WHAT SHOULD THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS BE?

THE BACKGROUND OF UNITED NATION - by Ahpiramii


Since it was establishment in 1945, the United Nations has been active in broad areas including peace-keeping, the North-South problem, social and human rights issues. Following the progress made in East-West dialogue and other recent changes in the international situation, it has improved its activities while its roles and responsibilities are being expanded. In the area of peace-keeping, in specifically, the United Nations has played an important role in Namibia achieving independence which is the last colony in Africa plus in the general elections held in Nicaragua in February 1990. The peace-keeping operations of the United Nations, traditionally to observe the activities, and have expanded into more wide-ranging of activities including observation of elections, as occasioned by its operations in Namibia. In August 1990, the U.N. Security Council decided on comprehensive and compulsory agreements, for the first time in the past 22 years against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. At the same time, international cooperation extended through the United Nations and its organizations has become ever more important in dealing with global issues such as drugs and the environment. 

The Soviet Union, which had previously had not been active in U.N. activities, has shifted its position toward attaching importance to them under the Gorbachev Administration. Similarly, the United States under the Bush Administration has proved its cooperative attitude with the U.N, demonstrating that it will pay up its arrears to the U.N. In this connection, at the 44th session of the General Assembly in 1989, the United States and the Soviet Union co-sponsored a resolution which called for the strengthening of the roles of the United Nations in international peace, security, and international cooperation. This was the first joint proposal ever made by the two countries in the history of United Nation.

At the same time the United Nations still has its problems including difficulties in financial and organizational improvement in economic fields. Tackling these problems will be very important for the U.N. in winning the confidence of the international community in the future. Also the new trend in the world away from conflict toward dialogue makes necessary a review of the systems and functions of the United Nations.

Since joining the world body in 1956, Japan has all along placed cooperation with the United Nations as a major pillar of its negotiation. It has cooperated in U.N. activities in a wide range of areas, making the second largest financial contributions among the member States next only to the United States. For instance, Japan has been actively supporting the United Nations University and the International Tropical Timber Organization, helping them set up their head offices in Japan. 



THE ROLE AND PURPOSE OF UNITED NATION - Nevettha

The ideas
Specifically, the UN summarizes its role in the following terms. Its purposes are:

•  To maintain international peace and security 

• To develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples 

• To cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

• To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these common ends.

Its principles are:

• It is based on the sovereign equality of all its members
•  All members are to fulfil in good faith their Charter obligations
• They are to settle their international disputes by peaceful means, and without endangering international peace and security, and justice
• They are to refrain from the threat or use of force against any other state
• They are to give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the Charter, and shall not assist states against which the United Nations is taking preventive or enforcement action
• Nothing in the Charter is to authorise the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state.

THE ROLE 

This idealistic expression of the aims and purposes of the UN needs to be set against what has been possible, given the limits placed on the organisation by the most powerful states in it. The principles of the organisation make it clear that, if the UN is to work, the individual members must fulfil the obligations they undertake. Unlike the Concert of Europe, the UN is a permanent structure, but 'it is an extension to the states system, not an alternative to it'. Next, it is an organisation of equal sovereign states and indeed all states in the General Assembly have one vote regardless of size or wealth. However, in the Security Council, which is the only organ with binding powers, some states are more equal than others.

The UN is not an autonomous agent making decisions separate from the power politics of the world. Thirdly, the victorious powers and allies of World War II, have a veto power and therefore their interests are supreme when decisions are made on what actions the UN will take and how well resourced such action will be. From 1945 to 1990, the Cold War ensured that all conflicts around the world were translated into tests of one or other of the superpowers and this precluded action in all but exceptional cases, such as Korea. As a result of the power of the Permanent Five in the Security Council, the UN has been prevented from acting on any matters that affect them or their interests, for example in Tibet, Chechnya or Central America. Moreover, the organization, on the decision of the members, particularly the most powerful member the United States, has been deprived of funds, for both peacekeeping and for its humanitarian functions. On the one hand, the hope that the UN might provide a solution to the problems of war and injustice has been dashed for many people. Besides that, there is confusion over the UNs role and the place of the nation state within it. 

In this inquiry, a large number of submissions voiced criticisms that reflect this disillusionment with the UN. It was claimed that the UN was a world government and that this resulted in the destruction of our national sovereignty. The elements of this destruction, it was argued, lay in the treaty system, the International Criminal Court, the demand for a standing army or even for peacekeeping forces. These submissions appeared to believe that the old system of bilateral arrangements between states should be untouchable and that the UN, through its existence and its activities, was the source of what were perceived to be fundamentally sinister changes in international relations. They viewed multilateral treaties, not as useful agreements freely entered into, but as attempts by some outside force to control the country. Additional complaints were made about the cost and inefficiency of the UN. These criticisms about the nature and role of the UN will be addressed in this and subsequent chapters.

