What does it take to run..?

When most of my friends heard that I took up running, some were very surprised (Armin Baniaz running??!!!), some never believed but those that were indifferent, will tell me how much they admire the fact that I am so fit to run (yaya.. this being polite thingy does not work here…). Really and honestly, I am not fit nor was I ever an athlete. Infact, I have never played any sports, exercise and never thought of running. As many would know, half my teenage life … was spend in hospitals and all my working life.. in meetings and office! Of all the people… if I can run marathon.. anybody can run.. yes, if they wanted to.

A good friend of mine, who is also my IT advisor, Sayf, once told me that he runs after women.. and runs after money… and definitely runs away from problems.. but will never run for nothing.. ie marathon.

I woke up late this morning and could not go to my usual running place at the Kiara Hills (next to Taman Tun Dr Ismail) so I ran surrounding my neighbourhood at Penchala where I stayed. I planned a slow jog to sweat, considering I did not have enough sleep last night reading chedet.com and Raja Petra Malaysia-today.net till morning. My slow jog did not start well when I did an almost at 100% max Heart Rate intensive running being chased by 6 stray dogs. There were only a puppy and its mother at the corner 10 minutes away from my house. I jog slowly minding my own business. I have never been a great fan of dogs and choose to ignore them until the tiniest puppy start barking endlessly. Suddenly, the whole family of stray dogs, 6 of them, appeared out of nowhere and started barking. I did not want to wait till the whole bunch chased me and immediately pace-up my jog speed to sprinting mode. The stupid dogs chased me! Obviously the dogs ran faster than me and my heart pumped like a V12 turbo engine. I ran for at least 8 minutes with the dogs continued to chase me. I think they were really laughing rather than barking having fun looking at me freaking out. When they were tired chasing me (hah.. looks like I have better stamina after all..), they stopped and turned back. Dogs…..

Getting a good running track to train is difficult. I used to run from my old house in Kelana Jaya all the way to work at Damansara Perdana. I started my run daily at 6:30am along the roadside in SS3 to SS2 and across Damansara Jaya before having to take the LDP highway to the Curve. The distance is slightly more than 10km. My driver will wait for me at the Fitness First gym @ the Curve with my working attire where I would shower and change to be at work by 9am. This works well although my bro Simon (Singapore) called me stupid having to run to work whilst my driver enjoy the luxury car but I had fun until I moved house to Penchala. My new house in Penchala is only 5 minutes away from my office and running to my office is too short a distant. Kiara Hill became my training track. Kiara Hill is a tough running track given the hilly terrain but the track in the jungle makes it a perfect place for a peaceful jog. Peace with the morning breeze, trees, birds and away from the pollution but hey… Monkeys are the permanent residents there. Goodness, similar to the stray dogs, they seem harmless but yes, once I got chased by the monkeys too.

Having to wake up in the morning daily at least at 6am to start running before going for work is another story. What is more important than the actual training, exercise schedule or discipline, commitment and time to run is to have the right spirit and willpower. When you have the right spirit, being chased by dogs and monkeys became a routine way to make your run faster. With strong willpower, you will find the time to run and to withstand the rain, hot sun and the hectic work schedule. When you can self aspire yourself to be in the right spirit and build a strong willpower, then you will find any training schedule to be helpful. The commitment and discipline is a default result from the spirit and willpower to run but HOW to get the right spirit and willpower? For a start, running increases cardiovascular strength. If anybody should have a reason to run.. it should be for better health (once you lost it, then you will regret it) but if it is not good enough a reason, then running is the best way to burn fat and lost weight… hence beauty!

If good look and health cannot be a good justification, then equate running with sex.. if you can complete marathon in 5-6 hours.. imagine how many hours you can have sex!!

But if even sex cannot justify for you to start running…. Then you will be better off NOT living!!!! :-p

My first Triathlon.. Ironman!

It was after the New Year 2006 celebration that my crazy thought went wild to make this year a different. Yes… we all have a new year resolution.. in fact there are so many new years to have many resolutions.. thanks to our multi culture harmony… 1st January.. Chinese new year, muslim new year etc….

So a new year resolution is really nothing new unless we really make it happen... i mean the resolution.. no the new year party! I wanted to make 2006 a year to remember.. I decided to partake the IRONMAN TRIATHLON… 3.8km swim, 180km cycle, 42km run…. Complete madness especially since I did not know how to swim and only had 5 weeks to train.

I was more confident (or naïve rather) to hear the inspiring word from Halim Jantan whom mentioned to me that nobody can be ready for the Ironman triathlon. You just have to jump and do it!! yes… 5 weeks later... I jumped!!

But before I jumped, I was very religious with my training. I am trying to train for an event in 5 weeks that other participants otherwise trained for a year. I started my swim training at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club swimming pool. The first day was daunting. I struggled and probably even bleed to complete 1 lap of 25 metre. I was already breathless half way through. All that I can think of whilst swimming at the club pool was the scary deep sea water. In three weeks, I was doing 100 to 120 laps at the club’s 25 metre per lap pool. I swim in the morning and run in the evening. I can only cycle during weekends but will do the RPM and studio cycle class at the gym.

My intensive training got me sick 10 days before the ironman event. I was off-training for a week and could not peaked up my training before the real day. I have never swim in an open sea water. I sat by the shore on the eve of the event to see the red buoy that marks the 3.8 swim route. My heart sank when I cannot even see the end of the buoy. It was so far.

This is also my FIRST triathlon. I have only done the Malakoff Malaysia dualthon series 10km run, 60km cycle and 8 km run but I have never done any triathlon.

I jumped into the water a few minutes before the gun went off signalling the start of the Ironman triathlon 2006. It was not difficult to recognise me amongst the hundreds of other participants as I was the only swimmer swimming breast stroke.. (hihii but that was the only stroke i knew...) The swim did not start well when I was kicked by front swimmers a couple of time. However, I continued to swim to be kicked again and again. Half way through the course, I was gulped by an aggressive tide which I was caused by the rescue boat engine. Though the boat was far but it created a big wave in the water. I stopped to see the nearest rescue boat in fear of drowning and realized that there were none. All the boats were quite a distance away. There was no turning back and there was no way anybody could spot me if I drowned. I quickly comfort myself and slowly swim ignoring the other swimmers and the rescue boat.

I completed the swim in 2 hours 16 minutes. 4 minutes before the the cut-off time and I was NOT the last…. I was the 2nd last!!!!

My knee was weak and almost tumbled as I walked to the changing room to change into my cycling gear. I was happy that the worse part was over though my energy was all drained out. I took my Proton T’sprint bicycle and immediately began the cycle. I was privilege to have both the police and ambulance escort behind me. This privilege was only accorded to the First participant and the last... i was obviously the latter. I completed 126km cycle and dropped off when I simply do not have any energy left to even speak. I was driven by the ambulance and brought to the medic centre and was given some transfusion.

Though I did not complete the race in 2006, it became my new year resolution for 2007 and this year 2008. I could not participate in the ironman 2007 but I registered for the Ironman 2008 in Langkawi but I chickened-out though I did go to Langkawi. Nonetheless, my sparing partner Jasmin, had an unfortunate accident and had to back-out form this year’s langkawi ironman too.. since we both promise to jumped in (the ironman) together… I did not feel right to do the ironman without her.. (ya ya ya….). I was disturbed by the death of the triathlete at the Port Dickson triathlon last year. I wanted to be more confident in my swim and quickly enrolled for the Nagasaki, Osaka Ironman in June 2008 this year. Abu and Nawal were my other sparing partners also agreed to participate with me.

We bought MAS airline ticket to Tokyo as that is the only destination that MAS flew to Japan and trained for the Osaka Ironman without knowing the logistics in Japan. After buying the MAS airline ticket and registered for the Osaka Ironman, we discover that we had to change flight 3 times in Japan before we can arrive at the ironman event @ Fukue island. I should have known my limit geography knowledge having failed my last Geography exam in high school. It is logistically not feasible to travel and change flight 3 times with three of our bicycles and belongings. We abandon the race and lost our flight fare, hotels, registration fees.

