BANK NEGARA GUIDELINES ON RESPONSIBLE FINANCE- THE IMPACT

On 18 November 2011, Bank Negara Malaysia issued a guideline (BNM/RH/GL 000-5 Guidelines on Responsible Finance) to financial institutions aimed at promoting prudent, responsible and transparent retail financing practices. The guideline that  took effect on 1 January 2012 are applicable and was issued pursuant to six (6) Statutory Acts  namely, Section 126 of the Banking and Financial Institutions Act (BAFIA) 1989; Section 53A of the Islamic Banking Act 1983, Section 201 of the Insurance Act 1996, Section 69 of the Takaful Act 1984, Section 126 of the Development Financial Institutions Act 2002; and Section 70 of the Payment Systems Act 2003.

1. The guidelines that covers all form of financing from car loan to overdraft and even credit cards will give rise to loan shark and create unproductive population. When the Banks are more stringent, it provides a better opportunity for loan shark to grow. The Guidelines provide them with a bigger population and opportunity. The loan shark industry was already at its prime even before the guideline was introduced.

2. The demographic for PROTON car buyer represents the majority of Malaysia populations with low salary but earns from multiple source of income. The commitment to pay the monthly fix housing mortgage and vehicle loan repayment is in itself a drive for many to work harder to secure their employment and be promoted which in turn enhances overall productivity.

3. The income of more than 4,500 sales advisors employed by PROTON Dealers network were badly injured when the Sales Advisors were not able to earn commission from sales when their customer’s loan application were either rejected or refused for loan processing in compliance to the BNM guidelines.

4.  The guideline had severely damaged our sales with only 30% application for loan submission in January were approved. Although Malaysia Automotive Association reported a 25% drop in sales for January 2012, PEDA believe the actual drop was more as many from January sales were the spill-over from December when customer waited for the new year to register their cars and when customer had already obtained their loan financing was before the Guideline took effect in January 2012.

MAKANSUTRA- KHUNTHAI RESTAURANT- PENANG!!

If ever you are exhausted of ideas on where to eat.. or feels like experimenting food... or do not know what to eat.. you can send SOS to the food-finder Sarge (COBC) Boon!!! If ever there are excess food to eat.. do not put it to waste, call COBC Food-Slut USJ1-Delta Tan Wee Liam. If ever there are good food to share... you know where to find me!! I completely trust Sarge Boon's taste in food having put on a few kilograms in weight everytime Sarge Boon introduced us to a new dining place and again, my trip to Penang ended with a big huge hooyah feast.

Shortly before bidding farewell to Penang after officiating its Convent Green Lane School alumni and attending Penang COBC party, we crossed the longest bridge in Malaysia and the fourth longest in Southeast Asia to 104, Jalan Permatang Tengah, 12300 Butterworth. For location map, see below:

It was quite a distance drive from Hard Rock Hotel to the Khun Thai Restaurant but we made it there within 30 minutes drive on an empty stomach.

PEDA ROAD SHOW CENTRAL REGION DEALERS

DEALERS IN CRISIS! The PROTON EDAR Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA) gathered the Central region dealers for a meeting to address current trade crisis with the implementation of Bank Negara Malaysia guideline on car loans, enforcement of Hire-Purchase Act amendments, the take-over of PROTON by DRB-Hicom and some operational issues faced by the dealers nationwide. This was the second roadshow after a successful gathering in Southern region on 1st February 2012 at HERE.

The gathering of Central Region dealers was held at the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort, Langkawi Room and attended by majority. Peda committee was attended by me as the President, Dato Nik Izani Ibrahim PEDA Deputy President, Lee Lick Sai as PEDA Central Region Chairman, Siaw Siew Bee- Vice President, Datuk Yahya Jaafar Hon Treasurer & PEDA Southern Region Chairman, Malkeet Singh Secretary General, Liew Vee Lee- PEDA East-Coast Region Chairman, Wan Azmi Ahmad, Mohd Taib Jamin and Aref Borhan.

The full details of the meeting is available for PROTON EDAR Dealers at HERE but only accessible by PROTON EDAR DEALERS only. For PROTON EDAR dealers, pls email me at president@proton-dealers.com for access (if you do not have access).

WE ARE A CHAMPION!! ON EVERY WEEK!

Its COBC-LSD part 3!! Yes we hear ya.. To make this year better than last and to achieve this year's New Year resolution that we fix for our recruits (at here) with at least 10 races for season COBC runners and 6 races for COBC virgin runners, we began every Sunday with a Long Slow Distance running training. To make it more exciting and hip, we invited celebrity runner Ilyanna Aylin Ayob to plan the running route with our COBC Admin Rose Emini Pahamin. For those that do not know Ilyanna Aylin, do read about her at here.

