There are a few things I would like to point out about Codemasters Studios Malaysia. The games that they are developing here in Malaysia are their flagship brands for the 360 and also PS3. There has been complains about the people who work there will only be able to model cars, tracks and trees properly. To tell you the truth, one of the biggest problems Codemasters have is finding people in Malaysia who can texture properly. Lighting is also another issue. Couple with the fact that, normal mapping is going to be used extensively on the next generation consoles, the average experienced Malaysian modeller cannot even make a “tree” properly. What Codemasters bring to Malaysia are not only the jobs but also the processes and experience they have developed over 20 years.

As reported in the NST, MDV financed the project of RM44.0 Million. Before, people go about saying that it is a waste of taxpayers, the RM44.0 Million is a loan, not a grant like those from the neighbouring country. They would have to pay back every single sen with interest and the money actually comes from Japan.

So why did they come to Malaysia, when there are many other countries (Asia and also Western Europe) to choose from? We are not the cheapest, we do not have the best infrastructure, we do not have the biggest workforce, we are not giving away free money. It is because we almost have it all, not the best but we are damn near there. Good infrastructure, good source of local talents, competitive cost of labour, good living environment, good financing mechanism and a good command of English-la!

Codemasters have plans to grow the Malaysian studio into a full fledge development studio. The only thing that is slowing them down is us Malaysian and our lack of skills and experience required to develop AAA games. They are currently looking at refining the talents here in Malaysia and are working with local educational institutes. So maybe in 5 years time when any of you have a kick ass original IP, you would have a pool of experience Malaysian work force who are able to develop it for you.

I am actually a banker and I sure MDV has taken the precautions legally to ensure that people just cannot abscond with their money easily. Most loans in Malaysia requires a personal guarantee from the shareholders of the company and also disbursement of the money is usually controlled i.e. paid directly to the vendor, service provider etc.

I cannot comment on Terra because I do not know the full story. What I can say is, foreclosing on a loan is not easy as it would mean putting the company out of business. Sometimes it would make better sense to step into the company’s shoes by way of a debenture and try to turn the company around.

But I agree with you, if there are people with ill intentions they will always find away around the system. I am quite disturbed by the fact that you know a few people who maybe out there to cheat MDV. It is like telling me that you know of people planning to rob a bank, because basically that is what you are saying. Robbing a bank is a crime and punishable by law.

I know the people in MDV and they truly are out there making a living like you and me, to build Malaysia’s ICT industry. This is a company liable for the money it had borrowed from Japan. You talk about corruption before well, stealing is corruption too. Please don't close one eye on this!