Many of these critical submissions were expressions of fear and uncertainty in the face of rapid changes, particularly changes that undermined the efficacy of existing institutions and structures. The committee believes that these concerns are understandable, but unwarranted as far as the role of the UN is concerned. At any time, international relations are dynamic; the rules, conventions and practices of international relations are embedded in history, but change as circumstances change and the members of the international community decide on different approaches to the resolution of conflict or mutual problems. History has shown that systems decay and are replaced or rejuvenated.

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES - by Rohani

In January 1989, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution to implement in April the resolution to establish the U.N. Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) and called for material and employees support from member countries. In November, a legal assembly election was held under observation of the UNTAG. As a result, Namibia became independent in March 1990 and joined the United Nations in April.

Japan provided a $46 million special contribution to the UN-TAG as well as a $13,550,000 voluntary contribution as startup costs to purchase automobiles and other equipment. Also, Japan sent 27 election observers and a supporting staff. Japan's supply of workers was highly rated by the international community as representing the country's beginning of its full-scale support in the U.N. peacekeeping operations.

The situation in the full of territories, which get worse, became a major focus of the Middle East discussions at the U.N. General Assembly and Security Council. The 44th session of the General Assembly in 1989 passed, by a majority vote, an "intifada" (uprising) resolution critical Israel's policy on the occupied territories, an action which proven to a high degree of concern among countries about this issue. In a related development, the Security Council resolved again, as it did in July and August of 1989, that Israel's rejection of Palestinians from 'the occupied territories disturbed the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.

Regarding the emigration of the Jews from the Soviet Union which became a major issue in 1990, the U.N. Security Council held a session at the request of the Soviet Union between March through May 1990. But too bad, no resolution has been implemented.

Also, regarding the treatment of a resolution by the Security Council on the killings of Palestinian laborers by a retired soldier of the Israeli National Defense Forces on May 20, 1990, differences overcome among parties concerned. 

Another development was a proposal made to improve the PLO's status in the United Nations and help it obtain memberships in specialized agencies. Japan, which does not recognize the PLO as a state, takes a stand basically that such a proposal will not favor the peace process in the Middle East.

After the critical issues in August 1988, the U.N. Secretary-General has hosted four Iran-Iraqi Foreign Ministers meetings in 1988 and 1989, but no significant progress has been made.

During the peace negotiations, over which the U.N. Secretary-General presided, practically no debate took place on the issue at the General Assembly and Security Council. In February 1990, however, the Chairman of the Security Council issued a statement in support of the peace efforts by the Secretary-General. 

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES – by Syarmin

International Decade for Natural Disaster Decrease

Regarding the International Decade for Natural Disaster Decrease, in which Japan plays a central role, the 44th U.N. General Assembly adopted, by agreement, a resolution on International Framework of Action. The resolution cosponsored by as many as 155 out of a total of 159 member countries declared the start of the decade as of January 1990, provided for the establishment of a special high-level council, a scientific and technological committee, a secretariat, and a trust fund.

HUMAN RIGHT ACTIVITIES

Japan, maintaining a basic position that human rights possess a universal value of mankind and that they form the basis of the world's peace and stability, has actively taken part in U.N. activities related to human rights for the protection and promotion of human rights in the world. In May 1990, Japan was re-elected as a member of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

At the U.N. General Assembly in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by consensus. At the same time, the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty was adopted. A large number of countries including Japan voted against or abstained because the protocol mandates the abolishment of capital punishment while there has been no international consensus on the issue.

On the other hand, changes in East-West relations have led to a marked decrease in the deliberations on human rights issues in Eastern countries, while attention has been drawn to developing countries. For instance, the human rights situation in Myanmar was taken up at the U.N. General Assembly in 1989 and the U.N. Commission on Human Rights. Heated discussions ensued over a resolution related to human rights issues in China following the Tienanmen Square Incident.

THE FINANCIAL CRISIS- by Saranya

The United Nations is in chronic financial difficulties. As of the end of 1989, the total amount of assessed contributions in arrears was approximately $46,116,000, which accounted for nearly 40% of the U.N. general budget. The Soviet Union, which had accumulated a large amount of contributions in arrears, has gradually changed its policy and has begun paying off the arrears in stages. In contrast, the default by the United States continued and accounted for about 80% of the total amount of the contributions in arrears to the U.N.

However, partly in view of the progress made in the administrative and financial reforms of the United Nations, the U.S. Government has since decided to pay up its share excepting the part which the U.S. has been refusing to pay for political reasons. According to its budget message for fiscal 1991, the U.S. Government budgeted the full amount of its assessed contributions to all the international organizations it is party to for the year 1990, and plans to pay off the outstanding arrears to international organizations and to the U.N. peace-keeping operations over the next five years. When these payments are completed, the financial position of the U.N. system will improve significantly.

