Songs We Sung Before With Desperation, But Now With Hope and Joy

You cannot possibly get the lyrics to totally be in sync with what Malaysia just went through. There are enough parts in these songs for us to sing with gusto.

Singapore My Friend

Singapore, you are our sibling. By proximity, by the number of Malaysians working there, by the number of brain drain cases, and many of us have relatives living in each other's country. We thought that maybe you would be happy for us now that we have changed government, but there are things said and done that maybe you wanted a weak Malaysia to deal with. That you may continue to siphon the brains and resources.

The Straits Times interview: Just come out and be clean.

https://www.malaymail.com/s/1637629/the-edge-keeps-up-war-with-singapore-paper-over-justo-interview?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan today (June 1) openly threatened Malaysia vowing to make Malaysia pay for expenses in addition to the contracted compensation clause of US$125 million:

“Should Malaysia cancel the project, Singapore will study the implications and exercise its rights – including any right to compensation for expenses – in accordance with the terms of a bilateral agreement signed in 2016.”

https://thecoverage.my/news/singapore-transport-minister-will-make-malaysia-pay-remove-hsr-openly-threatened-malaysia/

Wh can't you be happy for us? I am reminded that most of the pronouncements and reforms undertaken by the new government ARE EXACTLY the things many Singaporeans are craving for Singapore. Are you afraid that the new lease of people power and democracy in Malaysia will cause more Singaporeans to "demand for the same"?

Pragmatism is fine. But above pragmatism are fairness, justice and human rights. Why be so vigilant with the HSR cancellation? Singapore would immediately win a lot of goodwill just by scraping any penalty on that case. Its such a small amount but it pays strong long term dividends for both countries. Its an acknowledgment that the contract was undertaken by questionable motives by the previous government. Its not like we want to cancel HSR to spite Singapore. Just roll with it. Its a small price to Singapore.

Ideas For Harapan Fund

When I heard the formation of Harapan Fund, I thought it must be a joke. It would take a lot from Malaysians to even get to RM1bn, and we are talking of RM1,000bn here. After mulling for a while, I think its a splendid idea:

a) we need to stop any other fake funds from duping the public for the same cause

b) no matter how little each of us contribute, we need to feel we have the same vision and hope to "right" the government finances

c) if we say, my one contribution will not matter... thats the same as saying my one vote won't matter ... it is our every "one vote" that carried democracy and brought about a change in government in spite of outrageous gerrymandering and other obstacles stacked against us

d) we are reminded of the great outpouring of support by the South Koreans during their financial crisis... they netted over US$2bn... its not the sum, its the solidarity


There was a cunning snippet suggesting that each TanSri contribute RM10m, and each Datuk RM1m each.  I would go further and suggest that all official billionaires in Malaysia contribute RM100m.


We can make this a joyful task. Some F&B outlet has started already. Do a promotion... if you eat at XYZ, the outlet will contribute RM1 for each patron to the fund. Malindo has started a similar scheme for 3 months, RM1 for every passenger.

Marathons and half marathons should be sponsored for the Harapan Fund cause. When we have dinners/reunions/birthdays, do a special round of fund raising for Harapan Fund.

I am thinking of roping a few to shave our heads bald. If each person can get 100 sponsors RM10-100, its a fun way to raise funds.

Let's all try and make this a merry, muhibbah event.

Should We Buy "Tainted" Counters

There's basically no better way to describe these counters. Tainted might be least offensive word. To all investors, again many will go back to the crudest, simplest form of decision making - anchor and adjust. We anchor on what we know, and adjust for new information.

Hence something that was 3.60 before the election and now stands at 1.60 looks mighty tempting. But we also know the new paradigm will also means that to get back to the 3.60 is almost inconceivable.

Glory to the risk takers. These counters will have a lot of volatility, downs and rebounds. Rumours and newsflow will be flying like fake news in a thunderstorm of hope and lies. Day traders and prop traders will love these counters, hence beware of getting caught by them.


What Might Happen To Them

- These counters while tainted, are not like BN appointees whom you can just fire. If they are found to be in cohorts with previous government in doing "illegal activities" such as: collusion, bid rigging, over pricing, rebates, unjustified commissions, bribery, circumventing laws or approval processes, cosy monopolies, highly preferential awardment of contracts, etc. Hence construction firms, if hit, will be gravely affected owing to the large sized contracts and.or dependence on certain personalities/unit. The trouble with construction firms is that there is little in ways of differentiation. Most can do most type of construction. Unless you have specific expertise (deep tunneling etc..).. the more you will be at the mercy of the new paradigm.

- There are some counters that have a decent business model going. Even if they were tainted, the business might still be good. To that end, there will be no need to reinvent the wheel, but if the owners are not deemed as "suitable owners" going forward, one sense that these counters may be "persuaded" to sell to a GLC. However, let's not kid ourselves, the price won't be fair or high.


Conclusion

I will stay away from tainted counters till there is a firm hint of change in ownership. Otherwise if you must, treat them as quick punts... and be good at trading.