1.1 The Squabble
It was reported that Malaysia will start talks with Indonesia to bridge cultural differences following a squabble last October over a popular folkslore song, Rasa Sayang. The Song, Rasa Sayang which Indonesians claim as their own but was used by Malaysia in a tourism campaign. The spat sparked calls for a boycott of Malaysian products in Indonesia. Boycott? Over a song? Talk about nationalistic pride!
Indonesians believes the song originated from its eastern islands of Maluku, as the lyrics of the Indonesian version suggest, while Malaysians say they have been singing the song since they were young. Which is true. I was singing that song as far as i can remember!
One thing i admire most about Indonesians, when comes to national pride, they are ever ready to act! Malaysia? We kow-tow to Singapore regarding the scenic bridge and later we lost Pulau Batu Putih, again to Singapore. What did our leaders do? It's a Win-Win situation!
1.2 Eminent Persons Group (EPG)
This was set up by the Malaysian and Indonesian leaders in July. It will start initial discussions in late August in Jakarta to review history, misperceptions and efforts to increase people to people contact. It's a programme to promote understanding between our two nations. This is good news. Actually this programmes already exist and was initiated by former leaders of our two nations.
The programmes were put aside and was forgotten after one of the initiators, former Indonesian president Suharto, stepped down.
1.3 Warta Serumpun.
Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) and Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI) have embarked on a joint programme to produce a joint news bulletin known as 'Warta Serumpun'. For the time being, the programme is being broadcast on weekends and this would be extended further from time to time based on technical capability.
2. Olympic Medals for Malaysia.
Malaysia took another silver and two bronze medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It all came from the Wushu competition.
Chai Fong Ying added a silver and the two bronzes came from Pui Fook Chien and Diana Bong. Congratulations!
Does this means Chai Fong Ying will get Dato'ship? Gold please! Anybody!
3. Malaysia: Peace Mediator
The head of the leading Muslim rebel group in the Philippines said he asked Malaysia to revive stalled peace talks with Manila to end weeks of brutal fighting.
Malaysia has been hosting peace negotiations between the Philippines and the MILF. Actually the peace process broke down when Malaysia decided to pull-out from being the peace mediators. Malaysia and Mindanao are somewhat kindred spirits.
The Muslims of Mindanao wants autonomous rule and special rights to their ancestral domain. Sounds Very familiar doesn't it. After all, they are all decendants of the Sulu Sultanate.
4. Malaysia Cuts Fuel Prices
Malaysia cut fuel prices earlier than planned after inflation accelerated. People should know that consumer prices rose 8.5 percent in 2007 and the government expects a 7.8 percent increase this year. The fact is that the current inflation pressures are perceived to be inflicted by government policies.
Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah announced a 5.6 percent cut in gasoline prices and a 3.1 percent reduction in diesel costs bringing forward a plan to start monthly adjustments in September that would fix local gasoline prices at 30 sen below market rates per liter.
RON97 gasoline will cost 2.55 ringgit a liter, down 15 sen, and diesel will be priced at 2.50 ringgit a liter, 8 sen cheaper than the current price. The government promise that the price of gasoline won't exceed 2.70 ringgit a liter this year.
Actually, the cut in fuel prices will help to stabilize the inflation rate and reduce pressure on the central bank to raise interest rates. Bank Negara hasn't raised borrowing costs since 2006. We can now expect interest rates to rise.
Apparently the government gave something and they took something back. Lower the prices of fuel then increased the interest rates. Is it me or we win or loose actually? Looks like it would be almost the same either way.
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