We were too eager and too excited to complete the toughest race on earth. But I still have 6 months before the end of 2008 to materialize my 3 consecutive new years resolution to complete the ironman race.

I am thinking of the Ironman Western Australia in December this year.........

Armin, cigarette and cancer...

Why do I smoke? Having survived terminal cancer and being given second lease of life, I should really stopped smoking. It pisses my sister Rose Emini the most. Emi donated her bone marrow when I underwent the Bone Marrow Transplant for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia more than a decade ago. My dad will say it is all in the mind reminding me that I can do whatever I want to do.. if I want to!

Moreover the fact that I now run marathons and participated in various dualthon and triathlon series, I have all the reasons to stop smoking. My parent, siblings and friends had retired in their many attempts to ask me to quit smoking.

Why I did not stop smoking? When I was an undergraduate at the University of Buckingham, I took an optional dissertation Health Economics paper to research and study Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) of a terminal cancer patient. QALYs is usually used as a measure to calculate the utility gained (quality of life in years) against cost (of treatment). In my case the quality of life that I would have gained, against the cost of the Bone marrow transplant,

I was keen to understand the quality of life that I will have in QALY measurement. In short, given the age of diagnosis, the age I underwent the bone marrow transplant, the year I had the relapse, the post-bone marrow transplant (after relapse) treatment and assuming similar technology and lifestyle, I will have a good quality of life until the age of 45 years old.

My quality of life as a smoker, given the number of year I have been smoking, the amount of cigarette i smoke and lifestyle, will began to deteriorate after the age of 56 years old. Meaning, given my past medical history, my life will end before the cigarette takes effect on my quality of life.

Yaa.. lame excuse but it is a logic :-) Nonetheless, I can participate in various dualthon and triathlon series and can run the full 42km marathon as well as ultra marathon which many non-smokers cannot do. BUT really unless you have had terminal cancer, you should really stop smoking… :-D ;-)

Bernama News TV Interview

On Monday morning, I received a call from Laili Rahman, Broadcast journalist from Bernama News TV for an interview on my capacity as the Deputy President of the Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia to be aired this Saturday 21 June 2008 on Bernama News TV channel 502 Astro. I was asked to comment on the possible effect on Proton car sales due to the increase in petrol price. The interview was set on Tuesday and we had the interview yesterday but I am sure some of what was said will be censored.

The morning did not start too well with lots of screaming on my end when my Fasfik sales performance did not meet my half month target. I sat with all my Head of Departments and brainstormed on various measures to overcome the shortfall in our sales performance. I only had 30 minutes before the scheduled interview with Bernama and in temperament quickly conclude the brainstorming discussion when Laily arrived. I greeted the charming reporter and began our conversation with what other industry feels with all the price increase. Almost all industry extended a very negative view. The followings are the excerpts from the interview.

Laily Rahman: How do you see the sales performance of Proton's car after the announcement of new fuel prices?

Armin Baniaz: The fuel price increase will not have a major direct impact on Proton car sales as Proton is a people’s car. The bulk of Proton model variances ranges from 1.1, 1.3 to 1.6 cylinder capacity and are economical to use. The petrol price increase may instead improve the sales of Proton cars when the public then realise it is more economical to use Proton cars. For example, Proton Savvy was recorded in the Malaysia Book of Record for the best fuel consumption with 24km per litre.


Laily Rahman: You mentioned that it will not have a direct impact, is there an indirect impact?

Armin Baniaz: Yes indeed. The fuel price increase may affect the existing hire purchase loan repayment due to having less disposable income. The majority of proton customers are from the middle to lower income group and they usually (before the petrol price increase) do not have any extra disposable income. With the increase in the petrol price as well as the price of other essential commodities such as price of chicken, electric bills etc, they may realise then realise that they cannot afford to repay the car monthly repayment. This will increase the Bank’s Non-Performing Loan (NPL) and Banks may be more stringent with hire purchase loan approval that will eventually affect the sales of Proton cars.

With the increased in price of fuel, and the price of some essential expenditures such as electricity, water, even chicken etc.., the lower income earner that comprised of a large majority of the population who also purchased a car under hire-purchase loan usually can only meets end without any further savings or other disposable income. Any increase in essential expenditures, will be the opportunity cost to their current expenditure such as the monthly car repayment.

Laily Rahman: Will the petrol price increase effect the operation of Proton Dealers too?

Armin Baniaz: It should affect both Proton as well as the dealers, the cost of operation will be increased (especially the movement and the logistics of our stocks are cars). Currently, although Proton sales have picked up, but the dealers network is still far from profitable (due to the over-congestion of the dealers appointment). Proton dealers cost of operation is much lower than that of Proton’s own-branch. I can safely assume the dealer’s cost of operation is only approximately 30% of the Proton own-branches. Proton’s own-branches in the aggregate are selling less than double what the dealers are selling, hence there is no way Proton’s own branch are making profit (given the same profit margin as the dealers). It makes more sense for Proton to close some of their branches (rather than subsidising the lost incurred by their own branch) and convert their Platinum branches into a WARRANTY AND AFTER SALES CENTRE to further enhance and signal better confident in their cars to the customer.

For proton to cost-down operation and close their branches. All resources should be channel towards enforcing the neglected Proton IP rights and moulding every dealers towards similar goal without any biaseness to their own branch. The Dealers invested their money and is more sales, customer and profit oriented (being business owner). Nonetheless, the cost of maintaining the sales network will then be borne by the dealers.

Since the inception of Proton back in the 1980s, dealers margin were kept low to ensure long term survivability. However, the Government then under Tun Dr Mahathir, requested other sectors to assist the national carmaker but extending (similar to the developed nation) a ‘Hire-Purchase commission’. Hire purchase commission is a payment to proton dealers for marketing the packages offered by Banks and financial institutions. The hire-purchase commission accounted to 2/3 of our total margin. Profit margin per car was only 1/3. This Hire-Purchase Commission that was first extended ONLY to Proton dealers were open to all car dealers of other makes in the early 1990s and that was when I believe the benefits were abused. In the early 2000, the Central Bank revoked the hire purchase commission but later regulate and impose a ceiling. Proton dealers profit margin per car was never revised (when the hire purchase commission was revoke) though it was earlier kept low with the support of the hire-purchase commission. Todate, there were negligible revision of our profit margin though our rental has increased more than 60% since we commence operation and had spend almost RM1million in total for three times compliance to Proton Corporate Image since 1996.

With the increase in the operating cost such as Petrol, electricity etc… the dealers will incur more losses. All the increase in the operating cost are absorbed by the dealers.

Laily Rahman: Have PEDA written to the Authorities since this is of national interest?

Armin Baniaz: Yes we have. We have written twice to the Governor Bank Negara for the hire purchase commission with a detailed independant study by Ernst & Young benchmarking the dealer's responsibilties pertaining our roles as the agent to the bank and our remuneratoin (hire-purchase comminssion). The Benchmarking was done against developed and neighbouring countries like Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, Australia and japan. We have also written to the Prime Minister?

Laily Rahman: What was their response?

Armin Baniaz: there were no response whatsoever from either the Central Bank Negara Governor (or its officials) or the Prime Minister (or its office) and we will write again soon.

Laily Rahman: Do you have any forecast for the next 6 months.

Armin Baniaz: I do not have the overall forecast. Proton would be in a better position to forecast. However, currently most of the model variances are on waiting list!
But overall we expect a total of a minimum 13,000 deliveries per month or an equivalent to approximately 30 cars per dealer that is still not our break-even sales.


Laily Rahman: Do you have any suggestions to ensure sales remain good?

