A friend in need is a friend in deed

THE news highlighted that Myanmar has gained USD 8 billion loan/aids/assistance within five months time. As usual, Japan is leading donor list and I am always appalling to learn that Chinese never do the same with other donors though they have taken advantages from our natural resource in past decades. It doesn't mean I expect China to offer some form of assistance to us. I just wonder why China only want to take our best natural resources and hesitate to offer some fraction part of what they have profited to us. Amazingly, in this stage, some senior official still find room to praise China how it have been good to us. We very hardly find Chinese's good deed toward Myanmar. Perhaps they have been extraordinarily excellent to a particular group from military ranks. 

Japan is offering US 5 billion with very less interest (0.01%) for 30 years while China is lending us US 100 million for 4.5% interest for short term. This scenario show clearly that how Chinese have treated us. Traditionally, Chinese are naturally trader who constantly how to make profit from others. Japanese have amazingly been good to us since the government changed two years ago. But still their tender bid for national projects failed and Japanese keep helping us in need. JICA is quite motivated in seeking our problems across the country and come with solution to fix them. Of course, whatever they offer advice, they must come with their own money to address. Where do we find such good friend in the region and globe? European and US are following Japanese to assist us while global firms like World Bank and ADB trying to help us in easing poverty. We never ever received such assistance in our history and our existing should have valued them by doing our own part without cheating them. Because we have to understand that we are doing for our own people's benefit while others come in to just help us speed with success. If others are eager to help us this time, I think no other time is better than now to build our nation and lift the living condition of our people who have been suffered so long under military regime.

Myanmar unpleasant with Chinese Investment

SOME African nations have shown their unhappiness on the deals with Chinese state owned firms on extracting of their natural resources. Some top officials even issued work stop order to review the deals and protect their people and country's interest. No wonder to see such resistance on everywhere that Chinese invests on. Their strategy is simple to enter new market by offering infra-structure projects as well as building their office buildings. It seem hard to resist the Chinese assistance at first and they'll find our Chinese proposal on possible projects that will share some profit with the corrupt minded officials. As Chinese knows how to bribe the top officials to cement the deals that will favor them in the long run. Chinese firms are not respecting the culture of locals as well as negligence on environmental impact on where they are doing business. Now once impoverish African nations begin to feel the unjust deals made by Chinese firms. There is no different there with us that Chinese firms bring in their own people from top to bottom to do their own business. They even bring in retail shop seller together with them. It is not helping with their pledge to create necessary jobs on the land for locals as they would boast before deals are done. In Ukraine, there is ongoing problem with land grabbing that make locals feel modern day colonizations though it come under long term rent to make agribusiness.

In my country, Myanmar, whatever Chinese firms involved in the deals, it is most likely to become problem with locals or environmental ground. The Chinese know how to bribe our stupid military leaders to grab the unfair contracts. Unfortunately, our leaders need not to be transparency whatever they did. It is obvious that to convince stupid people is much easier than convincing to wisdom leader. Our leaders might have seen how much their commission would be if they sign on agreement. They would make deals as if country is belong to their own family/ institution. They have supreme power to do whatever they want if the profit gain for their individual level. The unwise agreements have made us serial uprising from public in recent years. As media have found its freedom ground, there are always arising controversy cases in every day basis. I am really disappointing to learn that CPI is trying to restart Myitsone project which is extremely facing public protest. Our president has declared two years ago that he'll suspend the project within his term and they dare to attempt to restart. What does it mean then? Disrespect to our president, isn't it? They should have respect our highest civilian leader if they are good neighbor as they keep claiming. If the authority cannot stop CPI's movement, our country is going to see another big protest on our roads. But I am not sure if our existing government wants to see public unrest on the road so that they can boost the chance to return previous stage. For more than 100% sure, we all people don't want to see Chinese firms investing in our land anymore. Sadly, the government top minister recently said that they are grateful for China's good deeds in past protecting them from international sanction, the statement that irked people outrage him. Anyway, there are more options nowadays to choose from and hopefully our authority will loyal to the country and avoid irresponsible Chinese investment happening on our mother land.

