Su Ern gets married today and is now Mrs. Goh

She is now Mrs. Goh

Yes, its Boxing Day where you get your boxes removed after unwrapping them.  For others, its really a day to watch that two fighter in a square ring!

For me, its the wedding of Su Ern.

Su Ern's mother, Pauline on the left

I watch her grow from our cell group's  children section.

She's now an English teacher, a subject very close to my heart. As for her hubby, he is an accountant just like my children.

Dinner was nice, the red wine was nicer.

Su Zhen, Su Ern's brother is on the right

It was a great Boxing Day for me in 2015.

Here are some photos......

Presents from Janice and Kian Ru

The impressively designed card cover

25th December is a very well celebrated day fore whatever reason.

For me, this year it took added significance because two former students, Janice and Kian Ru (two sisters) gave me a Christmas present each.

A Caricature of me teaching literature...

They were lovely presents-indicative of life itself.

Kian Ru gave me a box of Ferraro Roche-reminiscent of the movie, Forest Gump -"Life is like a box of chocolate-you never know what you are going to get".

The Heartfelt Message from Kian Ru

Janice's present was a box of Danish cookies-again, reminding me of life being similar to the wise saying of likening it  to life ---- how will  the cookie crumble for you.

Great Christmas gifts for one with a sweet tooth such as I.

While Janice is an intern doing some work in design and intending to pursue a degree in it, Kian Ru has now decided to take the CAT route to an Accounting career.

Sisters Two

I thank them for their presents.

Most of all I love the Christmas card, the sisters sent.

The design and drawings were likely by Janice (it was professional!) while the heartfelt message was from Kian Ru.

Both are daughters of Jesslyn whom I taught pro bono at DUMC Adult English class.

Believe me, I have taught English to Kian Ru from Std 4 up to Form Five.

I hope it will pay off with her getting a good grade possibly a distinction in English 1119.

All's in the hand of Almighty God but privately it will be good for my feelings of achievement!

Amen.

A Red Letter Day for My Family

God Blessings!

I praise the Lord. For He has answered my prayers.

Today is a red letter day for my family.

I feel the burden taken off from my weary shoulders onto His yoke.

My son commenced his working life today (16 December 2015).

He is hired as an accounts assistant by a leading ICSA firm.

With my daughter working for a PLC, my cup runneth over.......

Praise be to the Lord again.

Amen

Cataracts, Retina Tears and Other Concerns

About a month ago (November 2015) or so, I suddenly realised it was not by spectacle lens which were dirty. Looking out doors, I saw a black smear on my left eye. It appeared like a dead mosquito lying in my field vision. A few days later, I say similar smears in my right eye vision. There were more of them. My worries started. What were these?

So, I went to the hospital without delay. Fortunately, I met my friend's daughter who works in the Ophthalmology Department at Universiti Hospital.  The first appointment did not give me clear ideas of what these smears were. I was told that I had cataracts. The right eye had 15% more floaters compared to my left eye.

So, coming home, I went to You-tube to understand better what are floaters and what are the flashes that I got as well.

Last week and today morning I went to see my eye doctor again to allay my fears as the flashes were of some concern.

After checking my eyes, she came to the conclusion that the flashes was more to do with my vitreous humour. The vitreous on my right eyes is totally detached from the optic nerve while for the the left eye, it is semi detached. There was no indication of any retina tear which are holes in the retina. Thank God for that!

The symptoms of a retina tear are as follows:

-Increase int the multitude of floaters...like a swarm of flies
-Increased frequency in flashes
-Dark shades covering the eyes from the sides.

Once these are experienced, its time to go back to the doctor to plug the holes with a laser.

As for floaters and flashes occasioned by cataracts and vitreous humour, it's best to ignore it. By doing so, the mind  will also 'learn' to ignore it and life goes on.

I will be seeing my doctor in May 2016.

Meeting up with Dr. Chan Lean Heng on 6 September 2015

Left to Right: Standing - Yau Kok, Bala, Ken, Saik Tat and Heng. Sitting- Saras, Rani, Swee Pin, Lean Heng and Jenny

Our good friend, T Bala. organised a special dinner get-together for us  to meet up with Lean Heng who was running a workshop for LGBT in KL. It was held at the Chinese restaurant in new town with a a quaint Italian name. I will put in the name of the restaurant later.