CONCLUSION

As a conclusion, in order to strengthen the role of the United Nations, efforts should be made to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The authority of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security must be preserved and role of the United Nations in development area should be strengthened. To strengthen the role of the United Nations, it is essential to ensure to all Member States of the United Nations the right to equal participation in international affairs and the rights and interests of the developing countries should be safeguarded.

REFERENCES

Anon, (2016). [online] Available at: https://www.ukessays.com/essays/politics/role-of-the-united-nations-in-conflict-resolution-politics-essay.php [Accessed 5 May 2016].

Academia.edu. (2016). United Nations Argument Essay. [online] Available at: https://www.academia.edu/2972830/United_Nations_Argument_Essay [Accessed 5 May 2016].

Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth. (2016). Many Languages, One World 2016 Student Essay Contest and Global Youth Forum. [online] Available at: http://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2016/01/many-languages-one-world-2016-student-essay-contest-and-global-youth-forum/ [Accessed 5 May 2016].

Mofa.go.jp. (2016). Roles of the United Nations and Other International Organizations, and Japan's Cooperation. [online] Available at: http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/1990/1990-2-4.htm [Accessed 5 May 2016].

Un.org. (2016). Role of the Department of Political Affairs | Department of Political Affairs. [online] Available at: http://www.un.org/undpa/en/overview [Accessed 5 May 2016].

The Current Tax System is Unfair To The Middle Class and Lower Income Groups, Do You Agree?

INTRODUCTION- by Rohani

In the 2014 Budget announcement, the Government announced that GST will be implemented in Malaysia effective from April 2015 at the rate of 6 % and this new tax will replace the current Sales and Service Tax (SST). The weakness of the current SST is a high rate of tax prevention. To overcome this problem the Government proposes GST. GST is a broad-based consumption tax, based on the value-added concept and is imposed on a multiple-stage basis. This is a key difference from the current SST which is levied at only one stage, which is the end of the supply chain. Under GST, the tax burden is ultimately borne by the consumer at the time of purchase. Business or firm will not pay GST because after it is registered for the purpose of GST, it will be allowed to claim input tax credit to balance against the GST taxed on the goods or services supplied to its customers. Therefore, the GST boasts a self-policing device, whereby businesses will automatically factor in the GST as part of the selling price on inputs to other manufacturers. This indirectly administers the burden of the GST, while significantly reducing cases of tax avoidance. Business or firm knows that the GST is claimable and will have less reason to avoid tax. Furthermore, GST will not be a cost to business or firm, nor will it appear as an expense in their financial statements because GST shifts the tax burden to the consumers. 



HISTORY OF TAX- by AhpiramiiTax history for more than 2,500 years has focused on two significant issues, namely, who pays and what is taxed. For most of human history, taxes were paid by the poor (peasants, slaves or conquered people). Rulers collected the money from taxation to pay for the cost needed for building public artifacts such as monuments and temples. Some of the money was used to finance warfare. Taxation usually stopped during times of peace. When another war broke out, tax was usually brought back again to fund the war. 

The development of capitalism is associated with the growth of business and the economic structure of Western countries led to further development and enhancement of the taxation structure. By definition, tax is identified as the distribution of wealth in society. Practically, taxation is a mechanism to collect revenue in order for Governments to meet their expenditures. The main purpose of taxation is to accumulate funds for the functioning of the Government. No Government in the world can run its country without taxes, or in other words, a Government can run its country through public funding which is collected in the form of taxes. Therefore, it can be well understood that the purpose of taxation is very simple and obvious for proper functioning of the state. 



WHAT IS GST?- by Ahpiramii 

GST is a tax scheme where the tax is imposed at each phase of the manufacturing process so that each phase brings income to the government. GST is introduced at the beginning of the manufacturing process and is counted in each phase of product or service production and marketing until it reaches the consumer, who pays the tax. GST is collected after the final consumer prices are enforced. Even though GST is enforced at each level of the supply chain, the tax element does not become part of the cost of the product because GST paid on the business inputs is claimable. So, the entire burden of the tax will be allowed by the consumer. GST is a regressive tax, because it taxes on consumption and in terms of the same consumption, people with lower income spend a larger part of their income rather than those with higher income. It seems to burden the low-income households because they have larger marginal propensity to consume and most of their income will be spent on food and requirements.



THE EFFECTS OF GST TOWARDS THE MIDDLE CLASS AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS – by Syarmin and Nevettha

Yes, we agreed that GST has a major impact on the Malaysian society especially for middle class and lower income groups. The implement of Goods and Services Tax (GST) will replace the Malaysian service and sales tax. GST has been implemented in US, Singapore, Thailand and Japan where Malaysia's GST will be charged four percent for buying and selling transactions. The basic food like sugar, flour, and oil are free from GST in Malaysia. GST is a consumption tax where everyone can be charged of all the supplies of goods and services. For example, if the total price of a good is RM10, then consumers will have to pay an extra 40 cents after GST is charged. However, GST will affect the middle and low income group in Malaysia who use their income for basic necessities.