Water scared land

LAST week, Singapore crossed another milestone by launching S$1.05 billion facility on Tuaspring Desalination Plant. The new facility will produce 70 million gallons daily to add Singapore's daily water needs of 400 million gallons. Together with old desalination plant, total desalinated water will meet 25% of water needs in the town. I salute to Singapore's leaders to learn their continuous effort on securing their public on water. There is enough reason why they keep spending huge budget on water research. There are four national taps in Singapore to rely on, desalinated water or treated seawater, NEWater, water from the reservoirs and imported water from Malaysia. The latest one is the reason why they are very much concern with water supply. Whatever they irk Malaysia's authority in past history, their neighbor would threat to stop supplying water to city state. What a pity state to feel so? They have ambitious plan to reach 80% of their water needs from NEWater and desalinated water in 2060 because Singapore's existing bilateral agreement to import water from Johor will expire on 2061.

I can't stay away from praising them by studying the trend above. What a great leadership to find out solution which is almost impossible had it been our country's problem. I am reading a book called 'Everything is broken' which is uncovering the true untold story of Cylone Nargis disaster in Burma. There is a map in front page of the book to show the affected Irrawaddy region by Cyclone. I am very happy to learn there are so many drinkable rivers across the country. They are flowing from the northern highland toward down south and finally join with the sea. However, the sad fact is that our people in rural area are facing severe shortage of water in their daily life. In fact, our commercial city Yangon residents even cannot receive pipe running water from its municipal management. Most of housing have to rely on their own tube water by storing in the underground tank. Then there is no wonder to see our rural people thirsty of fresh water. This show how our leaders have failed to do their jobs to ease our people's plight. They would say we are not right to compare with wealthy city state. But the history itself said Singapore got independence on 1965 and that time Myanmar is well placed ahead of them. The famous speech of Singapore's founder leader LKY suggest that it is right. We have a lot sweet rivers but our countrymen cannot access clean water. Singapore has no river but its people enjoy tap water at their disposal. Get back to track, we have to change our leadership in coming 2015GE if we are determined to develop our nation and get back international reputation through the guidance of capable leader.

We need a good leader to change our destiny

MAHATHIR urges UMNO leaders to accept new blood, I read in Today's news yesterday. It was pretty interesting to me because it reflect to our ruling party, USDP as well. The difference between two parties is our USDP composed of ex-military officers while Malaysia's UMNO composed by civilian majority. Mr. Mahathir is longest serving PM and former UMNO president in Malaysia. He is also known for outspoken Asian leader from Islamist country. His frank remarks on western countries are widely published on international news because he cross a lot of international crisis time such as US's invasion on Iraq for certain reason. As our retired senior general, he still has influence on UMNO as a respective adviser. His eldest son is now Kadah Mentri Besar and he recently announced his interest in contesting upcoming VP election.

Mahathir is well known for Malaysia's class of Lee Kuan Yew and he built a modern Malaysia. It was his bold idea to built Petronas twin tower to make world's attention on Malaysia. He also introduce national brand, Proton, to make a motorcar industrial with the help of Japanese Automaker, partly attempt all Malaysian afford car among others. He boldly comments that "what the existing leaders do is recruit people who are more stupid than them. And when this leader dies, this someone who is more stupid than them, will take over. Now we have a party with three generations of such leaders. It is now a stupider party." He is such a man to highlight his country boldly. No wonder recent GE in Malaysia was the biggest failure for the ruling party in history. Rumors said there were election fraud to steal people's vote. Still ruling party is losing popular votes from the people living in biggest cities across the country. This highlight how important to have a capable group of leadership to ensure success in politic. If we fail to change our constitution before 2015, our country's faith would be further dragged to another 5 years in drain. We must do all possible to change our constitution and make our Lady become president in 2015. We don't accept nothing but to see her sit on our hot seat. Thank you.

No Two

I bet no other person from Myanmar has ever made us to proud so far in foreign land like ASSK has done to us. Wherever she goes, Myanmar nationals are happy and proud to be her fellow citizen. It is psychologically very good for us because being Myanmar national, we are rated/treated by underclass people by the host residents or other migrant communities. It is very hard to build reputation in the short time. As a nation ruled by military junta for half century, Myanmar's image has been down to drain. We have been top five nations worldwide from bottom in every bad titled, such as corruption, transparency, development and poverty and so on. Then it is understandable that we have less thing to be proud of from Myanmar. Until most recently, we had one reason to proud from Burma was majority Buddhist country. But since 2007 saffron revolution brutal, our religious figures has faked by some critic. Recently 969 movement make the matter worse for our religion reputation.