Now we are into our 3rd LSD.. and since I was in Penang officiating the Convent Green Lane School Re-union and alumni, I can only envy those runners from far while reading about it on Facebook. There were more than 3 dozens recruits that ran the running training. Click on pictures to enlarge.

PENANG 3rd GRADUATION PARTY

If there was a most supportive platoon award.. then Penang platoon would proudly won. When the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC) held a roadshow at the Hard Rock Hotel in conjunction with the Convent Green Lane School re-union and alumni at HERE, many of them came to support in Grey COBC Tee. Naturally, we invite them for a buffet lunch worth RM85 ++ per head at Hard Rock Hotel.

The former Asia best Karate Champion, Sarge (COBC) Boon arrived at the Hard Rock Hotel as early as 9am to set-up the display booth at the Hall of Fame. He was assisted by his lovely assistant Christina. They displayed some equipments that are frequently used to whip and whack get the best results out of any recruits. They even had the Hollywood's voted most preferred shoe in 2011, the Vibram Five Fingered on display. Have it the Sarge's way, he wants to five fingered everyone in the Hall.

CONVENT GREEN LANE ALUMNI AND RE-UNION 2012

I was invited by the Organising Committee Chairman Dr Azlina Ahmad to grace and officiate SMK Convent Green Lane re-union and alumni that was held on 11 February 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel, Penang. I first befriended Dr Azlina Ahmad when she invited me to eat Daging Kuda (Horse Meat) many years ago!! The attempt was almost successful until I discovered that she wanted to feed me with daging KUDA PENCEN??!! too much information... Needless to say, it did not work out.

To make sure that this re-union function did not suffer the same fate without me, Dr Azlina Ahmad (BBA., MBA, PhD. International Marketing) whom is also a lecturer at the University Science Malaysia consistently reminded me of the event since November last year until my arrival at the Hotel this morning at 9:00am. I hereby award her to be the most persistent and consistent friend in circle.

The gorgeous invitation card were sent out to all CGL school leavers. Convent Green Lane School was established 51 years ago in 1961. SMK CGL celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2001 and in the same year, Pn Balkish Mohd Isa, the former headmistress bid the school farewell. Between the year 2002 to 2005, Pn Sharifah Hamidah bt Syed Mohd Al- Habshi was the school headmistress and Pn Patimah bt Othman in 2005 and retired shortly later 2006. Since then, Puan Lim Yen Lee, the then Penolong Kanan Ko-Kurikulum was promoted as the new principle of SMK CGL.

The theme for the re-union and alumni was Rock & Roll and because of the theme, Hard Rock Hotel was chosen. Especially for the night, I dug into my oldest wardrobe and chose my most Rock'est t'shirt and Jeans.

SHELL MALAYSIA ADOPTED HEALTH AS A RESOLUTION!!

Where can you find a Chairman of a big conglomerate that is so concern over its employee's weight and health that it engaged CHIEF's Original Bootcamp (COBC) to make sure their employee does not take any medical leaves and maintain their health fitness and err sexy-ness..? Yes.. none other than SHELL Malaysia Berhad. Shell Chairman Mohd Anuar Taib was very concern of SHELL employees fitness that is apparently above national benchmark for obesity. For a start, through our strong recruit Nor Sabrina Mohd Nor, we began our session on Friday, 10 February 2012.

If SHELL HELIX is the viagra for cars, then COBC is the Viagra for fitness and health!! SHELL is the best and engaged only the best!

The session was held 'indoor' (INDOOR!!) and our former national Taekwondo gold medalist and COBC lead instructor Staff-Sarge (COBC) Dann was the platoon commander assisted by Sarge Tom, Corporal (COBC) Resh, Corporal (COBC) Ridz) and coordinated by Admin Farhanah Bamadhaj. I was the paparazzi!! Pictures speaks louder than words.. See for yourself!! (click on pictures to enlarge first before copying/saving for best quality).

COBC JANUARY 2012 ACERS!!

ACE or 100% Attendance, Commitment and Effort certificate was created to recognize those recruits with discipline to complete the full 12 sessions of training.... without giving up! Although the one hour per session is on alternate days, but we know and understand for whatever reason, it is not easy to consistently attend all the 12 session in a month. For that, we award those with the discipline and imprint their name into the COBC Book of Achievers. Trust me, this sort of discipline and commitment can bring you very far in life. So you should be proud... We are very proud of you.

