Tracking Soros - patience pays off
Malaysiakini.com
Dec 12, 2006
Soon Li Tsin

The freelance analyst behind the impending visit of world renowned financial investor and philanthropist George Soros to Malaysia has waited three years for this to materialise. 

Malaysia’s London School of Economics (LSE) Alumni Society executive committee member Dr Chandran Jeshurun came up with the idea three years ago and enlisted the assistance of a friend who works in Soros’ office.

This will be the first visit to Malaysia for Soros, who built his fortune in the money market, although he has been to Southeast Asia previously. He is an LSE alumnus.

“His visit was initially not on the cards but it just so happens that he is in Jakarta right now to launch his book. So I grabbed the opportunity,” Chandran told malaysiakini.

Soros, 76, is promoting the Indonesian version of his recent book, ‘The Age of Fallibility’, and is scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

The self-made billionaire, whose net worth is US$7.2 billion, is ranked number 28 in Forbes' list of 400 richest Americans in 2005.

He is to address the LSE’s fund-raising dinner on Friday, with corporate seating to cost up to RM10,000 per table.

Chandran, a former professor of Asian History at Universiti Malaya, revealed that it was initially difficult to get hold of Soros, a much sought-after personality, and that he was pleased when the speaking engagement was accepted.

He said his initial idea was for Soros to meet former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad in an open debate.

“A dialogue between these two giants would have been great. However, this idea was dropped due to the current state of political affairs,” he said.

The moron and the menace

Nearly a decade ago, Mahathir had pinned the blame for the 1997 Asian financial crisis on currency speculators, in particular naming Soros who is Jewish.

He famously described Soros “a moron” who was out to wreck Asian economies by selling their currencies. However, the billionaire financier hit back by accusing Mahathir of being a “menace to his country”.

The two have since exchanged letters and a personal visit may come about, if Mahathir's health permits. The ex-premier is recovering from a mild heart attack suffered on Nov 9. 

Sources close to Mahathir told malaysiakini today that Mahathir has agreed to meet Soros. He was given an official invitation to meet Soros this morning.

“When and where they will be meeting will be announced later,” said the sources.

Meetings arranged

Asked why he was so fascinated with Soros, Chandran said he knew of him when the financial crisis took place.

“I was studying for my PhD and I read books written by Soros. He is more philosophical and intellectual than most people think,” he said with a chuckle.

More than 380 people are expected to attend the talk entitled ‘Challenges to promoting a global open society’.

Two panelists will provide a regional dimension. They are Dino Patti Djalal, the spokesperson for international affairs in the Indonesian President’s office, and Democrat Party of Thailand chairperson Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The session will be moderated by Malaysian LSE alumni president Dr Munir Majid, who is chairman of Malaysia Airlines.

While in Malaysia, Soros plans to meet a broad range of people including business, government and civil society leaders.

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