“The Great Gatsby” chapter 8 Essay

In the beginning of the chapter, we are made aware of Nick’s discomfort and anxious attitude regarding Gatsby and what is to become of him, suggesting that he should get away for a week, but naturally, Gatsby refuses. He then goes onto describe the way that he and Daisy had first met and their relationship that had ensued, before Gatsby proposes he and Nick use the swimming pool for the first and last time that summer; Nick has work to attend, and so declines his offer to leave, but not before paying him the only compliment he gave to him. Towards the middle of the chapter, we are given an insight into George’s life just after Myrtle’s death, who realised he had nobody to go to and was desperate to know who had done such a thing to his wife, eventually coming to the conclusion that it must have been Jay Gatsby. We then meet the climax at the end of the chapter as Wilson not only murders Gatsby, while he waited for Daisy’s phone call, but also himself. Fitz gerald writes the chapter, as in the entire novel, through the persona of Nick, in a first-hand narrative. This aids in the telling of the entire story, in this chapter in particular, because Nick’s true devotion and loyalty to Gatsby as a friend, is evident in the respectful way and non-descript depiction of Gatsby’s death- â€Å"The chauffeur†¦ heard the shots†. In comparison to the description of Myrtle’s gruesome death in the previous chapter; â€Å"her left breast was swinging loose like a flap†; it can be argued that Nick’s self- conscious narrative may actually be quite biased, choosing to withhold information from the reader and, contradicting the way he claimed not to be judgemental in chapter 1, by deciding which characters deserve to be respected and free to die with their dignity intact, despite each of their individual mistakes. Despite Fitzgerald writing the chapter with aspects of tragedy, I do not believe the form of the chapter can be described as being so, but rather, as being tragic. For example, Gatsby’s hamartia is recognised completely in this chapter as his love and adoration of Daisy that hadn’t been returned, the way he takes the blame for Myrtle’s death without any sort of known gratitude, and his relentless trust and faith in her and the fact that he believes she is the key to his happiness and success in his life, eventually lead to his untimely demise while he still held onto the hope that she would return his feelings for her. This helps to tell the story because it is representative of society at the time, allowing  Fitzgerald to portray it as having provided a barrier between classes which could never be crossed, as Gatsby had attempted and was expecting of Daisy. An additional feature that makes the chapter tragic would be the catharsis experienced by the reader through Nick’s realisation of Gatsby’s mistakes; this is because the reader desperately hopes that Gatsby himself will somehow come to the same conclusions that seem so obvious to everybody else- â€Å"They’re a rotten crowd†¦ You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together† Throughout the chapter, Fitzgerald constantly makes connections between weather and the emotions within the novel, giving the impression that the setting of will somehow foreshadow and represent the outcomes later in the chapter. An example of this would be, â€Å"the night had made a sharp difference in the weather and there was an autumn flavour in the air†. This use of pathetic fallacy could be used to foreshadow the â€Å"sharp† pain that Gatsby, will later feel as he is shot; James Gatz represented by the â€Å"weather† in general as he had typically been a driving force in the events throughout the novel, having lots of influence over mood and behaviour. Autumn has many connotations, some of which could be the falling of leaves, which symbolises the decay of Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship, which has not yet become totally obvious to Gatsby at this point in the chapter. Meanwhile Gatsby stops his gardener from emptying the pool that he hadn’t yet used, In the same way that he is attached to the hope of making Daisy love him the way she used to, he insists on swimming in the pool as though it were still the summer that had just passed, seemingly overnight in contrast to the hottest day of the year in the last chapter, showing his incapability of forgetting the past, constantly trying to hold onto the memori es they shared and to relive their time together. Regardless of the fact that Gatsby’s past had been shared with us in chapter 6, in a relative time scale to the novel, Fitzgerald writes from Nick’s perspective, telling the reader that it is at this point in Gatsby’s life, that he had actually shared it with Nick. Nick describes the reasoning for this as being because â€Å"’Jay Gatsby’ had broken up like glass against Tom’s hard malice†. Irony is used in this to tell the story as, throughout the novel, Gatsby had been an enigma to all and now, suddenly he is seen as transparent and easy to see through. Also, the use of the word â€Å"glass† gives the impression that, as glass, though it may seem strong on the outside, is weak and easily shattered, the pieces of which can  never be put back together perfectly, Gatsby is finally portrayed as a human with real emotion, showing that he is easily broken, foreshadowing his murder at the end of the chapter. The author uses Doctor T.J Eckleburg’s eyes to represent the increasing meaninglessness of religion over time, particularly in the 1930s as, in the materialistic world between West Egg and East Egg nobody had turned to religion but instead, thrive off of materialism and wealth, and so Eckleburg portrays the eyes of God and his omniscient nature- â€Å"God sees everything†- which been left and forgotten by the wealthy, and fallen victim to the valley of ashes, yet still embodies a moral standard of which all are expected to follow, no matter their stature within society. As a result of this, the story is able to advance through the chapter as Wilson believes that by seeing the crime committed, God demands revenge and so, he leaves in search for the owner of the car who killed his wife.

