The closing date for the Income Tax BE form to be returned is closing near (April 30th). The government has launch e-filing recently. This is very easy with few click of the buttons on the website for the BE form to be submitted.
The advantages of submitting the income tax online is because it will save our precious time of going to income tax dept in order to submit that form, and it will not waste the traveling costs such as fuel and parking fees as its more expensive than submitting it online.
But some people claimed that by submitting the income tax online will be risky and dangerous because they said that other people can access their details. This is up to them to protect their details from been seen by people. After the income tax form has been submitted, the person should logout from the screen and clear the browser's cache.
It is a good for all the working adults to be responsible to submit their income tax on time or before the dateline. I notice that Malaysian has the habit of doing things at last minute, this is a trend already since long ago.
For those who has not submitting the income tax form should do so, please go to get your pin number from Income tax dept, or those of you have received the BE form, there is a pin already allocated to you on the cover page. Please use that pin to reset and create a certificate. This is very easy than eating "kacang"...:-)
Monday, April 23, 2007
Barclays to acquire ABN Amro for $91B
ABN Amro to Be Bought by Barclays for $91 Billion; Largest Takeover in Financial Services
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -- ABN Amro NV agreed Monday to a 67 billion euros ($91.16 billion) takeover by Barclays PLC and to sell its U.S. assets, holding off a bid by three banks that would have carved up the Netherlands' largest bank.
The proposed chief executive of the new group, Barclays CEO John Varley, called the deal "the largest merger ever in global financial industry," and said it holds out the promise of growth at a rate twice as fast as global gross domestic product.
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -- ABN Amro NV agreed Monday to a 67 billion euros ($91.16 billion) takeover by Barclays PLC and to sell its U.S. assets, holding off a bid by three banks that would have carved up the Netherlands' largest bank.
The proposed chief executive of the new group, Barclays CEO John Varley, called the deal "the largest merger ever in global financial industry," and said it holds out the promise of growth at a rate twice as fast as global gross domestic product.
A combination of the two companies would create one of the world's largest banks by market capitalization.
Barclays offered 36.25 euros ($49.25) for each ABN share, slightly below Friday's closing price. Varley said the deal represented a 33 percent premium from ABN's price when talks began last month.
Though ABN Amro said the Barclays offer is the best one on the table, it refused to rule out alternative bids and said it would welcome a proposal from a consortium of Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, Spain's Banco Santander Central Hispano SA and Belgian-Dutch bank Fortis NV.
But the consortium canceled a meeting set for Monday afternoon after the Dutch bank announced early Monday that it had reached a deal to sell its U.S. unit LaSalle Bank to Bank of America Corp. for $21 billion in cash -- an unexpected move that seemed to catch the consortium off guard.
"The banks do not consider it appropriate to meet with ABN Amro today," the Scottish bank, which had hoped to acquire ABN's U.S. assets, said in a statement.
In view of the LaSalle sale, the consortium asked ABN to inform it by the end of the day "the circumstances under which this sale can be terminated." The deal for LaSalle included a $200 million termination fee.
ABN Amro spokesman Jochem van de Laarschot said the bank was prepared to listen to the consortium but would make no proposals of its own.
He said the Barclays offer was "the best deal going forward and the best opportunity for growth."
The consortium intended to split up ABN and each would get parts of its operations.
"They still have time to come with an alternative proposal," said Ton Geitman of Petercam Financial Intelligence in Amsterdam. But unless they could block the sale of LaSalle, the partners would have to renegotiate among themselves how to split up the Dutch bank, he said.
Varley said ABN Amro shareholders, who meet this week, faced a stark choice: To either deconstruct ABN by opting for the competing consortium's bid, or to form one of the world's largest banks by accepting Barclays takeover.
ABN Amro shares initially rose Monday but closed down 1.4 percent to 35.77 euros ($48.63). Barclays shares fell 2.3 percent to 733 pence (10.81 euros; $14.67) in London.
For each share, ABN Amro shareholders will be offered 3.225 ordinary shares in the new group, to be called Barclays PLC. The companies said the deal would create a single bank with 47 million customers worldwide.
The new group will be based in Amsterdam -- seen as a negotiating concession to the Dutch -- and Varley said he would base himself in the Dutch capital. But the group said it would remain a British "tax resident."
Dutch Finance Minister Wouter Bos, who must approve the deal, said the merger "would fit in the consolidation that is expected to take place within the European banking sector."