Every month, there are only about 10% - 15% that actually ACE'd their session... Those that made it into COBC Book of Achievers were as follows (Note: We are in the move to shift to another website platform. The current platform is slow with our too many contents. Please bear with us ya).

GENNAIO BOOTCAMP FESTO: JANUARY COBC PARTY!!! PART 1

Its our party again!! Yes, if there is one date that we should always diarise every month, then it is the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC) monthly party!!! and no it is not restricted to only COBC recruits but it is open to every friends, bruder & sista of the recruits.. Heck.. it is open to everyone whom wants to be part of the most passionate circle of people in health and fitness. Every month, there will be a theme chosen for the day. The theme for January 2012 party was ... err.. Italian!!!! It was abit tough to dress at first.. but with a little bit of Google'ing I came out with er... Antonio Banderas??!! but then.. he was not handsome enough and had to google for more optiond.. The next name that came out was err.... Luciano Pavarotti? but then.. I am too lean to be Pavarotti.. so... google some more.. google and google.. finally, I decided to be ArminO BaniazO!!!

Armino Baniazo???

Haiiih... Whatever... *scratching head...

COBC: HARTAMAS LSD 2

Yes we hear ya!!! You want a running-orgy.. we give you COBC-Weekend Running Long Slow Distance (LSD)!! This is the second weekend that we ran with celebrity runner cum COBC team-mate Ilyanna Aylin Ayob.. for those that still dont know her, click and read HERE.  The first LSD was held last week at Bukit Aman (click HERE to read) and this week, was at Sri Hartamas with a slight increase in level of running difficulty via a hilly route. Gathering time was at 6:15am and we started running at 6:30am... err after a group camwhore!!

Rienna Choo, Amy Ho and Freda started earlier and missed the group photo. Running this morning were Advance Tan, Ali Rahimi Ferdosinezhad, Tan Wee Liam, Kym Wishnowski, Helmi Ruzaimi, Mohamad Fazli, Syamala Pillay, Jadite Liew, May Lyn Wong, Fairuz, Rose Emini Pahamin, Nawal Aini Zulkifli, Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Rizal, Azim and a few others (err knocking my head on the wall-cannot remember).

GONG XI FA CHAI WITH YUEN AND LC TAN

There is no other Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration that serves Japanese food but at the Yuen Choong Lai and LC Tan's Gong Xi Fa Chai open house. Last year it was at the Kin Shui Teh, Tropicana Golf and Country Club and this year the venue was changed to Nagomi at the Jaya 33. We befriended both Yuen and LC a few year s back when our sons are best friend since year 1 at the Garden International School GIS). Both Yuen and LC were recruits at the Chief's original Bootcamp but they retired when their fitness was at its prime....It was our first visit to the Nagomi. It was a different concept to the Kin Shui Teh and is a more weight-watcher diet friendly. Its shabu shabu base (aka steamboat base). Every year, Yuen and LC never fail to invite the parents of GIS for their CNY open house and every year, we never fail to err... over-eat our invitation.

How can we possibly behave when there were generous amount of food being served. Yuen, being the President for Hadrons Capital, a venture capitalist co-owned a fleet of fine-dining restaurants and we from the eating department performed our tasks beyond our KPI (Key Performance Index).. we simply bedal licin! But its okay to over-eat because most in the menu were vegetable in nature with a generous portion of lean beef.

COBC- BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT

 Benchmark assessment!!! Yes.. The first and the 13th session of every month will always be the COBC Benchmark assessment. Whether you are in Malaysia or Australia or any other part of the world, you will be doing the same benchmark assessment!! The same form, the same circuit and the same distance. Why? because of various reason but primarily because wherever you are, when you have reach a certain fitness level, you would want to pace yourself against other better recruits within the COBC network worldwide. That is one of the primary characteristics of a Delta. Twice a year, this elite Delta will be given a special invitation to participate in the network's toughest challenge codename: Hell Week!! Some Deltas were even invited to try out for the Red Tee... Yes, we encourage and recommend potential Deltas to be in red tee for one main reason.. Instructors that was born from a recruit knew best the needs and wants of a recruit and is able to fulfill that better than someone from outside whom would have to first understand COBC military-inspired's firm, assertive and yet friendly nature as well as COBC recruit's culture and camaraderie.