Luckily, ASSK was released from house arrest and traveled the world to promote Myanmar's image. She at the same time promote Myanmar's attire by wearing national dress graciously. As a noble laureate, she keep talking about how to value people as well as the important of human rights. We remember the day our President visited to city state as official state visit. During visit, he is scheduled to meet PM Lee and feeling sad to witness him waiting in the parlor before meeting their PM. As a citizen of Burma, we are sorry to learn that. Again, we met him on TV interviewed by CNA through translator. Though he is answering the questions by mother language, the answers are not apparent so honest and perfect. We all understand that our officials are attached to someone behind as a puppet. Perhaps they know the best answer but not supposed to do it if it could affect something unseen. It make their face worrisome and lack dignity. The respect indeed cannot be created nor destroyed. It come from heart of the people who interest in it. On contrary, Singapore government officials and highly educated society treated ASSK as if she came from a superior country. What matter between them? Of course, the soft power, education, wisdom, spiritual, smartness. I read a lot Facebook walls saying how they are boasting with their colleagues about our leader during her stay here. We had no chance to do so in the long past. Now definitely she has made us proud to be a Myanmar citizen. This is bloody true to be accepted. Nobody can deny it. 

Our Natural Leader

SHE is just a MP from region's poorest country. She has shown us how she is talented and capable person to lead a perish state. Singapore's leaders know who they should value and how. She is initially invited by a local organizer to participate in a summit. We all know that she is going to win over her critic during her stay in city state. Singapore is known for their support with military rulers. The speculation keep saying that military generals have open bank account in Singapore banks secretly. Some said the money are used to pay for illegal buying of much needed military weapon from other countries. As US led sanction block our general's asset abroad, it is obvious our junta might have found a loyal partner to hide their foreign money secretly. Recently news of 11billion US dollar in 5 private accounts from Burma suggest those rumors were partly correct.

Some are super rich while people are bloody poor. Country is rich in natural resource while its people are finding hardship life by mismanagement. There is no doubt that military rule has been totally failure for our country despite they tried all the way to cover up their wrong doing. As a part of visit, ASSK visited some government agencies to learn something worth for our country. Since Singapore is the most successful country and wealthiest country within ASEAN family, she might have guess there would be something special for us to learn from. She visited government agencies and received some briefing from officials. She visited EDB, CIPB, MOE, Isatana, ITE (East), SMU, LKY public school, among others. In the press conference, she particularly praise with the anti-corruption measure in city state and education system which is work-oriented. As a cautious optimistic, she is not easy person to accept something without debating. This proof in her media conference by frankly talking to journalists. She lauded Singapore's work-oriented education with condition that she wonder if we could go beyond that in Burma. Another bolder remark is that we will learn but not copy Singapore. Less convincing? 

She also highlight how Singapore could learn from Burma, especially on closer/ family relationship. She pointed out Singapore's materialism rather than human value. She said we need to review what is ultimate value for being in life. Definitely she lectures some lesson to Singaporean to think about. Most of Singaporean are pleased with her lectures and speech at summit and SMU. Some criticizing PAP for lacking such value that ASSK has highlighting. Her speech were prone to human right, democracy, respect and value to people. I think that is something seriously missing in Singapore's leaders speech toward their people in special occasion like national day ceremony. I hope ASSK has pulled the string in this metropolitan city and left some ideas on its residents to think deeply for their future. And hopefully she'll one day come back to Singapore as a president of Myanmar by the wishes of most Singaporean supporter during her short stay here.

Poor Lady got only 75% rate by Myanmar ethnic Singaporean

DURING her US tour last year, our noble laureate said Myanmar community in LA that we need foreign assistance in Burma. But it doesn't mean we are inferior people in general. It was our bad destiny for half a century under military dictatorship that make different between us and outside world. Our people are smart enough as world citizen once we had strong education system in post war era. We produce top diplomat like former UN secretary, U Thant and famous statesmen General Aung San. She highlighted that there is no reason to intimidated by superiors. She tease that since everything in this world is subject to ruin one day, our former stage of good governance is ruined by a particular people. Likewise, we have the hope to upside down again by turning around if we find a right chemistry during this transition.

