PELANTIKAN DUTA BESAR MALAYSIA YANG BARU KE AMERIKA SYARIKAT, DATUK DR AWANG ADEK HUSSIN

PELANTIKAN DUTA BESAR MALAYSIA YANG BARU KE AMERIKA SYARIKAT

Kerajaan Malaysia telah melantik YBhg. Datuk Dr. Awang Adek Bin Hussin sebagai Duta Besar Malaysia yang baru ke Amerika Syarikat (AS). Datuk Dr. Awang Adek, 59 tahun, telah menerima Watikah Pelantikan daripada Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah di Istana Negara pada hari Isnin, 31 Mac 2014.

Beliau yang merupakan bekas Timbalan Menteri Kewangan dan Timbalan Menteri Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah memperolehi Ijazah Sarjana Muda (Matematik dan Ekonomi) dari Drew University, AS. Beliau juga memegang Ijazah Sarjana (Ekonomi) dan Doktor Falsafah (Ekonomi) dari Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, AS.

Datuk Dr. Awang Adek memulakan kerjaya sebagai pensyarah ekonomi di Universiti Sains Malaysia pada tahun 1983. Beliau juga pernah memegang beberapa jawatan di Bank Negara Malaysia sebelum dilantik ke jawatan Penolong Gabenor dari tahun 1996 hingga 2001. Setelah berkhidmat sebagai Timbalan Menteri Kewangan dari tahun 2006 hingga 2009, Datuk Dr. Awang Adek telah dilantik sebagai Senator dari tahun 2012 hingga 2013.

Sebelumini duta Malaysia ke Amerika SYarikat ialah Ahli Parlimen Rompin, Datuk Dr Jamaludin Jarjis atau jj.

Selamat Maju Jaya kepada Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin.

APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, DATUK DR AWANG ADEK HUSSIN

APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA


The Government of Malaysia has appointed YBhg. Datuk Dr. Awang Adek bin Hussin as the new Ambassador of Malaysia to the United States of America (USA). Datuk Dr. Awang Adek, 59, received his Letter of Appointment from Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah in a ceremony on Monday, 31 March 2014 at Istana Negara.

The former Deputy Minister of Finance and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development holds a Bachelor of Arts (Cum Laude) in Mathematics and Economics from Drew University, USA. He obtained his Masters of Arts in Economics and Doctorate in Economics from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA. Datuk Dr. Awang Adek started his career as a lecturer in Economics at Universiti Sains Malaysia in 1983. He has held various positions in Bank Negara Malaysia before being promoted to the post of Assistant Governor from 1996 to 2001. After his appointment as the Deputy Minister of Finance from 2006 until 2009, Datuk Dr. Awang Adek was appointed as a Senator from 2012 to 2013.

All the best Awang Adek.

Brazil, Jerman, USA, Mexico, antara negara bertuah anjurkan Bolasepak Piala Dunia dan Olimpik selang 2 tahun

Logo Piala Dunia Mexico 1986



Logo Olimpik Mexico 1968



Logo Piala Dunia Mexico 1970



Logo Olimpik Atlanta, USA 1996



Logo Piala Dunia USA 1994



Logo Piala Dunia Brazil 2014



Logo Sukan Olimpik Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 2016



Logo Sukan Olimpik Munich, Jerman Barat 1972



Logo Piala Dunia Jerman Barat 1974


Brazil untung, sudahlah tuan rumah bolasepak Piala Dunia 2014, hos Olimpik pula lepas tu 2 tahun kemudian pada 2016.

Bayangkan negara kita Malaysia menjadi tuan rumah bolasepak FIFA Piala Dunia dan 2 tahun selepas itu menjadi hos pula Sukan Olimpik.

Meriahkan?

Bolasepak FIFA Piala Dunia dan Sukan Olimpik adalah 2 kejohanan dan pertandingan dan temasya terbesar dunia yang diadakan selang 4 tahun sekali.

Nah, Brazil sebagaimana kita ketahui adalah tuan rumah bolasepak Piala Dunia 2014 dan 2 tahun selepas itu pada 2016, menjadi hos pula sukan Olimpik.. Wowww

Antara negara beruntung yang mendapat keistimewaan itu sebelum ini ialah Amerika Syarikat.