The GST that has been implemented in Malaysia is a regressive tax. In other words, the tax will enforce a smaller burden on those who are richer. It is expected that the lower income earners will pay more GST than the higher income earner. Besides that, it is not possible to make GST a progressive tax and reduce the GST burden on the low and middle-income groups if it is necessary to raise the same amount of tax revenue. Therefore, the low-income households will bear the higher GST tax burden. Other than this, the implementation of GST could raise barriers to social mobility for the lower income households. Low-income households spend more on essential items, such as food and utilities. A tax on food consumption among other things, will further limit the capability to save for many of the lower income households. Without sufficient savings, the poor could face extreme difficulties in collecting assets or have better access to information technology and education.

Furthermore, income support provided to the low-income households would cause upward shift in demand for goods and services, especially basic necessities of life such as food and clothing. To support this upward shift in demand, the production facilities would gradually expand and begin to absorb the idle capital. At the same time, in order to support the increased production, the economy would generate more jobs and new employment opportunities. This added employment in turn would generate more demand for goods and services, more room for additional investments, and finally, the growth cycle based on balance consumption would contribute to a more equitable income distribution and balance economic growth. On the other hand, a research found that the rich will benefit more when GST is implemented because they save more and spend less while the lower income groups have larger marginal propensity to consume. Low- income households have very little savings and a large share of their income is spent on essential items, such as food and utilities. Therefore, low-income households are sensitive to fluctuations in income and commodity-related revenue. In addition, informal sector earnings are unstable and make the poor more vulnerable to price shocks in the economy.

A study shows that low-income households are worried that GST because it will increase the prices of goods in the near future and living costs will increase significantly when GST is implemented. The empirical study by UOB Global Economics & Market Research compared the impact of GST in Singapore, Japan, Thailand and Australia, and found that GST has a short-term impact on consumer price index (CPI). GST increases the CPI and inflation rates return to long-term averages in the years after GST implementation. Furthermore, the study also indicated that private consumption spending could be reduced after the implementation of the GST.



CONCLUSION- by Saranya

GST is a regressive tax and imposes a burden on end-user consumers of products. GST seems to have a negative impact as lower income earners pay more tax than higher income earners. It promotes inflation which reduces the purchasing power of consumers, and raises barriers to upward social mobility for the lower income households. In the long run, inflation may trigger higher interest rates and dampen private investment as well as overall economic growth. On the other hand, implementation of zakat has a positive effect on aggregate demand and spending pattern of low-income households. There are two separate arguments fundamental these claims. 

The government will try to neutralise the higher cost of living for the lower income group through various forms of direct and indirect financial assistance including BR1M and reducing income tax rates. However, this is probably not going to fully recover the GST impact.

The other good news is that tax cheating or leakages will greatly be reduced as everyone has to pay taxes the moment they spend money, whether they are criminals, income tax evaders or foreigners.


REFERENCES

Google.com. (2016). Google. [online] Available at: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=the+impact+of+gst+in+malaysia+lower+income+groups [Accessed 3 May 2016].

Anon, (2016). [online] Available at: http://www.treasury.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2761:what-is-the-impact-of-gst-on-economy-consumption-stimulates-the-economy-but-people-may-not-want-to-consume-spend-as-much-if-they-are-taxed-for-it&catid=506&Itemid=2493&lang=en [Accessed 3 May 2016].

Reporters, F. and Shukry, A. (2013). ‘GST will benefit the rich, hurt the poor’. [online] Free Malaysia Today. Available at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/10/22/gst-will-benefit-the-rich-hurt-the-poor%E2%80%99/ [Accessed 3 May 2016].

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/three-letters-one-taxing-burden-for-malaysians

INSPIRING STORY:People Who Changed the World

TAN SRI TONY FERNANDES

Introduction - Nevettha

     

Tan Sri Anthony Francis "Tony" Fernandez, CBE (born 30 April 1964) is a Malaysian entrepreneur. Fernandez was born in Kuala Lumpur on 30 April 1964 to an Indian father and a mother of mixed Indian (Kerala Malayalam) and Asian-Portuguese (Kristian) descent who had been raised in Malacca, during his young age he follows his mother who sold Tupperware at Tupperware parties .”The Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur was the placed where he was educated. At around 1977 to 1983 about starting at age 12, he studied at Epsom College boarding school in England and he was matriculated the London School of Economics and graduated with degree in accounting. He is the founder of Tune Air Sdn. Bhd., who introduced the first budget no-frills airline, Air Asia, to Malaysians with the tagline "Now everyone can fly". Fernandez managed to turn Air Asia, a failing government-linked commercial airline, into a highly successful budget airline public-listed company. He has since founded the Tune Group of companies. 