She acknowledged that some Myanmarese who has turn other citizen sometime treat former countrymen that they are a class over them. She dislike such manner as we all were born in the same land and there is no reason to do so. She said it is like a branches come out from a main sterm of  a tree. We had the same root. Even you have surrendered Myanmar citizen for other, you still have connection with Myanmar. You can still affected by the fact where you came from. As such, you have to contribute to Myanmar by someway to improve the image of our country. She recalled the time Myanmar citizens were treated with respect by other countries. It was because we had a good education system as well as culture. She remind not to do such manner to outclass our own race while you are superior. This speech think me a lot. I don't need so much time to agree with her. I had a Singaporean colleague who is Burmese. When he heard how ASSK is smart and good leader for us by Myanmar national colleague, he would come out with the negative idea to block our discussion. Further, he will boast how Lee Kuan Yew has transformed Singapore from a fish village to metropolitan. How his leader is smart person. We were disgust to listen such comment by him and it was really painful because he was a Myanmar national not long time before. It is his right to criticise but he has to respect others as well. We would turn silent when he talked to show our disagree. 

Just before ASSK come to Singapore visit, he remarked that he'll monitor how she is smart or praise worthy person during her stay in lion city. He was laughing when we talked about how difficult to get a ticket for 5000 capacity revenue meeting with her. A little bit beyond tolerance, I sometime point out by counter question. He was former Myanmar government service before coming to Singapore for better earn job. He one time boasted how he had got land plot and sold back in much profit. It is evidence that how much he has done so far against Myanmar. As we all know that ASSK trip is so much successful in term of all measure by government level or private level. We read a lot praise from media as well as Singaporean. The government's top leaders treat her as like she is a state leader. It is very much obvious that she earn their respect unconditionally. We asked him after our Lady return home how is his assessment. He without hesitating answered us that he'ld give her 75%. We said why not 100%? He said, it is not necessarily top leader by seeing her a good public speaker. It is much different between good speaker and good leader. He elaborated that she never governed a country before and I'll give another 25% if she succeed. What a damn assessment is it? We all again silent to avoid potential flashpoint. Perhaps he is a pessimist and over optimistic on his leader LKY. The global leader like Obama has endorsed ASSK's talent is not enough for this Myanmar ethnic Singaporean guy to give credit to our democracy icon. Finally we all Myanmar colleagues remark that Singapore government is so clever and worth to give a citizenship to a guy like him. 

We are responsible to change

THERE were a lot thoughtful words to be note down during meeting with our hero leader at RWS. She urged fellow countrymen to be proud in mind that we must give back to our employer/nation as much as we take. She stress that if we could able to give more than what we take, it would be perfect. She also asked young educated people not to waste time by waiting a fine day happening within country to return. Instead go back and help create the situation we all wanted to live in. What a good point is it? This won a lot of cheer by audience because it coincident the attitude of migrant workers here. We all want to get advantage of change despite we are no longer interest in the process of moving forward. Nothing come easily in Burma and we all know that how hardship life in Burma and dangerous to perform in political movement. It is really embarrassed remark for all of us. And I notice that most of my friends who has no ambition to return home in sight changed their mindset to proof our leader is right.

She also highlighted how important to change constitution in Burma because it is the soul of democracy. We cannot change constitution before 2015, we will never see a real democratic country in Burma. It is as simple as that. Further, there won't be a success in ongoing reconciliation effort unless we amend prevailing constitution to a fairer level. As we all know that the current constitution is manipulated by the outgoing military junta and they made all effort to ensure military is always privileged in Myanmar's political landscape which is adverse to a democratic principles. We all have to make our own effort to push this change become a success before 2015GE. There were so many topics she talked such as education, corruption and discipline citizen. Whatever she talk make us think and affect positively. We are fortunate to have such leader in our country. Unfortunately she is not recognized by ex-military men domestically while she is widely recognized as a capable leader by global leaders. As the strength is within country, we all have to participate in the trend of transition so that there won't be 'U' turn. We all are responsible for that. I don't believe it is responsible by only a particular person/ party/ institution. No other time is better than now to support our natural leader to transform our country to a real democratic nation.

Lets support her around

WE were mostly crying when we are urged to stand and sing national anthem by MC. It has been very long we didn't have a chance to sing in a mass. The 6,000 strong crowd were proudly sang our national anthem with background music. Soon after 9:30am, much anticipated Lady suddenly come out on stage and we were immediately gave her stand ovation while applauding without preparing in advance. It show how we respect her from our deepest bottom of the hearts. We were very much annoyed by the performance of MC who has been make serial mistakes on stage. The event went as per schedule. When the Lady speech, we all listen it respectfully and cheers by applaud very frequently. She speaks without seeing any notes which is very familiar to our military leaders. It suggests she is talking to us by heartfelt words, not by the written notes. Her speech proof how she is committed her life to our nation. She however never boasted how she has been scarified her life for the good of fellow citizen.

