comments: Decision to implement selective currency control is indeed a good one. Eventhough many analyst especially western analyst said that it will not work but I personaaly think it will work. Of course now no body want to publish what I said just because I am not an analyst. However, the fact remain that this turmoil is caused by hedge funds and greedy international banks. Now i guess may people realised that they have caused all this trouble. Ironically still IMF backs by american say that hedge fund is nothing to do with this , they want to potray corruption, nepotism , and transparency is the cause of all this . But they are wrong , they think people are stupid , they think we are stupid that's why they talk a lot of nonsense. If they an advocate of anti corrution/nepotism and transparency , why they invest in MALAYSIA in the first place ?? Why good businessman will not do that . That show they are hypocrite and we as a nation has our own soveriegn right to do whatever we can including whatever control to contain this from degrading and punishing our country. The sacking of Anwar maybe a good thing as he act like an IMF puppet same like Richard Butler act as an US puppet in UNSCOM. Insyaallah we will prevail.

comments: I give my total and undivided support to our beloved PM Dr Mahathir. He is a the true leader of Malaysia. His wisdom in managing the country for the past 17 years has helped all Malaysians achieve their fullest. Most Malaysians are now vocal, brave and creative. Inferiority complex are now a thing of the past. I am very proud of Malaysia created by Dr Mahathir who I believe is a very good manager. He runs the country just like a good company. Like sacking his deadwood officers like Anwar and getting the best advisors like Salomon Barney. I thank you Dr Mahathir for your dedication throughout the years and I pray for your good health. Don't worry, the majority is behind you.

comments: I am proud of our success in every field . Be it economic, social, education, sports we has done our best and proved Malaysia Boleh.

The current crisis will fade away if we stand united and be focussed. Even though some of our learned citizens tends to inclined towards negative aspects in economic and political issues the silance majority knows what is the best for our country and are fully focussed.

What we achieved the last 15 years is no miracle.It is the art of plan your work and work your plan with dedication. WE have a able leadership to lead and as responsible citizens if we remain focussed and work with total dedication and with love of our country I am sure we will come out of this financial crisis and the wawasan 2020 will be achived by 2010.

Thanks.c

comments: I am proud of our beloved Prime Minister, whom being a true Statesman sat through Al Gored's speech with a smile on his face. He didn't react nor retaliate at his press conference later on. True enought Al Gore made a fool of himself at the ABEC dinner! Finally, the devil come in it's true form! Most of all the speech was so taste less that he can't go through the first course and has to go out to PUKE!!

comments: Hi there,

Currently, I'm a furthering my education for a Bachelor's degree in the University of San Diego. I major in Economics and will be a senior next Spring. I'm really happy to see this new site appeared on the Yahoo links. Well, may I thank you for your brialliant creation of this website.

One year passed since the financial turmoil hits Malaysia , and I'm sure all our curious Malaysians have been following the Asian crisis intensely, hoping a recovery to our once high growth and economic stability. Frankly, I believed that capital controls will work in our country. Given the low external debt to be serviced, high savings rate and work ethic. We will brace the storm effectively. Malaysia obviously do not need the kind of financial aid like those prescribe by the IMF. Bare in mind, we are an emerging economy and a restructuring on our economic policy by IMF would mean following our once conservative growth again. Some might think that it's unwise for high economic grow now since the others are slumping, the market is weak and so. But, this a CONTAGION effect. It does not reflect our 'real' economy at all. Maybe we do have some increment in the Current Account Deficit and some inefficiency in the capital utilization. But outs is not at all bad compared to the other countries. We don't need restructuring and those stringent guidelines by IMF. I believe Dr. Mahathir made the right move. He didn't have much choice then. A further delay would mean more outflow of capital. It is understanable for foreign investors to be unhappy with such guidelines. But, let's bare this hardship together with us, 'the peace-loving Malaysians'. We don't mean to take advantage of anyone but for the welfare of our economy. Furthermore, the capital control is meant to curb the easy outflow of short-term portfolio. Malaysia still have a very attractive market as for 'Serious' investors. The recent approval of more foreign equity ownership is one of the obvious more by Malaysia to protect 'serious' investors. So, let's give it a try for this capital control. Dr. Mahathir has done a lot for us. I'm not sure who's right or who's wrong as in the political front. But, let's leave it to the lawful ones to decide. Let's not take things in our own hands. As an economist, I strongly believe that political upheaval will do more damage than good to the country. If we want to change the government, let's do it the proper way, through elections and fair competitions. Malaysia is a democratic country. We have the international community watching the system. That we can do it in the upcoming election.