The group said it expected to see 3.5 billion euros ($4.8 billion) in annual cost savings by 2010. Some 12,800 jobs will be trimmed from the combined work force of 217,000, and 10,800 others would be shifted to cheaper locations, the banks said.
Both banks said they would recommend the deal to their shareholders, with both also due to hold annual shareholder meetings Thursday. The merger is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of this year, the banks said.
ABN Amro had appeared to be entrenching its position as the No. 1 Dutch bank after winning a long takeover fight to acquire Italy's Banca Antonveneta last year.
But the TCI hedge fund, which owns a 2 percent stake in ABN, complained that the bank's shares were underperforming and applied pressure earlier this year to break it up and sell off the parts. TCI said Monday it was studying the proposed deal.
Varley said the combined power of ABN Amro and Barclays would provide a solid platform for expansion.
"This is the start, not the end. We are assembling a group uniquely qualified to compete for business all around the world," he said. He singled out Asia as one area for growth.
Alongside proposed chief executive Varley, Bob Diamond -- head of investment banking at Barclays -- will be president. The new board will initially consist of 10 members from Barclays and nine members from ABN Amro. Arthur Martinez, chairman of ABN Amro's supervisory board, will be nominated as chairman.
Rijkman Groenink, ABN Amro's CEO for the last seven years, would move to a non-executive directorship position.
The deal must be approved by financial regulators, but the banks have been consulting with the regulators during the negotiating process.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Maxis wireless broadband service
I've already applied for Maxis broadband two weeks before CNY. Till now I'm still waiting for the technical person to call me to activate my broadband. The agent told me that he has called Maxis center to check on my application status. The agent told me that due to the overwhelming response from the public on the broadband, that's why their wireless modem is out of stock. Due to this reason, there is a delay on the broadband.
Maxis should keep enough stock of the modem and not wait for the stock finish then only order. Maxis should give the public more confident in providing their services. I am just wondering why can't maxis technical person call me to inform me the application status? Luckily the agent is kind enough to check and follow up on my status of the application.
March 8th, 07 - Called Maxis center at nite to ask about the status of my application. Was told that the vendor was supposed to install the modem for me in Feb 21st. But there is no one called me regarding this. Maxis spokesperson gave me a contact number for me to call the vendor.
March 9th, 07 - Called Maxis vendor regarding my wireless broadband services, and was told that Maxis was the one gave late instruction for them to install my modem. The reason was that Maxis forgot to email them (vendor) my application. There are other customers have the same problem too. The vendor said she will try to get the technician to install for me by today.
Till now, I am still not too sure who's fault is it?
At 6pm - Maxis technical person came onsite to install my maxis broadband services. He has helped to go through the first setting - set to auto connect, but the website can't get connected - keep on loading the page. Then he asked me to try first my setting, and he needs to rush to other place to deliver the modem and install for them. Then I said ok since he is rushing and I have checked that I need to remove my fixed ip address in my network settings, and try to connect but it still can't load the page and the page said that its because of the sims card that is not inserted. I have checked and then inserted the sims card into the modem. This time, its working fine. Then I managed to set up the settings. But now the question is: how come the maxis technical person has no idea of the setting and resolve the customer's problem? And the customer has to pay the activation fees for nothing.
I have tested also tested the connection in 26 flr in my office and the signal is still OK. But the Maxis said above 4th flr customer might not be able to use their service. But don't really know why they (Maxis) wrote that statement. Meaning, all the apartment/condo users might not be able to use their services? Also I notice and tested that the maxis wireless connection in my area in Cheras is not so good signal. The page loading is quite slow and I am not really satisfy with it yet until I fully tested it for few weeks. I will make a complaint to Maxis if the problem is still persist.
March 13th, 07 (11.45pm) - make a complaint to Maxis helpdesk. Told them that the signal and coverage here is really unsatisfactory. The helpdesk will log a complaint for me and then compile it with the rest of the complaints made by other customers. After all complaints are compiled, they will be passed to the top management to review. I will reject the service if the service is still not improve. Why can't maxis carried out some tests on customers' area before the service is installed on customers' housing area? Or suggest that all the housing area should install the wireless stuff for the customers' convenience.
March 29th, 07 (9.30am) - After went throught for few weeks of testing, I was not satisfy with the service and signal when using the wireless modem. So, I have terminated the service and at the same time returned the modem to them. The installation/activation fees will be adjusted.