Mr Fernandez bought Air Asia from a Malaysian government-owned company in September 2001 for a mere 25 pence. “When the music business failed to embrace the internet, I thought it was game, set and match for the industry and I quit," he recalls. But he had no experience of running an airline. “It really was a little bit of stick your finger in the air and hope for the best. But we were good marketing people from the music business… we just went out there and felt the market and said if you halve the fare, there's a huge enormous untapped market. “Air Asia was heavily indebted at the time. Fernandez set about reforming the airline as a short-haul low cost carrier, similar to those operating in the West. The decision revolutionised short-haul flights around Asia and Fernandez saw his business expand rapidly. The company grew from two planes in 2002 to a fleet of 86 aircraft flying 30 million people around the world.

He was also instrumental in lobbying the then-Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad in mid-2003, to propose the idea of open skies agreements with neighbouring Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. As a result, these nations have granted landing rights to Air Asia and other discount carriers. As of February 2014, Forbes Asia valued Fernandez' net worth at $650 million, ranking him at number 28 on the Forbes list of Malaysia's Richest.

Career

He worked very briefly with Virgin Atlantic as an auditor, subsequently becoming the financial controller for Richard Branson's Virgin Records in London from 1987 to 1989.Fernandes was admitted as Associate Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in 1991 and became Fellow Member in 1996. He is currently a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).Fernandes was formerly a Warner Music executive in Malaysia.[12] He was the South East Asian regional vice-president for Warner Music Group from 1992 to 2001.When Time Warner Inc announced its merger with America Online Inc., Fernandes left to pursue his dream of starting a budget no-frills airline.In September 2001, Fernandes purchased AirAsia and became its chief executive. 

OTHER VENTENTURES - Ahpiramii

In 2007, Fernandes started a hotel chain, Tune Hotels, based on the no frills concept. It has properties in Britain, Australia and the Far East.As of 2013, Fernandes is also involved in a reality TV series: The Apprentice Asia is an Asian reality game show in which a group of aspiring young businessmen and women compete for the chance to work with Fernandes, who also serves as the host of the show.In March 2012, Tony Fernandes served on the International Advisory Board of Global March to Jerusalem, which aims to "mobilize the international community in solidarity with Palestinians and to protect Jerusalem." A Joint Statement was issued, signed by the various members of the Board, including Fernandes. 


Caterham Group 

Fernandes is the founder of the Caterham F1 Formula One team, which began racing in 2010 as Lotus Racing and raced in 2011 as Team Lotus. On 2 July 2014, Caterham F1 was sold to a Swiss and Middle Eastern consortium.On 16 December 2009, Fernandes accepted a "challenge" from Richard Branson, a fellow airline boss and the owner of Lotus' fellow F1 newcomers Virgin Racing. The losing team's boss would work on the winner's airline for a day dressed as a stewardess. Fernandes joked "The sexier the better. Our passengers will be delighted to be served by a Knight of the Realm, but knowing Richard, the real challenge will be to prevent him from asking our guests 'coffee, tea or me?' That would be scary. In addition, the team produced a poster depicting Branson in an Air Asia uniform. However, the date of the flight was delayed several times: first because of Branson breaking his leg, then because of the royal wedding, finally because of a fire at the Necker Island. On 19 December 2012, Fernandes announced that Branson would honour his bet in May 2013. Branson ultimately honoured the bet on 13 May 2013. 

Caterham Racing, also created by Fernandes, competes in the GP2 Series.On 27 April 2011, Fernandes announced that his company had purchased Caterham Cars. EQ8 is a natural energy drink and the first FMCG product from Fernandes and his business partner Kamarudin Meranun. EQ8 is also the Official Drink of Caterham F1.


Football Fernandes is a fan of English club West Ham United and was involved in talks regarding a potential takeover of the club back in May 2011, at which stage it looked as if he was going to acquire a 51 per cent stake in the club. Former West Ham chairman Andrew Bernhardt even flew to Kuala Lumpur to try and finalise the deal, but the two parties failed to agree on the price. It was just one month later when Fernandes made another offer to buy 51 per cent of the club, although co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold rejected his bid. Sullivan told the London Evening Standard: "He wanted 51% of the club for two bob." Sullivan's comments started a war of words on Twitter. 

"It was a good offer with good money and brought in good people," said Fernandes. "Gold and Sullivan can say whatever they want. I have been a lifelong fan and would have brought good money, good ideas, new people and a new belief. As for PR stunts. Wow. They are always in the press making huge claims. Were we not supposed to be in Europe. Now we have been relegated. Two sacked managers. All good players will be sold. No new training ground which is the most important ingredient I feel. Look at how many injuries we have. And more investment into the academy.

