'Gawai Goodies'

Ramsey: Worth 5 million pounds?

NS: Should it be scrapped to save funds for subsidies?

Nothing really interesting to note of today, except that the government has dished out RM 1 billion of 'Gawai goodies' to Sarawak, which is to be used to fund the development of more infrastructure in rural areas. A much lauded move, as the rural poor in Sarawak have been deprived of a much needed injection of funds for far too long, and it also helps to ease any green eyed monsters envious of their closest neighbour's recent windfall. Besides that, the government has stated to step up their plans to eradicate poverty or at least decrease it to a satisfactory level of 2.8% by 2010.

Reading through the SMS-es sent to the Star, I have also noticed that since the recent fuel hike, there have been many calls to scrap NS, claiming that the millions spent would be better directed towards subsidising daily essentials. Scrap the NS? At this juncture, I don't think the Malaysian economy is in that severe a condition that we need the extra funds that badly, but the government should take note that the 'rakyat' are not going to take too kindly to the funding of white elephants such as the 'Angkasawan Project' in the future. There have even been claims that a 10% cut in the entertainment budget for Ministers is not enough. Personally, I applaud the PM for taking such measures, but cannot help feeling that perhaps the cut is not enough. Maybe 30-40%? However, as quoted in the Star, the Cabinet as the rulers of the country should lead by example, and a perfect way to start the belt tightening would be this. Let's hope that the crackdown on reducing electricity usage and unnecessary costs in government offices are effective.

On the Euro front, I'm happy to say that my prediction for the Sweden outcome proved accurate (I had a funny feeling Ibrahimovich would be involved :P), while a David Villa hat-trick and a Cesc Fabregas goal saw off Russia, beating them comfortably at 4-1. Managed to catch the 2nd half of the Italy-Holland game after finally discovering that you only need to press the 'R' button on the Astro set to get Stadium Astro haha. I must admit, I was impressed with Edwin van der Sar's saves. I've never really fancied him as a good keeper for Man Utd, but maybe their rock-solid back four left him with nothing much to do. Stupid Donadoni should have brought on del Peiro earlier, his introduction sparked new life into Italy's counter attack, but by then it was far too late already.

Tonight: Czech Republic vs Portugal
Switzerland vs Turkey

Prediction: Portugal to win 3-1, Turkey to win 1-0

On the January transfer window, it is with *sadistic* pleasure that I can safely say, that Man Utd has missed out on the signing of the newest prodigy to emerge from Wales, Cardiff City's Aaron Ramsey; who has decided to make the Emirates Stadium his home next season. Reports say that the two parties are close to concluding the ₤ 5 million pound deal, and Arsenal can congratulate themselves for fending off hot competition from the Red Devils and the Toffees. Eventhough Ramsey aspires to follow in the footsteps of his idol, fellow Welshman Ryan Giggs, it is understandable why he chose not to go to Old Trafford. Mainly because his chances of breaking into the first team would be very slim, with the likes of Hargreaves, Carrick, Anderson and such. At best, he might make one or two starts all season, and be resigned to the bench. The other alternative is he be sent back on loan to Cardiff City or another club, but I don't think Ramsey wants to spend another season back in the Championship after the other big-wigs have come a-knocking; other clubs who can guarantee him first team football. At Arsenal however, Arsene Wenger is a firm believer of giving youths a chance, and he would have a better chance of breaking into the first XI, as the only outstanding midfield talents are Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky (don't count Hleb, who's on his way out anyway ungrateful git). Besides that, Wenger has a fantastic knack for moulding talented youths in world class players (think Fabregas, van Persie and Adebayor) and Ramsey himself has apparently said that the deciding factor was Arsene's promise to take personal responsibility for his development. At least with the impendng arrivals of Marseille's Samir Nasri and Ramsey, Wenger is stocking up a midfield which has been sorely depleted due to the loss of Flamini and possibly Hleb. Sir Alex on the other hand is said to be hugely dissapointed, and this brings about a sense of deja vu, as 12 months previously, United were beaten to the signature for then Welsh sensation Gareth Bale, who decided to sign for Spurs. Whether Ramsey proves to be an invaluable signing remains to be seen, but I think that at least for now, he has made the right choice.