Dead Stars Essay

Paz Mà ¡rquez-Benà ­tez (1894-1983) Paz Marquez-Benitez, a Filipina writer born in 1894 in Lucena City, Quezon, authored the first Filipino modern English-language short story, Dead Stars, published in the Philippine Herald in 1925. Born into the prominent and affluent Marquez family of Quezon province, she was among the first generation of Filipinos trained in the American education system which used English as the medium of instruction. She graduated high school in Tayabas High Schooland college from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1912. She was a member of the first freshman class of the University of the Philippines, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1912. Two years after graduation, she married Francisco Benitez, with whom she had four children. Mà ¡rquez-Benà ­tez later became a teacher at the University of the Philippines, who taught short-story writing and had become an influential figure to many Filipino writers in the English language. The annually held Paz Marquez-Benitez Lectures in the Philippines honors her memory by focusing on the contribution of Filipino women writers to Philippine Literature in the English language. Though she only had one more published short story after ―Dead Starsâ€â€" this of which is entitled ―A Night In The Hills,â€â€" nevertheless, she made her mark in Philippine literature because her work is considered the first modern Philippine short story. For Marquez-Benitez, writing was a life-long occupation. In 1919, she founded ―Woman’s Home Journalâ€â€", the first women’s magazine in the country. ―Filipino Love Storiesâ€â€", reportedly the first anthology of Philippine stories in English by Filipinos, was compiled in 1928 by Marquez-Benitez from the works of her students. When her husband died in 1951, she took over as editor of the Philippine Journal of Education at UP. She held the editorial post for over two decades. ―Dead Starsâ€â€" is the 1925 short story that gave birth to modern Philippine writing in English. TRIVIA: Dead Stars had been praised as ―a model of perfection in character delineation, local color, plot, and message.â€â€" ILLUMINATIONS ON THE THEME EXTRACTED Since the author’s life and experiences is not significant to the content of the short story, MoralPhilosophical as a literary lens was applied. This is an approach that puts literature as one that teaches morality and explores philosophical issues. By looking and analyzing Benitez’ ―Dead Starsâ€â€" the short story reflects the time in which the literary work was written along with the language, the norms and the way people think. It serves as a literary time machine for readers as it enables them to understand how courtship, marriage and fidelity were viewed through the early 1900 standards. It renders a sound comparison between the past and the present, the existing modern culture and the fading, almost obsolete tradition. I could say that the philosophical principle of the story is love. This is further compared to the concepts and dialogues of the characters in the story like the concept of engagement and marriage, the dialogue of Esperanza which is ―I am not blind, or deaf; I see and hear what perhaps some are trying to keep from meâ€â€" and also ―If you are tires of – why don’t you tell me you are tired of meâ€â€", the words of Alfredo to Julia which are ―I could study you all my life.â€â€" and ―Nothing? There is you.â€â€" and the concept in which Alfredo had been seeing light of the dead stars and the immense sadness that invaded his spirit. These concepts and words from the characters of the story bring the force this unifying thread: Love is like a puzzle, it is confusing and mind blowing for it can be gained and it can also be lost in a snap of a finger. PART TWO: MY TEXT-DEPENDENT INTERPRETATION In Light of Modernist Vistas: Formalism (Elemental Exploration) and Structuralism (Binary Opposition and Signification) EXEGESIS ―Was he being cheated by life? Love—he seemed to have missed it! Or was the love that others told about a mere fabrication of fervid imagination, and exaggeration of the commonplace, a glorification of insipid monotonies such as made up his love life? Was love a combination of circumstances, or sheer native capacity of soul? In those days love was, for  him, still the eternal puzzle; for love as he knew it, was a stranger to love as he divined it might be.â€â€" –Alfredo Julia is quite different from Esperanza—―a girl striking and vividly alive, the woman that could cause violent commotion in his heart, yet had no place in the completed ordering of his life.