The following 10 friends attended:

T. Bala
Mrs Bala-Mdm Saraswathy
Lee Saik Tat
Selvarani
Kenneth
Yau Kok
Lean Heng
Swee Pin
Jenny
Heng

Here are some photographs of the function.

From left: Bala, Swee Pin, Saik Tat and Lean Heng

It was the first time that I have met up with Lean Heng since 1975-a hiatus of 40 years.

Saras,  Ken,  and Bala

She has retired from lecturing in USM and is now doing community work.

Yau Kok, Jenny and  Rani

My Home Tuition Class for F5 Students.

The Trio-Tutor and Students

I have two students that did SPM this year.

Tan Kein Ru was my student since Std 4. Then, I was teaching in the DUMC church on a voluntary basis at the Excel English Class. Thought there for a year.Subsequently, her mother enrolled her for my home tuition class. Substantively, she has been with me for 7 years.

With Kein Ru

Yeo Boon Chie joined my class as a revision student for 3 months.

With Boon Chie

I do hope they will do well. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will excel in the 1119 English Paper.

Dropping by to see Father on 28 November 2015

Besides attending the function to meet up with Jerry, Rosely and the rest of the gang, my son Jonathan and me went and visited my father.

My father was glad to see us and so was Bo Kiak, my sister in law.

I brought some medicine, calendars for Bo Kiak as well as adult pampers and plastic bed protectors that will be comfortable for father when he lies on the sheet at night.

We left for home at 6 pm.

Here are some photos and a video on this  occasion.

Father explaining to me that he has difficulty speaking

I spoke to father about having more soup food and bread in the evenings

First MHS Lunch at Cititel Cafe on 7 October 2015

The ladies had their little secret topics, I am sure...

From left to right: Heng,Yakob, Penny Devahi, Fang Lan, Mr. Teh, Aktar and Dato' Sohan

Sohan and Aktar in animated conversation

We had a luncheon for our Form 6 classmates at the Cititel Cafe in Midvalley City on 7 October 2015.

We were fortunate to have Devahi and husband, Aktar, Fang Lan and husband, Mr Teh, Penny Yeo, Dato' Sohan Singh and Yakob. Imagine meeting some of our friends after some 45 years hiatus.

We shared the old times and promised to meet again sometime soon. We all had a wonderful time. We had a good time talking about the things  that had happened to us since 1971.Most of us have retired. Devahi and Aktar are still in legal practice while Dato' Sohan runs a successful real estate business and timber consultancy. I informed them that I was doing a little  English tuition while Yakob is doing some part-time consultancy as well.

Here are some of the photos and a video of that meeting.

MHS Lunch Gathering for Jerry and Rosely

It has been 45 years that I have not seen some of those 9 people who were to attend lunch that day (28 November 2015 at the Holiday Inn Es-sence Restaurant) in Melaka.

I met Eddie Chia at the lobby, He was the first to arrive before me. We remembered each other,thanks to those photos posted on our MHS Whatsapp. Then we met Rosely and Jerry. Again, no surprise as we have seen their family photographs before they set out out for Malaysia from Sydney. Next to arrive was Yoke Eng. I could not place her at first but she still looked as  pretty as she was 45 years. Had a husky voice due to an infectious throat affliction. Then came Joo Lian. Choon Seng could not remember me and mistook me for Yakob. Eugene came next. He hasn't change much.

We went up to the restaurant. Pulled  three tables together and started to talk more, as usual bringing the oh-so distant past into the present. After taking our food, conversation as usual raged on.

Then, came Matishwar Kaur. Also little changed from the past. The last to arrive was Yakob, after having being caught in a traffic jam at Melaka Jaya.

We sat, took photographs, and traded little romantic secrets of yesteryear. Sad to note that Tan Lay Seng and Foo Kok Choong passed on.

We also discuss a specific day next year to have a bigger group for lunch or dinner. The best location would be Malacca.

We broke off at 4 pm after shaking hands or hugging each other.

Here are some photos of the occasion.

Full 10 Friends who attended the Function. Left to Right: Standing:  Matishwar, Eugene, Eddie, Rosely, Jerry
Seated: left to right: Yoke Eng, Joo Lian, Choon Seng, Yakob and Heng

Before the arrival of Matishwar and Yakob

Connie passes on

Well, I must post about this hardy woman that cross path with me during the last three years.

A very down to earth lady, Connie was unmarried.

She does odd jobs and was quick to seize upon nay opportunities to make money or to get a free lunch or two.