Maxis should keep enough stock of the modem and not wait for the stock finish then only order. Maxis should give the public more confident in providing their services. I am just wondering why can't maxis technical person call me to inform me the application status? Luckily the agent is kind enough to check and follow up on my status of the application.
March 8th, 07 - Called Maxis center at nite to ask about the status of my application. Was told that the vendor was supposed to install the modem for me in Feb 21st. But there is no one called me regarding this. Maxis spokesperson gave me a contact number for me to call the vendor.
March 9th, 07 - Called Maxis vendor regarding my wireless broadband services, and was told that Maxis was the one gave late instruction for them to install my modem. The reason was that Maxis forgot to email them (vendor) my application. There are other customers have the same problem too. The vendor said she will try to get the technician to install for me by today.
Till now, I am still not too sure who's fault is it?
At 6pm - Maxis technical person came onsite to install my maxis broadband services. He has helped to go through the first setting - set to auto connect, but the website can't get connected - keep on loading the page. Then he asked me to try first my setting, and he needs to rush to other place to deliver the modem and install for them. Then I said ok since he is rushing and I have checked that I need to remove my fixed ip address in my network settings, and try to connect but it still can't load the page and the page said that its because of the sims card that is not inserted. I have checked and then inserted the sims card into the modem. This time, its working fine. Then I managed to set up the settings. But now the question is: how come the maxis technical person has no idea of the setting and resolve the customer's problem? And the customer has to pay the activation fees for nothing.
I have tested also tested the connection in 26 flr in my office and the signal is still OK. But the Maxis said above 4th flr customer might not be able to use their service. But don't really know why they (Maxis) wrote that statement. Meaning, all the apartment/condo users might not be able to use their services? Also I notice and tested that the maxis wireless connection in my area in Cheras is not so good signal. The page loading is quite slow and I am not really satisfy with it yet until I fully tested it for few weeks. I will make a complaint to Maxis if the problem is still persist.
March 13th, 07 (11.45pm) - make a complaint to Maxis helpdesk. Told them that the signal and coverage here is really unsatisfactory. The helpdesk will log a complaint for me and then compile it with the rest of the complaints made by other customers. After all complaints are compiled, they will be passed to the top management to review. I will reject the service if the service is still not improve. Why can't maxis carried out some tests on customers' area before the service is installed on customers' housing area? Or suggest that all the housing area should install the wireless stuff for the customers' convenience.
March 29th, 07 (9.30am) - After went throught for few weeks of testing, I was not satisfy with the service and signal when using the wireless modem. So, I have terminated the service and at the same time returned the modem to them. The installation/activation fees will be adjusted.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Good eating habit....
I came across the article in The Star dated Feb 24th, 07 to encourage good eating habits among the people.
Ministry wants to focus on wellness programmes
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry is not about to go around checking what Malaysians eat in its efforts to curb unhealthy eating habits – instead, it is focusing on a wellness programme.
Its director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said: “We are not going to go around checking what people eat. It is impractical. And putting a stop to fast food advertisements is to influence the younger set of Malaysians, the children.
“If we ban the advertisements early, then the children might not pick up the habit. But education of the masses is the key.”
Dr Ismail said that presently, the ministry’s programmes focused on promoting wellness rather than being illness-oriented.
“It is still the people’s choice. The consumer has to decide and for us, it is either scaring them enough into taking care of themselves or giving them enough information.
“We can try anything starting from the schools and we are getting feedback from various people like the NGOs to use new ways in educating people,” he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had earlier proposed that fast food commercials be banned and that he would bring the issue concerning fast food, said to be a “silent killer”, before the Cabinet next week.
Meanwhile, Chan Chin Nam, 42, a father of three young children, is far more worried about the unregulated content of hawker food, noting that the unhealthy points of fast food had long been recognised.
“You don’t know what the chef is doing to your food, what he puts in it,” he said when met at a café during lunch yesterday.
Businessman Lim Siang Boon, 45, said eating kuih, local desserts and junk food was considered “normal” as everyone ate them too when he was growing up.
He, however changed his habits after being diagnosed as a diabetic and now.
Friday, February 23, 2007
A local bank in KL
I've been informed by my relative that whenever my relative went to a local bank to bank in money, the teller will say the money is short of RM100, this is not the first time but many times. Even my relative has calculated enough money before bank into the account. My relative's friend also encounter the same issue, claiming that the money is not enough. Thought my relative calculated wrongly the money notes but why this happen to my relative's friend also?