† The rare-turnedregular neighboring trips lead Alfredo to deep conversations with Julia and hence, develop an admiration for the woman. Sometimes, he would forget he is engaged, continuing his meetings with Julia while thinking that Esperanza ―was not prone to indulge in unprovoked jealousies†¦ (for) she was a believer in the regenerative virtue of institutions, in their power to regulate feeling as well as conductâ€â€". Unfortunately, he also forgets the fact that Esperanza is a woman and, being so is already a risk factor for jealousies, provoked or otherwise. ―I do not understand you at all! I think I know why you have been indifferent to me lately. I am not blind, or deaf. I see perhaps some are trying to keep you away from me†¦ Whatever my shortcomings, and no doubt they are many in your eyes, I have never gone out of my way, out of my place to find a man.â€â€" – Esperanza Julia is in love with Alfredo. That much is pretty obvious in the story, especially after learning belatedly that Alfredo is engaged. An unconscious believer himself in the regenerative virtue of institutions, Alfredo still marries Esperanza. Over the years, he becomes an impassive husband. I feel sad for both of them but must I say they brought it upon themselves? Alfredo, for one, does not really know what he wants and so he lives his life as it comes. He was not unhappy in his marriage. He felt no rebellion: only the calm of capitulation to what he recognized as irresistible forces of circumstance and of character†¦ From his capacity of complete detachment he derived a strange solace†¦ At such times did Esperanza feel baffled and hopeless; he was gentle, even tender, but immeasurably far away, beyond reach. –Alfredo Eight years later, he still could not forget Julia. So while on business, he makes a side trip to Julia’s hometown to check if he had meant anything to her and her to him. Julia has not married. This implies many things—one of which could be that she is still in love with Alfredo but chooses not to fight for that love because she was taught that the act of giving through self-denial is a good thing and so she turned from a spirited young woman into a boring one living a boring life after she  lost Alfredo to propriety and social order. What did Alfredo fi nd during his meeting with Julia after his marriage? Dead stars So that was all over. Why, why hade he obstinately clung to that dream from the weariness of actuality? And now, mere actuality had robbed him of the dream. So all these years—since when?—he had been seeing the light of dead stars, long extinguished, yet seemingly still in their appointed places in the heavens. -Alfredo Alfredo has been clinging onto something that is unattainable because he is bored with the predictability of his life. Julia was a like a star, brimming his dull life with light and excitement for a short time. Because of the choices they made, Julia and Alfredo (and even Esperanza) become dead stars. ILLUMINATIONS ON THE THEME EXTRACTED It is in this section of the paper where Formalism as a literary lens was used. This is the key to grasp the meaning of the text exists within the text itself. It involves elemental exploration of the literary piece via explication and exegesis. If one will look and interpret the story, Dead Stars is a love story written in prose with a heart-warming message. It is told from the perspective of Alfredo Salazar who is in personal conflict with his feelings towards two women—Esperanza, his fiancà ©e of four years, and Julia Salas whom he met while ―neighboringâ€â€". Esperanza is the embodiment of the ideal wife to the ideal man, and so they make an ideal couple in the eyes of society. Alfredo has pursued her at the start of their relationship with intense courtship, but later on, the feeling seems to subside. These interpretations of the poem based on the views of the author bring to the force unifying thread: Our decisions or choices in life can make us dead stars – we are living in our delegated places in the society but not actually glimmering, not actually living our lives. STRUCTURALISM ―Dead Starsâ€â€" BINARY OPPOSITION SIGNIFICATION NEED WANT Love a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. Marriage a legally, religiously, or sociall y sanctioned union of persons who commit to one another Detachment freedom from selfinterest or bias; disinter estof it. ILLUMINATIONS ON THE THEME EXTRACTED It is in this part of the paper where STRUCTURALISM as a literary lens was employed. This is an approach which asserts that literature is a text. A particular structure of language produces reality. This further includes literary interpretation via binary opposition (concepts in opposition) and signification (signifier and signified). Through simply looking into and interpreting the lines of the short story ―Dead Starsâ€â€", we could say that the two opposing concepts are NEED and WANT which we could say that these two entities are powerful and supreme. These interpretations of the poem say that: For the sake of reputation, a man will do the things he ought to do even though he does not wholeheartedly like what he need to do thus he is not living and building a life rather he is just living to survive.