Tony Fernandes' seat at Loftus Road 
On 18 August 2011, just three months after Queens Park Rangers' promotion back to the Premier League following a 15-year absence, Fernandes was unveiled as their majority shareholder, having bought Bernie Ecclestone's 66% stake. He was also named as chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd.Everyone knows I've followed West Ham all my life but I've always had a soft spot for QPR. Rangers were one of the first teams I watched as a child at Loftus Road. I've always wanted to be involved in football and the appeal of a London club, like QPR, was too good an opportunity to turn down. 


Tony Fernandes, August 2011 

While Neil Warnock remained as the club's manager for their return to the top-flight, a run of eight Premier League games without a win eventually led to his sacking.Mark Hughes was quickly named as his replacement, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal in the process. Despite their new manager, QPR's poor run of form continued, which left them fighting for Premier League survival on the final day of the 2011-2012 season. Relegation rivals Bolton Wanderers needed a win to have any chance of survival, but could only muster a draw with Stoke City, meaning QPR were safe, despite losing 3-2 to Manchester City after Sergio Agüero's injury-time winner - a goal which stole the Premier League title from arch-rivals Manchester United on goal difference.

Mark Hughes led the club into the 2012-2013 season, but after just four points from 12 games and without a single win - one of the worst starts in Premier League history - Fernandes gave Hughes his marching orders. Fernandes hired former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp on 24 November 2012, but even he was unable to solve QPR's problems. Following a goalless draw with relegation rivals Reading on 28 April 2013, both teams were relegated to the Championship.

The key of Tony Fernandes’s successful – by Rohani

   Dato Tony Fernandes is one of the most successful and influential businessman in this century.  His successfulness in leading the business has no doubt in influencing people and the new generation. One of his key to be successful is that he learnt not only about business but he also good at financing. Dato Tony Fernandes is an accountant by training at good at numbers. He studied at London School of Economics and worked as the financial controller of British tycoon Richard Branson’s Virgin Records in London. He says that people do not need to be accountants but it is enough to have good understanding about accounting and finance.

   Moreover, Dato Tony Fernandes has a strong determination whereby during a speech at the Sabah International Business Luncheon Talk 2012, he was quoted by the Borneo Post as he said nothing is impossible to achieve as long as there is determination. He turned around an unprofitable and small airline company with only two airplanes for 12 years. Other than this, one of the biggest key of successful is, Dato Tony Fernandes is not afraid of being a failure. He rather failed than not trying anything new. To him, trying and get failed is better than not to try but just give up because failure will always give a person a chance to improve.

   Beside than this, Dato Tony Fernandes considered the employees as his key assets. One of his strength is his caring and encouragement good employees. He sees the people as the “key assets” of any business and hopes to develop their full potential as future entrepreneurs, passions and to achieve their dreams. His business has no limits and he look for brilliant ideals from his workers. On the December 2012, he gave 263 Chopard watches which cost for 5 million ringgit as gifts to 263 staff members who have been loyal with the company for 10 years. In additional, after the hurricane Yolanda destroyed Tacloban City, Dato Tony Fernandes reportedly sought out one of his employees whose home was wiped out during the disaster and will help to rebuild the house.

   Furthermore, the great man also believes in using advance technology for his business because it will be convenient to everyone especially his customers to access to the website from AirAsia.com which has made the airline brand published into worldwide. Last but not least, Dato Tony Fernendes have a bold vision, global and long-range vision for his various companies because since he was young he had these three dreams that he wanted to achieve which are running an airline, owning an English football club and owning a Formula One racing team.

                                   

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes Contributions – by Ahpiramii

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes contribution to aviation industry

AirAsia group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has been conferred with an award by the French government for his contribution to the Malaysian aviation industry and economy. Fernandes received the Com­mander of the Legion d’Honneur award from French president Francois Hollande during a ceremony held at the Elysée Palace here yesterday.The Malaysian corporate captain said it was truly an honour to be conferred the award, adding that he was “humbled” by the recognition.


“Aviation is an important industry that not only contributes to the economy of countries, but also provides jobs, connects communities and enhances livelihoods.“As the group CEO of AirAsia, I am proud that we have positively contributed both directly and indirectly towards many people’s lives,” he said. The Legion d’Honneur award was started by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to recognise outstanding service of individuals to France, with the Commander of the Legion d’Honneur being the highest rank of honor that the French government can award to a non-French citizen. Fernandes was previously conferred the Officer of the Legion d’Honneur award by the French Government in 2010.