Piala Dunia FIFA 1994 diadakan di Amerika Syarikat dan 2 tahun selepas itu Sukan Olimpik 1996 diadakan pula di Atlanta, Amerika Syarikat.

Piala Dunia 1974 pula diadakan di Jerman dan dimenanginya menewaskan Belanda 2-1 di final, manakala 2 tahun sebelumnya Sukan Olimpik diadakan di Munich, Jerman pada 1972.

Pada 1954, Piala Dunia turut diadakan di Jerman dan Jerman sekali lagi menjadi tuan rumah Piala Dunia pada 2006 dimana pasukan itu layak ke separuh akhir sebelum dikecewakan juara, Itali 2-0.

Dimana pula Sukan Olimpik 1936 diadakan yang menyaksikan Adolf Hitler menonton Atlit Amerika Syarikat, Jeese Owens menang 4 pingat Emas? Jawapannya di Berlin, Jerman!!

Kalau bukan 2 tahun jaraknya, asalkan diadakan di negara sama pun mencukupi.

Contohnya Sepanyol tuan rumah Piala Dunia FIFA 1982 dan 10 tahun selepas itu pada 1992 Barcelona tuan rumah sukan Olimpik pula.

England pula tuan rumah sukan Olimpik 2012, manakala pada 1966, negara itu tuan rumah Piala Dunia yang dimenanginya selepas menewaskan Jerman Barat 4-2 di final di Wembley.

Jepun tuan rumah sukan olimpik 1960 dan tuan rumah bersama Piala Dunia FIFA pada 2002 bersama Korea, malahan sukan Olimpik pernah diadakan di Seoul, Korea pada 1988.

Mexico tuan rumah sukan Olimpik 1968 dan Piala Dunia 1970 dan sekali lagi menjadi tuan rumah pertandingan besar Piala Dunia pada 1986 yang menyaksikan Diego Maradonna menjadi pemain lagenda dan terbaik dunia.

Perhatikan juga nombornya 68 dan 86.. hebatkan??

Siapa pula tuan rumah Piala Dunia 1970 yang dimenangi Pele dan Brazil ? Mexico juga kan.

Rome, Itali juga pernah menjadi hos sukan Olimpik dan dimanakah Piala Dunia 1990 diadakan? Jawapannya Itali.

Negara lain pula seperti Malaysia bukan saja tidak pernah menjadi hos Piala Dunia, malahan tidak pernah menjadi hos sukan Olimpik. Malaysia hanya pernah menjadi tuan rumah sukan Komanwel 1998 dan hos Piala Dunia Belia pada 1997 yang menyaksikan kelibat pemain muda yang kemudiannya menjadi pemain tersohor iaitu Michael Owen - England, Pablo Aimar - Argentina, Thierry Henry dan David Trezeguet – Prancis bersama Esteban Cambiasso – Argentina.

Apapun Brazil pasti juara Piala Dunia 2014 di gelanggang sendiri.

Hidup Liverpool, Hidup Brazil.

Aurora, Texas, USA tempat perkuburan Alien dari angkasa lepas?

Keratan akhbar menjelaskan fenomena Alien UFO di AUrora, Texas, USA pada 1897




Dokumentari UFO di Aurora Texas itu

Aurora, Texas, USA tempat perkuburan Alien dari angkasa lepas?

Menurut laporan media Amerika Syarikat, Bandar Aurora di Texas, Amerika Syarikat menjadi tempat persemadian Alien yang tiba di bumi menggunakan pesawat UFO pada 1897 atau 200 tahun lalu.

Kubur itu dilaporkan masih ada sehingga sekarang, cuma tidak diketahui jasad UFO dan Alien itu bagaimana rupa dan bentuknya.

Kenapa dikuburkan mahkluk UFO itu? Kenapa tidak diawetkan dan dipamerkan di Muzium untuk tatapan umat manusia yang belum pernah melihat Alien dan UFO dengan mata sendiri?

Muzium yang memaparkan jasad Alien dan UFO itu pasti untung besar kerana seluruh umat manusia di dunia pastinya mahu berpusu pusu datang menatap wajah makhluk asing itu.

