What recession? It's Kuch Kuch Hota Hai!

Both Najib and Nor Yaakob share the opinion that we will not be affected by the financial disasters overseas. Well, maybe they are right, because they have been able to tweak some figures here and there to make everything look better than they really are.

Our budget is based on oil prices, which are twice that of current prices, and almost half our national income depends on oil. So do we need an economist to tell us that our budget figures are way out of reality?

Our stock prices have continued to slide and they are not because of confidence in what our new Finance Minister had assured us, nor his quick fix of Rm5 billion loan from EPF to prop up the stock market. Nor Yaakob has just adopted a student for writing letters praising him that he had done well in 1997 and continues to be doing wonders for our economy. I should have thought of that instead of writing good of Lim Kit Siang and other opposition leaders only.

Despite complaints about Shah Rukh Khan being awarded Datukship by Malacca government, now it seems a wise decision because his coming will bring worldwide publicity and help towards our tourism industry. Apparently Najib’s wife is a great fan of Shah Rukh. But many people are peeved by Ali Rustam’s revelation that the award was suggested by Daim Zainuddin! Now we know who is the puppet master in our political scene.

Since it is such a good idea for tourism, Azalina should think of an award for Obama or Palin because they are currently hot personalities.

There are certain businesses, which are recession-proof. Eg. we have to wait for a table at our favourite coffeeshop now. Over the Deepavali long weekend, hotel rooms in Genting Highlands were fully booked. When people are desperate, they are more likely to gamble.

Good restaurants in Ipoh are fully booked for wedding dinners on certain auspicious days right up to next December! I joked with a friend that he could use the money to pick up some shares in the stock market and take profit for the event. In case there is no improvement in share prices or he lost, he could convert from dinner to lunch!