A Comparison of Mac OSX Tiger and Microsoft Windows Vista Essay Example for Free

A Comparison of Mac OSX Tiger and Microsoft Windows Vista Essay ? Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s Mac OSX are one of the most prominent Operating Systems in the world. Both have millions of Active users and are considered as major rivals. Both Operating systems have their specific advantages as well as some disadvantages. Both operating systems have evolved throughout the time in a specific manner and has managed to create their own identity. This paper will compare the latest releases of both software giants i.e. â€Å"Microsoft Windows Vista† and â€Å"Mac OSX Tiger†. A Comparison of Microsoft Windows Vista and Mac OSX Tiger: Mac OSX Tiger 10.4x is the latest release of the OSX series of operating systems released by Apple Corps. This version was released in spring 2005. Like its predecessors Tiger’s foundation is laid on the Unix Kernel â€Å"Darwin†. The Unix foundation has made Tiger more secure and reliable than its non Unix rivals like Microsoft’s Windows. There are no known Viruses, Worms or Spywares which can force Tiger to compromise . Vista’s predecessor Windows XP has been under attack by the hackers and viruses since its release for the first time which compelled Microsoft to fix the loopholes in the form of service packs. That why its successor Vista has been developed with security in mind. Though Vista seems to be more secure than XP or other earlier Windows releases but it has not achieved 100% immunity against viruses and worms. Apple has maintained a policy of releasing new versions roughly after every 18 months. Due to this approach the changes and innovations made in the new versions were not that prominent to confuse the users. On the contrary Microsoft has not released any new version after the release of Windows XP in 2001. Thus the change in Vista is more dramatic than change in Tiger. Speaking about the GUI and its features Tiger and Vista share many similarities. Because Tiger is a couple of years older than Vista seems to draw many features and ideas from Tiger. Some notable similarities are in icons. Vista has also change the names of â€Å"My Documents† and â€Å"My Computer† folder to â€Å"Documents† and â€Å"Computer† same as in Tiger. The term Vista Aero Interface is very similar to Tigers Aqua interface in terminology. The buttons and other interface details have the same shiny round look as in Tiger. Tiger’s most amazing feature is its spotlight search technology which is borrowed by Vista in such a way that even the search button is identical to it, only the magnifying glass turns on the opposite side. But along these similarities Vista is more advanced and sophisticated than Tiger in a number of ways. Vista provides a more sophisticated file previewing technology not found in Tiger. It can even preview text files. Moreover Vista’s folder give the preview of the files located inside them a feature not found in Tiger. Moreover Vista can scale icons and previews up to 128 by 128 pixels. Regarding file management and searching Vista and Tiger share many similarities. Vista’s new file searching technologies are very similar to Tiger’s spotlight technology, but Vista goes further ahead and provides the facility of adding meta data in Internet Explorer directly. Vista provides multiple fields for searching and adding meta data a feature not available in Tiger. Vista has also borrowed the idea of Tiger’s smart folders renaming them as virtual folders. But Vista has also developed some advanced file management features not found in Tiger. Vista provides a new backup system which record changes in the backed up files time to time and save them in a protected folder. Vista has also developed a feature available in Mac OSX since its earlier times. OSX has the ability to create any document in PDF. Vista on the other hand has given support to change any document in Metro an universal XML document format. Regarding networking Vista is far more superior than Tiger. This is basically because Vista is more compatible to Microsoft servers than Tiger. Vista has also provided the facility to connect to a project on the network and send presentations to it. Vista is also introducing Ipv6 protocol, a feature which is available in OSX since Panther. Vista also has a better support for RSS feeds, Weblogs etc. Media Center is a feature which can certainly be called the pride of Microsoft in the world of Desktops and operating systems. Because neither Tiger nor any other competitor such accomplished media center facitlities as provided by Microsoft. The feature first introduced in Windows XP Media Center edition has shown further enhancements and innovations in this regard. Though Vista is a major innovative change for Windows users many new features introduced in Vista are not that new in the world of desktops. Tiger and some other operating systems have introduced them a couple of years ago. But Vista has gone further beyond. There are many features and advances in Vista which are not found in any operating system currently. Security is the key problem thats why Vista provides more sophisticated security features than Tiger. Vista also has the advantage of the largest number of software support which Tiger doesn’t. But Tiger has support of open source softwares thanks to its Unix foundation. One can conclude that each operating system is superior to its rival in some characteristics and lacks some features found in the other. References James Fallows (2006), Microsoft Reboots: A Preview of the New Versions of Windows and Office, The Atlantic Monthly. Volume: 298. Issue: 5 The Atlantic Monthly Magazine J.V. Bolkan (2005), Facing the Future: Computer Hardware Is Getting a New Set of Standards. Find out How They Will Affect Your Future Purchases, Learning & Leading with Technology. Volume: 33. Issue: 3, International Society for Technology in Education. Royal Van Horn (2006), The Perfect Computer and Web Browser Updates, Phi Delta Kappan. Volume: 88. Issue: 1. Publication Year: 2006. Page Number: 7, Phi Delta Kappa, Inc A Comparison of Mac OSX Tiger and Microsoft Windows Vista. (2017, Mar 13).