Unlike other attempts by president and government officials before, she never asked audience to return home for compulsory. She shared the situation in Burma people suffers to attendant. She told how Myanmar has been far behind from others by half a century military rule. She highlighted how education system has been destroyed by military regime. Then, she prompts us how to value our life while she acknowledged that every body has their own standard of life value. She urged those who had settled abroad and unable to return home to behave nicely in their immediate society that can help improve Myanmar's image. She urged young professionals to think of nation building by unity. She urged young people not to wait favorable situation to return home. Instead she urged young people to come back home and fight for a place we all want to see in country. Whatever she talked was very meaningful and wisdom. We never satisfied with her speech by given relatively short time. 

As there is time constraint and tight schedule, she has to end her talking in about half and hour and followed by Q&A section. I am sure that we all had a very memorable time and think of ourselves again by her wisdom words. Most of us feel selfish by staying away from country to get greener pasture and irresponsible in the process of the nation. In return home from the meeting, we all have to think again with our near future regarding how to contribute our nation in transition. For sure, we all would be ready to die for her if it will pave the way to make her lead our country. We are very lucky to have such leader in Myanmar and we have to support all the way because chance will never come twice. I sincerely wish that we could able to find a solution to amend our existing constitution before 2015 and see her take a presidential seat. I am sure to see her president in 2015 increasingly become our common goal as an ordinary citizen.

Myanmar's Day

IT was a fine Sunday on 22th September morning. 6000 strong supporters are busy with getting RWS revenue in time. Some supporters who mind a place in front even put better effort to fulfill their desire. I heard that some of my countrymen even slept on Sentosa island on the fortnight so that they could ensure leading the snaking Q in front. Some woke up as early as 3:00am for 9:00am-11:00am meeting with our leader. My wife and I woke up 5:45am & left room on 6:00am approximately. As it was Sunday morning, the public transport commuters are less and most of the MRT seats were occupied by Myanmar nationals who go to Sentosa meeting. It is overwhelming experience to see most of my compatriots wore traditional attires proudly on public. I think we never felt such feeling to wear own costume before. Our leader has made our mindset by example.

It was snaking Q when we reach habour front MRT on about 6:45am. We were discipline in order not to spoil the meeting. All goers seem excited and happy in queue and can't wait to see their beloved leader in person for first time.  There were few Buses ferrying crowd between two sides of the bank. We were greeted by another long queue when we reach Sentosa. The atmosphere is quite good to feel Myanmar nationals in very long queue. As there are different entrances, people keep asking not to make any mistake and there were enough volunteers to answer queries. When we reached in the hall, about 2/3 of the big hall has been occupied and we quickly take nearby seats. Since the tickets are subject to free seat, seats are serving first come first serve. There is no complain from late comers. The meeting went well and there were some ethnic entertainers on stages to kill some time before ultimate leader arrives on stage. The atmosphere is unforgettably sweet and amazing. The RWS's conventional hall immediately turned to Myanmar town under watchful security team of foreign firm. I see a lot people take photos by their smart phone and keep busy with their opinion exchange. I comfortably able to think that Myanmar's day has come to the shore of tiny state.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi - SMU HRH Q&A (22 Sep 2013)

Welcome our leader

WE never thought Singapore will invite our democracy icon and she will come to city state at this quick. Last week visit proof that our thought has been wrong. Though I trusted in her ability, I got a doubt if she could win Singapore leaders' hearts once the news broke up to public. Once the time come, Singapore made well plan ensuring every arrangement is luxury. At surprise, our Lady came in style with private jet. Before she landed here, everybody wonder which flight she will take in. The crowd of 200 Myanmar nationals went to Changi Airport VIP terminal to greet her, just like rock star welcome. I was following the news on Facebook so that I could feel the same with those who went in person almost simultaneously.