Apa kata kita dengar lagu makhluk Tuhan paling seksi ini??

Gambar menyayat hati ibu memegang jari anaknya yang keguguran ketika kandungannya berusia 19 minggu

Keluarga besar Duggar


Jari jemari kecil itu sepatutnya menjadi anak ke 20 pasangan Duggard, malangnya Jubilee Shalom Duggar meninggal dunia dalam kandungan ibunya ketika berusia 19 minggu.


Michelle Duggar dan suaminya. Pasangan ini mempunyai 19 anak.

Kasih ibu sepanjang hayat.

Gambar mengharukan dan menyayat hati ini menunjukkan seorang ibu di Amerika Syarikat, Michelle Duggar, 45 tahun sedang memegang jari kecil bayinya, Jubilee Shalom Duggar. Jubilee meninggal dunia ketika baru 19 minggu dikandung ibunya pada Disember 2011.

Ketika itu Jubilee hanya seberat 4 aun dan setinggi 6 sentimeter.

Bagi memperingati Jubilee, Michelle dan keluarga, mengabadikan photo ini sebagai memori sepanjang hayat.

Michelle sebenarnya amat terkenal di Amerika Syarikat kerana mempunyai 19 anak. Jubilee sepatutnya anaknya yang ke 20.

God Bless This family.

Barack Obama, debt deal reached

Whatever the super powers do, we have to give attention for it will affect us.

Republican and Democratic leaders have agreed on a plan to raise the United States debt ceiling, President Barack Obama announced Sunday night, 31th July 2011.

The announcement arrives after months of intense closed-door negotiations, and just two days before the deadline set by the Treasury Department.

According to the details available, the agreement would slow the growth of government spending over the next decade by $2-$3 trillion and allow enough borrowing to put off another vote to raise the ceiling to 2013.

About $1 trillion will be cut immediately, and the details of the remaining spending reductions will be handled by a bipartisan committee of 12 lawmakers from both chambers, who will recommend cuts for Congress to vote on. To appease the GOP's conservative wing, the deal would also require a vote in both chambers on an amendment to the Constitution requiring the federal government to balance its budget each year.

"I want to announce that the leaders of both parties, in both chambers, have reached an agreement that will reduce the deficit and avoid default--a default that would have had a devastating effect on our economy," Obama said. "Now, is this the deal I would have preferred? No. . . . But this compromise does make a serious down payment on the deficit reduction we need, and gives each party a strong incentive to get a balanced plan done before the end of the year."

House Speaker John Boehner held a conference call Sunday evening with House Republicans in which he urged them to support the package, declaring that the deal in place "meets our principles of smaller government."

"There is a framework in place that would cut spending by a larger amount than we raise the debt limit, and cap future spending to limit the growth of government," he said, according to a transcript provided by Boehner's office. "Now listen, this isn't the greatest deal in the world. But it shows how much we've changed the terms of the debate in this town."

With the approval of leaders of the House and Senate, and Tuesday's deadline looming, Congress must act quickly to convince enough members to seal the deal with a vote on Monday. The deal will require bipartisan support due to the opposition within factions of both parties.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Majority Leader Harry Reid will both present the deal to their caucus Monday at 11 a.m. with a vote expected afterward.

God Bless the World.

Japan is the 2011 Women World Cup Champion

Japan made history as the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champion for the first time after a 3-1 penalty shootout victory over USA, following a drama-charged 2-2 draw in Frankfurt Germany on Sunday 17th July 2011.

Chants of "Nippon!" or "Japan" echoed throughout Tokyo in the early morning hours of Monday 18th July 2011, as the Japanese women's national team twice came from behind to force a shootout that they won to capture the country's first World Cup title.

The victory, in which they outscored the United States 3-1 in the penalty shootout after twice tying the game after falling behind by a goal, capped an emotional run for a team that upset local favorite Germany and Sweden to reach their first ever appearance in the World Cup finals.



Move over Marta and Birgit Prinz or Abby Wambach. Japan playmaker, no. 10 Homare Sawa has ended the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011™ in Germany as the tournament's towering figure.

