'Fully Sold, Thanks be to God'.

In today Sin Chew Jit Poh business secton page 27, I notice a photo :-

The photo wass actually taken in 2007 in Singapore. The story behind the god this and god that is:-

"A HUGE signboard for the Lippo development Newton One at the junction of Newton and Dunearn Road is emblazoned with the words 'Fully Sold, Thanks be to God'. 

Stephen Riady, president of Indonesian conglomerate, the Lippo Group, is not afraid to wear his faith on his sleeve. Dotted around the island, his group's projects bear testament to his strong beliefs.

'Our development at Sentosa Cove is expected to have very good response too, when the results come out next month. For that one, I'm going to put up a signboard with the phrase 'Praise be to God', he says with delight, his arms gesturing animatedly.

Unapologetic about his enthusiasm for religion, Mr Riady says this is the best way to show one's faith. 'When you proclaim openly, you signify your commitment to Christianity. I become stronger after saying it and I feel I'm strengthening my faith,' says the 46-year-old Mr Riady. Ironically, he was the last in his family to convert - in 1992 as a 31-year-old - after his siblings and parents had taken the plunge. 

Apparently, many staff of the Lippo group are also devout and have been fervently praying for the success of the group's projects. 'In fact, they were the ones who suggested I put a phrase thanking God for the developments being fully taken up,' reveals Mr Riady."

With that logics, I can see why a certain Malaysian Chinese tycoon also behave in such manner. Maybe the Americans and the British should start pray hard, so that their god can also revitalize their crashing property markets.

Back in the 70's, I recall another Malaysian Chinese tycoon who also god this and god that. His group of companies' shares were the darling of the stock market then. Fundamentals ? No sir, there were hardly any. Currently those high flying stocks of his are still listed but priced at pennies. They did not move much during the current year long rally. Those Chrisitan brothers and sisters who held on them (because a brother would supposedly NEVER screw other brothers and sisters of the same faith) would have long emptied their tears. Maybe they should ask their ogd this and god that brother to buy back their shares at their original purchase price ?

And then there was another brother who was making waves around the same time who finally defaulted his companies' loans and almost caused a or 2 bank failures.

I have always lectured my kids that if ever they meet persons who claim god this and god that, they should all hold tight to their pants/skirts and run like hell (sorry for the pun there).