The use of megaprojects

I’ve been reading the comments on Tun. Dr. Mahathir’s blog, and I am quite baffled by the comments which touch upon the subject of  ‘Megaprojects is useless’.

Megaprojects brings more than physical impact on the country, even if it does not bring as much profit as it would think.

Let us take the Petronas Twin Tower.

1. The construction of the tower created opportunities of local workers to work in a advanced environment. Where else we can gain this knowledge and training for our people?

2. Exchange in technology. The technology brought in during the time of construction and in various other phases is even used today.

3. The local contracted company who worked during the times gained more revenues as well reputation. Just search for info on the glass maker. That alone can be the best evidence.

4. It stands to be our landmark  in the world. After the construction of the twin tower more foreigner learned about Malaysia?

5. Direct investment is quite high comparing to other projects – even if it is not on the level we expected. Plus, who knows how much indirect investment is has caused?

6. Patriotism. I don’t know about others, but seeing the twin tower, Putrajaya and other projects makes me very proud to be a Malaysian. It gives me dreams of one day working on that project or others that gives Malaysia something to be proud of.

Let’s face it. The mega projects is not that faulty. Of course it is not perfect. Nothing can be absolute in this matter. Who could predict in 10 years time what would happen?

It is in the intention of the creator to make something for Malaysia to benefit – note that in your mind. Perhaps by at least supporting them you could help making the profit (if all what matters is just the profit) higher.

On another note, Cyberjaya for example has abundance of opportunity just that the people are not that creative and brave to venture into that sector. See how the companies now are doing?

I could go on more and more, but at least think outside the box. Don’t selfishly go and blame it all. If the logic always go as “The profit is not = or > than the initial capital is bad” we are going to be doomed. I for one vote to not live in a community where profit generation comes first rather than community benefit.

Effects of our actions

What is it that makes people learn? I know one answer is pain. When they created the atom bomb they would think, “Ah, this could be one hell of blast.”

Well they got it alright. One fucking hell of explosion which destroyed two states completely into ruins. Not only that, the lingering effects of the explosions makes it more a ‘blast’.

Recently I read in a book which discusses on nuclear power. One chapter was dedicated on Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing and the writer wrote about how the scientists who designed the bomb feel. It was grouped into various group since apparently the effects of the bomb was not limited to the bombing range.

Some had a mental breakdown. Some had gone crazy thinking they just created something sinister. Some just peed in their pants. Some even wanted to make more of it.

Somehow this relates to us. The actions we take and choose while it may or may not effect others, it will effects us; and the effect is something to be scared of.

I’m sure we would procrastinate on our work and do works on the last minute. How’s the feeling of doing everything in a limited time? Not to mention the marks we get doing a half-assed work.

I tried doing work early an the feeling was great. Heck, seeing other suffering can be somewhat pleasuring in such cases.

But yeah, it is hard on getting into the mood and all. But hey, it’s worth trying, no?