Chinese tunnel boring machines (TBMs)

What do you think?

From QUORA:

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Fatima Popov

Sep 7

Twenty years ago, when China was building the subway, they needed tunnel boring machines (TBMs), all of which were imported from Germany.

A tunnel boring machine from Germany cost 350 million RMB—not a penny less. At the time of purchase, strict conditions had to be signed: if the machine broke down, only German engineers could repair it.

A German engineer's daily wage to come to China was 3,000 euros, which was more than 30,000 RMB in those days. They were paid first-class travel and put up in the presidential suite of a five-star hotel.

No Chinese were allowed to see the repairs; everyone had to leave. When the work was finished, they would hand over the bill straight away—it cost 100,000 RMB to replace a small sealing ring.

Sometimes a minor error would lead to a three-month wait for a German engineer to arrive, resulting in hundreds of workers on the entire construction site sitting idle and millions of RMB in losses every day.

But by 2008, China's first tunnel boring machine with independent intellectual property rights had begun production. The Germans didn't bother with this at all; they thought that whatever the Chinese made would be useless and would be destroyed within a few days.

In the end, China's tunnel boring machines were not only efficient, but their price also dropped to 50 million RMB per unit. Then, as technology improved and production increased, a domestic machine now costs just over 20 million RMB—just one-seventeenth of the price of the original German models.

The idea of ​​Germany's monopoly on the tunnel boring machine market was shattered overnight. It turned out that only a handful of countries in the world, such as Germany, Japan, and the United States, could produce them; they conspired to keep prices sky-high by raising them at will.

Now that China has joined the competition, their pricing system has completely collapsed. These days, to sell a German tunnel boring machine, they have to lower their prices to almost the same level as China.
And this is happening again and again in the technology market.

When the Chinese successfully develop airplane engines, the pride of the West, Boeing and Airbus companies will be in a red light overnight. That is why they want to contain China with various sanctions.

@ Sharifus Salekin Sahan
#ChineseTechnology

Trump Says He Would Love to See a United Ireland; Days Later, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales Announce Plan to Leave the United Kingdom

 

Trump Says He Would Love to See a United Ireland; Days Later, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales Announce Plan to Leave the United Kingdom

 

President Donald Trump has publicly backed the unification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland as pro-independence party leaders from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prepare for talks on constitutional change.

Trump said during a visit to Dublin on September 12 that he would “love” to see a united Ireland and believed unification would eventually occur. He reiterated the position the following day, describing the joining of Northern Ireland and Ireland as a natural outcome. Asked about Scottish independence, Trump said he would save his views for another day.

The comments came ahead of a September 14 meeting in Cardiff involving Scottish National Party leader John Swinney, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill. The three are expected to sign a memorandum calling on Westminster to prepare for and facilitate constitutional change in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald is also expected to attend.

The participants are meeting in their capacities as party leaders rather than as representatives signing an agreement on behalf of their respective devolved governments. Their discussions are expected to include self-determination as well as cooperation on the economy, energy, Europe and international affairs.

The constitutional routes available to the three nations differ. Northern Ireland has a statutory process under which its status can change following a referendum. Scotland and Wales have no equivalent standing provision, and Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum followed an agreement between the Scottish and U.K. governments granting the necessary authority for the vote.

Premium Times characterized the development as Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales setting out a plan to leave the United Kingdom. The underlying reporting, however, describes political party leaders preparing a memorandum seeking constitutional change and the right to self-determination rather than an agreement by the three devolved governments to leave the U.K.

GhostofBasedPatrickHenry:

The Mad Lad.

On Saturday, President Trump triggered most of the internet when, responding to a question, said that he would like to see Ireland and Northern Ireland unified.

What this would require is Northern Ireland leaving the United Kingdom.

It is important to stress that President Trump was responding to question. He did not initiate discussion on the subject. And while he reiterated his position the following day, he refrained from answering similar questions about Scotland.

Much of the internet considered the move a diplomatic mistep, as if Donald Trump doesn’t weigh and measure his words, and calculate his moves on the world stage.

President Trump was vindicated when Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all suddenly announced that they plan to sign a joint declaration on Monday to demand self-determination.

Was this Trump’s design all along? Most likely.

What makes this whole situation so interesting is the recent comments from Bibi Netanyahu regarding the UK and other European allies, who recently signaled that they would be participating in a boycott against companies tied to the Israeli Settlers movement. Netanyahu spoke ominously, warning Europe not to cross Israel.

Wanna bet that we will see the Israel shills online pushing for the UK to break up? Just like we have seen them attack Britain for possessing the Falkland Islands off the coast of Argentina.