Yes, since automotive is neither the buyers market nor a sellers market but instead BANKER’S LED market, the government (ministry of finance/ bank Negara) should stimulate the automotive sector by allowing the public to restructure their hire purchase refinancing to ensure that the public disposable income that is now affected by the petrol price increase (as well as all other essential expenditure price increase) can afford to pay the monthly repayment. When the public can afford to pay the monthly payment for their cars (given the increase in price for essential expenditure), the bank’s NPL will be reduced and Proton customer risk profile will be adjusted.

PEDA understand that Proton’s customer were categorised as high risk due to fraud loan, big loan default rate or high NPL. But the major cause of the loan default rate, as well as the NPL was the syndication by unscrupulous brokers and sales man. There were previously no measures or supervision of the sales personnel appoinments. PEDA together with Proton had taken the necessary (via centralised registration of all salesman) step to eradicate this practice but if we want to wait for proton customer risk profile to be re-adjusted by the market then we will have to wait for another year or even a few years.

WITH GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE, THE CUSTOMER RISK PROFILE CAN BE ADJUSTED NOW TO ENSURE THE CUSTOMER CAN STILL BUY PROTON CARS AND PERHAPS EXTENDING THE LOAN REPAYMENT FROM THE CURRENT 9 YEARS TO 12 YEARS TO REDUCE THE HIRE PURCHASE LOAN REPAYMENT AND MAKE IT MORE AFFORDABLE TO THE PUBLIC.

Having taken the necessary step to register all salesman in the network, the bank can rest assure fraud, default rate and NPL rate will be drastically reduced if not eradicated.
If the bank can adjust the customer risk profile now, than our sales can increased by at least 30% (via reducing the current 60% rejection rate due to customers with high risk profile and affordability if loan period is extended)

When PEDA did the ‘gulur tikar’ statement last year or two, our predicament was on the same basis. Yes the uncertainty pertaining to the foreign partner (eg Volkswagen) affected our sales because the pubic were waiting for the newer model line-up expected from the joint venture. BUT the main caused of the decline in sales were due to the Bank’s stringency (Customer RISK PROFILE) and the bank’s valuation of the second hand car in anticipation of the new ‘foreign model’.
SECONDLY, because of historical syndicate to falsify customers documents and the HIGH NPL, Proton customer’s risk profile are higher than other model makes. This will happen again NOW when customer simply cannot afford to pay their hire-purchase loan repayment due to less disposable income as a result from most essential expenditure price increase.


Laili Rahman: Have you heard any complaints/comments from customers regarding new fuel prices? What do you do to explain to them.

Armin Baniza: yes everyday… though the price increase is inevitable and beyond our control (as a citizen), we can mitigate the price increase through changing our driving behaviour, proper car maintenance as this will promote better fuel saving as well as restructuring our finances. For example, refinancing the car or change car to a more fuel saving car.. such as Proton Savvy// 24km per litre- recorded in the Malaysia Book of record. This is important as not only the fuel price is increased but everything from electric, water, chicken etc…. a short term measure is to ensure we can maintain our monthly disposable income.

Laili Rahman: Thank you Armin.

JOHORE CUSTOM, IMMIGRATION, THE CAUSEWAY AND SINGAPORE

I frequently drive to Singapore for sports, shopping, business and entertainment. The latest being the recent Adidas Sundown Ultra Marathon on 31st May 2008.

The driving condition from Kuala Lumpur to Johor was good and so was my stay in Singapore but our authorities namely the custom. Immigration, the police and the traffic control at the Johor-Singapore causeway was disappointing and this is what I wanted to share.

My passport as well as the passports of 4 other passengers in my car were never cited nor checked or endorsed at the Johor immigration checkpoint. The condition and state of our custom and immigration checkpoint were embarrassing with litters everywhere and all rundown. There were no soldiers or police (or tourist police) or any custom officers standing on standby by the roadside during this peak’est hour. There was no traffic control. Most Singaporean cars were driven at our checkpoint by hooligans. All Singaporean registered cars were overtaking and bypassing all other cars but keep honking and screaming when other Malaysian cars overtook their queue. One of the Singapore registered car almost bang my car when I refused to allow them to overtake my queue.

I drove slowly along the heavy traffic on the causeway for an hour to reach the Singapore custom and immigration checkpoint. There was armed Singaporean police standing at every corner and everywhere along the roadside. All vehicles were thoroughly checked and inspected and all passports were properly cited against individual passengers causing slower traffic flow.

Every time I reached the Singaporean checkpoint, I was always amazed at the beauty, cleanliness and how systematic Singaporean authorities are. The Singaporean custom and immigration building are well kept and modern. The trees were so green and the landscape is well maintained. I immediately felt that I am overseas although Singapore is only 30 minutes drive away from Malaysia.

I was more amazed when I drove on Singapore highway to see all bus and lorry drivers driving politely on the first lane of the highway without any driver bypassing the speed limit or overtaking each other. All other cars were politely driven within the speed limit. There was no existence of the hooligan-behaviour of Singaporean driver on Malaysian road…

When I returned to Malaysia, I was again ashamed at the impression of the state and condition of our Custom & Immigration checkpoint. Johor Bharu is the tourist’s first impression of Malaysia and our authorities (Police, custom & immigration etc…) professionalism & presence must be increased and upgraded. Our buildings and checkpoints should at least be clean, well kept and maintained (if the government do not have any money to upgrade). I strongly support the construction of the scenic bridge as that, amongst other reasons will give a strong impression of Malaysia.

True Fitness VS Fitness First gym...

Whilst waiting for the Incredible Hulk movie at the Cineplex yesterday, I met Jasper. Jasper was one of the Personal Trainer at the True Fitness gym. He is now a Personal Trainer at the Fitness First. He adamantly insisted that the Fitness First has a better package for instructors than the True Fitness gym. Many of my Personal trainer friends that i befriend when i was a Fitness First gym member for 6 years left for Fitness first for the TrueFitness gym (and adamantly claimed the opposite of Jasper)… hence, it is always greener on the other side.

I have tried many 7-days free trials at the California gym (Mid Valley Mega Mall), Celebrity Fitness (One Utama Shopping Mall) and Clark Hatch and is a gym club member for more than 11 years at 3 of the ost established gym in Kuala Lumpur namely Fitness First, True Fitness and Fitness Network.

What is important to a club member (to be consistent with their workout) is the convenient for parking and the location to the work place as well as the resident… then of course the quality and varieties of the equipments. BUT what is more important to me as a club member are the maintenance of the gym toilet as well as the equipments and the opening hours.

I was quite content with the Fitness First gym BUT am VERY PISSED OFF with their loyal customer policy programme. There was no customer retention programme and certainly no package for loyal customer. Being a pioneer member (310th member- membership number ending with ..00310) when Fitness First was first open in 2001 @ Menara John Hancock, I inquired if there was any package for loyal customer like me to be answered with a big NO. Since I joined the Fitness first, I have brought more than 100 friends between the year 2001 to 2007 (the year I terminated my membership).

The monthly fees for Fitness First gym is RM170 per month or approximately RM2,040 per annum. Being a Fitness first club member since 2001, todate I would have paid a total of RM28,560 for me and Nawal and what do I get for being a loyal member to Fitness First…. NOTHING. I paid ONLY 1/3 of the total amount spent at Fitness First gym to the TRUE FITNESS GYM VIP black card membership and got a membership for life (with a negligible yearly payment after the 5th year).

So friends.. please choose your gym carefully as gym club membership is a lifetime investment for a good health. When I have some extra time, I will write and do a thorough comparison of all the establish gym terms and conditions of membership. Until then, stay tune…

running for life.....

How did I start running? I get this question asked once too many. Of all the person, nobody actually believed that I run marathons and everybody think that I am mad to even attempt the 84km Ultra marathon. Many friends refused to believe that I run marathons since I never played sports or exercise and moreover because I am a passive smokers (smoking is a topic for another posting).


