THE IMPORTANCE OF IRON ORE PROJECT

 I refer to the reports late Thursday over the iron ore project issue in Teluk Rubiah, Lumut, Perak which have been highlighted by various Medias. Even though, detail explanation was given by Chief Minister to clarify the issue, I felt responsible to point out my personal view from investment and industry perspective. Indeed, I was saddened and disappointed when realizing that this project was manipulated by certain stakeholders ostensibly will bring pollution to the environment resulting from uncertainty situation and dispute among people.

 As one of the society members, I have nothing to against the project as both present and previous governments agreed to provide full support and facility due to the spin-offs of the project to the state. People particularly Manjung folk should support any kinds of effort to bring investment that offer high impact to broaden and strengthen the economic base of the state, provide job opportunities and create wealth for the benefit of the community.

 In the initial stage, the Brazilian base company, Vale International which was founded in 1942 and employing 70,785 people worldwide had identified a few potential locations in various nations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Philippine and Malaysia as well. After identification and evaluation process completed, the company ultimately decided to choose Malaysia as a location to bring high quality iron ore from Brazil to be placed in Teluk Rubiah, Perak as a distribution hub due to Perak was the only state that capable to facilitate and fulfill their requirements compared to other states.

 Hence, Perak State Government as well as InvestPerak was instrumental in ensuring that the 1.4 bil USD project (first phase) will be located in Perak. Without inadequate infrastructure and serious commitment from State Agencies, people’s hope to see Perak to be an ASEAN regional hub as well as Asia Pacific for high quality iron ore distribution centre in future is impossible and just daydream at noon.

 Summing up the discussion, everybody should play their role to deliver accurate information among people. The lack of awareness and the scarcity of information will affect government aspiration to increase the growing pace of trade and investment in each sectors ranging from high value manufacturing to integrated agriculture and aquaculture. At the end of the day people will enjoy excitement from tangible success of the government transformation programmes when Malaysia advances into developed nation by 2020.

GOOD LUCK MY BELOVED STUDENTS!

 Sometimes, we don't ever think to be somebody in our life. During my lifetime for instance, I never thought that I will be joining a career as teacher one day due to job difficulties. In fact, even though 'teaching' is one of the most honorable job, but I still can't afford to claim such occupation as one of the most preferable job in my ambitions list.

 However, as human being, we just manage to plan what we would like to be but Allah is everything. He knows what the best for his slaves and He can afford to determine their fate and destiny. By His wisdom, I was destined to be a teacher, something unprecedented and unpremeditated before. But knowing that no all could be a teacher, I'm very thankful to Allah for giving me such valuable experience even just for two months.

 Last but not least, to all my colleagues, remain consistent with "never give up attitude" and be optimist in particular in educating our Muslim generation, and to all my beloved students, study hard and always aim to be brilliant and successful in life. My pray, I hope brightness of your brain, maturity of your emotion, and nobility of your characters are nurtured. amiiin...

Especially to 2 EPISCIA, 2 MAWAR, 2 ANGGERIK, 1 EPISCIA, 1 AKASIA and all students SMK BANDAR BARU PUTRA, Good Luck and I love you all so much… =)

BOOK REVIEW “MALAY BUSINESS”

 I would like to use this opportunity to discuss about the idea of this book that I have read it a few weeks ago. The book written by Dato’ Shukor Omar is a one of my favorite books that I have ever read during my lifetime.

 According to his writing, he would like to address the broader picture of the Malays and their business life. The development of Malay entrepreneurship in the past was thwarted by colonialism. Western colonialism had ended free trade and the spirit of entrepreneurship for the early Malay traders and Malay society at large. They continued to seek new opportunities to expand their economic interest, possibly through higher social status acquired from increased wealth derived from new colonies.

 The Culture of the Malays and their failure to acquire Islamic values compatible to the values of success had contributed to their failure in business life. Being Muslim, Malay economic and political survival cannot be divorced from other Muslim-dominated states in this era of globalization and the bigger issue of Islamic unity.

 The call for Muslim solidarity had been long recognized by Muslim community leaders. Finally, the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) was formed in 1972 with its headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Muslim majority countries are loosely affiliated through the OIC and are mainly dominated by Arabic speaking nations. Arabs have a superiority complex over non-Arabs speaking Muslim countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Nigeria and others.

 The billions of US dollars accumulated from the oil wealth of the OIC countries only suggest that a divided wealth and the monopolization of wealth by some ‘Prince’ and ‘Emirs’ are of no help to Islamic unity and economic strength. The only power that the OIC has is the ‘oil power’, which should be used to the common benefit of the ummah, while its sovereignty is still in tact.

 Meanwhile, the author also proposes a model for the development of successful entrepreneurship. Understanding the basic theories may help to advance understanding of the subject and its requirements for successful entrepreneurship.

 As a conclusion, the future of the Malays lies in their character and personal integrity compatible to the values of success. No amount of economic assistance could redeem their failure in business unless the transformation of their character and values take place. The Malays must learn and discover themselves from the inside out. Any change must come from the inside of the individual, not by being forced from the outside if its to be long lasting and meaningful. These requirements will spur Malay survival and success in terms of their spiritual, political and socioeconomic well-being.