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MessageGROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR’S MESSAGEAll too soon, we are at the cusp of another brand new year. As I write this message, it is three daysbefore Christmas.It is also that time of the year, whatever our station in life, to look back at 2006. Some might wantto relive, with more than a tinge of nostalgia, their triumphs and successes. Others would reflect onwhat they could have done better, and learn from it. We pass one phase, and inexorably move on tothe next. Starting off by going to school, we then take our first job, or start a business, and before weknow it, the years have flown by, and we are staring at retirement, and preparing to enter yet anotherphase - the golden years. Such is the fleeting nature of life, and emphasizes the importance of theexhortation – carpe diem!As the countries of the world move into 2007 (in succession, according to their respective time zones),Malaysia will be galloping into it with a GDP growth of just a shade below 6%, according to popularestimates. Oil prices have eased and stabilised and inflation is back down to just over 3%. Our stockmarket has come alive, with the blue-chips driving up the KLCI to re-test the psychological 1100barrier again. Hopefully, this time the second and third liners which are mainly held by the public willrise in tandem, and with that, the ‘feel-good’ factor will soon be back. Higher consumption and moreproperty investment will then result, provided interest rates remain steady and benign.While on the subject of properties, Dijaya’s latest launch of The Tropics Serviced Apartments projectin PJ has achieved a creditable 45% sales just after 3 weeks. This is quite heartening in the currentlacklustre market where investors’ sentiments are somewhat subdued. The Casa Indah 1 project inDamansara Indah has also caught the market’s interest. Located next to the Seri Selangor golf course,our purchasers who have just moved in are receiving tempting offers that are 30% higher than theiroriginal purchase price. Phase 2, which contains improved features and refinements, has just beenlaunched, and sales are picking up. Do go and check out the above projects!Back at the Club, we have much good news. The new gym extension has become a big hit amongfitness buffs. They simply love the new equipment, layout and the fantastic view of the huge swimmingpool. On the culinary front, January will see the opening of new F&B outlets featuring traditional chargrilledcuisine, French modern western delight and northern Indian food. For entertainment, theyoung at heart will soon enjoy the new and spacious fun pub with snooker, pool and karaoke facilities.There’s also a spacious dance studio located next to it. The elderly and infirmed are also not forgotten,as we have installed a lift just for your use. Tropicana members and their guests have never had it sogood, as we continue to expand and improve our facilities beyond what is required or listed in yourmembership prospectus.Despite the daily afternoon torrential rains over the past 3 months, our golf course is holding uprather well, compared to many other premium courses. This is due to the extensive undergrounddrainage that we installed two years ago. Plans are afoot to do more, once the rains ease off. Withthe changing and rather unpredictable weather pattern nowadays, we just have to continue to makemore preparations for nature’s next onslaught as best as we can.In the Newsmaker column this time, we are featuring YB Dato’ Dr Awang Adek, who needs nointroduction. Read about how, from the backwaters of an obscure village in Kelantan, he was ableto overcome all odds and reach the lofty heights of a brilliant academic and politic career. And yet,despite his success, he has not forgotten his roots. Reading his story reminds me of Kassey Kassem’ssignature parting phrase – reach for the stars, but keep your feet on the ground.May 2007 be a wonderful year for one and all, and I would like to wish all our members, associates andfriends a resounding, “Gong Xi Fa Cai” in the coming Year of the Pig!PK POHGroup Managing DirectorThe Address, 4th Quarter; October - December 2006 3