I started running a few years back when I celebrated my 30th birthday… Oh god.. did I just tell you my age… hihii.. but really, age does not matter, it is how we look that matters most. Of course you have to also feel younger at heart. My best friend Abu lais is 51 years old this year but nobody really believed his real age. Most will think that he is in his late 30s.. yaaa.. just kill me… oh god.. did I just mention Abu’s real age… ? Abu’s secret for looking and feeling young… exercise regularly and never stop exercising…

I was upset and was very depress when I celebrated my 30th birthday. I was fat with a waistline of 36 and weigh 80kg. Well, I was happy that I actually reached 30 years of age considering that I was only given 3 years to live because of leukaemia but being too ambitious I expected more before I turn 30. But the recovery from the 1998 recession held me back a few years away from my plan.

I first became a gym member at the Fitness network in 1997 (membership number B0888) until the first Fitness First branch open at the Menara John Hancock in 2001 (last three digit of the membership no...310). I was a Fitness first gym club member until 2007 when I changed my gym again to the Truefitness gym VIP Black Card member at Desa Sri Haratamas. Yes.. I have been a gym club member for the longest of time but not really a gym-goer. I changed gym so frequent because I get bored easily. But everytime I changed my gym, I end up getting bored again.. and the cycle continues.

Going to gym as a routine can be really boring.. yaa… evidently from the past 3 gym club membership. Changing gym does not change the boredom or laziness (from the gym routine). It is only running away from personal boredom (or problems) similar to many people who goes job-hopping and those who changes girlfriend and wives (out of boredom or problems). Change in environment is a quick escape from a real livelihood boredom. What I needed to do (or anybody for this matter) was to face the problem. The problem was I never had the real aspiration to go to the gym. I just wanted to be healthy but that was not enough an aspiration. Before I turn 30, I discovered that Abu had climbed the highest peak in South East Asia, the Mt Kinabalu and had agree to climb again to keep me company.

An expedition that initially comprised of only me, Nawal, Abu and Nita ended up with 100 people. I had to limit the expedition to a maximum 100 pax as it had received an overwhelming response. When I was training and planning for the Mt Kinabalu trip, I was so discipline with going to gym as well as other outdoor training. We climbed up Mt Buah in Genting, Mt Nuang, Maxwell hill (Ipoh), Mt Jerai (Kedah), and a few other day trip mountains. I refused to attempt climbing mountains that requires overnight camping… I can’t shit without toilet..

All my mountain expedition ended when I successfully reached the peak of Mt Kinabalu. As my expedition ended, my daily gym routine became boring and dull again than soon became non-existence. My waistline and weight immediately grew. I needed a target to continue making my gym visits more inspiring.

This was when I think of the unthinkable.. to run. Well, running was unthinkable because I never took up sports in my whole life having spent half my teens at the hospital or solitary confinement of my room because of leukaemia which I later turned into a boring workaholic and spend all my time at the office. I enrolled and started training for the PJ half marathon… well not really half marathon. The shortest distance was the 10km. I learn to use the treadmill at the gym and ran my first training for 20mins… 2 km!!! and that was hell….. I have to stop a few times to avoid my heart pumping out of my mouth.. my heart beats so fast it sounded like a disco bass sound. I trained hard every day with only 1 day rest in a week for 1 whole month and ran my first race expecting to be the last to complete and reach the finishing line… It turned out there were still thousands of runners behind me. 1 took approximately 1 hour and 30 mins to complete my first 10km run. I never run to win any prizes nor do I run to compete with anybody, I run to finish the race without giving up.

Ever since that day and for the last 4 years, I have participated in many 10km runs, 21km runs and had completed 3 full 42km marathon. To keep my fitness at the peak, I became very religious with training and gym.

Boredom and routine gym visits can be easily managed if we have a goal. My running goal now is to run the famous Boston Marathon. But before I get bored with running, I took up dualthon and participated in the Powerman ualthon as well as triathlon. The dualthon is a run, cycle and run event with a distance of 10km run, 40km cycle and 10km run. I attempted the Ironman Triathlon in Langkawi in 2006. The Ironman was tough starting with a 3.8km open water swim, 180km cycle and 42km run. The dualthon and triathlon is a story for another posting.

I am now addicted to running and simply cannot describe the ‘runner’s high’ (when your heart beats so fast and your body lacked the oxygen) that I get every time I run passed 10km. I am more addicted to the sense of achievement every time I cross the finishing line during any marathon. For a man who only had 3 years to live, the feeling from conquering the peak of Mt Kinabalu (the highest peak in south east asia) and the achievement to complete a 42km marathon is simply a multiple orgasm.

If only anybody can understand and feel the same indescribable sense of achievement from completing a race, I believe, we will all live in a very healthy society. Now my waistline has been reduced to 29” to 30” and I only weigh 66kg.

Syed Zainal Contract as PROTON MD should be renew or terminated...?

The main question we should ask, before getting all emotional in speculating the renewal of Dato Syed Zainal contract as the Managing Director of Proton, is what he did or is doing during his tenure that will expire end of this year?

To answer this question, we have to ask another question, what did he inherite when he accepted the post as the Managing Director of Proton.

I will avoid making statements that is not relevant to me as Proton Edar dealers and as the Deputy President of Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia.

I am of the opinion (personal opinion) as a dealer (since 11 years ago) long before Syed Zainal's appointment as the MD of proton, that the MD of Proton's main responsibility (in the eye of the sales dealer & the public since we are the front line interacting daily with the public) is to ensure prompt deliveries of Proton cars to the dealer and hence the customer. Secondly, the quality of cars that is delivered and finally, the profitability of the dealer's network.

Before Syed Zainal's tenure, Proton's ex-stock level was so high that even if Proton factory ceased to operate (without producing new cars), there will be a healthy flow of cars for at least 4 months. NOW, ex-stocks were liquidated and almost ALL Proton variance are on waiting list.

Before Syed Zainal's tenure, there were approximately 400 Proton Edar branches and authorised sales dealers network in Malaysia selling in total approximately 140,000 cars per annum. NOW, it has been rationalize to approximately 300 branches and authorised sales dealers. Of course, i am still angered and still pursuing meeting the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, the government backbenchers and if need to, even meet the opposition political party for Proton to CLOSE their own branches (from selling Proton cars) and mould and groom their dealers who are pure entrepreneur to perform (hence, even a Ministry of Entrepreneur existed ONLY in Malaysia for the same reason) and in line with the second Industrial Masterplan for entrepreneur development. Why should the tax-payer pay to sustain lose-making Proton own branches for their Corporate Image sake. Proton Edar sales dealers, even without any customer relation training or salesman training, can take better care of the customer as it is their own business. (see my earlier blog-posting).

Before Syed Zainal's tenure, Proton manufacturer's warranty was only for 1 year or 2 years for some models. NOW, Proton manufacturing warranty is extended to a total of 5 years signalling confident of proton management on their own products.

Before Syed Zainal's tenure, customer will have to wait for a warranty claim and the onus to claim warranty falls on the customer. hence, customer has to ensure and prove that their car was properly serviced at proton authorised workshop etc etc.... NOW, Proton even have a "Proton iCare" department to handle and attend to any customer's complains from warranty claim to grouses of proton customer stuck in traffic jam.

Before Syed Zainal's tenure, there were no sales man tagging or registration hence inviting unscrupulous appointment of sales man that led to many syndicated or falsification of customer documents that eventually place proton customer profile at a higher risk than other brand cars. NOW, all sales man must be registered centralise and any irresponsible act of any salesman, will lead to the blacklisting of the respective sales man in the Proton Network.

Before Syed Zainal's appointment, Proton never seek dealers feedback or opinions on the launching of new proton cars when the last end of Proton value chain is actually the dealers. Certainly, Proton dealers who interacts daily with the public have some important comments to relay. NOW, dealers' feedback and comment are taken seriously and dealers are invited to participate in most discussions pertaining to the development and the launching of new model variance.