I was told just two days ago that She passed on, on September 7th, 2015 of cervix cancer.

An affable lady, she was undoubtedly ambitious and has even invested in a house. It is fully paid and rented out in Taman Medan in the vicinity of Kg. Dato Harun.

I chanced upon Connie at some company AGMs possibly in 2012.

She was bery enterprising an operated proxy-ship to get door gifts from acquaintances.

One Day at Tong Kong

Sweet-Young -Thing taking my winning ticket

Its been truly a long time since I last posted.

Many things has happened since the last posting.

There were many dinners and the legendary not-to- be-repeated journey back to Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang and the ancillary programmes surrounding it.

But for now, let's dedicate this post to one day at Tong Kong.

Tong Kong is an electrical outlet selling Panasonic products in SS3.

Today and for the next 2 days (25-27 September) they are having a carnival.

The prices may be a few ringgit cheaper but the GST is killing!

There was a sort of loyalty prizes given when the store opened at 10 am.

We got four cans of isotonic drinks.

We had two bowls of chendol and some sampling of fruit yogurt.

After that, all three of us tested our mettle is grabbing small balloons and pieces of papers in a whirlwind glass cage.

Not easy.

While my missus and son could do it at one go, Buttercup-fingers me had to do it twice to qualify for my tub of  ice cream.

Trying to coordinate eyes and fingers with much difficulty

A pretty sweet young thing from Nestle gave me the ice-cream.

A memorable fun day.

Hit the Road, Jon!

Aceing the dreaded papers finally

Today, it is  1st August 2015.

A red-letter day.

Well, Jon made it.

My son made the cut.

As he has aced the last two professional papers- the dreaded Auditing and Taxation papers, he is now closing one chapter and opening another.

Hit the road, Jon!

Today is the day that provided you with the gateway to the Big 4s.

So, get ready to rumble, my son!

Praise the Lord. Amen!

One Day In My Life

Two and half Storey Semi- Ds in Jelutong Heights 

And so it was, one day in my life.

Today,  I accompanied Bernard on his usual  routine to look over a property for sale in Jelutong Heights and a factory for rental in Telok Gong,

I could feel the anticipative spirit in his discussions with me. He told me that though the job as a real estate negotiator can be challenging, it has its really good days.

According to Bernard, if you have staying power and are persistent, you will succeed.

He told me then that he was one of the 5% of the negotiators that still remains in the field. Most fell by the way because they lack good English skills to be able to talk meaningfully with the prospective vendor, seller and the subsequent legal dealings with SPA lawyers.

We stop by at Jelutong Heights where we put up a banner on a house for sale. Originally bought at RM 1.4 million four years back, the asking price is now RM 1.7 million.

Interestingly, I found out that the guards can really be useful and could help real estate agents by getting prospective players . So, Bernard left a few of his calling cards with them for them to 'spin some magic'.

Bernard told me some owners do not want banners on their property and so in the event that you want to put up a banner, seek the permission of the vendor first.

The Detached factory looks like this in Telok Gong

Next, we went to Teluk Gong to look at a factory. It was for rental at RM 45 thousand per month. Place was vacated by an air-condition assembly company since December 2014.

An interesting observation by Bernard was that there was just too many broker banners on the property. This will give an impression that something could be wrong with the property. The correct way is to allow only a few brokers to handle the sale or rental of the property.

Image is everything in the property market, he told me.

He then related a near success story of his to me.

 A sale fell through-he decided to forfeit the deposit of the buyer as stated in a letter of undertaking to sign the SPA by a given date. The seller refused to pay. He wanted to institute legal proceedings but then found that there would be little money left even if he could win the case.

Fortunately for Bernard, the Lord was with him and after a few months, the seller contacted him because he felt bad and that he should give Bernard some money for his effort. It was not much but it made his day.

A Real Estate Firm

I asked him whether I could become a real estate negotiator. Was there examinations to pass?

None he said. All I need was to go through an interview and in all likelihood they will sign me on.

After having a good bahkut teh meal in Klang, we went home.

One day in my life, that's today for me as I return home knowing that a new window can open for me in the realty line.

Man proposes, God disposes. Amen.

Trial Teaching of Homeschoolers

Avinesh, Joey and Company

Who are home-schoolers?

They are students whose parents have decided not to send them to the national mainstream school system.

Parents have three pathways to choose.