The midfield schemer, the driving force behind her country’s ultimate triumph, claimed the adidas Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, and the Adidas Golden Boot as top scorer with 5 goals, Marta the 5 times FIFA world female player of the year was 2nd with 4 goals.

Japan's first-ever moment of glory on the global footballing stage will forever be associated with the 32-year-old’s consistently outstanding displays and priceless goals.

"We fought until the very end, I didn't stop running," Homare Sawa said, in an interview with Japanese media. "I've been fighting to be number one for so long -- this just seems unreal to me."



This historic win happened barely 4 months after the March 11th, 2011, 9.0 scale earthquake that shooked Japan, creating a giant Tsunami that killed 25,000 people.

More than four months after the disasters, thousands of evacuees remain in shelters, while nearly 100,000 people have been displaced because of radiation concerns.

The team dedicated the tournament to victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, their unlikely run lifted a wounded nation, their success temporarily knocking news about radiation scares and aftershocks, off the front pages.



Japan had not beaten the Americans in 25 previous meetings, but the team nicknamed "Nadeshiko," the Japanese word for beautiful flower, played for a purpose greater than soccer this time around.

The win also shattered the myth that Asians are unable to reach the pinnacle of world football.

Japan is no doubt the new football super power of the world, achieving what even the great Brazilian female superstar player, Marta has failed.



The tone was set for a strong USA performance with the two-time world champions showing their intent from the opening whistle. Lauren Cheney forced a save from Ayumi Kaihori with a shot from a highly acute angle, after the forward had outmuscled Azusa Iwashimizu just 25 second into the contest.

On eight minutes, Megan Rapinoe found some space on the left and her excellent near post ball was turned just wide by Cheney. Barely a minute later, Wambach fired a shot over as USA maintained their bright start.

Finally USA secured reward for their dominance with the opening goal on 69 minutes as Morgan broke the deadlock with her second of the tournament.

A quick counter attack saw Rapinoe play an excellent ball through for Morgan to use her strength to hold off a defender, before hitting a perfect finish past Kaihori.

The 22-year-old Morgan again proved herself as a player for the big occasion, having hit the winner for USA against Korea DPR in the final of the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.



Here, Japan most outstanding player, no.10 Homare Sawa is seen clearing the ball in front of the Japanese goal, as USA players close-in. Sawa not only lead the Japanese attack but also the defence. Infact she was seen running at every nook and corner of the field as if she has a superhuman stamina.

For her super-human efforts throughout the tournament, Sawa was voted the best player of the entire 2011 FIFA Women World Cup and also the top scorer as well with 5 goals.















Earlier in the match, USA created numerous goalscoring opportunities throughout the match but Aya Miyama’s goal nine minutes from the end of the 90 minutes forced extra time, after Alex Morgan had given the Stars and Stripes the lead on 69 minutes.

Abby Wambach seemed set to have scored the winner on 104 minutes until Sawa’s late intervention.

Japan equalised somewhat against the run of play 12 minutes later as a cross from the right caused chaos in the USA defence, with Miyama taking full advantage to push the ball past Hope Solo from close range.

The match was end-to-end in the remaining minutes with Kinga and O’Reilly both firing good efforts in on goal without being able to break the deadlock. So for the fourth time in six FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals, 90 minutes proved not enough to find a winner.

The match continued in an open fashion and at a high tempo following the recommencement. Morgan carved out the first opening of extra time only to shoot askew after getting the better of two defenders.

USA again took the lead one minute prior to the end of the opening period of extra time. Wambach powered home a bullet header from close range following Morgan’s precise cross. It was Wambach’s fourth of the tournament, all from headers.

With five minutes remaining, Kinga pushed the ball past the onrushing Solo with only a clearance from retreating captain Christie Rampone denying an equaliser.

However, from the ensuing corner, Sawa equalised by diverting Miyama’s corner with just three minutes remaining. The goal not only ensured the match would be decided by penalties but lifted Sawa into the outright lead as top goalscorer, with five goals. Iwashimizu was then sent off for a professional foul as time ran out.

Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath failed to convert USA's opening three penalties, and while Yuki Nagasato had her effort saved, Japan were not to be denied as Asia claimed the title for the first time.