Before Syed Zainal's appoinment, khazanah, Proton Board of Directors all wanting to sell proton to a foreigner or the much speculated Volkswagen. As a Malaysian as well as a proton dealer, i am very proud to sell Proton cars and not a stupid re-badge Mitsubishi or re-badging of daihatsu into Perodua or Kia into NAZA. Indeed, Proton Waja, Gen 2, Savvy, persona, the new SAGA, soon to be launched MPV are all MALAYSIA PRODUCT. There is no pride in assembling cars and rebadge them to call it a Malaysian car. we are now in the new millenium, re-badging stories in the early 1980s... If we still looking at rebadging cars, then we will not move forward. I never agree with Volkswagen or foreign company taking control of Proton. The truth is, Khazanah or Proton wanted Volkswagen for their under-utilised Tanjung Malim plant. Even if Volkswagen is localised, the price of VW cars will still be above RM100k, and that wont help dealers selling extra cars. Both Proton & Perodua makes up the biggest market share because of car price variance below RM40,000. So why should the dealers be bothered whether the VW deals materialise or not. It is only to make full use of Proton's investment in Tanjung Malim. The economies of scale from VW committed production of 350,000 cars per annum by may provide some economies of scale to the Proton production and make Proton more profitable but what the dealer want is a more value for money car and better quality. It makes more economic sense to mass produce all Proton cars (not the re-badge VW of foreign cars) and target exponential sales for export market (hence, what Syed Zainal is doing now!). Nonethelesss, Proton already have Lotus for technology. Proton factory is one of the most hitech factory available worldwide (but way underutilised) and Proton has the biggest sales network domestically (if properly rationalize, Proton network can be the strongest network!). What we actually need is QUALITY CARS and AFFORDABLE pricing!!! Proton Iswara.. a 20 years old car, was still defective in many aspect, 20 years after it was launched. NOW, PROTON REMAIN A MALAYSIAN COMPANY and proton quality has improved drastically. Even the smallest or the slightest problem as per the Proton Savvy Re-call was for nothing BUT to maintain Proton's quality! The new SAGA and Persona are both affordable and evident from the 40,000 bookings still pending deliveries for each model.

These are factors that is evident and what we see (from dealers' & customer perspective) as effort by Syed Zainal and his team. For those who knew me, they will know that i always argue, debate and never blindly supports (especially previously with TIFLI, Teo Aeng Kyet, Tan Ghee Chow, Dato Donald Choo and Dato Razak Dawood, and now with SIDIK) BUT i strongly believe in Syed Zainal and his team's passion, enthusiasm and humbleness in making sure that Proton stay and remain profitable.

So, my verdict as one of the longest serving dealer (since USPD days) and the Deputy President of Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia, is a MUST for Syed Zainal's contract to be RENEW & EXTENDED. Though i have to say that i am still in strong debate with him to close Proton Edar's own-branch!!!! Without the branch, Proton may impose any requirement to increase the dealer's requirement or any upgrading for corporate image but until then, please re-engineer proton own branch (as per my earlier blog), rationalize the dealer's network then dealer may consider further investment on Corporate Image. Now, with shortage of all model variance and an average sales of 30 cars per dealer per month (if lucky, otherwise an average of 20 cars per dealer), any upgrade of the showroom or corporate image will not increase the dealer's car sales. It is evident from previous CI upgrade. Honda dealers invested almost RM1million to Rm3million in their showroom and corporate image. BMW dealer spend more than RM30million in their 3S building (latest being Ingress showroom near Penchala) but they can do so, because with 80 car sales average per month, their return of investment (on the millions of ringgit spend) are attractive and lucrative. With the current overcongestion of Proton dealer's (in the market with an average car sales per dealer of 20-30 cars per month.... and with proton net profit of only a few hundred ringgit per car... hihii

Malaysia Politics

i was privileged to have a cup of coffee.. or cappuccino rather, with Emran, the Chief Operating Officer, Suria FM radio.

Our cappuccino chat was planned since last week but again.. due to scarcity of available time, we only manage to meet today. A plan for a quick cappuccino lasted for hours. We both share some common interest especially in marketing. how to draw, attract and capture the attention of the public mass. we chatted and discussed and chatted and agree for a tie-up... but that cant be discussed in this article pending the Press conference.. soon.

Amongst other topics that was discussed is the topic that is close to our heart as well as many Malaysians, the Malaysian Politics. It occur to me, every time i chatted about politics, that i am a direct by-product of the government policies.. yes we all are but i really felt the benefit of a good and a bad policy.

Without being subjective on what policies worked and what doesnt, i would like to relate to the government policies that directly affected me. For a start, i was sick... almost dead and requires a Bone marrow transplant immediately. I was lucky to have Emi, my sister as a donor... though initially, After testing all my siblings for a match, my younger sister Dr Ta and Amnan, my youngest brother was supposed to be the bone marrow donor but was found incompatible a month prior to the operation. Imagine my reaction when i was told that both Dr Ta and Amnan who were supposed to be a match turn out to be incompatible and i was in London without any donor. Thank god when the hospital did another test on all my siblings, they discover Emi, my youngest sister's bone marrow was compatible. (wait for the launch of my book for full detail).

Anyway, being sick, the total cost of the Bone marrow transplant was a few hundred thousand Malaysia Ringgit.. oh god! My dad being a civil servant simply cannot afford the exorbitant cost. But being a civil servant, and a good health policy, the government paid for my bone marrow transplant (thank you god). getting the initial approval for my transplant was another story (I cant wait to launch my book... ) My transplant was made possible because of certain policy in place.

Having successfully underwent the bone marrow transplant in London (Malaysia cannot perform the bone marrow transplant during that time), i studied and pass both my GCSE (Malaysian SPM equivalent) and A'levels the same year. i pursue my degree in Buckingham University, England under MARA scholarship and graduated when i was 20 years old.. the MARA scholarship or... well a convertible loan which was converted into a scholarship when i graduated with honours and a good result, was part of the Government NEP.

After my graduation, i worked for the Commerce International Merchant Bankers Berhad in the Corporate Finance department and gained the best insight into the Corporate sector and had the best exposure from Malaysia rapid growth, again thanks to the government far-sighted Vision 2020.

I left a comfortable banker's life to i started my own business operating a Proton Edar dealership in 1997. Thanks to the government vision & enthusiasm in the national car project, i was able to learn the automotive trade. i started my second business a Proton Edar Service Centre which was my only breadwinner during the 1998 financial crisis.

Hence, the benefits i gained from the governments vision and policies. However, during the 1998 financial crisis, similar to most businessmen, i suffered major set-back. My dad sold our house in Kelantan to salvage my dealership though it was my business and not his (thank you god for blessing me with a lovely dad). During the financial crisis, from my naive observation, i noticed and observed what i deemed as the root of our country's problem.. that almost led to my death as a business man. i was only 23 years old when the financial crisis started in late 1997.

The Prime Minister during that period was Tun Dr Mahathir and his deputy Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also the Chancellor of the Exchequer or Finance Minister.

TDM wanted to retire (that is how i perceived when Tun took many holidays and did a lot of travelling leaving Malaysia to Dato Seri) and had allow Dato Seri to resume many of his responsibilities. Dato Seri knew if Tun retires now and he became the PM, he would have nothing left (giant Conglomerate) to control. At that point, almost all of Malaysia infrastructure the PLUS highway was under Halim Saad, What goes on the road, Proton cars (DRB-HICOM & PROTON) was under Yahaya Ahmad. Malaysia Airlines was under Tajudin Ramli, Bakun was under Ting Pek Khiing, IPP, Konsortium perkapalan, TNB were all privatised to Tun so called cronies. thus Dato Seri would be the PM but Tun will still have a major influence of Malaysia. Dato Seri knew that he had to regain some control of Malaysia infrastructure and increased the interest rate to the highest knowingly Tun's cronies were all highly geared. When these Cronies were not able to repay the gearing, their companies will be under the administration of Danaharta. Danaharta is under the Ministry of Finance inc... hence Dato Seri.