Send the children to international school.

Send the children to private school .

Or send them to home school.

While the international schoolers will pursue the International Baccalaureate qualification, private schools will still pursue national mainstream examinations but with a fillip towards doing other international examinations.

For the home-schoolers, they will use any established teaching curriculum and then programme themselves at their own pace to sit for the IGCSE examinations of the UK.

Those pursuing the IGCSE can apply for a local university to continue with their tertiary education-Universiti Sains Malaysia.

I started teaching English to my 7 home-schoolers in the last two weeks of June.

It is now mid July and I have done my assessment of their English level.

From next week, they will move to compound and complex sentence building.

No more simple sentence construction, per se.

2 Months and Close to RM 8,000 Gone!

Yes, it was finally over.

Almost two months' of nerve shattering pain  that have to be endured plus a substantive hive off of my meager savings.

Imagine having two second hand cars in value in my mouth!

I am definitely going to the poor house with bowl in hand in no time.

Got the permanent bridge of 7 crowns fixed permanently on 28 May 2015.

Two abutments,three crowns and two pontics.

Still trying to get used to it. Testing the under bite and overbite.

No hard biting in the area of the bridge.

Need to buy a special floss to clean the bridge.

Will buy it later.

The Most Expensive Dental Investment Ever!

A Typical Chart Explaining A Dental Bridge

As the canine on my right was badly in need of care and attention, I could no longer delay its treatment. So I went to a neighbourhood dentist to explore remedial possibilities.

Dr. Diane suggest that I re-do my current bridge. What does it entail?

I would firstly have to do a root canal treatment for the right hand side canine which to my good fortune was broken but the upper part remains intact. It will serve as an abutment for the bridge. As for the current two crowns, they will have to be filed out to be re-crowned.

The new bridge will have 6 crowns and one pontic-an empty tooth that takes the place of a missing tooth.

Two of the crowns will act as abutments for the new dental bridge. The right abutment will now anchor a post that will hold the new bridge up from its end.

The whole process will take 8 weeks as it takes 2 weeks for the permanent bridge to be moulded for it to be cemented into place.

The difference it makes to your smile!

I have spent about RM 3, 200 so far with another close to RM 3,000 to be paid within the next two weeks.

After that my top front teeth will look so much better. Hopefully, with less teeth and gum problems too!

Paying My Last Respects to Au Leck Chai

Au's Obituary from THE STAR

On 30 April 2015, together with Tan Swee Yeong and Lim Kah Kheng, I visited the late Au at the Nirvana Memorial Park at Sungai Besi.

The body was kept on Level 1 Hall No: 12 and solemnly we approached the coffin to have a glance of his remains. He looked peaceful and serene in his suit.

Talking about the circumstances of his demise with Michael, his brother in law from Seremban, I pieced together the last remaining days of brother Au.

He coughed blood after treatment in Singapore. So, he went in and out of University Hospital. He passed on at 11 am or so in the morning of 28 April 2015.

I said my prayers, floated a white flower in a bowl of water; had one long last look at his demeanor and bade him good-bye.

After a cup of coffee and ground nuts, we bade our farewell to Michael and we left Nirvana.

This morning (1 May), Prof Thiru went for Au's interment at the Nirvana facility in Shah Alam.He felt sad and dedicated two songs to Au Leck Chai. These are Tears in Heaven and Forever Young.

Goodbye good friend. Missed but not forgotten!

The Passing on of Au Leck Chai

Farewell, my friend

Yesterday, 28th April 2015 was indeed a sad day for me. My good friend, Au Leck Chai passed away.

He was in Australia when he detected a growth on his chest. A biopsy confirmed it was malignant and he was put on treatment in Malaysia.

He did another heart operation while back home and got the infected malignant issues surgically removed. Then he was on chemotherapy.

When I met him way back in 2012, he told me he was fine and playing golf regularly. He also could travel to Australia annually to visit his children.

Au has been instrumental in getting my on-off writing career started when he gave me a three year-stint in writing the Annual Performance Reports of Furniture Industry in Malaysia and World-Wide Projections.

His wake will be observed today (29 April) and tomorrow (30th April) at the Nirvana Memorial off Sungai Besi Road. On 1st May, his remains will be cremated at the Nirvana facility in Shah Alam.

The last time I met him was in Tropicana Mall about seven months back for coffee and biscuits at Coffee Bean..

Sad times for me for the passing of a monument of a friend.