I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the influential diaspora of Jewish elites leverage their resources to help facilitate these developments. From the perspective of Israel, they are punishing those who dare stand up to them. From a more objective position, they are unwittingly helping the Sovereign Alliance break up Unipolar Hegemonic states.

It seems to me that Trump is using Game Theory to pit Uniparty factions against one another, to achieve his goals.

Let’s see what happens with the UK.

Zahid, UMNO reminded to be grateful, not to forget who extended their political lifeline!

Zahid, UMNO reminded to be grateful, not to forget who extended their political lifeline!


By Datuk Dr Sivasampoh Kannikuddy
9 hours ago






DATUK Seri Zahid, before you take shots at the “Guru,” challenge the unity government or fling the doors wide open to PAS, don’t be so quick to forget your own political history.

After GE14 (14th General Election), the people rejected Barisan Nasional (BN). But UMNO clawed its way back to Putrajaya without a fresh mandate through the Sheraton Move in 2020.

Led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Bersatu teamed up with Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali’s faction, UMNO-BN and PAS to bring down the people-mandated Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.

UMNO then backed the Bersatu president as the eighth premier and took up positions in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration.

But when Muhyiddin no longer served UMNO’s political interests, you and a chunk of UMNO lawmakers pulled your support. Muhyiddin lost his majority and stepped down in August 2021.

UMNO president and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Image credit: Malaysiakini)


Take a step back to reminisce

After toppling the ally who brought UMNO back to Putrajaya, UMNO seized the Prime Minister’s throne through PM9 Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Then UMNO pushed for GE15. The result? BN won just 30 seats – its worst performance in history – while UMNO itself scraped by with only 26. PH won 82 seats, including 40 from DAP. No coalition got a majority with Parliament hung in limbo.

At that point, reports emerged that 10 BN MPs had signed statutory declarations (SDs) backing Muhyiddin as PM. But after the then 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong proposed forming a unity government, PN rejected participation,

But PH welcomed you and UMNO despite decades of enmity. DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook himself met Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and publicly apologised for DAP’s past statements against GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) and Sarawak.

That effort helped mend ties and pave the way for the unity government. Anwar and PH then threw you a political lifeline. Even with UMNO holding just 26 seats, you were appointed Deputy Prime Minister and the Rural and Regional Development Minister.

In PMX’s first Cabinet, UMNO snagged six ministerial posts while DAP – with its 40 seats – got only four. UMNO also enjoyed deputy minister roles and various government positions plus nearly four years to re-build and strengthen its party machinery.

Why not release TH RCI findings during PM9’s tenure?

Now, let’s talk about the Lembaga Tabung Haji Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report. The findings were completed on July 19, 2022 and presented to the Agong on Aug 30 that year.

At the time, Ismail Sabri, then UMNO vice-president was PM9 alongside UMNO, Bersatu and PAS in the deemed Keluarga Malaysia government.

Why wasn’t that finished report released when UMNO was leading the government? Why weren’t the RCI’s findings and recommendations disclosed or followed up with comprehensive action before GE15?

The report was only de-classified and fully published by Anwar’s government on July 29 this year – nearly four years after it was ready.

Its release came after UMNO showed its political agenda against PH in the Johor state polls and as the country headed towards the Negeri Sembilan state polls.

By then, PH must have seen that UMNO was willing to use the unity government to grab power in Putrajaya but oppose PH when its own electoral interests demanded it.

So here’s a reasonable question that needs answering: Did UMNO ever ask or plead with Anwar and PH to hold back the RCI report’s release to preserve relations in the unity government? Did political considerations play a part in keeping it under wraps for so long?

Ungrateful, forgotten who extended political lifeline

I’m not stating that as fact. But that nearly four-year timeline raises questions you and UMNO need to answer head-on.

After enjoying power, allocations and posts in the unity government, you’re now sniping at PMX, posturing as a Malay champion while opening the “widest possible doors” to PAS in the name of Malay unity.

The record is clear: After GE14, UMNO partnered with Bersatu to topple PH. Then UMNO withdrew support from Muhyiddin and took the PM post.

After GE15 with UMNO holding just 26 seats, you turned to PH for the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) post and six ministerial slots.

Now, after using your unity government position to revive UMNO’s machinery, you’re attacking Anwar and cozying up to PAS again.

How many political allies need to be betrayed before the people spot your true pattern?

Muhyiddin once trusted UMNO and ended up brought down. Anwar trusted you and gave UMNO a second chance. Is Anwar now just waiting his turn for the same fate?

You were once a UMNO Youth leader who backed Anwar before his sacking in 1998. After he was ousted and jailed, you stuck with twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and UMNO.