In his greed for control and power, raising interest rate for personal gain, small time business fellow like me suffers and almost died. My dealership end-up having to pay the bank all my profit from selling new proton cars and some cars that was under the 'floor-stocking' facilities had accumulated interest rate so much that all the proceed from the sales of the bungalow (that my dad sold to help me out in business) was paid for the acumulated Bank floor-stocking facility interests. During the financial crisis, hire-purchase loan for customers to buy cars were frozen. I was stuck with more than 40 cars under floor-stocking for more than 1 year. you can calculate the interest rate that had accumulated.

It did not help having people like Stanley tan, Proton Edar (formerly known as USPD) General manager (now happily retire with a few proton dealership that he had accumulated during his tenure as well as a golden handshake for serving Proton Edar) forcing us to pay for all cars allocated (that we never wanted) although the economy was so bad.

When Dato Seri was sacked, Tun took the extra responsibility as the Finance Minister, and a month later, all hire-purchase loan was re-open and interest rate was reduced and i was able to sell Proton cars again. We, the small businessmen can see who makes a better Finance Minister.

I became a vendor shortly after the recession and appreciate the opportunity that was made possible by the government's vision in the automotive.

In short, i am not aligned to any political party (this is another story for later) and i am not interested to become a politician (not yet..) but we have to be careful with the person that we elect to hold office as our lives as a business man will be effected. We should never vote for individual. we should vote for the political resolution and manifesto.

Now with Pak Lah as the PM, the same thing what Dato Seri wanted to do, was recycled again but instead of the Danaharta taking administrative control, all the privatised projects was re-corporatised under a new term called GLCs and then the government initiate PFI (private fund initiative) which is simply another word for 'privatisation. so... why re-corporatise all Tun M's privatised project to privatise them again under GLC and PFI..? Thus far, our life as a business man is very uncertain with all the commodity price increase. if the interest rate was again used for political mileage, all businesses will collapse similar to the 1998 financial crisis.

Me and Emran, spoke about many other issues but that will be a topic for another session.

TIME is of the essence...

yes indeed. If there is any pressure in life, it should be 'time'!



i understand the essence & the importance of time the most, having being told that i ONLY had 3 years to live. well.. that was 19 years ago. yes... i had cancer. to be specific i had Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia but now i am okay. Although it had been 19 years since my diagnosis, half of my teenage life was to come to term with it and after going through 'hell'.. it kinda shape up my thinking... that luxury is not measured by money or any tangible items but instead by how much 'time' i have to do things that i want.



Now, 19 years later, i am still in the same predicament. i just simply do not seemed to have enough time to do everything that i want to do. we only have 24 hours in a day.. or 31 days in a months (or worse 28 days in a month in February). that is a fact and nothing can change that, even if we want to extend an extra hour in a day, we simply cannot.



If we lost a thousand ringgit today, we can always work harder tomorrow or save more in the future to recover the lost thousand ringgit. But if we lost an hour today... it is simply gone forever...!!!!!



With 24 hours aday, i had to have enough sleep and wake up as early as 6am to run daily as part of my get healthy 2008 new year resolution (yaa we all have resolution), write and complete my book that i targeted to launch next year, manage my 40 odd fasfik branches, make sure that my proton sales dealer achieve my target sales and most importantly, spend quality time with my love ones. Time is so scarce with so much to do.



It is base on 'time' that my Fasfik concept was developed... or at least one of it. Before i established my Fasfik workshop. I always relate my experience when i sent my previous BMW to the BMW workshop in Glenmarie after making a 9am appointment a week in advance, to be told that the car will be ready in the afternoon and when i came back in the afternoon, i was told that the car was not ready and to come back again later. Similarly with Mercedes. every appointment that was made a week advance will require a whole day without specific time of completion. That is why, i specified all timing for Fasfik principal products and services which is prominently display on a 42" plasma TV located at the entrance of every Fasfik outlets ala flight departure schedule at the airport. the plasma tv display the time the job is expected to began (incase there is a long waiting/que) and the time the job is expected to complete.



It is also because of 'time' that i never took up golf... i only have 24 hours in a day and i have other priorities... the most urgent priority now, is to ensure the success of Fasfik and to complete my book.... my book will provide an insight of the mind of a terminal cancer patient.. for those who wants to understand the predicament of their family members or relatives or friends who are suffering from a terminal cancer or undergoing major operation such as the Bone Marrow transplant that i underwent in 1990. i plan to launch the book next year, the 20th anniversary since i was diagnosed. Proceeds from the book will be channel to a cancer research such as MAKNA or Majlis Kanser Nasional.



But the most important factor about 'time' is how we spend it. If we win a RM1million lottery today, i am sure we all know where to shop and what we can do with the RM1m but here we are... gifted with 24 hours a day but do we really know how to spend our scarce 24 hours aday.



if we spend our time productively at work, we will be well rewarded (in bonus, promotion or incentives), if we spend our time attentively with family, even an hour or less, they will feel much appreciated. if we spend an extra few minutes listening to our customers/family/friends predicament, they will feel better. If we spend a few moment to pray, our prayers will be heard. If we spend a fix quality time daily to exercise, we will be healthier



The truth is, whatever problem anybody is facing.. is all related to time.

Proton & Petrol Price increase

When the government announce the petrol price increase a few media called me to comment in my capacity as the Deputy President of Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia. The first question that they asked was how the dealer's recovery from the downturn... I assume the downturn the media are referring to was the proton dealers 'gulung tikar' headline last year.

Many believe the downturn of Proton Edar dealers was caused by the downturn in the automotive industry pursuant to the announcement and introduction of the National Automotive Policy. yes, true to some extent it does hold some truth. Many too, believe that the downturn of Proton Edar dealers was caused caused by the uncertainties of a foreign partner.. ie Volkswagen. Perhaps that holds some truth too. Many also believe that the downturn of Proton Edar dealers was as a consequence of the poor quality of proton cars. these are all made-believe statements.

The truth is the national automotive policy does not have a direct significant impact to Proton sales but instead, the price and value of the second hand car market was badly effected from the introduction of the NAP. In my 11 years experience as a Proton Dealer, 7 out of 10 customers will want to trade-in their old car (to buy new Proton cars). But this too is not a major consequence of the NAP. Automotive sales are neither the buyers market nor the sellers market. Automotive sales are the BANK'S market. If the bank value the second hand car (or end-finance a higher loan amount) favourably, the used car dealers will be more incline to take the trade-in higher and vice-versa. If the bank so deemed a set of customer profile or a certain car brand, as high risk profile or high risk brand, then the loan approval will be more stringent. thus, the Bank are the culprit of the automotive sales downfall or the dealer's downturn.

Whatever make-believe of Proton Edar dealers downfall was a cover-up of Proton's previous management mistake to over-appointed the dealers as written in my earlier article. Political move to terminate EON as a super-dealer or distributor led Proton Edar to appoint more than 100 new dealers that led to the current predicament. Now, EON operation stay and the Proton authorised sales dealers network is over-congested. A simple rule of nature.. less people more share.. more people less share.. the real fact is.. too many people, there is nothing to share. except losses.

The media continue to ask me if the petrol price increase effect further the predicament of the dealers? or another way to look at it, will the petrol price increase effect the sales of Proton cars?

My answer is NO because Proton is a people's car, with cylinder capacity ranges from 1.1, 1.3 and 1.6, the car fuel consumption is fairly economical. Nonetheless, Proton Savvy is in the Malaysia Book of Record for the best fuel consumption with 24km per litre... yes call me to place a booking now (hihiii..). mind you, even Savvy is on waiting list now...

Thailand historically and currently recorded a higher petrol price (compare to Malaysia) and Thailand too historical and currently has a lower per capita income, or lower per household income. However, Thailand has always recorded a higher domestic passenger car sales. so, the impact of car sales will be negligible if not effected by the increase in the petrol price.

