Categories
Economics

[355] Of another 7.0%

For the first quarter according to Bank Negara (Malaysian central bank for you non-Malaysians), Malaysian gross domestic product has grown for 7.6%. That is quite high and it definitely reminds me of the days during the Asian boom when Malaysia and a few others Southeast Asian countries earned the Asian tigers nick. Back in those days, Malaysia had consistently grown for more than 7.0% annually.

But of course, this is nothing compared to China, which is growing at almost 10%. Then again, China has only recently started to develop its economy. In contrast, I have read a report somewhere that states a country in Africa has a growth rate of about 70% – my guess, there is not even a toilet bowl there.

Forget about the toilet and let us concentrate on a few things that caught my eyes. Actually there are only two things. First:

The underlying fundamentals will continue to accord flexibility for monetary policy to support stronger economic activities, without creating inflationary pressures.

What flexibility? The Ringgit is pegged to the Dollar! Bank Negara is obliged to buy or sell the US Dollar in order to keep the exchange rate fixed at a certain rate. There is little room for maneuvering when it comes to monetary policy.

Secondly:

Interest rates can remain low for some time to come to support the growth momentum.

That sounds totally like Alan Greenspan. I am starting to wonder if all central bankers speak the same language.

Categories
Economics Politics & government

[354] Of separatism and globalization

Earlier today, one of the leaders of Islamic separatist in southern Thailand has been quoted saying that he has given up the idea of an independent state. His word, of which I am sure, was approximately translated to English from Malay:

This is the age of globalization. The world has moved on and there is no more room for separatism.

I have nothing but respect for the separatist leader. This is the wisdom that every other separatist movement the Aceh people, the MILF, the ETA, the IRA, the Quebecois and probably all around the world lack given the situation today. Though I am sympathetic of my fellow Muslim Malay brothers’ cause, I cannot help but feel their struggle is hopeless.

These southern Thai states lack the resources to develop their states alone and the political muscle to defend its interest just like East Timor. Though I am a green and in turn an advocate of decentralization, I feel an independent East Timor is a mistake. To support my view, East Timor, being small and powerless, has frequently been bullied by Australia in matter concerning its southern maritime border.

Even if they managed to break away from the Kingdom of Thailand and formed an independent state consisted of the Thai Malay states of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani, they will probably be too dependent on Thailand or on their cultural ally, the Federation of Malaysia. Therefore, given a hypothetical scenario of independence, their political freedom in my opinion will be fairly limited relative to other stable sovereign nations. In the long run, these states will probably rejoin Thailand or become the members of the Malaysian Federation.

To Wan Kadir Che Man, the separatist leader, here is for you – hail to common sense.

p/s – Bye bye Houllier.

pp/s – James Lovelock and nuclear power. Via GreenSpin Watch and The Challenge.

Categories
Environment

[353] Of tanker collision near Singapore

This just in. One of the ships involved in the accident is a tanker carrying almost 300 000 tons of crude oil. Initial report indicates no leak.

And thank God, it is not the tanker that sunk. Else, it would be ugly.

p/s – here we go again. With the barometer is falling fast, a strong storm is likely. Let’s hope it’s not worse than or as bad as Friday’s storm.
pp/s – tornado in Genesee country, Michigan. Where the hell is Genesee country? The report says it is near Flint and Saginaw. Quite close. Via arborblogs.com

Categories
Environment

[352] Of Friday’s storm

It turns out that yesterday storm was devastating to some level. Three deaths were reported and a wider power loss occurred in Michigan. The fact that the University suffered a few power disruptions that lasted a few seconds might come from the fact that the University has its own power station.

Associated Press reported the storm affects almost the whole Midwest region. Iowa was hit the hardest. It is just a pity it was not Ohio or else, Michigan would probably be jumping up and down.

Ann Arbor News reported that several roads were closed due to flooding. Other cities nearby also suffered the same problem and Chelsea was put under tornado watch.

On weather.com, as in today, the situation in Ann Arbor has been relegated from flood watch to flood warning.

But the best thing is, the sky turned green. And we can look forward for another storm tomorrow. I hope it is not as bad as Friday’s.

For today, it looks like its going to be really cloudy and with strong wind. And boy, what a publicity stunt for the movie The Day After Tomorrow.

Categories
Environment Photography

[351] Of greenish sky

There was a crazy and strong storm just now in Ann Arbor.

I stood something like 30 to 40 meters from the trees. Notice how much the trees swayed! Well, maybe it doesn’t look like it was bad but it was! And look at this, roughly thirty minutes later:

There was even a power disruption that lasted a few second! According to Common Monkeyflower, there was even a tornado in Chelsea!P/s – there is an Environmental Defense meetup this Wednesday at Zingerman’s but I don’t know whether I want to attend or not, yet.