed solely by a local government guarantee and reject any projects that lacked adequate capital.

Victor Shih, a professor at Northwestern, estimates that their total borrowing between 2004 and 2009 was US$1.6 trillion (RMB10.9 trillion), or about 33% of GDP and 70% of its foreign exchange reserves. Banks have already pledged additional credit to the companies. "If the central government does not restrict bank lending to them, these entities will go deeper into debt, thus either requiring the sale of much more land or the creation of a pile of nonperforming loans."

Shih estimates that government debt, including the hidden liabilities, could reach RMB39.8 trillion (US$5.8 trillion) or 96% of GDP in 2011. This includes non-performing loans held by state-owned banks, liabilities of the development banks, and the debts of the asset management companies set up to recapitalize the banking sector. "The worst case is a pretty large-scale financial crisis around 2012". "The slowdown would last at least two years and maybe longer."In 2009, the Ministry of Land and Resources reported that government land sales netted RMB1.6 trillion (US$234 billion), most of which went to local government coffers. The government sold 319,000 hectares of land in 2009, up 44% from 2008, the revenues from which increased 63% y/y. Land sold for "real-estate use" accounted for 84% of this. At the height of the previous property bubble in 2007, the government raised RMB1.3 trillion from land sales. If China's property bubble were to burst in 2010 the revenue from land sales could dry up, which would weigh heavily on local governments' abilities to continue financing the stimulus.

Official debt-to-GDP ratio was 17.7% at end of 2008, but this may be closer to 60% once local government debt, backstopped bank loans and bad assets are included. This is still below the U.S. level and not explosive, but stimulus spending by local governments and loans from state-owned banks may push the 2009 fiscal deficit up to 10% of GDP.

Hot money poses another problem for RMB appreciation. If the RMB looks like a one-way bet, which a modest and steady appreciation path would indicate, then international funds will find their way into property and other assets in Beijing, Shanghai and the other major cities. RGE estimates that China experienced about US$40-50 billion in “hot money” inflows in Q4 2009. This could worsen the asset price bubbles regulators have been trying to ease since late last year. (Housing affordability is among Chinese consumers’ top complaints.)

There are problem spots in China, and its mainly in property. The MDICs are too reliant on land sales and have borrowed excessively. Its about to implode anytime, just another couple of rate hikes and another round of curbs on lending should do that.

While that may also deflate China stock markets, I do think the ill effects on stocks will be very temporary. Just have a look at the two charts below:

While the US is gaining share, China is losing share. Aside from an uptick in the summer months of 2009, China's stock market cap as a % of world market cap has been trending downward throughout the entire rebound.

One of the easy ways to see how a country is performing relative to other countries is to look at its market cap as a percentage of world market cap. In the early stages of the global rebound off of the March lows, the US rose significantly, but other countries were gaining even more. In recent months, however, the tide has turned, and the US is now outperforming the rest of the world. As shown below, US stock market cap as a percentage of world market cap has been steadily rising since last November. During the 2003-2007 bull market, emerging markets and other countries really outperformed the US. If this bull market continues and the US continues to gain share, it will represent a very big trend change that will make a huge impact on portfolio performance depending on an investor's domestic versus international equity allocation.

The charts also reveal that the bulk of the liquidity has gone into property and not stocks. Hence it will have a muted effect when property side busts.

Moody's upgraded China's ratings outlook to positive from stable on November 9, 2009, keeping the rating at A1, on expectations that the country's economic recovery is taking stronger hold with only modest effects on the government's finances. The agency cited possible asset price bubbles and the long-term effects of China's stimulus program as risks to its outlook. It also upgraded the ratings for seven Chinese banks, a sector that some analysts worry may be hit with a surge in non-performing loans following this year's sharp credit growth. Moody's said that the banks could withstand such "stress scenarios" given their strong capital positions and earnings.

There are those who would defend the property boom in China. JPMorgan's Jing Ulrich argues in the FT that Chinese real estate is not overvalued and the fallout of a price contraction would not be severe because there is less leverage involved. "Chinese household debt amounts to approximately 17% of GDP, compared to roughly 96% in the US and 62% in the eurozone. ... Over the past 5 years, urban household incomes grew at a 13.2% compound annual growth rate, compared to an 11.9% CAGR in home prices."

While that may be the case, the problem with China property is with the MDICs and not the end buyers per se. So, JP Morgan can still be wrong.

May main reason for saying China is not headed for a big implosion is that the Chinese economy is still relatively a relatively closed economy. The liquidity swishing around is still controlled by Beijing, with the exception of some hot money into property. We cannot regard China like normal more open economies - e.g. Malaysia or Indonesia, where we can be on the receiving end of a lot of hot money, and will feel the gravity of it when these funds exit. You do not have such a keen issue in China.

Beijing knows the unbalanced lending to state firms and municipal councils, and is trying to redress the problem, albeit a tad late. Really should get out of China property for the next 12 months.



p/s photos: Wang Yi Bing