Now Anwar trusts you again and elevates you to DPM-ship despite UMNO’s mere 26 seats.

History should teach Anwar that the most dangerous enemy isn’t always the one sitting across the table. Sometimes the foe in the bed is right beside you in the Cabinet.

This isn’t a fight for principles or Malay unity. It’s a power grab – join the government when you’re weak, use the posts to rebuild strength, then pull the rug out when you’re ready.

Datuk Seri Zahid, if UMNO truly no longer needs Anwar and PH, withdraw support now. Step down as DPM and all UMNO ministerial posts, then prove your strength at the ballot box.

Don’t eat at the unity government’s table while digging its grave from underneath. – Sept 14, 2026



Governance advocate and political commentator, Datuk Dr Sivasampoh Kannikuddy is also a group CEO/executive with a background spanning finance, banking and strategic management, including leadership roles with MyOwn Inc.

Najib should rest, spend time with grandchildren if pardoned, said daughter Yana

Najib should rest, spend time with grandchildren if pardoned, said daughter Yana

By CSMing
4 hours ago

NOORYANA Najwa wants her father, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, to take a break from politics if he is released, and spend his time as a grandfather playing with his grandchildren.

“I appeal to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, hoping that he will hear the sentiments and voices of UMNO representatives, as we have always remembered our boss,” she said in an interview with Utusan.

According to Nooryana, her father is getting old. Even if he really wants to remain active in politics, perhaps he could simply lend his support and encouragement.

“I want him to rest at home first. Stay home quietly and take a break,” she said, adding that he should spend time as a grandfather and play with his grandchildren, especially those he didn’t have the chance to see because they were born while their father was in prison.

The news, which was also carried by the Malaysia Gazette, garnered quite the response from our fellow netizens.

“Does Rosmah allow him to rest?” wondered @jllmisai.

Another netizen pointed out that if he was to be pardoned, all the guilty people should also be pardoned.

However, @zocherey was confident that Najib will not see the light of freedom.

@RubaiZulki39328 further advised Najib to do more praying at the mosque.

However, @dy0an0na pointed out how a father was put in jail simply because he stole milk powder for his children.

Extending from @dy0an0na was an infographic by @katenoor, claiming the damages done by Najib.

On another note, PAS has demanded an explanation from the government over the deferment of Najib’s pardon application.

Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the matter was of public interest and warranted an immediate explanation.

“PAS believes the deferment of Datuk Seri Najib’s application before the Pardons Board would not have occurred on its own unless there was a directive or objection from either members of the board or other interested third parties,” he said.

Takiyuddin said the circumstances surrounding the deferment should therefore be made clear to the public.

The Prime Minister’s Department had previously said Najib’s application would be deferred to a future Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) meeting.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, had also consented to the deferment of Najib’s application to a future FTPB meeting.—Sept 14, 2026

Tragedy of a Fatal Attraction

Mother vows to seek justice after student acquitted in daughter’s death


The mother of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen vows to continue seeking justice for her daughter after the High Court acquitted the male student accused of killing her on grounds of legal insanity


Updated 18 minutes ago · Published on 14 Sep 2026 6:10PM

Any further action now rests with the Deputy Public Prosecutor - September 14, 2026



THE mother of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen has vowed to continue seeking justice for her daughter after the High Court acquitted the male student accused of killing her, following a finding that he was legally insane.


“Sorry, my daughter. We will continue to seek justice for you,” Wong Lee Ping said in a Facebook post today following the court’s decision.

Wong, a single mother, described her daughter’s death on Oct 14 last year as the darkest and most difficult moment of her life.

“I am a single mother. My marriage to my husband ended not long after my daughter was born. At that time, I felt empty and helpless, not knowing how a woman could support her family on her own.

“Oct 14, 2025, was the darkest and most difficult moment to accept in my life. That day, I received news of my daughter’s death. A loving, caring and hardworking child — why was she treated so cruelly?” she wrote.

Wong said being Shing Xuen’s mother had been the most beautiful and proudest moment of her life.

“If I were given another chance, I would hug Shing Xuen tightly. I would give her everything and would never regret it for the rest of my life.

“Being her mother was the most beautiful and proudest moment of my life. Although she is no longer here, she is the most precious treasure I have ever had,” she said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Nur Izni Syazwani Ahmad, who is observing the case on behalf of the victim’s family, said she would contact the Deputy Public Prosecutor to determine what further action could be taken.

“However, at this point, the victim’s family and I have not made any decision. Everything remains with the Deputy Public Prosecutor to determine whether the case will proceed or not.

“As an observing lawyer, we cannot make any application to the court. Instead, we can make a request to the Deputy Public Prosecutor to submit representations conveying the family’s wishes,” she said.

