ECONOMY ISSUES

Boycott US product

Just surf in the internet and one can see that this is really a wordwide campaign especially in the muslim world. We just search in the GOOGLE and can find many websites/blog talking about it including those people in the muslim world. One thing they forget is that, they are using the very basic thing that come from the American world. Yeah...they use the internet facility that is of US origin, they use the Mr Bill Gates microsoft wares in their offices. Yes, they cannot run away from the US products and cannot simply live without it or else no facility for such campaign. Are they willing to do away with their US internet facility or software? All these are Bill Gates' product. Mr Bill Gates is laughing all the way at their silly efforts.


Boycott dollars, US products: Dr.Mahathir

The news I had read from the Borneo Post published on Tuesday. January 6, 2009 regarding what our beloved former premier Dr M had said and was pledging to the government. 'Boycott US dollar, products'. This words came following US blocking of resolution against Isreal's Gaza offensive.A month after this serious provocation to boycott US dollar and products, according to the Borneo Post February 7, 2009, Malaysia has identified its processed food products a category that is inherent with 'great potential' for business in the United State. While the ongoing recession adversely affects consumer demand in the United States, foreign suppliers are scrambling to devise marketing strategies to push products that have good growth potential even in a depressed market state.

Some people felt that it could be done for as long as the people are united in boycotting US dollar and US-made products. Viewing the dollar was no longer strong in the market and the people could opt for other currencies. They felt that the boycott would have a huge impact on the world and US economy. The government may urge the people to boycott US-made products not just Coca-Cola but KFC, McDonald's and Starbucks by not spending their money at these eatries but donate to funds or organisations that help the Palestinians. Some people also suggested to adopt certain method by reducing the trade of the US dollar and products. I believe there are many Malaysian entrepreneurs and enteprises who have been building their businesses based on the US products. The economy of various states in Malaysia have been boosted by the factories that manufacture US-related products. Majority of the workforces in such factories are Malaysians. The boycott could indirectly affect the Malaysian workers. I think we just cannot punish the country just because it is against the human rights. By doing that we are too punishing ourselves. The Malaysians CEOs who run the US products will be in trouble looking for another new business which others had been well established. Doing so, they would create another fierce business competition with their old rivals.

I think if we boycott and stop accepting US currency and products, the whole world economy will be badly affected as well. Just imagine, if the US is doing the same to our products whereby they stop buying from us. At the moment, the US maybe the one of our major trading partner. I think, we need to diversify our trading rather than making ourselves getting smaller in the globalization world. We must take for granted that the US is our major trading partners, no doubt we seem to help them killing other people we love too. We have to be silly in order for ourselves to benefit from the scam. We have already felt the pinch of the US economic downtown where many US companies have been closed in our country. We simply cannot run away from trade dealings with the US. We depend on many US products. I am sure many of us are using the US products to meet our daily needs. Take the least , for example, we are communicating over the internet using solely the US product created by Mr Bill Gates. I have heard many Malaysians who have been successful in running their blogs and earn so much by capitalising on the US software products. So, before one opens his mouth, one must 'cakap siang pandang pandang; cakap malam, dengar dengar'. Or else our words will eat us back. I am sure if our beloved former premier Dr. M is still in power now, he would still urge the people to support the US product like he did before. He cannot be wrong before and still says the opposite now. Perhaps he has grown more mature in politics after stepping down from his post and today he wishes to do the opposite the things he had made decision before. Well, that's really not in my mind at the moment.


As Economic downturn deepens

As the economy downturn deepens, we should be prudent in our spending. Whatever we have, we must use them to the fullest and nothing goes to waste. For example, if we have a pair of leather shoes which the sole are spoilt already, we must not discard it and buy a new ones. Repairing them is much cheaper than buying a new ones. New leather shoes can cost up to RM245.00 per pair as compared to RM a mere RM35 to RM40 of repairs. For vehicles, we must use all the 4 tyres until they are bald. If any of the tyre need repairs, we should send them to the tyre shop for repair. Repairing tyres is much cheaper than buying new one that can cost RM150 to RM550 per tyre compared with the repair that cost lest than RM20. Going out eating in the public should be reduced. We must be hardworking enough to shop some food at the Sunday market and do the cooking ourselves. Smokers should reduce their stick per day or better quit smoking for good. Buy small, economy cars and less moving around to save petrol. Those who like to womanizer, please stop going to entertainment outlets. A can of beer or lady's drink is enough to feed your family. Gambling such as playing lucky games like picking up numbers at certain outlets should be reduced or avoided. Manage the budget properly and don't overspent or spend more than th money coming in. Don't try to enjoy many credit cards. During this economic downturns, it will be wise for those who have extra cash investing in shares while they are low but it must be done for long term basis. Short terms may give some financial difficulty later on. Don't seek the help of Ahlongs because you will be in trouble with them. Their interest is far to high sucking blood like a leech and they will dare to take whatever action when one can't pay back. Spend wisely and prudently.