A I S E H M A N . O R G

Its mind boggling to realise just how nmuch money is being pumped into such a MEGA project which seems to be purely an extension to enrich our already rich southern neighbour.
Notice how Johor MB Ghani and Syed Hamid, in their interviews keep insisting that SJER (WPI...whatever) WILL NOT compete with Spore.
I often wonder why this has to be made clear.. Selling the country's sovereignty...Hmmmm.

Of course he knew we can never compete with Singapore. Senai Airport tried for 30 years and eventually gave up. Even MAS does not want to use it if possible. They were coaxed back to continue the JB-Kuching sector after a little duress. Anyone who have use public transport in Singapore before will know how far behind we are.

as usual malaysia is talking big when it comes to mega projects. projections are aplenty. but at the end of the day, its the results that count. so lets walk the talk instead of talking cock.

The writing's on the wall for our government. Where is the economic growth going to come from? With the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), competition for FDI and goods and services will heat up. What to do? Enter Singapore - the most likely FDI source. If our own goods and services can't compete, why not invite an investor who can build the goods and provide the services to compete? At least the employment stays in the country. And my suspicion is that most of the people who finally runs all these businesses will probably be ex-Malaysians who now come back as expats.

Was spinning yarns with my elderly mother in the courtyard after dinner of more-and-more expensive pork, and rice,and was trying to picture how RM382 billions would look like, physically, in 1 RM notes. We both sprained our necks.

Mother say its okay la, IF you GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. But she also asked if the amount is inflation-adjusted, coz she remember long time ago, 10 sen was bigger than bullock-cart's wheel. Frankly I think she was bullshitting me.

Anyway, I really hope the "Keraja-rajaan Barisan Nasional" wont last that long to see this project through.

Mother was looking over her shoulder.

Johor UMNO is dead against Singapore assistance and investment. The Sultan is dead against "dirty" foreigners. And we still expect foreign investment ? Hahaha, another one for the taxpayers and the EPF contributors to finance. Malaysia Boleh !

For some perspective on the size or cost of developing a new economic zone, you can check out a Business Times story on a Saudi Arabia Economic City story here

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Monday/Frontpage/BT593947.txt/Article/

The one in Saudi Arabia cost less it seems with a clearer picture of what industries it is targeted at, notably the Aluminium Smelter, Oil Refinery and Copper plant. People in the business call this "anchor tenants". These industries are to be developed first in order to attract other secondary industries.

Perhaps Khazanah should divulge more information on who the development parties will be and what industries can generate the no. of jobs mentioned.

For other perspective on Economic Zone Development, Google King Abdullah Economic City, Maharashta Industrial City, India, etc.

Aisehman, it was reported here:
www.biznewsdb.com/

Nov. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Malaysia's government plans to generate as much as 382 billion ringgit ($104.7 billion) in investment over the next 20 years to boost growth in its southernmost state.

Dear Azlan, the (cynical) way i look at it, SJER is nothing more than just very very gigantic Property Development Project like Putrajaya and Cyberjaya (i never failed to get goose-pimples when this name is mentioned). It is either that, or the Keraja-rajaan Barisan Nasional doesn't care to tell us the details, gomen people have the habit of treating citizen like idiots.

You're right, even when my former boss build one single small shopping komprex in Bangsar also gotta make sure got anchor tenants mar, right or not? Not to say they haven't got yet, but tell lar. Share the fucking joy mar.