Always etched in my memory with lovely thoughts.

Victim of a Clamped Car

Humbled by the Clamp

Yesterday, I parked at a corporate  designated park at Surian Tower at The Curve by sheer mistake.

There was a hanging sign above the lot.

As we parked from behind, we did not see the sign.

After returning from our trip at the shopping mall, we were shocked that the driver's side front wheel was clamped.

These Nepalese guards and park administrator cannot be convinced.

So, we paid up RM 100 to free ourselves.

Lousy feeling but a lesson to really learn.

The Height of Hypocrisy

This cartoon piece speaks volumes for the politician.

People Who We Meet and how They Shape Us

This is truly deep........deep...........deep.

Ong Lai Yuen-Gone to be with the Lord

Lai Yuen Departs

She was one of the closest to our family from the ex-CG Group of DUMC.

I remembered her fondly especially with her loving husband Eric Wong who brought her to eat the best food in the Klang Valley. They were one happy loving couple!

She was blessed with two children, Raymond and Wayne.

While Raymond was able to move forward and become a successful businessmen, Wayne who had "health problems" all his life  devoted himself to the church.

Confronted with much challenges, Lai Yuen fought cancer for some ten years before finding remission.

Not the best of health, she oftentimes found herself at UH.

On 19th March, she checked into UH as she was unwell.

Slowly, her internal organs started shutting down and she went to the Lord at 6 am on 26 March 2015.

I got the news almost at midnight on 26th March.

On 27 March, along with Jon, I went to the wake. I spoke on the kindness of Lai Yuen in my eulogy.

We contributed RM 50 pakam before leaving for home after the wake service.

Lai Yuen was 72 when she left us. She was cremated today, 28 March 2015.

I know she is now in a better place with the Lord.

A Midnight Gift

What a friend!

My benefactor called me just before midnight. He had something for me.

So he came by the house and gave me a smart-phone-a Lenovo.

I guess I owe him a fat obligation to learn how to use Whats apps and  to be more technology-savvy from now on.

22 for USM Dinner on 19th March 2015

The Group Photo

We initially got 24 persons who replied that they could attend this dinner function.

As the date drew nearer, 4 of our friends could not attend due to commitments or health reasons.

Bala was indisposed as he had a mouth injury while Kooi Ming had to go back to Sitiawan to see his mother. As for Jenny, she had a last minute invitation to a close relative's wedding which she could just not put off. Finally, Ah Kew was advised by the doctor not to travel as his health markers were not too good.

Chia and Heng

What was unique this time around was we had for the first time the attendance of Rani as well as Jimmy Fook.

As usual, there was much sharing and Lay Chooi suggested that we have another bigger do since this is the 40th year since we left USM.

We have decided that a good date would be somewhere in July.

Kee Teck, Saw Aim and Kenneth

Chew Kong Huat sponsored the dinner. We thanked him and his missus.

After dinner, a group of us adjourned for teh-tarik before calling it a night.

The friends who attended  were:

Lee Kee Teck
Ang Saw Aim
Selvarani
Kenneth
Chew Kong Huat
Mrs Chew
Toh Chee Kiang
Tan Lee Kiang
Richard Leow
Chan Yau Kok
Thoong Lay Chooi
Lai Poh Guat
Lee Saik Tat
Bernard Yeo
Yeoh Gim Ooi
Derek Teh
Catherine Yeang
Chin Swee Pin
Chia Kwang Chye
Ooi Say Chuan
Jimmy Fook
Heng

My Old Jalopy

A Bundle of Woe!

If you read literature, you would know the four stages in a play.

There is firstly, the exposition. Setting the stage so it seems with its background,place and time. The main players are introduced particularly the protagonist and antagonist.

Then, there are the events and issues that set the story moving forward-which is the second stage. It moves frenziedly upwards and hots up until a climax is reached-a breaking point-where your heart is in  your mouth-the third stage. Slowly the issues find some form of mitigation or solution and the excitement starts to dissipate-falling action-fourth stage. Finally we plateau off at the end--on the same level ground as the exposition which is the resolution stage. It's the all's well that ends well-so it seems.

But how does this relate to my car-this old jalopy that has started to be cranky-cranking up maintenance bills the likes I have seen in a long,long time.