Moreover, the AirAsia Group operates an all-Airbus fleet, which has contributed significantly towards French and European economies via the European-owned and Toulouse-based company. It has firm orders of 475 Airbus A320s for AirAsia, and 25 Airbus A330-300 and 10 Airbus A350-900 for AirAsia X.

Tony Fernandes recognised for his contribution to the growth of Asean and U.S.-ASEAN relationship

The US-ASEAN Business Council with the Fourth Pillar Award has been recognized Tony Fernandes who is a co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia for his extraordinary contribution towards the growth of Asean and the U.S ASEAN relationship.The award was presented by Mr. Keith Williams, President & CEO, UL LLC and Chairman, U.S.-ASEAN Business Council to Tony Fernandes, making him the second recipient after the Administration of U.S. President Barack Obama. The ASEAN Economic Community Conference 2016 dinner reception was held in San Francisco with key business leaders and government officials from across ASEAN and the U.S. in attendance. 

In addition, the ASEAN charter speaks to a community comprising three pillars which are political security, economic and socio-cultural. The Fourth Pillar Award is presented to a person or organization representing the “fourth pillar”, a person that has made an extraordinary contribution towards the growth of ASEAN as well as fostering better U.S.ASEAN relationship, effectively making the foundation of ASEAN stronger through their focus and involvement. Moreover, Tony Fernandes, who is also a member of the ASEAN Business Club Advisory Council said that , “The theme of this conference – Asia’s Best Kept Secret: The ASEAN Economic Community – says it all. ASEAN is a dream and if we put the ASEAN people first, who knows what we can achieve. When you combine all ten member countries into a single market and production base, you are tapping into a community of over 600 million people. The potential this region holds is immense, and as a truly ASEAN brand, we will continue to lobby and spearhead ASEAN integration, especially but not limited to the aviation, travel and tourism industries.”

“I believe it is time for ASEAN to take a bold step towards commonality and standardization. There is an urgent need of one ASEAN regulator to ensure a unified ASEAN standard. The current process of relying on consensus that requires approval from all 10 countries should be reviewed so important initiatives move forward. ”It is a true honor to be recognized by the U.S.ASEAN Business Council for what we have done as an ASEAN brand, but there is much more to do. Our hope is for all ten member countries’ governments to come together as harmonization allows for more efficient use of resources, achieve better economies of scale, contribute towards the reduction of unit costs and lead towards faster growth for the region,” added Fernandes.

Besides that the AirAsia Group, led by Tony Fernandes and partner Datuk Kamarudin Meranun has grown into an ASEAN powerhouse with operations connecting all ten ASEAN member countries in addition to providing one of the widest route network across Asia, Australasia and beyond via its long-haul operations.

In conclusion, the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, founded in 1984, is the premier advocacy organization for U.S. corporations operating within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Council works to elevate the importance of U.S.-ASEAN economic relationship to American and ASEAN public policy makers and business leaders. The Council works across all ten member countries of ASEAN, representing 152 major U.S. corporations.

 

The features that have been used by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia - by Syarmin

               

There are many features that have been used by Tan Sri Tony Fernandez. One of the features is failure is an option. An entrepreneur will definitely have ups and downs in their respective fields. It is also facing faced by Air Asia CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandez. On December 28, 2014, he received the sad news to learn that one of the QZ8501 AirAsia plane has crashed and crashed on the Selat Karimata, Indonesia. A total of 162 people were on the plane and all were killed. This perception is very disappointing when people started to say Air Asia is the cause of this incident and they look down on this company.

However, for Tan Sri Tony Fernandez, this is not a failure for everything. He was patient in the face of this tragedy and try to take steps to compensate the victims of accidents. Victim not only of citizens of Indonesia, but also from other countries such as South Korea, France, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. During the investigation, the body of the aircraft inspected every corner and find the cause of this accident. Many countries sent help search the wreckage and victims. Heirs of the victim also constantly told info on the latest news regarding the case. Therefore, there are many ways of settlement made by the CEO of AirAsia managed to return after receiving a problem.

In addition, it is evident that this feature is that failure is an option is true and Tan Sri Tony Fernandez himself has experienced it. He has the right to practice and do not choose failure as an option. But he has chosen to avoid such failures. After the incident, he sent each of its subsidiaries to check the aircraft before take-off and step up security and passenger aircraft. It is undeniable that he suffered great loss, but this is a lesson for him and others to be more careful and more sensitive in the future 

Besides that, the feature that have to Tony Fernandez is a risk taker. Taking a risk means the risk is likely to open will suffer a loss or profit. Many studies have found a tendency to take risks is part of the personality traits of successful entrepreneurs. Every business whether big or small business will take the risk to get the voucher as well as a change in the business further. However, this opens the risk should be carefully planned and safe and need to be balanced with the knowledge and understanding so that they do not pose risks to the business problem.