But, for now, let's work hard and redeem our once respectable growth and political stability. Love Malaysia!!!

Regards from San Diego,
TJTeh
11/23/98
3.30pm

comments: Baik apa bangsa kita sekalipun di Malaysia ini, kita telah membuktikan bahawa kita boleh maju sebagai bangsa Malaysia sebelum ini tanpa perlu dibantu oleh negara-negara Barat terutama Amerika Syarikat. Pergi berambuslah denga ucapan Al-Gore, mahupun kroni-kroni mereka di bumi hijau bertuah ini, yang sanggup merendahkan martabat bangsa Malaysia sebagai bangsa yang bermaruah, di atas nama keadilan dan kebenaran, kononnya. Apa yang Amerika tahu tentang kebenaran dan keadilan. Hidup Malaysia dan PM kita, Go to Hell with America and their cronies in Malaysia. Allah Selamatkan Kami!

comments: Syabas di ucapkan kpd kerajaan Malaysia khususnya PM tersayang. The silent majority tidak memerlukan reformasi politik....yg kami perlukan adalah pertumbuhan ekonomi spt sebelum Julai 1997.Kami rakyat Malaysia memberikan sepenuh kepercayaan kpd kerajaan pimpinan Dr Mahathir dlm menangani masalah ekonomi mahupun politik. Hidup Mahathir! Hidup UMNO!!!!

As a businessman, I totally support Dr Mahathir's currency control measures. The measures have successfully minimized the economic uncertainties in Malaysia. Businesses can now move again. Anwar is behaving like the West although he was never educated in the West. I was educated in the USA but will never bow to the west because they have been oppressing Asians especially Malaysians for hundreds of years. Now they respect our tiny nation but they have found a new weapon to colonize us again, ANWAR. Since they cannot do it from the outside, they are trying very hard to do it from the inside. This is actually an old strategy. I hope the millions of Malaysians will see this and MUST resist at all costs. ANWAR MUST GO AND MUST BE ISOLATED so that he will not cause further damage to the integrity and honor of our beloved nation, MALAYSIA.

comments: I, like most Malaysians support the leadership of Dr Mahathir. No matter what the foreigners and other disloyal citizens say, I am not going to budge from my stand. Dr Mahathir's untiring efforts to revive the economy, will succeed. I think that he is the only old leader in the world who works so hard to prosper its citizens. I totally support you Dr Mahathir and I hope that you take care of your health. Wassalam.

comments: MALAYSIA BOLEH!!!

That battle cry will help Malaysia triumph, not only at SUKOM 98, but also in our hour of turmoil.

Forever we will remember SUKOM 98. It was the turning point for Malaysia. We made the staggering discovery that we BOLEH, that we are capable.

SUKOM 98 made many cry aloud, "I am so proud to be MALAYSIAN". Suddenly, KLIA, KLCC, MSC become so meaningful and important to us.

Like SUKOM 98, they are all symbols of MALAYSIA BOLEH!

comments: I think that malaysia is a beautiful place and the PM is doing the outmost greatest thing in trying to revive the ailing economy. HIDUP MAHATHIR !!!!

comments: I pledge my support to the government and I'm 100% behind Datuk Seri Mhathir. I think he is the best thing that ever happens to this country especially to the Malays and also to all the other races who has live in this country with PEACE until the issue of MUSANG BERJANGGUT(ANWAR IBRAHIM) comes along. I don't think he is fit to lead this country because he is a man with no PRINCIPLE AND INTEGRITY. !!!!!!!!!!!

comments: I believe in this country and I will go on supporting the government until after such time that the government no longers cares for it's people.

I believe Dr.Mahathir is sincere in trying to revive th economy of this country despite the political turmoil he is facing right now.

I have lived in so many parts of the world but I guess not even one country is like Malysia. It is the best, the safest and the most friendly and beautiful country.

I'm PROUD to be MALAYSIAN and I want to say to those who choose to smear the image of Malaysia should try living somewhere else.

