NCER... After the after-thoughts
My comrade Liew Chin Tong, now the MP for Bukit Bendera, thought that Penang was included in the Northern Region Economic Region (NCER) as an after-thought. Penang's role of a logistic hub for an agro-based economic region was squeezed in in the last minute as the island has little to offer in vegan terms.
A while ago, Penang Chief Minister announced that he will see the PM on April 3 to discuss state-federal relations, and to request Putrajaya to proceed with infrastructure projects contained in the NCER blueprint.
As it is, the NCER came into being as a result of a parliamentary act. The federal government can't run away from its own commitment.
Chun Wai says it aloud today that, at a time when the PKR-DAP-PAS governments are making populist changes in the states they control, the Federal Government must be prepared to show it is more open and ready to make radical reforms.
For NCER to work, there must be a change in mindset in the aftermath of the March 8 political tsunami. NCER must not be about feeding the gravy trains and allowing BN cronies to grab land and monies. Or BN will lose the entire country in 2013.
Comments
Read the WCW comment. Shabery sounds fresh. As did Zaid until some inconsistencies surfaced. There is only one problem with Shabery's hopes. His fellow Ministers and MPs are high on publicity quotas and appearances and mention on TV, Radio and print. So how?
Posted by: Observer![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 28, 2008 03:45 PM
Jeff, manufacturers in China are shaking up due to the recent revision in Labour Law, effective from 1 Mar 2008.
The new labour law effectively increase labour cost by at least 2 times. It negates the original purpose of setting up factories in china.
Many are looking to move out. The first batch had decided to wind up their factories before new law became effective.
Others are planning to move in the next 5 years. Vietnam appears to be popular choice right now.
You should be quick to make up a plan to lure them back to Penang.
Posted by: OverseasMsian![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 29, 2008 12:15 AM
Jeff,
How about MSC in Penang, this is interesting.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7322802.stm
Posted by: thamts![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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April 1, 2008 04:35 PM