The exposition is obviously when I bought this little baby from the shop. Then it purred like a cat as it took me on fun rides and to places ever so conveniently. It was economy in fuel and maintenance. That was the rising action. The climax is when it starts bringing mechanical problem and hit the pocket hard. Falling action is when you decide to dispose of it before it becomes an albatross around the neck. Resolution is purchasing a new car with some of the money when you sold the old jalopy. So,it's happy days again. (Even though, you have taken on a new debt!)

But, not for me.....

This old jalopy is estimated to fetch only RM 3,000 if I sell it.

But the bills for maintenance is horrendous. About 8 months ago, I bought 4 new replacement tyres, Four months back, I paid for major repairs amounting to RM 850. Last month the battery kaput!

Today, I serviced the car at RM 168 and was for-warned by my mechanic to get a stand-by cash of RM 1,100 to do major replacement of my-steering parts and its housing as well as both the front suspension-for my safety and convenience. Also its time to change the automatic transmission oil which has gone pretty dirty. This will cost another RM 200.

At the rate, I am repairing this car, it will only eat me out of home and house!

Is there already an albatross around my neck hanging like a millstone?

Biting the Bullet?

Winds of Change?

Perhaps this may be the first time that the denial syndrome of our awful education performance viz-a -viz other nations has been put aside. There is an indication that the winds may be changing.

There is also a vindication of our DPM and Education Minister that our heads cannot forever remain deep in the ground of feign ignorance.

It has come to pass. Muhyiddin at once admitted that he was shocked with the poor performance of Malaysian students in international assessment tests, despite the tons of money we have spent on education.

If, in the past, he has praised the system, today he has courageously called 'a spade a spade'.

Reports of assessment like Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) showed that the performance of Malaysian students were consistently not up to par.

Even though, our students on the surface appeared 'smart' as testified by our education system, sadly when they are asked to perform in international assessments, they failed to show that prowess. In such international assessments, Malaysian students lagged in the bottom one-third.

The Education Minister seems to have accepted the reality that something is not right with our students particularly the system that has cultured them.

In his speech today at a school in Shah Alam, though he believes that our education standards seemed alright, it is certainly not good enough.

The education system of Malaysia have seen more brickbats than accolades in international comparisons.

According to Pisa's 2012 results, Malaysian students scored below average and ranked 52 out of the 65 countries. In contrast, students in Vietnam ranked 17 out of 65.

– March 13, 2015.

The Positive Truth

Innocence

  Heavy rains remind us of challenges in life 
  Never ask for a lighter rain
  Just pray to God for a better umbrella.
  That is the attitude!

   Life is not about finding the right person
   But creating the right relationship.
   It's not how we care in the beginning
   But how much we care till the very end.

   Some people always throw stones in your path
   It depends on what you make with them
   A Wall or a Bridge?
   Remember you are the architect of your life.

   Search for a good heart
   But don't search for a beautiful face
   Because beautiful things are not always good
   But good things are always beautiful.

   It’s not important to hold all the good cards in life
   But it’s important how well you play with the cards you hold.

  Often when we lose all hope & think this is the end
  Remember God and pray
  It’s just a bend, not the end. 
  Have faith and have a successful life.

 One of the basic differences between God and humans is
 God gives, gives and forgives.
 But human gets, gets, gets and forgets.
 Be thankful in life.

 If you think it is your alarm clock that woke you up this morning
 Try putting it beside a dead body
 And you will realise that it is by the Grace of God
 That woke you up. 

What Will LPI's price ex-Bonus?

Riding A Curve Ball of Profits

Today's AGM and EGM meetings of LPI was certainly fast and furious.

It started at 11 am and the whole thing including the extraordinary meeting  finished just before 12 noon.

As usual, after the highlights of the financial year and the MSWG questions, you get only praises for Teh Hong Piow and how much money LPI is making from year to year.

So, the bonus of 1:2 has been approved by capitalising the reserves.

After a sharp fall of more than 50 sen in the morning, LPI settled at a price of RM 22 when trading stopped at 5 pm.

The bonus will go ex on 20th March and the entitlement date will be 24 March.

What would be the ex-bonus price of LPI be?

For a person holding 1000 shares, he will receive another 500 units.

RM 22,000 divided by 1,500 units comes to possibly RM 14.66 per share.

Anything above that price will be a bonanza.

Assuming that LPI goes ex- bonus at RM 15, that means a 1,500 holdings will fetch RM 22,500.

RM 500 is a small bonanza.