They should THANK GOD that they are living in this beautiful country.

comments: What will Malaysia be without our beloved Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir! He rule this country with passion and love for the people. If for any other politician, one would have already sit back and enjoy one own so call "success", But not for this Malay Worrier whom kept marching on. Myself being a Malaysian Chinese, I consider myself a crony even being part of our country's success. I have sleepless night thinking what will we do without the old Doctor? Long Live Dr Mahathir!!!!

comments: I was really stunned with the ability of Prime Minister Mahathir to give smooth answer and explainations during live interview by the local journalist after the imposition currency controls and some other measures on September 1st, something that I do not expect from the previous ex Finance Minister. This showed that the Prime minister Mahathir is knowledgable of economic matters at a very detail, not just political matters like majority of others. I personally against the prescription given by the IMF as the orthodox solutions touted by the body is outdated and somehow even outrageous.

However blaming foreigners and speculators are not wise and for sure is not the real solution and being an open economy with small domestic demand, this can be dangerous to the Malaysian economy.Creating rows and overly sensitive to small issues with our neighbours (and it happened to be our largest trading partners) will not help either. Mahathir administration should settle some small issues quietly and matured manner. At some stage I even suspected these issues were brought on purpose to divert the attention of the public from other sensitive issues. If these this a case, I would like the authority to invent other issues, such as La Nina which so far has worked.

Before blaming speculators and foreigners as the prime reason behind the current economic mishap, we should carefully examine what is the real reason behind this. The illustration of what had happened was that we ourselves chose to move at the cliff and these speculators took the opportunity to push us down below. The big question is why we must sit right on the cliff?. Why we are not preparing ourselves. Why don't we set up government sponsored hedge fund instead to counter attack these speculators. Keep blaming these foreigners will do more harm than good.

Whatever it was, what has been done is done but now we must concentrate our full resources to build back the economy.Reformasi or whatever it was for sure is a waste of our scarce resources. Just look at our neighbour. They are succesfull in reforming their government but look at their economy, is there any improvement? Its crony economies that had built the country, not transparency. Foreigners keep bringing their capital to the country eventhough they are fully aware of these crony capitalisme.Crony capitalisme are Asian values and all these while we are flourished under it. Ask foreigners, is there anything wrong with the crony thing?.

To ensure speedy recovery of the economy we must gain the confidence from the international community. We are fully aware that financial market are the matters of PERCEPTION, so make sure that we build back the perception of these foreigners. We need their capital to build back the economy as the so called economic miracle enjoyed by the country for the past ten years was financed by these foreigners not by local domestic fund. Furthermore, some available domestic fund that we have should be channeled to build exportable products.

Contrary to the previous ex Finance Minister who suggested that the government and the general public to do more savings during the economic downturn, I beleive that this is the time to increase consumption to stimulate economy. Savings should only be done when we have a lot of money i.e when the economy is good. But under the leadership of Mahathir, the recent steps taken has shown that the authority is now trying to stimulate the domestic demand of which I feel oblige to congratulate.

Food, has been identified as one of our major import items, common to underdeveloped countries. The idea is fill our stomach first before doing other jobs. We will feel stronger and could work harder if our stomach is full.Most developed countries are self sufficient to provide food to their own people. Now is the time to reduce our dependence to foreign food. All this while the country has neglected the agriculture sectors something that one day might be fatal to the economy. Even University Pertanian Malaysia has changed to other name as the name is kind of disgrace to the students. Various agencies and funds to promote the production of local food can be described as not strong and serious enough to produce more food to local citizen.We should create one agency, respectable and strong enough, if possible as strong as MOF to address this food problem. To simplify the matter just set a regulations for banks to dispose 10% or whatever percentage of their loans to food sectors.

Lastly, I do suggest our economy to specialize. Our scarce resource can be fully utilized at the optimum level if we specialize.Theres a lot of sectors that we are strong at, marketing or banking for example, or some other sectors that the authority thinks fit.

I fully support the measures taken by our government to overcome the economics turmoil. Malaysia Boleh!!

I really appreciate on your effort to give the information on the government effort to solve the economic problem. As compared to other website this is the best web that I ever seen especially about our country. As you know during current situation a lot of websites exist in the internet but mostly to condemn people in fact we are all Muslim, we cannot condemn people to hard on what wrong he or she had done but we must pray for them.

TQ.