Journal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Journal - Assignment Example omic) and ethical (social)- create the transactions or flows which resolve market separations and result in exchange and consumption† (What is Marketing?). A skilled manpower has potential to raise the business in the market but if the skill is not sufficient to convince and persuade the customer’s need then the business finds it difficult to excel in the competitive market. With the advances in technology and development of communication skills, advertisements trends in markets are changing. The good marketing skill requires a deep understanding for the philosophy of the trend and also the customer’s requirement. Thus marketing concept encompasses the customer focused philosophy (What is marketing?). Futuristic view is the hallmark of the good marketing strategy. A successful business always gives a keen insight to the customer’s orientation and tries to cover long range of customers with deep and thorough understanding as well as anticipation of the requirements (What is marketing?). Advent of computerization and globalization in the marketing trends is changing the perspectives of the marketing. The world has come closer in terms of economics, availability of funds, availability of raw material and also the finished products along with the promotion of sales through advertising. This has raised the demands of the consumers and has given a new twist in the marketing strategies. The world markets are connected through internets and are updated about the latest trends (Has the Definition of Marketing Changed?). This has proved to provide both, positive and negative implications on the customers. Every business strive to provide helpful commodities to the customer, to prove its supremacy and dominance in the market they adopt different marketing strategies along with the price tags and various schemes and offers that were not prevalent in the past. Different companies endeavor different policies to retain their customers. This changing scenario is

Research Paper on the History of the United States Navy Essay

Research Paper on the History of the United States Navy - Essay Example Thus, it can be said that the US navy does not have any specific origin, but it rather came in to being because of the requirements and political progressions of that time. In the eighteenth century, US navy used the fleet of the ship-of-line in their wars. These ships were beautifully designed keeping in mind all the important aspects of the needs and requirements of the war time. Three vast masts were incorporated in these ships, which towered 200 feet above the surface level of the sea. These ships basically worked on the propulsion of the winds, and they therefore were totally not dependent upon the energy. The ships were easy and comfortable enough to be lived in as long as possible. In the 19th century, when Japan started creating its own ships and battle cruises, the US naval forces started working on the building of new fleet of ships. Every war made the US navy stronger comparatively. Exercise and hardships made the US stand against all the naval forces of the world. In the present time, the US navy is considered to be the best among all the naval forces of the world (Howarth 229). The history of the US navy basically started from 1775 when the war between Lexington and Concord took place. A fleet under the leadership of Captain Abraham Whipple overtook and captured the British tender located in Narragansett Bay. Meanwhile, Congress was recommended to build a Continental Navy to fight against these actions. Washington’s navy, was asked by George Washington to attack the British ships by using Hannah in the action. In response to this action, Continental navy came into existence in the same year. Silas Deane, Christopher Gadsden and John Langdon were the supervisors of this work (Howarth 57). The first action of the Continental navy took place in 1776. The Continental Navy could not survive because its discovery was considered as the worst

Finance 3000 2day Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Finance 3000 2day - Essay Example Market average input prices were accordingly used to determine cost and give tangible results when used in SFA. Data Presentation The figure showing changes of profit efficiency of the Chinese banking industry This figure underscores the effect of penetration of foreign banks on Chinese domestic banks. During the initial stage of market penetration, domestic banks drop or stagnant in terms of profit efficiency. This is occasioned by the need to increase investment in technology and efficient systems in order to stay competitive. These measures drive the cost upwards resulting in decreased profit margin. The trend changes to that of growth after the necessary technology and efficient systems are in place. The exponential growth face exceeds the negative impact occasioned and this in general increases profit efficiency and by extension the efficiency of the domestic banks. These results indicate that City commercial banks are the most profit efficient whilst state-owned banks being the least in terms of profit efficiency. This is a deviation from the fact that state-owned banks (SOCBs) tend to be more cost effective. The reason for this is that SOCBs tend to have higher Non-performing loans (NPLs) than City commercial banks (CCBs). ... to measure efficiency of banks from a different perspective and the following figures depict the mean technical efficiency in the Chinese banking sector by bank type: A. B. Model A is an experiment on profitability or income generation while model B examines the efficiency of earning asset production and growth. A quick comparison of these two models shows that within the first five years model B reached an efficiency at a faster pace than model A. This is an indication that banks here were more poised on asset building rather than profitability. In the year 2000 the graphs are flat indicating diminished growth occasioned by the banks being more profit conscious instead of first pursuing asset growth. Further interpretation of the data in model A shows that JSCBs are more efficient and better performers than all the other banks. This could be attributed to the fact that JSCBs are more autonomous and free of direct intervention by the Chinese government. JSCBs are also not faced with numerous challenges of NPLs like SOCBs. CCBs have a poor showing indicating bias or small sample size of these types of banks while researching. Chen et al (2005) findings are proven in model B whereby SOCBs outperform JSCBs in efficiency. This, however, is in direct contravention of known literature depicting the relationship between the government and the banking industry. A possible answer could be that the vast amount of state funds poured into SOCBs for their growth is having an impact and the banks are gaining stability. These two models of income based and asset based are another way to measure the impact that foreign banks have had on the efficiency of the Chinese domestic banking industry. A clearer picture is painted by including other parameters. Discussion For a very long time