The 15-year-old student was previously charged with murdering Shing Xuen and was ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment after being acquitted at the conclusion of the defence case.

In February, he pleaded not guilty to a charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code of killing his 16-year-old schoolmate in the school’s girls’ toilet between 9.20am and 9.35am on Oct 14 last year. - September 14, 2026

Anwar confirms 'private' talks with India on Zakir's extradition, stresses caution

Anwar confirms 'private' talks with India on Zakir's extradition, stresses caution

Published: Sep 14, 2026 4:52 PM


The extradition of controversial preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted in his home country of India for alleged money laundering and hate speech, was reportedly featured in talks between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the republic’s representatives.

According to Indian news site New Delhi Television, Anwar confirmed that engagements on the matter had been held in “private discussions” believed to have taken place in New Delhi.

“We thought we should keep it very private to protect the interests of both nations. But we, of course, put it on the priority list for building trust and relationship between our countries,” he was quoted as saying in the Sept 12 report.

He added that any potential action on India’s extradition request must be done “very cautiously”, in a way that respects the rule of law and the importance of bilateral relations.

On Sept 12, Anwar also held a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the 18th Brics Leaders Summit in New Delhi.


READ MORE: Anwar: Meeting with Tamil Nadu CM Vijay still on the cards


In 2019, then foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah confirmed that the Malaysian government received India's request to extradite Zakir.

However, Putrajaya at the time decided not to extradite the Indian citizen, who holds permanent resident status in Malaysia.

It was previously reported that Zakir is being charged with laundering more than 1.93 billion rupees (RM115.66 million) from “proceeds of crime in India and overseas”.

Zakir (above) had said that he was prepared to return to India if the Indian Supreme Court assured him in writing that he would not be arrested and jailed until he was convicted.


READ MORE: Dr M likens Zakir Naik's status to Sirul's extradition request


The Islamic preacher had also triggered police investigations in Malaysia after his comments against the local Indian and Chinese community resulted in the lodging of over 100 reports.

While a ban on him speaking in public was imposed soon after, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said last year that the restriction was only in effect in 2019.

READ MORE: NGO slams Saifuddin over lack of gag order against Zakir Naik

The clarification came after DAP MP RSN Rayer had questioned whether the ban was still in place after Zakir was earlier featured as a guest speaker during a religious ceramah in Perlis.

 

Decision to defer Najib’s pardon bid is Agong’s prerogative, says PM

Decision to defer Najib’s pardon bid is Agong’s prerogative, says PM

2 hours ago

Predeep Nambiar

Anwar Ibrahim says his role was to give his views based on the law and the attorney-general's advice.

The Prime Minister’s Department’s legal affairs division said that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to defer Najib Razak’s pardon application to the next FTPB meeting.

KOZHIKODE (Kerala): Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the decision to defer former prime minister Najib Razak’s pardon application to the next sitting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTFB) was within the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s discretion.

Anwar said his role was to give his views based on the law and advice from the attorney-general, while the king had the discretion to consider all factors at the FTFB meeting.

“But we also know that this matter falls within the discretion and authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the FTFB meeting,” he told a press conference with Malaysian media after concluding his working visit to India today.

“And, of course, the Agong must take all (relevant) factors into consideration. We still have many cases involving corruption that we have taken up and are dealing with quite swiftly.

“The Agong himself has stressed that we need to be stricter on matters involving Tabung Haji and Felda.”

Anwar was asked to respond to PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan who had urged the government to explain the deferral, arguing it would not have happened unless a member of the board had requested for it or objected to the application.

The Prime Minister’s Department’s legal affairs division said last Friday that the king had consented to defer Najib’s application to the next FTPB meeting.

The board, chaired by the Agong, was expected to consider Najib’s second pardon application.

Anwar said PAS should understand the rules governing the pardons board before making such claims.

He said the matter should not be viewed solely as a personal issue involving Najib, pointing to other corruption cases that were still being prosecuted.

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Anwar also said he was aware of the political considerations surrounding Najib’s case, including strong views from Umno leaders, but maintained that his position was guided by the rule of law and the Federal Constitution.

He further dismissed the criticism from PAS as being inconsistent, saying that the Islamic party had previously taken a harsher stance against Najib.

Najib, 72, was convicted six years ago of misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International funds, and was sentenced to 12 years’ jail and a RM210 million fine.

The FTPB later reduced this to six years and RM50 million. He has been serving his sentence at Kajang prison since August 2022.

In December 2025, Najib was convicted of abuse of power and money laundering involving more than RM2 billion linked to 1MDB. He was sentenced to 15 years’ jail and fined RM11.38 billion. He is appealing this conviction.