The petrol price increase will affect the disposable income of lower income earner. with toll, monthly car maintenance and now petrol expenses almost double up, the society may experience alot of job-hopping or people may change jobs nearer to their resident or they may change their job to where there public transportation is avail. customer behaviour may change but there will be less impact on car sales.

Henceforth, Proton dealers will not be badly effected with the petrol price increase but will still incur major losses monthly if the sales network is not consolidated or rationalize soon. the consolidation and rationalization in my recommendation, is the re-engineering of all Proton Edar own-branches as per my earlier article.

Extreme Measure: CLOSE ALL PROTON & EON BRANCHES

For a start, since my tenure as an authorised sales and service dealer for Proton Edar for more than 11 years and as the Deputy President of the Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia, i have seen 7 appointments of Proton Edar Chief Executive Officers. the first being Datuk Rashid Rahim, then En Abbas Mehad, Acting CEO Stanley Tan, Datuk Maruan Said, Ahmad Tifli, then back to Datuk Maruan Said and now the latest is En Shukor.

What do they all have in common? They have new ideas and every time a new CEO was appointed, policies will change. Considering that Proton Edar receive new CEO appointments almost on average every less than 2 years, new policies introduce were never fully implemented but with every new appointments of CEOs, there will be new appointment of dealers... (to some extend, that contributes to the over-representation of Proton dealers) except for the latest CEO Shukor who are still new. Every time policies were changed, we, the dealers will have to change the song we sing for better or worse. but in all those new policies that were either replaced or introduced or re-introduced, there was one policy that never change: The roles and responsibility of Proton and Proton Edar. Since Proton Edar is a subsidiary of a government-linked company (or GLC), it should pursue the government's main objective to constantly develop new Malaysian entrepreneur via its vendor or authorised dealer programme (inline with the 2nd Industrial Masterplan)

To the contrary, there were no entrepreneurship development program but instead a cognizance approach telling dealers to sell all the cars that their own branches are having difficulty in selling or they will be terminated... ok that may sound abit crude but it is in that note.

The roles and responsibility of Proton & Proton Edar should be re-looked upon if we want to be competitive and become a global manufacturer. Currently, Proton is the manufacturer and Proton Edar being the sole marketing arm and distributor. As both the manufacturer as well as the distribution arm of Proton cars, the quality production and quality deliveries of proton cars to the customer may be affected when the quantitative sales target is juggled with qualitative deliveries. Proton want numbers and customer wants better improved cars.

I am not the best expert but I believe Proton should focus its main objective in R&D to constantly introduce newer model and target a higher exports worldwide as well as improve and produce quality proton cars to compete with other brand whilst Proton Edar (the subject of this article) as the marketing arm of proton should focus in upholding the Corporate Image and protecting the neglected Patent rights of "proton' (now all unauthorised used cars and unscrupulous workshop are all displaying and bearing proton logo) as well as improving the Customer Satisfaction Index via attending, managing if not eradicating all problems complained by the public. This can be attain through re-engineering Proton Edar's owned-branches.

Currently, Proton Edar owned and manage 31 branches, 197 proton edar dealer and a total of 106 EON own-branches and EON dealers. Proton MD Datuk Syed Zainal had constantly reiterate that he will reduce the number of dealers in the network to less than a total of 250 dealers (now there are 324 dealers and branches including EON).

Tengku Mahaleel had over-estimated his influence to terminate EON as a distributor as well as EON dealers. In anticipation that he was able to terminate EON, and in fear that Proton sales will suffer without EON, Proton Edar had appointed more than 100 new dealers a year before his contract expires. with the new dealers being appointed, EON continues to be a distributor/super dealer to Proton doubling the number of dealers in the network to almost 400 Proton edar owned branches and dealers including EON.

With 400 authorised dealers and proton's own-branches in the network, the average that any dealers can sell per month is less than 20 cars with Proton & EON owned branches getting more cars per branch. Perodua has less than half the number of dealers in their network and is selling more than Proton total car sales per annum.

Since then, for the past few years, appointed dealers had exhausted its working capital to stay afloat. with an average of less than 20 proton car sales per month, each dealers will incur losses between RM10,000 to RM30,000 per month depending on the location of the showroom. The lackadaisical sales per dealer was not the fault of the dealers as the market could only take a maximum number of new proton car sales per year. Coupled by the absent of new sellable product range as well as constant productions of cars, the total sales cannot be further improved.
The appointments of dealers cannot be reversed because of the money already invested. The market was congested with dealers due to the over-appointment of dealers by Proton Edar and these dealers cannot be penalise for being appointed as the appointments were made by Proton Edarthemselves. The 'over-appointment' was a mistake made by Proton Edar that resulted in dealers non-performance (due to congestion of dealers in a stagnant market). Dealers were not at fault for not being able to meet the sales target set by proton because the market itself cannot absorb the targeted sales given for all the dealers.

Many think and believe that Proton dealers are parasites (thanks to sean-the-man.blogspot) and a money generating business and those who are not a dealer constantly write and apply to both Proton and Proton Edar to become a dealer. To run a Proton sales dealership comfortably, a minimum working capital of RM3million is required to sell an average 50 cars per month. with an approximate net profit per car after deducting all commissions at less than 2%, it is doubtful that a good return can be attain from the RM3million working capital invested, hence PEDA 'gulung tikar' press statement. Those who are already a dealer of Proton Edar, there is no choice and no exit plan as hundreds of thousand (if not millions) had been spend in the dealership. Those dealer who can afford to write-off the investment, has already surrendor their dealership.

Thus, what will be the extreme measure requires to maintain a healthy network for the benefit of the public? especially with the merger talk between Proton Edar and EON.

i suggest and recommend the followings: CLOSURE OF ALL PROTON OWN-BRANCHES AS WELL AS EON'S BRANCHES (if the merger talk materialise) and the main objective of Proton and Proton Edar can be summarize as follows:

1) Proton as a manufacturer should focus entirely in the R&D of new cars, improve the production quality of its existing cars and target export as the dominant market for Proton cars... hence what they are doing now.

2) Proton Edar as the sole marketing and distribution arm of Proton should focus their resources in the enforcement of Proton patent rights and uphold Proton corporate image. Proton Edar should eradicate all unscrupulous and unauthorised usage of Proton brand name. There are currently NO ENFORCEMENT on the usage of Proton branding.
Proton Edar should listen, attend, resolve and eradicate any problems complained by all customers. To eradicate all problems attached to Proton cars, and further improve its customer satisfaction index, proton manufacturer's warranty should be used as an incentive to the customer rather than punitive. Any warranty claim by any customer should be automatically approved (if it falls under the manufacturer's warranty period) unless otherwise proven. Coupled by strong after-sales network, the public will have more confident in Proton cars.

To ensure these objectives are achieved and without prejudice to the over-appointments of the dealers, ALL Proton & EON's (after the merger- if it really happen) own-branches should be closed and re-engineered to be:

1) a centre for Proton car display and test drive to enhance Proton Corporate Image
2) a centre for warranty and after sales service centres
3) centre for customer complain
4) a centre for development of dealers/entrepreneur development programme.

The sales of new proton cars should be left to individual entrepreneur whom had invested their life savings into the business. Historically, Proton produces what they deemed fit for the public and forced its sales network to sell whatever Proton can produce. The dealers have no choice but to pay and keep in stocks all cars that proton allocated to them. Dealers cannot refuse any cars or risk not having any cars to sell at all. Hence, the actual customers demand for cars are artificial. Dealers interacts daily and regularly with the customer and being the last end of Proton value chain, our feedback will be the closest to real customer's demand . In the absence of Proton's owned-branches, the sales network will be independent from Proton and dealer's feedback will be more constructive to meet the customer's demand. With their life-savings in the business, dealers are more sales-oriented and will only give productive feedback so they can sell more.