The art of the impressionists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The art of the impressionists - Essay Example The light and color effects can also be noticed in Camille Pissarro's works wherein the lights and colors vary depending on the specific time of the day. In "The Stage Coach at Louveciennes," the artist painted the scene in dark lighting conditions possessing complementary colors of reds and greens generously used by the artist while in "Le verger (The Orchard)," the noticeable brightness of the day light and the complementing colors of violet with shades of yellow and the blue sky in contrast to the hint of orange shade of the soil. In the "Village Path," the red lighting of the painting can be clearly seen which in turn complements the dominantly green color of the scenery. In addition to the attribute of light and color effects of the impressionist style, impressionistic paintings are also characterized by concentration on the general impression produced by a scene or object and the use of unmixed primary colors, as explained with the examples previously mentioned, and small strokes to simulate actual reflected light (Pioch).

Financial analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Financial analysis - Essay Example The succeeding years thereafter showed an optimistic trend implying an adjustment in the operating system. It can be noted that it was in late 2003 that Verizon innovation were observed immediately the year after as seen on the total net income of 2004. Assets over the five-year period remain at almost the same level while the total liabilities are decreasing, with a slight increase in 2005, suggesting a good overall trend. ratio by 2002 shows that the company has begun acquiring better investments and a considerable increase in earnings. Return on investment shows a positive trend over a five-year period with the same noted decrease in 2003 because of the transition in Verizon’s marketing strategy. 2005 was constant and remain within the normal range of 0.5 to 2.0 (reuters.com). The low and steady current ratio proves a standard cash payment system since the company is service-oriented, with the consumers paying on a monthly basis (Rosenbush 58). Total debt/equity and long-term debt/capital ratios show that the company’s financial resources are stable and strong enough to pay both the short and long-term debts that it has incurred. The gradual decrease in both debt ratios also suggests that Verizon is able to manage the payment of its debts properly over the years, implying a steady growth in earnings during this period. Sprint Nextel Corp. and AT&T Inc. are some of Verizon’s competitors in the telecommunications industry (Rosenbush 58). Figure 2 presents a comparison of the profitability of Verizon against its competitors from 2001 to 2005. This shows that over a five-year period, Verizon has been competing with AT&T for the market shares. Sprint Nextel Corp. has negligible effect in terms of competitiveness with the other two companies. The graph suggests that Verizon was only able to out-run AT&T beginning on 2004. This

U.S. One China Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

U.S. One China Policy - Essay Example Before focusing on the one-China policy, it is important to discuss first the history of relations between Taiwan and the PRC. Prior to the 17th century, aborigines from Taiwan mainly inhabited the Island of Taiwan. However, with the successive waves of migration by the Han Chinese, the demographics of the island started to change. In 1662, Taiwan was brought under Ming loyalist Zheng Chenggong’s control, prior to incorporation in 1683 into part of the Qing Dynasty (Tunsjà ¸ 92). The Dutch also briefly colonized Taiwan between 1624 and 1662, while the Spanish ruled Northern Taiwan between 1626 and 1642. Between 1895 and 1945, Taiwan was under colonial rule from the Japanese with the French also briefly ruling Northern Taiwan between 1884 and 1885. Under the Qing Dynasty, Taiwan existed as a prefecture of the province of Fuji as part of the Chinese government from 1683 up to 1887. In 1887, Taiwan became a separate province of China. It remained a province of China until 1895 a t which point the Treaty of Shimonoseki ceded authority over Taiwan to the Japanese (Tunsjà ¸ 92).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After Japan had surrendered in Taipei in 1945, The Republic of China took over the role of governing polity in Taiwan under the KMT in a period that was characterized as a military occupation. However, the government of the Republic of China lost control in 1949 over the Chinese mainland after the Civil War on the mainland (Tunsjà ¸ 93)o 93). Since this was prior to the implementation of treaties made after the Second World War, the KMT withdrew to Taiwan that was still technically a territory of the Japanese. This exiled government under Chiang Kai-shek took over authority of Taiwan and avowed the Island was under martial law. After the renunciation of rights to Taiwanese territory through a peace treaty signed in San Francisco by the Japanese, Taiwan’s sovereignty was put under question. Neither the Treaty of San Francisco nor the Japanese-Chinese treaty dealt with the issue of Taiwan’s territorial sovereignty and its awar d to the KMT representing the Republic of China (Tunsjo 94). The governing body of the Republic of China is still the government in Taiwan with a transformation in the 90s towards democracy as the government lifted the martial law it had imposed in 1949. Since then, the political and legal status bequeathed on Taiwan has become an issue of contention and controversy with sentiments of Taiwan’s independence become more public and gaining some level of international support. At this point, it becomes important to discuss the role of the US in PRC-ROC relations, especially given that Taiwan is the second highest buyer of American made products after Canada. With the tensions between the PRC and the ROC, the United States has had to come up with a policy that allows it to continue relations with both territories. The one-China policy in the United State’s case was initially drafted in 1972 through the Shanghai Communique