The best Benchmark Assessment record in Malaysia was held for more than a year by James Fong whom recorded both Circuit-1 and 1-mile run below 8 minutes. Since then, there were many recruits whom did chart a better time but it was for either the Circuit-1 or the 1-Mile run but never for both until 13 months later (after James Fong's) in July 2011, Jin Chong Hee became the second recruit that recorded both Circuit-1 and 1-Mile run below 8 minutes with a timing of 7:36 and 7:53 accordingly and held the best record since then. In October 2011, that record was broken by Tan Wee Liam with a Circuit-1 and 1-Mile run timing of 7:16 and 7:23. That timing became the best held record until Tuesday 31 January 2012, when Tan Wee Liam again broke his own record with both timing below 7 minutes at 6:53 and 6:47 in Subang Jaya USJ1. This became a new COBC Best Benchmark Assessment record.

ITS TIME TO GET FIVE FINGERED WITH VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS

2nd shipment of Vibram Five Finger had just landed!! and my new Striking Red Vibram Five Finger had just said Hi to me... What and Why did I need a Vibram Five Finger again? Yes... click HERE. To top that up, when you purchase a Vibram Five Finger at HERE, you'll get RM100 rebate from your monthly COBC subscription... only at the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP!! 

COBC: A FUNTABULOUS COMMUNITY

What makes the Chief's Original Bootcamp (COBC) so different? Yes.. the people.. its community!! Since establishment 18 months ago, there are now more than 3,000 registered members. While there are a whole bunch of recruits that have never run and became an avid runners after working out at the COBC, there are also recruits that was a couch potato but became a serious mountain climbers and hikers. This outdoor activities are fast becoming a trend. Another bunch are going to Diving at Mabul, Kapala and Sipadan which are world top 10 best dive spots. Yesterday, a bunch of these recruit attack the Camp 5 Wall Climbing and had the best moment! When you are healthy and fit, you can do anything you want.

I blog this because I fell in love with the pictures above (which reads COBC) that was made from COBC hardcore Sheikh Hisham, Micaela Soyza, Heather Goh, Angela Loo, Avril Chan and Shazni Az.

PEDA: SOUTHERN 1 REGION PROTON DEALERS GATHERINGS

PROTON EDAR Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA) made its first trip to Southern region for a healthy meeting and discussion. PEDA Committee was represented by the President Armin Baniaz Pahamin, Deputy President Dato Nik Izani, Vice President SB Siaw, Hon Treasurer Dato Yahya Jaafar, Secretary-General Malkeet Singh, Assistant Secretary-General Mohd Nor Azan, Committee member Dato Isa Indot. The meeting was help at New York Hotel, Johor Bharu.

Except for 2 dealers, the gathering was attended by all of Southern Region 1 PROTON dealers' directors and managers. Those that attended were from Datuk Yahya Jaafar (Alam Biru Sdn Bhd), Zulkifzaini Sahari (Alam Biru Sdn Bhd), Mr Wong Yong Seng (Autofin Associates (Johore) Sdn Bhd), Abu Bakar Ahmad (Edaran Sri Sutera Sdn Bhd), Mr SB Siaw (Edaran Sri Mestika Sdn Bhd), Mr Tan Seng Hin (Edaran Sri Mestika Sdn Bhd), Ms Chan Ley Hoon (Erat Sehati Sdn Bhd(, Mr Tan Seng Thong (Erat Sehati Sdn Bhd), Mr Ee Boon Keng (Kenari Bernas Sdn Bhd), En Amir Abu Bakar (Kulis Auto Sdn Bhd),  En Yahoda (Osmotrade Sdn Bhd), En Mohd Irwan Kassim (Seni Oto Edaran Sdn Bhd), Mr Leong Yi Shan (Speedway Motor Credit Sdn Bhd), Mr Leong Yi Shan (Speedway Motor Credit Sdn Bhd), Mr Kenny Ng (Speedway Motor Credit Sdn Bhd), Mr Jerry Tee Kai Ming (Temaco Auto Credit Sdn Bhd), Mr Tee Siong Guan (Temaco Auto Credit Sdn Bhd), Mr Brian Tien (Urus Usaha Sdn Bhd), Mr Alan Cheng Tim Tzen (Yoong Ming Auto Services & Parts Sdn Bhd).

GIS PINK DAY!!

31 January 2012 was Pink Day at the Garden International School (GIS) in support of Breast Cancer Awareness and everyone at GIS men, women and students were all in PINK!!! and so was I. The Pink T' shirt is on sale around school on 30th and 31st January 2012. The Pink Day was organised in conjunction with World Cancer Day on 4th February.

In support to the GIS Pink Day, Aaraf Armin, Nawal Aini and me was in the PINK Tee bearing the pink-day logo that was designed by GIS talented students for two consecutive days.