As examples of entrepreneurs who practice this feature is Air Asia, led by Tony Fernandez. He is also known as Tony Fernandez is an entrepreneur and founder of "Tune Air Sdn Bhd," which introduced a cheap flight to Malaysians with the tagline, "All were able to ride an airplane". Fernandez achieved fame when she was recovering from an airline Air Asia is back to an excellent public company.

Moreover, Air Asia used to be a company set up by DRB-Hicom, a Malaysian government conglomerate, has experienced difficulties due to the debt burden is too high. Tan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandez was taking a risk by buying the company at a price of ringgit and had debt of approximately RM 40 million and only has two Boeing 737-300 airplanes used, only fly to one destination, carrying 250,000 passengers a year and has only 250 employees.

But after 9 years the company has been led by Tan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandez, Air Asia now worth nearly RM 4 billion, a profit of RM549 million, has over 85 Airbus A320 and A330, flew straight through more than 130 routes to 70 destinations worldwide, flown over 20 million passengers a year and now has more than 8,000 employees in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. This led the company among the biggest competitor airlines other major international long-time operations such as Malaysia Airlines System (MAS) and Singapore Airlines (SIA).

           

      

Awards and Recognition- by saranya

Tony Fernandes managed to turn AirAsia, a failing government-linked commercial airline, into a highly successful budget airline public-listed company. He has since founded the Tune Group of companies. He had the vision in the aviation industry, let alone the courage, to foresee how Asia would transform into the 2000’s. Tony put all his faith in the Asian consumer, who he thought would board his airline if he provided good service at a reasonable price.

                                          

In 2007,Tony Fernandes has created a "first" in Asia by starting a hotel chain, Tune Hotels which is based on the no-frills concept. The first Tune Hotel was opened at the intersection of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This is one of his achievement. Expansions are in the works as more hotels will be opened up throughout Malaysia. Fernandes' biggest achievement has been to turn AirAsia into an international carrier. Fernandes is also the president of the ABL (Asian Basketball League). Fernandes has stated that it has always been a dream of his to be able to be involved with the development of sports in the ASEAN region. Fernandes is the team principal of the new Lotus F1 Racing, which has been granted entry into the 2010 Formula One season.

Fernandes has received several awards for his outstanding achievements: International Herald Tribune Award for the "Visionaries & Leadership Series", for his outstanding work in AirAsia; "Malaysian CEO of the Year 2003" in December 2003 ² a highly acclaimed recognition so far awarded to only nine other recipients in the country, by American Express and Business Times. The award was an initiative to recognize entrepreneurial and managerial expertise and performance among leaders of Malaysian corporations. Named the joint winner of the CEO of the Year 2003 award by American Express Corporate Services and Business Times. "Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year " in the Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards" in 2003; Made the list of Business Week's "25 Stars of Asia" in 2005."Malaysian Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006" Fernandes has also been honoured by the Malaysian government with title Dato. Tony is a member of the prestigious Young Global Leaders organization. He joins the ranks of 237 of the world's elite leader and individuals who will dedicate their knowledge and expertise to engage in major global undertakings to shape the future.

The award winning airline is the recipient of the Asia Pacific Low Cost Airline of the Year 2004 by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), and the Market Leadership Award by ATW magazine. In addition, AirAsia also clinched the prestigious Euro money award for Asia 's Best Managed Company in the Airlines & Aviation Sector. 

Tony Fernandes inspires is on his mission of serving the underserved. As a leader he has good leadership to know when to go and succeed as a good leader if you've transported someone else in and the company gets stronger. Then you've succeeded as leader. He has his own quotes, Believe the Unbelievable, Dream the Impossible and Don't Take No for An Answer.

Honours

Fernandes has been awarded the following honours:

• Given the titles Tan Sri and Dato' Sri by the King of Malaysia
• The Legion of Honour order by the French government
• Named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) "for services to promote commercial and educational links" between Malaysia and the United Kingdom. 

Awards

Fernandes has received many awards for his achievements:

• International Herald Tribune Award for the "Visionaries & Leadership Series", for his outstanding work in AirAsia;
•  "Malaysian CEO of the Year 2003" in December 2003; so far awarded to only nine other recipients in the country, by American Express and Business Times. The award was an initiative to recognise entrepreneurial and managerial expertise and performance among leaders of Malaysian corporations.
• Named the joint winner of the CEO of the Year 2003 award by American Express Corporate Services and Business Times.
• "Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year" in the Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards" in 2003;
• Made the list of Business Week's "25 Stars of Asia" in 2005.
• Malaysian Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year 2006"
• "Excellence In Leadership - Asia Pacific Leadership Awards 2009
• 2010 Forbes Asia businessman of the year
• 2011 No. 52, in Fast Company Top 100 Most Creative People in Business. 
• "Brand Builder of the Year" 2014 at the World Branding Awards, for his work in building the AirAsia brand