Before she landed here, she has pocketed PM Lee's points as a capable leader for Myanmar if she is elected. I am of course pleased to learn the answer to Asean journalists. I guess Singapore government cautiously welcome to our Lady in order to avoid the risk of ruling leaders. She was fetched by former FM, Mr George Yeo at Changi Airport. In the late afternoon, she met with DFM, Ms Grace Fu in foreign ministry's office to discuss some matters. The photos instantly uploaded by Ms Grace Fu's Facebook account and we are happy to see them. At night, our leader is caught in the same table with PM Lee in the welcome dinner event by summit organizer. She is well placed by the PM at table suggest that she is taken care by the republic. We are happy to see her first time in Singapore and we feel some emotional knowing she is in the town. I am sure we all can't wait to see her on coming Sunday at RWS convention hall. I was busying with cutting my hair, shaving and choosing dress on whether Indonesia patik or Myanmar traditional attire. Eventually I decided to switch national costumes to support our hero in Myanmar society meeting. 

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi - SMU HRH (22 Sep 2013)

1) Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Meeting With Myanmar ...

The Road to Good Governance | 17th Forum 2000 Conference

Sad story

LAST Sunday was our 38th time monthly donation at a monastery. The chief monk shared a sad story with us. A young Myanmar couple has a one year old child and they made her birthday celebration at monastery in previous Sunday. The chief monk was shocked when he received a call from the same couple to inform their beloved daughter's passing news. The monk tried to recall that how the little girl was talkative on her birthday celebration and lovingly. He hardly believe with the sad news of the child.

According to young parent, the child was recently sick and they sent her to neighborhood clinic for treatment. The doctor told them that it is just normal and would be fine soon after taking medicine. The poor little girl didn't improve and deteriorate her condition. Unfortunately, the guardian turn grandmother has recently return to Myanmar and inexperience young couple know less about what and how to care a sick daughter. At one visit, the clinic GP refer the child to the hospital. Sadly, the child never reach to the premise of hospital. She died on the way on hospital on taxi. I could imagine how tragic incident will it be for a young parent as I myself is a father of a young daughter. 

As the case involve a death, they need to inform police and they received death certificate after necessary checking by police officer. The police officer advised the young couple to sue the clinic doctor who underestimate the medication condition of the sick child. The Buddhist young couple however chose to ignore the police's suggestion in order not to complicate the process. I am sure they will sue the doctor if they are locals. My wife and I were very much concern to learn the story because our little daughter gets sick frequently and we are away from her for a certain reason. I am hopeful that this lesson will make us force to return home asap. Also this highlight us that the death might come to us at any given time regardless of our age. This lesson will make our donation trend keep alive to its eternal.

10 million thought

WHAT kind of job can we do with 10 million kyat in Burma? It is a title of one blogger that I just read online which is urging all readers to leave their opinion in his box. Though I am not obliged to leave a message, I am interesting on the topic he/she uploaded because I am dreaming to begin a private business with limited money in Myanmar. My wife and I know that we have to return home sooner than later if we appreciate family life style. We have been spending much of our youth life in studying and working abroad to date. We often asked ourselves that chasing money in life will make our life complete and perfect. The answer is "No" and then we have to accept the challenges awaiting us when we return a place we call home.

My wife and I have brain storming to find a suitable idea on starting own business. As a foreign worker couple, we cannot save big amount and have to initiate in a small business one. As a civil engineer couple, we only know about construction which is widely considered a boom in developing nation like Myanmar. The problem is that it need huge amount of money to set up contractor firm as well as a good connector from authority if we are about to success. It is obvious that we cannot afford to lose our hard earn money from about 9 years saving in a one bad idea. It drag us to start own business. Luckily, we found a local business partner who is my former boss when I worked domestic in the fresh days upon my first graduation.

We went back home with the prospect of signing agreement to start business not later than end of this year. We realize that it is always easier said than done. There are a lot obstacles to overcome at very first points. Knowing a lot illegal projects in Yangon, we do not intend to start business illegally. The problem begin there. To become license contractor, we need to put 50 million Kyat deposit to YCDC. The deal done at that point. Where got such big amount for a small contractor? I always fed up with government's news saying they are willing to support local SMEs to survive. They have to go ground and survey what is happening at grass root level. In Myanmar, top officials keep issuing statements and form several committee and lower level do whatever they like. The law are never enforced and it could be easily adjusted if you are either super rich or close person to top official. This is really happening to our society and it make difficult to get level playing ground for honest local SMEs. Now we all know that some biggest companies are privileged to evade tax while middle class smaller companies suffer by paying annual income and trade tax. So long as no level playing field is available, it would keep destroying our dream of setting up small company in Myanmar.

