Thursday, December 03, 2015

NO other satelite TV because BN government gave ASTRO Exclusive Rights since 1997?

The Barisan National CEP at play again - and rumours have been confirmed as to why we in Malaysia had no choice but ASTRO when it came to Satelite TV. In Thailand, for instance, there are so many different providers - and naturally with competition, we would have been able to get low rates...

In Malaysia, without ASTRO, we would need several television aerials/or a lot 'adjustment' to get television - even the government channels. Alternatively, we could get ASTRO and still pay a minimum then of about RM30 monthly(not sure whether rates have changed) - even if all you wanted was really RTM1 and RTM2 (our government run TV Channels?) . 

It may be reasonable for ASTRO to charge a one-off charge for the instalation of the Satelite dish, etc - but thereafter there should be no charges, i.e. FREE, if the subscriber merely want to watch free-TV, i.e. RTM1, RTM 2(orTV2) or any other free channels.

Show us this agreement - and please be transparent ... 

What is CEP? Well, it was a joke someone made - it is not the NEP, but really what some feel may be an unwritten government policy - the Crony Enrichment Policy - CEP

Most likely, it is not unique to just Malaysia's BN government. Would it apply to the Selangor or Penang or Kelantan government now ruled by the Opposition coalition? 

Exclusive Rights, Approved Permits(AP), Allocation of projects without an 'Open Tender' and even preferential treatment for GLCs (or even Malay, Sabah and Sarawak Natives privilege giving) sometimes may simply creative ways in which CRONNIES are enriched.

What is shocking in Malaysia is that even family members of sitting Ministers are bestowed with projects and special treatments. Out of the National Feedlot issue, my hope was that this government will clearly state, that "Government projects shall not be granted directly or indirectly to any company/business that is owned/controlled or has links to any sitting Ministers or members of the Cabinet and/or their families". Better still, if that principle was extended to sitting MPs/ADUNs of the governing parties, and civil servants holding high management and decision making positions.'

The Cowgate issue was linked to Sharizat, but alas now some of companies involved in migration matters have been said lo be linked to family members of our current DPM? COWGATE, National Feedlot Corporation, Sharizat (UMNO Wanita Chief), Mohd Salleh CBT charges dropped?

 

 

Astro’s satellite broadcast exclusive rights until February 2017


Astro will continue to be the sole satellite broadcaster in Malaysia until February 2017 as part of a 20-year exclusive rights agreement signed with the government in 1997. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, December 2, 2015.Astro will continue to be the sole satellite broadcaster in Malaysia until February 2017 as part of a 20-year exclusive rights agreement signed with the government in 1997. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, December 2, 2015. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The government is maintaining the exclusive right for satellite broadcast for Measat Broadcast Network Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd up to February 28, 2017, the Communications and Multimedia Ministry said yesterday.

In a written reply circulated in the Dewan Rakyat, the ministry said that the right was maintained for the Astro operator based on the "no worse off" principle during the migration from the Broadcast Licence to the Content Applications Service Provider Individual Licence.

“This exclusive right was granted by the Government of Malaysia to MBNS in 1997 before the migration of MBNS from the Broadcast Licence under the Broadcasting Act 1988 to the new regime under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“MBNS can continue with the pay-TV broadcasting service via satellite to the general public after 2017, but not exclusively,” the ministry said in reply to a question from Datuk Hasan Arifin (BN-Rompin) who had wanted to know whether the government would continue with the exclusive rights for Astro, which would expire in two years. In addition, the ministry said other companies could begin to apply to purchase pay-TV broadcasting services via satellite after February 28, 2017. – Bernama, December 2, 2015.
 
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/astros-satellite-broadcast-exclusive-rights-until-february-2017#sthash.tyfuwFAM.dpuf

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