So, Is Malaysia Going Bankrupt Or Not?

Extracted from The Malaysian Insider.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — The government is considering moving the Parliament to the Putrajaya administrative capital, a move which could cost up to RM800 million...

The minister said another option would be to refurbish the existing building, which would cost substantially less than a new construction.

“We would need the RM150 million for upgrading [works], like fixing the roof and the electricity supply.

“While for the construction of a new Parliament [building], we might need RM800 million. So we will consider on the best proposal,” Nazri said.

Read more here: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/parliament-may-move-to-putrajaya/

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — The new Istana Negara in Jalan Duta will now cost more than RM800 million, and not RM400 million as announced by the government in 2006.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng said the cost includes the construction of a new RM130 million flyover leading to the palace in Jalan Duta, and upgrading works on Jalan Changkat Semantan costing RM32.5 million.

He added that the flyover project and the road upgrading works were awarded to Ahmad Zaki Resources and Kejuruteraan Kenari respectively through direct negotiation.

Read more here: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/rm800m-bill-for-new-istana-negara/

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz admitted today that the government did not have the “capacity” to finance the studies of the growing pool of bright students in the country.

The minister in the prime minister’s department said the public would just have to accept the reality of the situation although it was an unpopular decision.

“We have to tell the truth. We just cannot afford it. Just like how a parent cannot afford to send their children abroad to further their studies, the government cannot afford it."

Read more here: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/nazri-putrajaya-has-no-funds-for-bright-students/

JUNE 16 — One day we will be bankrupt in 2019. The next day we won’t be.

One day we have to remove subsidies to stay afloat. The next day we are thinking about building a new Parliament house at the cost of RM800 million.

One day the core proposals of the New Economic Model (NEM) are outlined to great fanfare. The next day these proposals are labelled as a mere trial balloon.

One day sport betting is allowed. The next day nobody is sure anymore.

One day the prime minister pledges to assist youths who are willing to work hard to succeed. The next day it seems that the government does not have the money to do so.

Hello, is there anybody at the wheel in Putrajaya?

Read more here: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/breakingviews/is-there-anybody-at-the-wheel-in-putrajaya-david-d.-matthew/