The whole world know Myanmar's land price is extraordinarily up and it is beyond acceptable due to so many reasons. No matter reason, it is further burden for ordinary citizen to own a place to call home. The government shamelessly say that the plan is in place to build low cost housing for lower incomer. The reality is that their basic rate 20million Kyats is far far away from the reaching level for even middle income class families. I don't know how this problem will be fix in foreseeable time. No wonder the rich-poor gap become wider by time and there is no remendy to stop the trend. Overall survey during our recent trip make us find alternative way of doing business other than entering construction sector. Our local partner also find it difficult to survive after learning a bit on ground. It is crystal clear that we cannot proceed without our partner's financial power. Because starting a project will need us at least 100 million Kyat in hand to make a project successfully completed. As a QS couple, we try to calculate on paper and we found it is hard to gain profit even the project went well without problem. Then, we ask ourselves that better stay silent than acting if there is no profit on paper. We know that we have to scarify ourselves for something special. But we just simply cannot take risk too much for our saving because we have responsibility to raise our daughter up.

Now we are exploring the idea that will allow up return home with a small business in mind. We finally decided that we won't mind if the new idea will not allow us to stay in Yangon. Trying to get back basis, we have to die one day and we try to contend ourselves if we could earn for living enough. Now we're thinking plan B of doing trading in my home town if our plan A doesn't work well. We have been working half of our life time for others and we are sick and tired of it. We would be happy to be our own boss where possible and of course we'll keep trying to find an opportunity to start our own business within our limit. 

May all young entrepreneur able to success their dream project.

Fake life

To be honest
we're boasting
on Facebook
than it is

To be true
we're earning
less here
than they think

To be save
we're trying
on junk foods
than recipe

To be rich
we're dreaming
on days
than hard working

To be realistic
we're lacking
on cash
than a plastic card....

Immigrant's life

Work is not easy
paper flies in out
to settle

Age is not stopping
minds are stagnant
for some

Forget is ours
being visitors here
to leave

Life keep going
days counted down
to die.....
 

Don't buy rubbish with public money

I remember one day my friend told me his grandfather's medical story. His granddad came to Singapore to get treatment on his heart related disease. He was given two options on medical prescription. One is fully paid one which is already license for market while another is free but under trial version. To be safe, they chose paid one not to compromise their grand-dad's health. I learned a lesson that if patient want to risk himself, the product is free available. It was first ever time I heard in life such scenario.

Today, I read local news saying our government bought 19 Chinese made machines to conserve our main rivers. The report say the contract cost our government about USD 42.2 million. Nothing wrong until this. What make me surprise is that those purchasing machines are yet to operate on site. They are trial version under Chinese company's research development. Those machines would be tested on the sites of Myanmar and would be operated by Chinese technicians. Then, why should we pay for those tested machines? It is obviously dangerous to use machine that yet to get market licenses and expose to public danger. I just cannot understand why our officials are so stupid to make such deals with China. May be they are too smart to dig bigger commission from Chinese firm. Anyway, the purchasing money is belong to public tax payers and the government officials are subject to find proper supplier in order to save public money. In this case, there is something seriously wrong but nobody seem bother with it. We cannot afford to buy lousy machine for public works because we are a poor nation with heavy debts. Unfortunately, such unwise deals keep happening to our nation without being scrutinized. May our public money be managed by smart person who is loyal to the nation rather than their own pocket.

Enough is enough

IT is old trick by military back government that western power will influence us when NLD win election and control the government of Myanmar. It was reinstated by deputy chairman of ruling party yesterday on a media section by answering a local journalist's question for constitution amendment. I don't think our officials even don't know how to answer questions because they didn't have any practice in their military life. What they have familiarize is 'just say yes to their superiors' regardless of right or wrong order. It make them lacking soft power as well as decision making in crisis.

Perhaps they may right with western influence if Myanmar become fully democratic nation that people are long looking for. Then, we got to ask ourselves if we have maintained our national security at the best level under military control for a half century time. Needless to answer that China has influenced on our military leaders and most of our best natural resource has been drained away to China with under market rate. In western part, there is still unsolved problem which is related to immigration matter. Half a century is more than good enough to transform a nation. The reality is that our country turned Asia's most promising country to LDC status under military rule. However, they still shamelessly keep saying that how army had saved nation from falling into the broken. We'ld rather like to be broken than saved by army. The history say itself and we have tasted it by generations. Recent news of USD 11 billions private bank account on foreign bank say much more to realize the military ruler's intention and attitude toward nation developing. It is purely corruption related bank account and nobody bother it to chase it down and reveal the owners. It show how related between old and current military officials to loyal each other. So long as this generation of military official alive, I cannot foresee the real progress of our nation. May military blooded management be fallen down soonest possible by justice.