Beware when you wanted to bank in the money. Be assure that the Teller to use the machine to calculate the money notes for you. This is more accurate.
Beware when you wanted to bank in the money. Be assure that the Teller to use the machine to calculate the money notes for you. This is more accurate.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Bad service of Perodua salesman
I've booked my new Myvi car last month (Jan 9th, 07) in one of the Perodua branches in Cheras (not to mention which branch). And I traded in my old Kenari. Before I signed and paid the booking fee of RM500 to the salesman. I was told that I should be getting the new Myvi in 2 weeks time. Do you think that this is possible in the first place? At first, I thought it should be no problem since the salesman has promised me that. After 2 weeks has passed, I called up the salesman, and was told that I can't get that Myvi yet. He said that the Perodua factory has closed for two weeks for maintainance purposes. If this is the case, why not the salesman tell me earlier? Is it the salesman's strategy to get more car bookings so that he should get more commission for himself on each car? Well, before I signed the booking document, I asked what I should be getting as a gift, and the salesman did not tell what he will give me.
After few weeks of follow-up on my new car, I always complained and asked for the status on my order. At last I spoke to the branch's manager to get an update on my order. This branch manager has spoken to me and promised me that I should be getting my new car before CNY. On 12th Feb, 07, the Salesman called and told me that his boss has allocated a car for me and is ready for registration. Asking me to pay the difference money before my car can get registered. Then I went and paid the difference money. I asked when I can get the car registered and was told that I should be getting on 14th, Feb, 07. I asked why by registering my car taking so long, one to two hours should be ready for the complete process. The salesman then told me that the car is still in the production factory and will be arrived on 14th, Feb, 07. At last, my new car was arrived in the afternoon and has set the appointment before 5pm to collect my new Myvi.
Then I have asked the salesman to set appointment for me to get the tinted glass as a gift for my car. I went to the tinted shop on 16th, Feb, 07 to get the tinted glass for my car. Spoken to the Marketing personnel at the shop. After explanation, she said the salesman only allocated RM200 for me as the gift. She said that quality for the tinted glass is not good, so marketing personnel explained that I should get a better quality one, then I have to top up another RM700 to get a good one. I was so surprised that the tinted caused about RM900...then I decided not to get the tinted glass. I told the marketing personnel that I have to reconsider first before deciding on whether to get the tinted glass or not. For those of you, beware of this strategy of giving you a free tinted glass. You have to ask the salesman before deciding anything. I have received some promotion notice on Myvi that there will be free tinted glass for around RM680, and why this salesman gifted me only with RM200?
After few weeks of follow-up on my new car, I always complained and asked for the status on my order. At last I spoke to the branch's manager to get an update on my order. This branch manager has spoken to me and promised me that I should be getting my new car before CNY. On 12th Feb, 07, the Salesman called and told me that his boss has allocated a car for me and is ready for registration. Asking me to pay the difference money before my car can get registered. Then I went and paid the difference money. I asked when I can get the car registered and was told that I should be getting on 14th, Feb, 07. I asked why by registering my car taking so long, one to two hours should be ready for the complete process. The salesman then told me that the car is still in the production factory and will be arrived on 14th, Feb, 07. At last, my new car was arrived in the afternoon and has set the appointment before 5pm to collect my new Myvi.
Then I have asked the salesman to set appointment for me to get the tinted glass as a gift for my car. I went to the tinted shop on 16th, Feb, 07 to get the tinted glass for my car. Spoken to the Marketing personnel at the shop. After explanation, she said the salesman only allocated RM200 for me as the gift. She said that quality for the tinted glass is not good, so marketing personnel explained that I should get a better quality one, then I have to top up another RM700 to get a good one. I was so surprised that the tinted caused about RM900...then I decided not to get the tinted glass. I told the marketing personnel that I have to reconsider first before deciding on whether to get the tinted glass or not. For those of you, beware of this strategy of giving you a free tinted glass. You have to ask the salesman before deciding anything. I have received some promotion notice on Myvi that there will be free tinted glass for around RM680, and why this salesman gifted me only with RM200?
Stock Market (Bursa) rises for the past weeks...
In the past weeks, the stock market in Malaysia (Bursa) rises to new high at 1,258.63 last Friday. Would this CI surge indicating that the Malaysian economy is recovering? Will this CI be sustainable after the Chinese New Year? Comments are welcomed.
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