HIGHLIGHT EVENT/ACTIVITY :-

Lunch Meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State

The Kuala Lumpur Business Club (KLBC) hosted a luncheon in honour of the visit by the US Assistant Secretary of State, Dr Kurt Campbell at Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on 21 May 2011.

In her opening remarks, KLBC President Datuk Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood welcomed Dr Campbell and his delegation who were en route to Japan. Datuk Rohana then introduced KLBC members present at the dinner and proceeded with bilateral discussions.

Dr Campbell invited KLBC to lead a delegation of 25 to 30 members to Washington DC where the five to six-day visit may include visits to the Capitol Hill and office of the Secretary of State, Ms Hilary Clinton.

Dr Campbell was accompanied by his officers Nirav Patel and Jim Loi, US Ambassador Paul Jones and US Embassy’s Political Counselor Brian McFeeters.

His last visit to Kuala Lumpur was in 2010.

Dinner Meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Treasury

The Kuala Lumpur Business Club (KLBC) hosted a dinner in honour of the visit by the US Deputy Secretary of Treasury, Neal Wolin at Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on 18 May 2011.

In her opening remarks, KLBC President Datuk Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood welcomed Mr Wolin and his delegation who were in the capital city for a day. Datuk Rohana then briefed the US delegation on KLBC, its role and objectives, and its membership. She also introduced KLBC members present at the dinner.

Mr Wolin then gave a detailed perspective of the current debt situation in the US. A debt level of 4.5% was expected by 2013 with an ultimate debt target of 3.0%. The US Congress had given the Treasury a limited debt level of US$14.3 trillion by 3 August 2011. Although this figure had already been hit, there would be investments made by the various pension plans that would reduce the existing debt amount. He said that civil servants pension fund which was a couple of billion dollars would buy into some of the existing debt papers. US debt papers were still in demand and the Chinese had not stopped buying them. He further said that the spread on 10-year US treasuries were a sign of the continued demand and that the credit worthiness of the US had never been questioned. He went on to say that the US had always been a good paymaster.

Mr Wolin further discussed the debt situation in Europe where he opined that Europe was still being viewed as being highly leveraged and the spreads for US treasuries were indicative of the concern that was held for Europe debt.

On Malaysia, Mr Wolin wanted to know KLBC’s view on the National Economic Model and other policies implemented by the Prime Minister. He was also concerned on the basic education standards in the country.

Mr Wolin also spoke about President Obama and his upcoming challenges. He said that there were so many changes in the Islamic world which were happening very fast. The session was closed by Datuk Rohana who said that the US must find a way of engaging with the Muslim countries.

Earlier in the morning, the US delegation had a meeting with the Minister of Finance II and a lunch meeting with the Governor of Bank Negara.

Briefing on “Sarawak’s 10th State Election & Implications on GE 13”

The Kuala Lumpur Business Club (KLBC) held a briefing on “Sarawak’s 10th State Election & Implications on GE 13” on 7 April 2011 at Menara TSH in Kuala Lumpur.

Upon arrival, members and guests were served with light lunch. KLBC President Datuk Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood then delivered her opening remarks and introduced the three invited speakers. They were Former Editor-in-Chief of BERNAMA Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Group Managing Editor of New Straits Times Press Dato’ Zainul Arifin Mohammed Isa and Executive Director of Media Chinese International Malaysia Rita Sim.

Sim commenced the panel discussion by providing pertinent statistics on Sarawak as a backdrop of the State Election. There are over 900,000 registered voters in 71 constituencies in Sarawak. She further discussed on current issues in Sarawak which could influence the voters’ decision. Dato’ Zainul Arifin then gave an overview of the differences of this year’s election as compared to that in 2008. Being a Sarawakian, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang meanwhile provided the local perspective of the State Election.

After the panel discussion, Datuk Rohana moderated the Question and Answer session that ensued. Dato’ Amrin Awaluddin then delivered his closing remarks and presented token of appreciation to the invited speakers.

The closed-door briefing was attended by 45 participants comprising KLBC members and invited guests.