Congrats Japan.. you are the best in the planet right now... Banzai the USA!!!

16 pounds baby boy, the heaviest newborn in the world!!!

He has 10 little fingers and 10 little toes, but litle JaMichael is anything but small.

A woman from Texas, USA has given birth to a baby boy who weighed in at more than 16 pounds or 7.3 kg, more than double the average weight of a newborn.

Baby JaMichael, nicknamed Moose, is the heaviest baby to be born at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, USA and reportedly the largest newborn in the Lone Star State and maybe the heaviest newborn baby in the entire world.

“Both his mother, Janet Johnson and father, Michael Brown are large people, and she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which contributed to the baby’s size”, explained Dr. John Kirk, who delivered JaMichael.

According to the Guinness World Records , Ann Bates of Canada gave birth to the biggest newborn, in 1879, when her baby weighed in at a whopping 23 pounds, 12 ounces.

But that was 132 years ago.

For now, JaMichael rules da world!!!

Lady Gaga Performs ‘Born This Way’ With 10-Year-Old YouTube Sensation, Maria Aragon

The stage was set for Lady Gaga to finally perform the hit song "Born this way" together with the 10 year old internet sensation Maria Aragon.

Maria Aragon found fame after Lady Gaga tweeted that she (Maria) is the future star, after Gaga watched Maria's own rendition of "Born This Way" on Youtube.

YouTube star Maria Aragon joined Lady Gaga on stage at her concert in Toronto, Canada on 3rd March 2011 to perform ‘Born This Way ’ live in front of a sold-out crowd.



Ten-year-old ‘Lady Maria from Winnipeg’ who is half Filipino and half Canadian, played a cover of the song at home and the clip (almost 28 million views so far!) impressed Lady Gaga so much she requested a duet.

“I’m really excited that Maria is here today, because Maria represents what this song is all about. It’s all about the next generation and the future and no more divisiveness,’ Gaga told the audience referring to song ‘Born This Way’.

The 24-year-old Lady Gaga was in tears after the young performer left the stage.



Maria Aragon is half Filipino and she is not the only young Filipino who captivated the global music audience.

Another young Filipino sensation is none other than Charice Pempengco who caught the attention of Celine Dion when she was just 14.

How come Filipino sang so well??

Maybe because they were "Born This Way"!!

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!!! Insanse and wildly crazy Chainsaw Stunt

Hope someone will call 911 before “The World’s Strongest Redneck” tries this again.

Call this insane or madly crazy at the highest level.

This man claims that he is the strongest Redneck in the world (but to me he is the stupidest S.O.B in this planet)!!!

He video-taped himself toying with a running chainsaw.

Watch what he did with that deadly machine in the video below :



Call this lunatic or imbecile at the highest level or crazy at the lowest level.

What is his IQ level?? Below 50???

Is he nuts, drunk or has only one ball??

Heck if he continues doing this everyday, then i bet he will leave this world pretty soon as his head or neck will be in contact with the razor sharp chainsaws!!!

Guys, Girls, Boys, ladies and gentlemen.... DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!!



Maybe that insane Redneck guy tries to impress hot chicks out there.!!! But to be frank, even dogs will run away on seeing his crazed behaviour!!!

Prime Minister Datuk Najib Razak travelled 70,000 kilometres in May alone

In the month of May, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak visited 5 countries, clocking 44,000 miles or 70,400 kilometres to strenghten Malaysia as the premier investment destination in the world, be it foreign direct investment or bilateral trade.

This is his memoir as stated in his blog http://www.1malaysia.com.my


The month of May was a period for renewing international relations with investor countries. I must have clocked over 44,000 miles travelling across three continents – Europe, North America, and of course, Asia. As my visits are never leisurely, you must excuse me for this lengthy blog as I try to summarise the numerous highlights of my trips.



I first headed to Saudi Arabia to attend a private royal luncheon with His Majesty King Abdullah, which is a rare and great honour. During the private audience with His Majesty, we discussed issues in the Middle East, among others. His Majesty was very gracious with his time, despite having only recently recovered from a medical operation.



