enough of this malaysian insanity!, page-53

Thanks for all those who are engaged in this forum.

Its obvious there are some level headed people that have traveled and lived in other countries - so they can see how the grass grows on the other side. Take in all perspectives so to speak. Then there are the arm chair traders that, well if they really posted what they think they would be banned for life. You guys need to get out a bit more and travel a bit - see how the other half lives.

I was all for due process, due diligence, etc. however I think now that Malaysia has shot itself in the foot, as far as international investment (which they so badly need) goes.
I did a little research and it seems that this is not new to Malaysia or its politics. They are badly controlled from the top and when as is the case with LYNAS they are invited in, invest, build and just before opening they make and issue and behind closed doors start making demands. It has happened here in Asia many times - notably are Marlborough cigarettes, Carlsberg beer and Pizza Company.

Malaysia Politicians want something and if you read this Australia-Malaysia relations: Mahathir's ghost- http://www.lowyinterpreter.org/post/2011/03/31/Australia-Malaysia-relations-Mahathirs-ghost.aspx you will understand Malaysia and its motives for the delays. It smacks of racism.
An exert here "While the overall bilateral relationship was steady, in the background, Mahathir never shied away from publicly undermining Australian initiatives, often straining relations in the process. His notorious snubbing of the 1993 APEC summit, led then-PM Paul Keating to label him 'recalcitrant'." then "Two Malaysian leaders later, Najib invokes Mahathir's tradition of public posturing in relation to Australia, albeit in a more muted tone. In response to questions about the East Timor processing centre, the Malaysian PM was lukewarm, at best. He explained that his country needed more time to consider the proposal and was firm that further discussion on the matter take place at the Bali summit on people smuggling, held this week.

In what could have been a proud moment celebrating Australian resourcefulness in promoting a regional solution, Australia found itself in the awkward situation of Malaysia basking in having called the shots."

So we have Malaysia wanting to call the shots!!! not Lynas, not the IAEA or the AELB or any other authoritative body = recalcitrant. Definition = Marked by stubborn resistance to and defiance of authority or guidance. Malaysia still governs like the apprentices of the good ol Doctor. Still stubborn, still anti western, still anti colonial, although they wave the flag out the front and say welcome investors it is really a ruse and far from the truth. In short you pay for the way or no way.

I hope you can see that Malaysia desperately wants the Lynas LAMP but it doesnt want it to be Australian. Its history with Australia really goes a long way to prove this.

Now Malaysia wants something but what? They gave Lynas 10 year tax breaks and so I guess now the phones are ringing hot with deals to good to pass on. Not from Lynas as that wouldnt be above board. But from our very own Julie.

"Add to the mix speculation of an election this year in Malaysia, and the effect is pronounced: Najib is scoring points using old tricks. In the 2008 elections, the opposition alliance, led by former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, secured enough seats to deny the coalition a two-thirds majority, which the National Front had held for more than four decades. The opposition won five of 13 states, though it has since lost one after several lawmakers defected to become independents. SO they do not want to risk anything and need to TOTALLY discredit the DAP.

While the heydays of fiery Mahathir-Keating exchanges may be behind us, Malaysia's recent capitalisation on Australia's awkward decision-making on regional issues, suggests we haven't seen the last of Mahathirism yet." by Natalie Sambhi - 31 March 2011 11:00

From WIKI we can learn a bit more about the DAP's desperation in using LYNAS disinformation to politicize the LAMP. It should also be noted that the ruling party is pro or affirmative action for the Malays that rule. The corruption level is also astounding. "The 2006 UMNO Annual General Assembly was widely remarked upon by analysts, who saw it as "return to the atmosphere of the 1980s, when there was a 'strong anti-DAP sentiment'".[46] Several controversial statements were made at the assembly, such as "UMNO is willing to risk lives and bathe in blood to defend the race and religion. Don't play with fire. If they (non-Malays) messed with our rights, we will mess with theirs."[47] The controversy was aggravated by the fact that that assembly was the first ever to be telecast live; in addition, analysts suggested that it created problems for the Malaysian Chinese Association, one of UMNO's partners in BN, which was accused by the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) of failing to stand up to the heated racial rhetoric of UMNO delegates. One Chinese political insider was quoted as saying that "We were told the sensitive remarks were not an orchestrated or a coordinated attack against the Chinese. Well, that’s even worse. It means the speakers individually had those feelings".[48]

You are probably right in thinking there is some Chinese money behind all this but I think it is directed not at Lynas but at the Government via the SLSM /DAP group. They are clutching at straws and have little else of importance that can get any traction in their bid for the up coming elections.

The "radioactive" issue is sure to be a vote puller for DAP as it certainly appeals to the young and restless, cause searching youth of Malaysia.