Agora Company Essay Example for Free

Agora Company Essay Bangladesh entered the supermarket era on August 24, 2001 with Rahim afrooz Superstores Ltd. launching Agora, a retail chain superstore in Bangladesh, introducing a new way to shop. The company has already opened four outlets Rifles Square, Gulshan Avenue, Maghbazar and Mirpur Zoo Road in Dhaka and many more are in progress in Chittagong and other cities of the country. The superstores are open from 9 am to 8 pm every day. Rush of customers is experienced in the morning and evening. Most of the employees of Agora are young and well-educated, some with Masters and MBA degrees. Agora superstores are currently focused in food retailing, ranging from a wide variety of fresh vegetable, fruits, meat and fish to grocery, bakery, dairy, personal and household products. Agora provides its customers with guaranteed quality and freshness. It carries more than 30,000 varieties of products and has plans to expand its product portfolio to carry other ranges of consumer products in the coming years. It aims at building a chain of more than 40 superstores by year 2010.Other supermarket brands have since emerged but Agora continues to be the leader and trendsetter. Agora has been the venue of launching of Thai products, which have by now become commonplace. Californian apples were launched here as have been Agora buys products direct from the growers, which benefits the latter as well as the customers. The products are procured under the direct supervision of its officials who maintain strict procurement and marketing standards. Products on the shelves are regularly monitored for expiry dates. Australia‘s red apples, and crystal products from France were unveiled here. Unilever chose to launch L‘Oreal range of cosmetics at Agora superstores. The big-sized ‘Boroi’ so common in the market was launched here. Recently the scientist behind the cultivation of Strawberry in Bangladesh launched the delicious fruit at Agora. Over 8 million have purchased products at Agora since the opening of Agora‘s fist superstore, with 2,000 customers using the Agoras every day on an average. Rifles Square and Gulshan’s upper markets pull more crowd than the other two. Customers prefer using both cash and credit cards. Agora constantly launches attractive promotions like Bazimat, Value Week or Super Value Offer or Diamond Ring Offer. The promoter of the Agora project, Rahim afrooz, is one of the most respected companies in Bangladesh manufacturing and marketing stored power systems for the automotive industry. All of Rahimafrooz‘s activities are in the service sector,  focusing on consumers, an official of Agora‘s operating company Rahim afrooz Superstores Ltd., said. The Agora project was a ground-breaking project that underlines the potential for harnessing the latent market in Bangladesh, said an executive of a leading corporate house adding, they have produced a service offering of inter national standard Agora is the largest retail superstore in Bangladesh. Agora‘s interior is similar to most supermarkets in design and layout due to trends in marketing. It produce tends to be near the entrance of the store. Various kinds of products and services are sold (at least 2500 products and services). Milk, bread, and other essential items are located in the rear and other out of the way places. This is purposely done to ensure maximum time spent in the store, strolling past other items and capitalizing on impulse buying. The front of the store or Front-End is where one might find point of sale machines or cash registers. Agora has plans to implement self-checkout devices in their stores in an attempt to reduce labor costs as well as bringing complete customer satisfaction. Understanding the historical context from which some of todays organizational structures have developed helps to explain why some structures is the way they are but Agora using a structured which is more horizontally capitalizing on the innovativeness of their employees. Part of the reason, as this section discusses, is that organizational structure of Agora that has a certain inertia —  the idea borrowedfrom physics and chemistry that something in motion tends to continue on that same path.Because of this unique management process they have become the leading superstore in theBangladesh. The managers of Agora have to make decisions as they develop an organizational structure,although they may not be explicitly aware of these decisions. Agora is synonymous with marketat low prices and name brand quality products. The company basis of success and foundationscannot be credited to the current management. Agora formula for success simply put is theirrelationship with customers, employees, and technology that assists in forming relationships withtheir suppliers; places Agora as the top discount retailer, history-development, and Growth SamAgora to become the top discount retailer Competitive Advantage of Agora: Agora marks a turning point in the concept of retailing in Bangladesh. From the very beginning of its operation since 2001, the super-market chain store has put the convenience of its target consumers the middle and higher middle class, foremost in devising its marketing strategies. Agora attempts to maintain an image and atmosphere that is consistent with its pledge for quality and customer satisfaction. The stores occupy very large premises at expensive areas of the city and offer a wide assortment of food stuffs, daily house hold items and durables that would mostly appeal to its target population, Unlike, many such large stores, Agora tries to remain ahead of its competitors by sponsoring innovation of local innovations. Agora advertises through newspapers and billboards a very selective approach as it does not target the mass but mostly those living in close proximity to the store. The logo â€Å"Agora†- in English-points to the importance of the image factor, which is important to their promotional strategy adequate car parking space for congestion free shopping Air-conditioning and child’s play area and other amenities, are provided to increase the comfort of shopping. Although Agora is at a very early stage in its life, the management is at present following a very cautious marketing strategy. The overall 10% annual sales growth offer a reflection to the potential of Agora to attain its long term objectives of becoming the market leader in the retail industry. Near future sustainability of the competitive advantage: Agora is currently charging maximum retail price that is given to it by its suppliers. The prices are congruent with that of the rest of the market. However, the management has plans to offer prices lower than the ones offered by the competitors in the market.