Dear Sir,

re: the currency turmoil and economics crisis. During the collapsed of the Asean currency , I was in my second year studying in uk, with the bank loan and overdraft facilities from the local banks back home. When the strict measure imposed by the imf/anwar ibrahim, they increased the interest rates and my retired family ended up received the pension money roughly about 200rm, less, at time. And the other person whom i ASK TO BE MY GUARANTOR HAS GOT TO TOP UP MONEY THEIR OWN MONEY JUST BECAUSE MY FATHER 'S PENSION WAS JUST TOO LITTLE. IN THE MEAN TIME, I NOTICED THERE'S A LOT OF NEGATIVE REPORTS ABT MALAYSIAN ESPECIALLY ABT THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS,BEING COMMENTED ABROAD. WE HAD SO FAR NO GOOD NEWS EXCEPT ONE ABT THE REPORT THAT ANWAR HAD NEGLECTED HIS HUMAN RIGHT PRACTISE, WHILE IN POWERBUT NOW HE'S SEEKING THE PEOPLE SUPPORT ABT HIS OWN RIGHTS. THAT'S IS THE OMNLY REPORT I EAD SO FAR WHILE I'M STILL ABROAD. MY MESSAGE TO YOU , WHOMEVER WORKING SLEEEPLES NIGHT ANALYZING THE CURRENT MATTERS , TO FIT THE POLICY SO AS TO BE UPDATED INORDER TO AVOID FURTHER CHAOS, I APPRECIATE THAT VERY MUCH. THE BASIC MONETARY POLICY IMPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT NOW SO FAR WORK FOR PEOPLE FROM LOWER INCOME STATUS TO HI LEVEL. AT LEAST I WOULD SAY NOW, AT LEAST INSTEAD OF PAYING THE INTEREST RATES HI, WITH THE LOWER INTEREST RATES CHARGED BY BUSINESS AND BANKS, AT LEASST SMALL ANCHOVIES LIKE MY FAMILIES SURVIVED. FACING THE DECREASED RINGGIT AGAINST THE £STERLING, I HAVE TO EAT TOAST AND RUNNING EVERYDAY EVERY 4 HOURS TO RENEW THE SHORT LOAN. tHIS IS JUST TO GET EDUCATED . Trouble getting reduction for tuition fees, result being witheld just because i default my final semester fees. Despite what had happened the fixed exchange rate has proved good so far as other s like my case could continue studies. note that the labour government is actually giving order to local council not issue any permit to work, with higher interest rate, all these, problem, I can't ask money from hoem. Now situation back home are much better than before. tHANKS TO THE IMPLEMENTATIONOF THE FIXED EXCHANGED RATE. I NEVER EVER QUESTION MY COUNTRY MOTIVES ESP IN DEALING WITH ANY MATTERS ABT OUR RIGHTS AND SENSITIVE ISSUE. MALAYSIA IS A COUNTRY WHERE I WAS BORN AND GREW UP, BUSUK 2 PUN IBARAT DARAH DAGING KITA. IN THE LONG RUN , WE HAVE TO BEHAVE WELL INORDER NOT TO BE A CLOWN. PLS. DO SOMETHING ABT THE FOLKS AT THE VILLAGE AND PENSIONER WHO 'S MOST OF THE TIME LOST TOUCH WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD. LIKE MY FATHER. THEY HAVE GOT NO ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AND IF EVER THEY HAVE, THEY 'RE JUST NOT BOTHERED. THEY READ WHATIS PRODUCED AND THEY JUST BELIEVED THE JANGGUT SEJEMPUT TU CAKAP SENGAU ARAB, BACA KHUTBAH , TU DAH ORANG ALIM. SO WE NEED TO HAVE SOME ONE TO TALK ESPECIALLY THE UMNO FOLK, TO GO TO THE KAMPUNG YANG JAUH 2 I LUAR BANDAR AND THEY 'LL APPRECIATE THAT AND THE EXPLANATION WILL CLEAR OF EVERYTHING EVEN THOUGH THE WHOLE FAMILY OR CRONY OF ANWAR, A BUNCH OF KARPAL SINGH ALIKE, IF THEY ARE APPROACHED AND THOROUGHLY EXPLAIN, INSYALLAH WE WILL MAINTAINED THEIR VOTE FOR THE NEXT ELECTION. i'M NOT A FAN OF ANWAR, BUT I OPENED THEIR WEBSITE , THEY WERE SO KASAR AND RUDE WITH THEIR LANGUAGE. I DON'T KNOW IF THESE PEOPLE RUN THE COUNTRY , NAUZUBILLAH, IKUT SESUKA HATI AJA. WHAT EVER IT IS MY HIGHEST APPRECIATION FOR THE LEADER , AND THE TEAM WHO WORKS HARD TO MAINTAINED THE ECONOMY FROM COLLAPSING FURTHER. LASTLY, GOOD LUCK ,AND FOR MYSELF I GIVE MY PLEDGE AND SUPPORT FOR THE GOOD CAUSE. INSYAALLAH, OUR COUNTRY 'LL MANAGED,.KITA BOLEH