Thus, before any dealers who were appointed by Proton are terminated. Proton should first consider closing all its branches as it is also doubtful that their branches can even break-even (on a level playing field as the dealers).

Extreme activities

31st May 2008, 84km Ultra Marathon.... madness but i was very excited to run my longest marathon. not that i have done so many 42km marathon that i felt so confident that i can finish this marathon but i was more excited to push myself beyond my limit. i have thus far ran 3 full marathons. My first marathon was last year @ Salisbury, London but even that was not a real marathon. The Salisbury marathon was a trail marathon. It was a run across 5 rivers, 4 hills, 3 large countryside estates, 2 castle and 1 cathedral. Stupendous scenery and view... I ran together with Abu Lais and Nawal Aini but we got lost in the hills and enjoyed the beautiful scenery that it took us 10 hours to complete the run.. Yes recorded as DNF and everybody, even the marshals were gone by the time we reached the finishing line. The second 42km marathon was the Standard Chartered Marathon in Singapore... somehow my buddy Abu decide to run everywhere in the world beside Malaysia. I completed the Singapore 42km standard chartered Marathon in a gruelling 7 hour and 36 mins. somehow, no matter how much i plan my training, i will end up not train for any competition. it was never really a competition against anybody except for my own timing.

Having run in London and Singapore last year, this year i decided to run the Ambank Kuala Lumpur International Marathon that was held on 30 March and again, i lacked the training. Meetings and work schedule always hinder my training programme but since i have made my commitment, i ran the marathon and forced myself all the way to complete it in 5 hours and 46 mins. that was my best time so far.

on 31 May, i attempted the Adidas Sundown 84km ultra marathon. As usual, meetings after meetings and the endless work at office held me back from early travel to Singapore. i had my Singaporean friend Jackson Liew to collect my race number earlier and so that i can leave later on the 31 May morning. the run starts at 830pm and i should have ample time to travel.

I packed my travelling items and slept at midnight to start my journey to Singapore and woke up early at 5am. We left KL at 7am, after a few stops to eat along the PLUS highway and getting stucked at the causeway, we finally reached my friend's office in Singapore at 1pm to collect my race number and the race kit. There were 8 of us in my group but only me and my personal trainer Suhaimi that is crazy enough to attempt the 84km run. Abu Lais and Nawal Aini did the 42km and my sister Rose along with her 3 friends did the 10.5km relay. All of us were in FASFIK red runners vest.


After a good carbo lunch, i waited impatiently for the race to start. When the gun went off sharp at 830pm, enthusiastically i start running. everybody ran pass me but i was keeping cool and trying hard not to panic. my target was only to complete the race irrespective of the time taken. On the first 5km my polar watch happily display my heart rate at 155 or 83% max HR with a speed of 8.2. I remember reading in most running magazine that i should keep my heart rate below 60% if i am on a long distance run. if i want to run at 60% max HR, i will have to run at the speed of 6. so i decided to run at a HR of 150bpm. Yes, i am not as fit as most athlete. A good athlete would be pacing at speed 10-12 with a 65% max HR.

this is my first night run. i did not know what to expect. it was very dark and be it not for the volunteers from the local school girls that kept the direction and mood by cheering us up at every 5km, i would have been lost. i looked forward to running without the heat of the sun but never anticipated the exhaustion of not sleeping. I only had less than 5 hours sleep the night before the race and yes.. this run provides me a new insight into the real definition of 'sleepy'. i was yawning all the way after the 30th km.

when i complete the first loop of 42km, at the 'special needs' camp, i ate 2 bananas, a pack of power gel, and almost a bottle of mineral water... (runners beware..) i should have packed some sandwich and perhaps a hot coffee but i did not. After taking in all 'carbo' in less than 5 minutes, i continue to immediately run to avoid any time wastage. a few hundred meter later, i vormited everything i ate and drink. goodness. my stomach rejected everything i ate. i did think of turning back but i since i promise myself i will not give up easily, i quickly put myself together and began to slowly walk and back to running.

i ran feeling my head so heavy and my body was so stiff. i thought i was about to faint or drop dead when i could not see nor remember where i was running to and almost run into a lamp post.... then i realize i was falling asleep. i cannot described in word how it felt but the feeling is a mixture of half fainting and abit like stroke when i cannot open both eye.. or it felt like only one eye is open. but when i stopped and look around and felt my body feeling numb.. i realize i was really falling asleep and did not have any stroke or heart attack. falling asleep while running.. never knew it was possible.

I kept myself awake and keep running slowly again maintaining my pace at 150% max HR until i met Wei Kee on the 46km who was limping and walking slowly. we both decided to walk instead of running. we met Ailing a few metres in front who cannot stop expressing her disappointment in her timing for the first 42km loop. she expect to complete the whole 84km in less than 10 hours.. oh god! i was merely wanting to be a finisher even if it takes 20 hours.

10 hours since we started our run at 830pm, we reached the water station 4. it was at the 54km of the route. The wind was heavy signalling it was about to rain and at the speed we were walking, if we continue to the finishing line, our expected time to complete will be at 2pm!!! and everybody would have left the base. all our belongings are still at the special needs counter and will be kept at the organiser's office after 11 am. We can only collect it the day after. i have to leave back to KL the same day, Ailing had to work tomorrow and Wei Kee had all his wallet, bus pass and house keys in the bag... or at least these were the reason to abandon the race. After much deliberation and when we are pleased with all the justification, we approached the volunteers at the drink station and ask how to abandon the race. the girl said, we can wait with them for their pick up bus anytime now. It rain heavily and one of the volunteers gave us a black garbage bag as a shelter from the rain. we were too cold and decided to get into the garbage bag instead of just covering our head with the bag. the garbage bag was big enough to cover from head to knee. we poke a small hole for us to see and breath. Ailing happily said the garbage bag worked wonders to also shelter her from the shame of abandoning the race. but to think of it now, we were too exhausted and mega-sleepy that there is no way for us to even walk an extra metre.

We took the bus and reached the starting/finishing point at 730am almost 11 hours from the start time. i was soaking wet from the rain and half awake but have to FASFIK myself to travel back to KL. I have an important meeting on Monday and will have to leave back to KL today. in short, we drive to Singapore on Saturday at 7am, reached Singapore at 1pm. went to the race start/finishing to view the place visited the special needs camp. Carbo load and got ready for the race. start race at 830pm. abandon at 6am on Sunday. reached finishing line at 730am. Shower and freshen up. drove back to KL and reached KL at 7pm. Extreme crazy, extreme experience and extreme fun..... i love it.

Introduction.....

Since this is my first post as a blogger, i reckon i should first start by introducing what inspires me to create my own blog. i have been wanting to 'write' since the day i was diagnose to have leukaemia in 1989. i wanted to write about my experiences in dealing with terminal cancer. yes insya allah the book will be completed this year, so i can published it next year, 20 years since my diagnosis. The book was delayed for 20 years because i never had the time to complete it...(ya ya reasons reasons....) i had other priorities but the book will be completed this year which my sister who is a doctor in London is helping me out with some editing and details.

Having the experience in writing the book (that hopefully can be publish next year), I want to further express my thought, ideas, predicaments as a cancer survivor, entrepreneur, Managing Director of Fasfik, Deputy President of Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia as well as an individual and a Malaysian.

On various occasion, during various Press Conference held with various media, what i wanted to communicate was not published. There are also various extreme experience that i wanted to share with anybody that is interested but cannot find the time to share. i have also received many invitations to speak at many functions but because of other prior engagement and priorities, regrettably, i had to decline. i trust this blog will be beneficial to everybody as a point to interact, share extreme experiences, extreme ideas, extreme predicaments and find a platform to find FASFIK solution.

i was more inspired to create this blog when i met my Fasfik crew at Fasfik Putra height branch who created his own blog (when i am still figuring out how to create one) to draw more customers to his outlets to achieve my sales target. However, being new at this blog-thingy.. please aplogize if the updates is slower than expected.

see you on the next post.