Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Alan Andrews

Comfort-oriented budget cars

Alan Andrews — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 05:33:21 +0800

Greetings fellow forumers.

Introduction:
Basically, I am considering getting a new vehicle sometime later this year and I have shortlisted a few models that seem to fit my requirements.

Requirements (arranged in descending order of importance):

1) Since the new car will be used almost 100% for city driving, ride comfort is of utmost importance.
Ideally, I want it to soak up undulations and imperfections in the road surface and ride like a magic carpet.
To achieve this, the car must have high profile tyres (minimum 60, preferably 65).

2) Additionally, I would like the interior to be bright, airy and reasonably spacious.
I dislike cars with dark, dingy interiors and small windows.

3) I would prefer if the seat height (hip point) is slightly higher than regular sedans.
This would make ingress and egress much less of a hassle especially for elderly folks.

4) The car should be reasonably safe and reliable.

5) I prefer fabric instead of leather upholstery.

Non-requirements:

1) Performance and handling are definitely not a priority (because I drive like a grandma)

2) Fuel consumption is not much of a concern since I only refuel about once a month (My monthly mileage is less than 400km)

Budget: I hope to keep the total cost within 100k.

Cars that I am currently considering:

Newly facelifted Proton Persona (Executive)
Newly facelifted Perodua Alza (SE)
Peugeot 2008 - A Unique and nice little SUV but I am a little concerned about the large rims jeopardising ride comfort.
Honda BR-V (Grade E) - I love the large windows but I am concerned about the built-quality and ride comfort.
Toyota Sienta (G) - Perfect seat height and nice high roof but again the low profile tyres are an issue.
Nissan Almera (VL) - Looks quite dated but very comfy. Comes standard with Conti Comfort Contact tyres too (185/65r15)
Perodua Bezza - I prefer to wait for the facelifted model to make its appearance later this year before considering the Bezza

As of now, I am very keen on getting either the new Persona or the Alza.
However, the low profile tyres on both these cars really are a deal-breaker for me.
The "large-rim-thin-tyre" setup is becoming an annoying trend among car manufacturers.

Both the Persona and Alza come standard with 185/55r15 tyres (which are way too thin to deliver a comfortable ride).
Hence, I would definitely want to change the stock rims and tyres.
I would like to upgrade (or should I say downgrade) to 14 inch rims with 185/65r14 tyres.
Based on the research that I have done, it seems that the Persona can accommodate 14 inch rims but I could not find anything on the Alza.
Does anyone have any idea if the Alza can be fitted with 14 inch rims? (If it can't, then I will have to strike it off the list)

Additionally, it will also be helpful if anyone can suggest other vehicles (not listed above) that are in line with my requirements and budget.
I am still in the preliminary planning phase of choosing a new car and I look forward to your opinions and suggestions.
Thank you

EDIT: Btw, I tried to keep the post brief but it ended up as a long essay. I apologise for that.

Avid consumerism isn't a criminal offence

Alan Andrews — Sat, 19 May 2018 22:16:57 +0800

Avid consumerism definitely isn’t something that can be labeled as healthy behaviour. Some sources suggest that it is a coping mechanism or a means to compensate for other aspects of life that are lacking. Other studies even suggest that it is an expression of an underlying personality disorder. Nonetheless, almost everyone will unanimously agree that avid consumerism certainly isn’t a criminal offence.

Instead of persecuting and criticising our former first lady, we should feel sorry for her instead. What she needs is help, not accusations.

As rational citizens, we should allow the relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation before jumping to conclusions and assigning blame. I am not suggesting that our former premier and his spouse are 100% innocent but then again, just ask yourself this, “Is there any politician on the face of this earth who is totally clean?”

At least some, if not most, of the seized luxury items could be gifts that were given by wealthy associates in return for political favours. We shouldn’t be too quick to assume that these items were purchased with taxpayer’s funds. If our former premier and his wife were true, conniving criminals (as portrayed in social media), wouldn’t they have hidden the goods or fled abroad by now. Just think about it, they had plenty of time to flee before the election committee announced the results or before the new PM was sworn-in. Would a criminal mastermind just hang around and wait for the authorities to catch up with him?

So, just like how we patiently wait in anticipation for the new government to fulfill what they promised in their manifesto, let’s also be patient and give our former premier a chance to defend himself before we start hurling baseless accusations. As the old saying goes, innocent until proven guilty.

(Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text above belong solely to the author. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.)

Is the grass always greener on the other side?

Alan Andrews — Tue, 15 May 2018 23:44:03 +0800

The people of Malaysia have spoken loudly and clearly in expressing their desire for change. That much is certain. However, there is one important question that still remains to be answered, “Is the grass really greener on this side?”

If we look at the latest trending topics on social media, it is clear that the “rakyat” are rejoicing in the victory of the Pakatan Harapan coalition. Aside from rejoice, there is also plenty of hate and dark humour targeted at the previous prime minister and his family.

It is apparent that many Malaysians are not satisfied at merely voting out the former PM. They seek justice for a crime that has not yet been proven. Some have even taken matters into their own hands and ambushed a vehicle that was entering the Skypark Terminal in Subang.

Well, it is only natural for people to gravitate towards juicy scandals and conspiracies simply because such stories are entertaining and unexpected. Seldom do we actually stop and think about whether they are true (or false).

Just think about it, "Why on earth would a politician in a position of power outrightly rob a nation of a huge sum of money?" "Wouldn’t he have countless other “legal” (or pseudo-legal) ways to access the funds without blatantly incriminating himself?"

Just something for people to ponder about before jumping to conclusions and taking matterns into their own hands. Furthermore, we should not overlook the positive changes and development that our former PM has brought to our nation.

Let’s leave the past in the past and shift our focus towards the future instead. We must stand united and pledge our full support to the new government in order to pave the path towards a better Malaysia.

(Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text above belong solely to the author. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.)

Income tax dilemma

Alan Andrews — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 00:13:03 +0800

- Deleted -

Since the matter has been resolved, I have deleted the content. Thank you.

Keeping a goat in the garden

Alan Andrews — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 22:52:02 +0800

Greetings, fellow forumers...!!

As per the title, I just wanted to enquire if it's legal for me to keep a pet goat in my garden...?

I did a quick search on google but didn't come across any relevant info pertaining to this.
Basically, is there any license that I need to apply to own a goat?

Btw, I live in a corner semi-d house in a gated and guarded neighbourhood.
I am not too worried about the neighbours complaining because the next door unit (ie. the other half of the semi-d) is also ours.
I don't think the goat will "disturb" any of the other residents because their houses are situated quite far away.

Any replies/opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Diversifying Fx trading

Alan Andrews — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 18:31:51 +0800

Greetings, fellow forumers..!! This is my first post so please forgive me if it's a little lengthy..!!

I am aware that this post is somewhat related to forex trading but I thought it might be a good idea to start a new topic
because I don't intend to discuss about forex per say.
(Not interested in discussing trading strategies/ideas/brokers/spreads/deposits/withdrawals/income tax laws etc)

What I am looking for is actually an alternative investment/business for me to invest my profits/earning from Fx trading.

Some backgroud info:
I am a stay-at-home, full time Fx trader (started the learning process 3 years ago and actively trading on a "real" account for almost 2 years).
Currently, I am able to generate approximately 10-15% consistent profits per month from my Fx trading.
I don't rely on third party signals, EAs etc. I base my trades purely on my own technical analysis.

The problem:
I used a big chunk of my monthly gains to slowly build my account but it has now reached a point where I am happy with my trading capital.
It would be counter-intuitive to further increase my trading account size because the "percentage profit per month" will reduce.

Example:
I earn USD2000 with my USD20,000 account = 10% profits per month

However, even if I increase my capital to USD40,000, I am not yet comfortable to increase the lot size (the amount risked) for my trades.
Hence, my profit will remain pretty much the same and the extra sums in the account will be pointless, ie:
I will still earn around USD2000 with my USD40,000 account = 5% profits per month

Hence, I am looking for other options for me to "invest" my funds. I am in my 20s and living at home with my parents (who are very supportive).
I am looking for something "similar" to forex. Not interested in investments that are too "passive".
I am very open to learning new things but I have absolutely no other significant knowledge in finance/accounting/investing etc.
(I studied medicine and completed my MBBS a couple of years ago).
The only skill I currently have (besides my formal education) is that I am quite good in chart analysis (technical approach to Fx trading).

Essentially, I just want to broaden the scope of my knowledge and secure multiple investment options for the future.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance for your input. Tq