My next working visit took me to Qatar, where I met with my counterpart, Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Jassim Jabar al-Thani in a four-eyed meeting. As it was my first official visit there since helming the Government, it was crucial that my visit reinforces Malaysia’s relationship with the Gulf nation.

While there, I also took several individual meetings with Malaysian business owners and Qatari investors. In my meeting with the Qatari Businessmen Association, we highlighted the investment opportunities in both countries, namely in infrastructure, oil and gas, and tourism development.



As Qatar prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, a massive number of infrastructure projects have been launched in the range of US$140 billion.This paves the way for Malaysian companies to increase our economic presence there, and I urge our firms to make the most of these opportunities.



From the Middle East, I flew to England, arriving in London on Sunday evening. My visit was arranged on the invitation by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OXCIS) to visit the centre’s new building site, and to deliver a lecture at the historic Sheldonian Theatre. In my lecture to a diverse audience of about 600, I reiterated my stand on moderation in religion and Islam, urging the audience to recognise that the real divide is neither between the East and West nor between people of different faith, but between the extremists and moderates. I encourage you to read the text of my lecture here, entitIed ‘Coalition of Moderates and Inter-Civilisational Understanding’.

I spent about 45 minutes touring the OXCIS building construction, co-funded by Malaysia and several other Islamic countries. Hopefully, this remarkable building and the institution it houses will be a beacon of tolerance and understanding between Islam and the West. As always, I also try to make myself available to meet with the Malaysian community overseas when I visit, so the opportunity to meet with the our students there was not missed.







After a two-day visit, it was off to the United States. Following my bilateral meeting with President Obama in April last year, our countries had expressed commitment to broaden cooperation. My visit this time focused on attracting business investors and My first stop was New York, where I launched Invest Malaysia 2011 at the NYSE to an audience of over 360 potential investors. As the largest foreign investment partner for Malaysia, the confidence of American firms in our economic climate must be bolstered. From my interactions with the business community there, I am optimistic that foreign direct investment will continue to pour in, as a several multinational companies have already stated their intention to invest up to US$6 billion. This means more jobs for Malaysians.






Another highlight of the trip was the inaugural Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) meeting, which I chaired, at the New York Academy of Sciences. Here, I spoke about a Digital Malaysia Masterplan in development, which is a centralised approach to capitalise on key opportunities from the increasing digitalisation of the world. Hopefully, this council, whose members comprise prominent scientists and experts from various fields, will help Malaysia seek innovative technological solutions to carry ourselves forward and out of the middle-income trap.

I also partook in a roundtable meeting with the US Chamber of Commerce, as well as individual meetings with some US corporate leaders, and witnessed the signing of three MoUs.

From New York I travelled on to Washington, and then Maryland, the home of the renowned Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. While there I was thrilled to announce that the university will be establishing a medical programme in Malaysia beginning September this year, through a collaboration with Perdana University in Serdang. This way, world-class education is now available, as they say, in our own backyard.




On a personal level, it was a joy to take some time during my trip to witness my daughter receiving her Bachelor of Science degree at the Georgetown University graduation ceremony. If you are a parent, I’m sure you can relate when occasions like this reaffirm our belief that we have done our best as parents to guide and nurture our children towards adulthood. It was, in a word, bittersweet.





My visit to the US ended; I flew back to Malaysia a bit sooner than scheduled. After being briefed of the tragic landslide incident in Hulu Langat while overseas, I resolved to visit the site and the survivors. Immediately upon arriving in Malaysia, my family and I headed to the site to survey the damage caused by the landslide, then to Ampang Hospital to lend moral support to the victims.




Two days later, I headed for Japan for a brief working visit to address the delegates at the 17th International Nikkei Conference in Tokyo. I received confirmation that some RM3.8 billion worth of investments will be coming in from Japanese firms, a positive sign for both countries, as Japan had been more inclined to direct their funds to rebuild the nation following the earthquake and tsunami incident last March. Before returning, I also met with Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto and industry leaders from the Japan-Malaysia Economic Association.

It was a whirlwind trip, to say the least, but I am optimistic with Malaysia’s future, thanks to the encouraging responses and outcomes from my visits, and the promise of more and better jobs for Malaysians.