IT has been a tough and challenging ride for Malaysians and people the world over this past one year or so. Their confidence in the free market economy must have been shaken badly after so much wealth and asset value have been eroded by the global financial meltdown.

TODAY’S topic is “managing the news” and here’s a question for discussion: What does a listed company do when it has two unrelated major deals to disclose in one day? That doesn’t happen often, of course. Fortunately, we have a fresh case study.

SHAH ALAM: SP Setia Bhd has secured three major anchor tenants for the first phase of its Setia City Mall in Setia Alam, Shah Alam, says president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin. “Unfortunately, we cannot reveal who they are for now. So far, we have also spoken to about 50 potential retailers for the mall and expect a full take-up by the time construction is completed by end-2011.

Professional services of registered valuers a good alternative as they have the expertise. IF you are buying a condo in Malaysia, here are a couple of things they don’t tell you in the advertisements. The first thing is all about the condominium principle. This is a concept drawn together by Western idealists from crowded socialist European countries where they reckon they might have perfected the rules for all living on top of each other.

KUALA LUMPUR: Mah Sing Group Bhd’s purchase of 46.1ha freehold land in Cyberjaya for RM130.5mil cash will spearhead its expansion into the southern growth corridor. According to Mah Sing group managing director cum group chief executive Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum, the land will be developed into a medium to high-end gated and guarded residential – Garden Residence – comprising superlink homes, semi-detached homes and bungalows, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM690mil.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) says the Lot G development of its KL Sentral project, with a gross development value (GDV) of RM2.14bil, will be completed by 2012, while the entire KL Sentral development remains on track for completion around 2015-2016 as almost 60% of the project is finished.

This is despite the recent policy changes to liberalise Malaysia’s property sector. PETALING JAYA: Following the recent positive policy changes to liberalise the Malaysian property sector and news that Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd acquired a 50% stake in Menara Citibank, analysts have mixed views on the local property market outlook and the performance of commercial properties.

PETALING JAYA: Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd (AZRB) has secured a RM225.1mil contract from the Public Works Department (PWD) for the development of the Besut campus of Universiti Darul Iman. The project, which is expected to commence on Aug 24 and be completed by Aug 21, 2011, will contribute positively to AZRB’s financial performance in the next two years, the company said in a stock exchange filing.

It sees growing demand for such facilities in Klang Valley. PETALING JAYA: Dijaya Corp Bhd plans to build more lifestyle commercial and residential property projects in the Klang Valley and other growth areas to cater to a growing demand for such facilities.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) president Julie Wong may be new in her post but she has kept busy from day one of her appointment on Apr 25, scheduling courses and conventions to help raise the standard of real estate agents in the country. Wong said she wanted smaller versions of MIEA’s annual Malaysian Annual Real Estate Convention (MAREC) to attract a wider audience and help bring in additional revenue for the institute.