We will also wear the Pink Tee on 12th February 2012 at TTDI for the Pink Walk ‘Arielle’s Walk’. This walk is in memory of a member of the GIS community who sadly lost her fight with Breast Cancer last year. The walk will begin at 8:30am and everybody are invited to participate, be healthy and show your support at this family event (Stay Tuned for more details).

SEEING LIFE DIFFERENTLY BY SYIDA LIZTA AMIRUL IHSAN- NST

Thank you Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan from the New Straits Times (NST) for the lovely written article at the NST newspaper today on Tuesday, 31st January 2012. For full NST article.. click HERE. Check out the striking Vibram Five Finger shoe.. to buy.. click HERE (sorry ar.. marketing sikit). 

(Click on Picture to enlarge)

 

MAKAN SUTRA @ SUNGAI PENCHALA: EWA FOOD CHINESE CUISINE!!

MAKANSUTRA at Sungai Penchala!!! Believe it or not.... Sungai Penchala is the in-thing now!!... err for makan!! used to be famous for religious gathering Al Arqam as a Malay kampung but now it has evolved as a upper class residents and more importantly a centre for Makan!!!

The latest makan-pot at Sungai Penchala is a popular Chinese Cuisine called EWA Food!! Ewa food was only recently open and its specialty is in Steam Fish, Asam Pedas, Curry Fish Head and Sweet sour (Tilapia). The Tilapia are alive and fresh procured fresh from Temenggor, Kelantan where a Norwegian Company breeds on large scale of Black Tilapia (Genoma) farm. The restaurant is open daily except on Monday from 12:00pm to 3:00pmn and 6:30pm to 10:30pm.

Although that is not their specialty but we ordered ala carte the Cantonese Bihun and true enough we were not dissappointed!!! It was so good and so yummilicious!! Coincidentally, my friend and neighbour Haji Aref Puteh and his wife Hajjah Maznah was at the next table bedalling (eating without fear) Curry Fish Head and they both gave a two thumbs up for the food there too!! Nawal Aini Zulkifli said..... err.. this shall be our new luncheon place!! and I totally agree!

COBC RUNNERS: TRAINING FOR RUNNING

Its the best weekend to end the month of January 2012! In January, we completed at least 12 COBC training session, at least one running (more for some) event (Mizuno Wave) and one LSD (Long Slow Distance) to achieve our new year resolution. What is our New Year resolution again? Yes for the season runners, at least ten races including at least 1 full 42km marathons. For beginners, 10 races with at least one 21km races. Why the runs? Yes!! it act as an injection to our motivation and focus for us to train harder at our regular COBC training. Almost 30 of us gathered at Bukit Aman car park..

Spotted Wai Yee Chan, a Pilates instructor at the Fitness First and was a recruit at COBC where Nawal Aini Zulkifli, Rose Emini Pahamin, Luyen Ow, Ryan Wong and me used to train together. Now Wai-Yee is with the 'Auntie Hottie' runners?

With a lot of new runners, the objective of today's run is to learn to pace! As a rule of thumb, a good long distance running pace is a speed that we are able to comfortably chat and talk without panting or losing breath. Many runners that did not know how to pace, would end up over speeding beyond their heart & lung capacity and muscle endurance. As a result, they end up walking half of the total targeted distance or give-up half way before the end or continued running in pain with muscle ache and crams. Speed for long distance requires a slow progression and this is what the weekend run is all about.

GONG XI FA CAI WITH SUSAN CHEW AT PROTON EDAR BATU CAVES

28 January 2012. Proton Edar dealer in Batu Caves celebrated the Chinese New Year at the showroom No 571, Jalan Samudra Utara 1, Taman Samudra, Batu Caves and was graced by Yg Bhg Dato Zainal Abidin bin A'Ala, President Selayang Town Municipal Council. The dealership under Salient Progress Sdn Bhd was appointed PROTON EDAR authorised sales dealer in 2002. The local residence as well as orphans from Selayang orphanage house namely Pertubuhan Penyayang Raudah was also invited and 30 orphans were given t'shirts, ang paw and hampers.

The event that was hosted by Salient Progress Sdn Bhd Managing Director Susan Chew, its Board of Directors Mr Ronnie and Mr Chiam invited the Selayang Town Municipal Council President Yg Bhg Dato' Zainal Abidin bin A'Ala, its Council members En A. Rahim Ahmad Kasdi, En Ruslin Mohd Rosli, Puan Mastura and Pn Hajjah Khatifah Zamani Binti Sulong and me, Armin Baniaz Pahamin as the President for Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA)

The event began with an opening speech from the Organising Committee Chairman Yg Brs Tuan Haji Nasiruddin bin Datu Ghulam.

Tuan Haji Nasiruddin bin Datu Ghulam