MOSTE Dinner 7th March 2015

Extra Supertanker Restaurant at The Club Bukit Utama

Though we had a long lead time for planning this dinner, the fall-out could be felt. From 14 persons who answered in the affirmative, we had three 'casualties' during the 24 to 48 hours.

First casualty was Ooi who came down with some health problems. Then Prof Thiru had some social engagement. Today, at the 11th hour, Daniel text that he just could not make it at the last minute.

Thank God, Boon Khee managed to whittled down the  food to  11 persons.

The food was ordered by Siok Eng and Boon Khee and it was a fresh spread suitable for our palate.

The first dish was a plate of grouper fish which was cooked to just the right texture. Taste was excellent.

Next came the tiger prawns and they did not disappoint.

Chive leaves and mushroom was next on the menu.  Taste was also up to expectations.

The venison cooked with a slight pinch of pepper was magnificent.

The braised pork that was  served subsequently was singularly great.

The kungfu chao of noodles and vermicelli was also up to the mark.

Dato' Leong brought some bottles of red wine and we all hade a swell  time enjoying the fullness and goodness of it.

Before we left, we tipped the waitress  RM 20 and promised to meet again in three months' time.

Those who attended are:

Tan Choo Lan
Lily Hor
Cindy Tan
Dato'Leong
Dato' Cheah
Loh Koh Fook
SK Soo
Teo Boon Khee
Heng
Kam Teik Beng
Dato Dr. Yap

Looking Closely of Risks for Malaysia

The above matrix is a pointer to the quo vadis of the Malaysian economy down the road. It displays the likelihood,transmission and impact of risks as well as suitable policy measures to manage these risks. The risks range from high to low.

Let us look at six indicators.

Side Effects from surge in financial volatility- High Possibility. This will invite capital reversals, the depreciation of the ringgit and falling export volumes. In the medium term the high share of foreign holdings in sovereign and BNM securities should be off-set by domestic buying. On the policy domain, stabilise the exchange rate as a shock absorber, provide liquidity support while temporary fiscal consolidation should be mounted upon well-targeted areas of the economy.

Financial Imbalances- in the medium term, the likelihood will be capital inflows and pressure on the exchange rate. Also there could be growth in leverage. On the low to medium scale, the high household and corporate debt will continue to make Malaysia vulnerable to external shocks. The recommended policy measures would include quickening the pace of fiscal consolidation, taking on macro-prudential measures while monitoring shadow banking.

Persistent Dollar Strength-In the medium term,disorderly readjustments can affect trade channels, cause contagion effects as well as result in capital outflows. As external debt are mostly in local currency, risk is low to medium. Also, on the positive side,  it has been a practice  to hedge by local resident companies. The policy instrument would be to stabilize the exchange rate as a shock absorber.

Protracted Slower Growth in Advanced Economies and Emerging Markets-The likelihood and transmission of such risks is high. It may affect trade and result in  second round adverse effects on domestic demand. The expected impact is expected from low to medium. It would likely dampen domestic demand, lower growth, diminish housing and asset values and weaken corporate, banking and sovereign balance sheets. Policies for adoption would include adjustment to a slower rate of growth, start-up upon infrastructure projects as well as implement structural reforms.

Implementation Risks with GST-There exist the possibility of a low to medium risk with implementation of GST that could adversely affect the credibility of fiscal policies. On the risk impact side, this can result in higher financing costs,high public debt, public debt sustainability issues and potential sovereign downgrades which can then result in capital outflows. Counter- cyclical measures will have less effects. The exchange rate can be relied upon as a shock absorber.

Sharp Decline in House prices-The real economy could be affected by weaker household and banking balance sheets;there would be negative wealth and low confidence. The medium term risks takes the form of high household debt at 86% of GDP; of which 50% are mortgages. Policy initiative should include easing of monetary policy, having a flexible exchange rate as well as the provision of fiscal stimulus to support growth.

Being 63

By the Grace of God!

Time sure flies!

And what do you know?

Today, I turn 63 on the Gregorian calendar.

Sharing  blessings of the day with me are my elder sister and a close friend, Lena.

I received an angpow from my Mother as well as another from my sister, Shaline.

Looking back, there are days of goodness and days I just want to forget.

No great feats though and really no calamitous occasions to fret too!

Generally, my life continues to be blessed by God Almighty.

I thank him for His Grace,Provision and Favour.

May 2015 be a great year for me and my family!