By KINIBIZ
Politicians say the darndest things.
But when a minister implies that poor internet speeds in Malaysia are simply because users prefer slower connections, that takes some beating. Even more so when the minister in question – Salleh Said Keruak – is responsible for communications and multimedia.
When Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) was launched in 1996, it was supposed to propel the nation into the echelons of global IT giants, the Silicon Valleys of the world – the Googles, Apples and Microsofts.
Fast forward almost 20 years, we have a communications minister virtually setting us back to the digital stone age with his statements.
Everyone worth his multimedia salt knows that speed and reliability – at an affordable price – are paramount in the online world . It’s Internet 101 – the faster, the cheaper, the better. Let’s hope Salleh can read this fast enough on his computer.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a pleasant weekend! To start with, here’s a selection of our best news, analyses and commentaries this past week for your reading pleasure:
Car Wars: Proton used to be the poster child of the automotive industry, protected at the expense of quality and affordable cars for Malaysians. But now with Perodua having overtaken it in terms of sales and with the government no longer placing Proton at the heart of its policy, can Proton survive the ongoing car wars? KINIBIZ’ in-depth look into the battle for local automotive supremacy here, here, here and here.
Not our fault we don’t have better broadband: Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak said that the complaints of slow internet speeds in Malaysia are because the people cannot afford higher speed internet, implying that the people are not willing to pay for better broadband. Tiger thinks we shouldn’t have to. Read why here.
1MDB’s serial accounts delay presages trouble: The fact that our self-styled strategic development company 1Malaysia Development Bhd has obtained a six-month extension to report its accounts does not surprise our resident cat. Are 1MDB’s explanations justified? Tiger thinks not and explains here.
Racial rhetoric will only worsen investor sentiment: As politicians turn to racial rhetoric using the oldest and saddest trick in the book to solidify their positions, investor sentiment and investor confidence in Malaysia’s economy continue to deteriorate, as our resident cat ponders here.
How low will the ringgit go? Its trials and tribulations time as Malaysia faces a titanic fall in the ringgit, the biggest and most alarming since 1997/98. Granted we have problems, still is all this talk warranted? Or is it orchestrated? Our resident cat awakes from its fitful slumber to prowl and probe here.
Lessons from Volkswagen’s “dieselgate”: The improprieties of one of the biggest carmakers in the world have shocked the corporate world. Although Malaysia is relatively untouched by the scandal, can we learn a thing or two from Volkswagen’s “dieselgate”? A few quick takes here.
Is Eco World on a collision course with Selangor government? The Selangor government is disputing Eco World’s RM1.2 billion land purchase in the state, while the developer claims that it is a just a misunderstanding. Is a storm brewing between Selangor and former SP Setia chief Liew Kee Sin’s new vehicle? Find out why here.
Eversendai’s steel maestro breaks new ground: AK Nathan, founder of Eversendai, made his name helping to construct iconic skyscrapers such as Burj Al Arab and Petronas Twin Tower 2. Now, he is taking a crack at the oil & gas business. KINIBIZ talks to the steel master here and here.
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Because whether you prefer online or print, morning coffee tastes so much better when you have the sharpest reads in town to sip to – for a sweet deal at that.
— by Khairul Khalid, Asst News Editor
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