Attending Global Financial Crisis Forum

I was given the opportunity to attend the Global Financial Crisis Forum. It was organised by National Chambers of Commerce and held at the Nirwana Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Mutiara, Kuala Lumpur. It was officiated by fourth prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

Right: With Dato' A Kadri Jasin and Tan Sri Sanusi Junid

The panels include captains of industry, major players and representative of the joint chambers of commerce. They gave an update, insight and opinion from their industry and their macro view and strategy how and what to do, for the nation to embrace and plan on and against the global financial crisis that is badly hitting the West.

Ideas ranged from stimulus package that will and should be introduced by the Government and structural changes in the economic system, to ensure that all the plans are sustainable. Criticism on the financial and banking system also include credit availability and accessibility, especially for the small businesses. Tun Dr. Mahathir confirmed that the banking system were not too interested to develop the small businesses.

Palestine poetry recital

I attended a special poetry recital for the Palestinians in Gaza, now under invasion by the ruthless Zionist regime of Israel. It was held at Pena House, in Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Kuala Lumpur. The theme is "Dibawah langit Gaza" (Under the Gazan sky).

Right: The MCs were Farah (TV 9 compere) and Aziz Desa (former TV 3 MHI host)

From Left: Salahuddin, yours truly, Bang Ramli and Rocky

This event was previous discussed when Dato' Ahmad A. talib invited me for tea with Ramli "Papa Rock" Sharif few weeks ago. So many artistes, laureates, activists and celebrities showed up in support for their Gazan brothers, now under extreme hardship and pain. I see this to remind ourselves that we should do more, to alleviate the suffering of the Gazans. TV9 covered the event whilst the NSTP fund of Gaza collection box was passed around.

As usual, I am in the company of fellow bloggers Ahirudin "Rocky" Attan, Nuraina A. Samad and Salahuddin "Mao" Hisham, who previously wrote for a pro UMNO portal.

Right: The "twins"

Prepacked food was prepared. It was a very good evening indeed (Despite having the sniffles and body aches; signs of a flu attack creeping up, I still brave the discomfort to show support for an artistically humanitarian cause).

May God be with the Gazans and may the sun shine again on the land, very soon.