Are we really mad?

PEOPLE are foolish to change 2008 constitution, said deputy chairman of Myanmar's ruling party. I am disappointing to learn this news through local website this morning. It is not first time saying such arrogant ridiculous things against people by senior officials of ruling party. We all know that they were taking posts by grant rather than capacity. All top seats are occupied by ex-military official and they would shamelessly say the world media that they are elected by people. We all know that how did our last general election go wrong to generate favorable result on military back party. They keep saying they are people's government and now they are saying people are mad. What the hell is it to say so?

There were similar assaults towards people by ruling officials before. One minister advised our farmers to reduce one time meal per day to eradicate their debts. Likewise, another adviser told people to rely on candle light while electricity turn blackout during summer time. What a foolish comment are they? In fact, they are really mad with holding power. They are mad with the authority they are unfairly holding. They are scared to lose their position in upcoming GE. They would even die to protect 2008 constitution that bar Aung San Su Kyi becoming a president. They know well that there would be no room for them if opposition party win and form cabinet. No wonder, they afraid of amending prevailing falter constitution which favor military officials to manipulate political landscape in Burma. I am sure the ruling party will face backlash from people for their silly action and people who are irresponsible and self-center person. We people start to feel can't wait to reach 2015GE while the ruling party officials are sweating to know they are going to lose in upcoming election. We, people, will do all the way to pave the way for our lady to become president in upcoming GE because enough is enough.

Aung San Suu Kyi at Kapuscinski Development Lectur

Shame at you

THEY keep saying for poverty reduction at any occasion but rarely see them fulfilling their promises. Instead, NGOs like JICA are more active in curing people's plight through their rural program. I always wondering where does the budget gone and how the government use the money they get by selling natural resources. It is their obligation to improve people's lifestyle. I am always disappointed to see them asking for help from international community. Sometime is understandable and often is something wrong with them. I can't do enough for my country but I am not satisfy by their performance. I see a lot countries are willing to help our nation building and appreciate it.

We are going to host SEA game in coming December and as usual we need to take donor nations help to host visitors successfully. I read some China, Korea and Japanese helpful hands. Japan will help to set up 4G networks in 4 host cities at their own cost among other schemes. They meant to leave all equipment beyond the game for the ease of our people. What make me fed up is the news saying our telecom authority will not allow 4G service continue for people to access after the game. What's the reason? It was done by Japanese and our own government don't want to see it continue. It is unacceptable for an ordinary citizen. In past, they have done what they like. At present, they want to continue the trend like before despite they keep saying they are newly elected government for people. Then how do we believe in their constant saying that they are trying to fight people's poverty which is made by former military junta. Our people have been long suffering from military's wrong management. Please stop manipulating to make people keep in trouble. Please do not drag our nation going to the right path. I urged your mercy personally.

corruption by grant?

SINCE China's new president assumed his post, there have been high profile politicians have been arrested for their part for corruption. China is biggest communist country in the world and their law still being enforced by its government. It is however most of high profile cases usually came to light following online circulation by responsible citizen. I'm pleased to read such news happened in big China and always wondering when our authority will follow their apparent master's path. China is increasingly influence on Myanmar's military leaders for several decades. The current leader's 4 time visit to China during his current term partly show this trend never sway by the recent reform. In the region, Indonesia is another country who is pursuing those corrupted officials to be sent custody and jailed. I read a news of prison sentence to on-service chief traffic police for his corruption and cheer such news.

Though we have set up anti-corruption committee in place, we never heard such news of arresting high profile officials for their illicit acts by using their power. Instead, we very often heard for civilian charge for their much small scale. We got to find the roots of crime if we want to eradicate it. Likewise, if we want to escape from the most corrupted nations list, we have to claw such officials from the power. So long as our law cannot implement to its full capacity independently, our people will find it difficult to trust on our judicial systems and the big thief will be escaped at large. May our law enforcing service men able to catch those offenders who steal country's asset most without fazing by their rank/position.