Familiar? That's how most boys start out when they scout for a mate.
Girls aren't all that innocent either, with their famous 5 C's.
Car, cash, condo, credit card, c***. I hear there's a 6th C but I don't know what it is. Cute? Cool? Cowabungga?
Of course we of some experience would say no! Aiyo those things are not important lah. Good manners, being faithful, considerate, committed, responsible, you better make sure you have those first, we say.
Talk about potong steam. We're young, hot and impatient, who's got time for all that? We want to get right down to business and there's only one thing there that counts - a nice ass! Or if you're a lady, the slightly more complicated 5 C's. Same difference.
However we think of it, that's the way of virile young men and women today. I cannot say if its right or wrong. It just is, and the consequences of getting married based on one's ass or chest size is quite predictable. Asses grow sideways over time and then sag. You know the rest of the story.
But does that stop young people all over the world from doing it? You kidding? Of course not! The guys know it. The girls know it. Willing buyer. Willing seller. Any trouble, you cross the bridge when you come to it. You're not supposed to overthink these things as its not cool.
In that same spirit, we now face the prospect of spending $5 billion on developing a well-shaped ass with the recently announced 100-storey Tower of Bebal. One guaranteed to draw oohs and aahs from ass-seeking suitors in the neighbourhood. Actually I think its also designed to seduce onlookers from as far as Europe and Saudi who, its hoped, will gallop over and sweep us off our feet and give us some of their cash and credit cards as we ride off into the sunset.
Of course we, the experienced who've made our mistakes, think its a half-assed idea, pardon the pun. "But what about the basics?" we protest. "What about poverty, education, human rights, commitment to equality & justice, freedom from corruption and so forth? Shouldn't they come first?"
That's potong steam lah and as you might expect, the kids will have none of it. No, we need ass to entice these virile FDI warriors and funds managers, they insist. Those players want to see action and they want it now! If got no ass to show, they'll just go to Singapore, Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh where they're sure to get some ass. When we become old maids, then what are you going to do, they retort.
And hence we have something like this staring at us in our future.
 |
| Atkins Lighthouse, Dubai |
It is the way of the world. We hate it but people judge us based on things that are skin-deep. That's what these outward signs of virility are for - to seduce. Foundations like education and equality and a corruption-free system, who cares? Do you really think Fortune 500 companies mind if they must operate in a repressive or corrupt regime? Of course not. If locals can't muster the talent or interest, its okay. Expat consultants are a dime a dozen these days. So are imported workers.
 |
| Burj Al Arab, Dubai |
Its sad but is this the new reality that's awaiting us?
Addendum
If you want to know what happened to the last place that tried to use tall buildings to seduce investors, read this piece about the Dubai economy.
And isn't this too incredible?
ReplyDeleteI don't know much but I do know "waste" when I see it.
Anything in excess is waste. I don't think we need a 100 storey building. So to me it's sheer madness to indulge, especially since there are so many other deserving areas that could make good use of the $5 Billion.
Hi Lita, I agree wholeheartedly. Actually its not so bad if the money is indeed private money. It may even start off with that but like many GLPs (govt linked projects) that we've seen, costs will double or triple, the project co. may go bankrupt during a downturn.
ReplyDeleteAnd then because the PM's 'maruah' is on the line, taxpayer's money may be used to bail out the project. EPF may be asked to buy it over at collosally inflated prices, and that's your money and mine.
We've seen it all - Bakun, PKFZ, LRT, so many - but nothing will top this mother of a black hole if it goes wrong.
The worst part is, if it does go wrong, it will be our children and their children who will end up paying for this debt.
Its not so bad if it was Petronas behind this as their income is assured under any economic condition. PNB? They are speculative in nature. One economic downturn and they can go bust. Sad. It seems that we have not learned our lessons.
There are so much more we can do with the money. Upgrade LRT and commuter connectivity and build a better public transport system. Ensure that public hospitals have enough funds for medicines and equipment. As it is now, hospital funds get cut every year. Patients are left untreated if the medicines are not available, or worst, cut off their supply half way through the year and asked to buy outside of hospital. Where are our leaders' priorities? This is just another mega project for transfer of funds.
ReplyDeleteHi Haruki, yeah true what you say. Like I said, if its someone's private money, they can do whatever they want with it but if its taxpayer's money, then it needs to be weighed against the very valid things you mentioned. But because they won't disclose how they'll pay for it, we are left guessing. Its very irresponsible of them to do that.
ReplyDelete