From: AHMAD

comments: Bravo..continue yr good lob. We need more positive things in the net concerning our country, instead of all those negative material especially on the issues of Anwar.

From: JPYL

comments: I am one of the silent majority who wish not to be silent anymore. I love my country Malaysia and it really sadden me to know there are people who totally disregard the rule and law of this country. I totally agree with our beloved Prime Minister that mob rule cannot bring down the existing Government which is democratically elected by the majority and I am one of the majority who have elected this Government. Any dissatisfacttion should be at the ballot box and not through weekend street demonstration. I sincerely hope and pray that the organisers of this annoying street demonstartion will come to their senses soon and do not be such a coward opportunists. They should instead channel their energy and effort in helping the Government in overcoming the economic downturn. For the sake of our children and future generations, please do not destroy Malaysia that we all love and proud of.

From: SUPPAYAH

comments: MALAYSIA VALGA MALAYSIA VALARGA GOD WILL DEFINITELY HELP THIS COUNTRY IT IS DESTINED THAT MALAYSIA WILL BE SUCCESSFUL MALAYSIA CAN WITHSTAND ANYTHING AS LONG AS THE POLITICAL STABILITY IS MAINTAINED

From: MICHEAL NG

comments: Whatever measures taken and implemented by our leaders I fully support whole heartedly!. I pray for good health the good health of our Prime Minister to be able to see through his measures are implemented successfully !

LONG LIVE MALAYSIA......

From:YK

comments: Dear Malaysia,

My best wishes for Dr. Mahathir and those who are struggling hard for the 21 million Malaysians. I am unable to contribute directly but my prayers and supports for the Government will be strongly enhanced. May God bless Malaysia. And hopefully 'ong' will be with Mahathir Administration.

Malaysia Boleh!!!

From: SERBAN MERAH

comments: The problems facing by Malaysia, believe me, its only temporary.As long as Malaysia is headed by our beloved Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir, we will go through with flying colours. My only worries if the economic turmoil which started in asian countries, will spread throughout the whole world and in the end the world monetary system will collapsed. Then, those having tons of golds will rule the world. My only hope is our beloved Prime Minister will have enough gold reserve to make Malaysia the new Superpower in the next millineum. From my intelligence network, Dr.Mahathir is the man responsible .........

From: SURIA

comments: Dr. Mahathir...we love you and need you, now more than ever, to lead the country out of the economic crisis. All that you had said over the past one year had proven to be right. When you blamed the currency traders, the international community scoffed at you, but look at what all are saying now! You are one of the few third world leaders who dare to speak against western imperialism, about oppression of the powerful against the weak, about the need for an international currency regime.......etc..etc. For all these and many more, and for all that you stand for, I salute you and hope that you will lead the country as long as you can.

From: RAHMATULLAH

comments: I am proud of our success in every field . Be it economic, social, education, sports we has done our best and proved Malaysia Boleh.

The current crisis will fade away if we stand united and be focussed. Even though some of our learned citizens tends to inclined towards negative aspects in economic and political issues the silance majority knows what is the best for our country and are fully focussed.

What we achieved the last 15 years is no miracle.It is the art of plan your work and work your plan with dedication. WE have a able leadership to lead and as responsible citizens if we remain focussed and work with total dedication and with love of our country I am sure we will come out of this financial crisis and the wawasan 2020 will be achived by 2010.

Thanks.

From:LOH CHOA MENG

comments: I give my undivided support to my country that I love. Dr. Mahathir, you are my adorable, respected and admired Prime Minister.I salute you Yang Terhormat for your bold economic measures.It will certainly works and I believe our economy will definitely recover.

One of the loyal Malaysian born.