Malaysia Maritime Environmental Issues and Its Impact

Malaysia Maritime Environmental Issues and Its Impact CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND Seas and oceans traditionally used by us to have all the source of rich, opportunity and abundance. The vast area of it has given us the aspiration either to use or to abuse it.   Most of the countries in this world are connected with sea and ocean, which make the line of communication and transportation easily done through it.   Many years ago while air transportation is impossible, transportation through land could take a month to reach. Sea and ocean line was used heavily either for trade, communication or expanding the power beyond the borders.   The increasing awareness by us has changed the point of view that the feel of appreciation which not only in a sense of importance for economy and social, but also in a sense of security.   Maritime security and safety issues are major and hot topics nowadays.   It is spoken all over the world, especially in this modern and globalise era where crime has no longer a matter of a single country but a matter concerning everybody.   It is borderless and at any time can happen anywhere.   Because of the large maritime area, this crime is very difficult to contain particularly in the area where the enforcement is less due to lack of security assets.   This situation worries the country, especially those are depending directly to the sea as a source of development. Maritime threats have existed ever since commerce went to sea.   Now, its just in what capacity and in what dimension.   Threat to maritime in aspect of maritime security and safety can be from any kind such as piracy, sea robbery, human trafficking, smuggling and others, which cover up to sea pollution.   Malaysias total sea area of 614,159 square kilometres is almost twice its landmass and the size of itsExclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) alone is 453,186 square kilometres.   An estimated 70 percent of the population lives along 4,800 kilometres of coastline area, which have rich ecosystem and biodiversity.]With these unique backgrounds, it has offered tremendous economic value and prospects to Malaysia.   Major economic activities are offshore petroleum, marine transport, marine tourism, fisheries and aquaculture. As a maritime nation, Malaysia is a party to a number of international conventions dealing with marine pollution, which laid down important rules to be followed by s tate parties to prevent and control marine pollution.   Some reports have concluded that the quality of marine environment and life in our country is showing signs of decline.According to Oxford Dictionary (7th edition) environmental issues can best define with something connected to natural conditions that affect behaviour and development of something.   To be more precise, environmental issues are negative aspects of human activity on the biophysical environment.   Few examples of maritime environmental issues are conservation, environmental degradation, environmental health, nanotechnology, nuclear issues, water pollution, air pollution and resource depletion.   To explain further, the definitions of environmental issues in law perspective as follows: Any direct or indirect alteration of the physical, thermal, chemical, or biological properties of any part of the environment by discharging, emitting, or depositing environmentally hazardous substances, pollutants or wastes so as to affect any beneficial use adversely, to cause a condition which is hazardous or potentially hazardous to public health, safety, or welfare, or to animals, birds, wildlife, fish or aquatic life, or to plants or to cause a contravention of any condition, limitation or restriction. Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is one of the maritime agencies in Malaysia which one of the roles and functions is to safeguard our national interest.   Hence, theroles and functions are the bread and butter to the RMN, and of course it is not limiting the usage, freedom of manoeuvres in Malaysian waters for whatever reasons.   In connection to maritime environmental issues, the RMN has a strong sense of commitment in upholding the community values of Malaysia.   At the forefront of these values are respect for the environment and a growing need to ensure that naval operations are undertaken by sustainable methods and that the environment is preserved for future generations. 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT With the current capabilities and ageing of warships, RMN has a bigger issues to adhere to the rules and regulations with regards to environmental friendly and thus will affect the conduct of RMN Operations.Indeed there are inventions of new environmental friendly technologies and of course will increase operational efficiency, but due to the limited budget on national defence sector, RMN is to wisely maintain its own asset and at the same time parallel to environmental issue requirements. 1.3 OBJECTIVE S The objectives of this study as follows: To examine the relationship between Naval Operations and maritime environmental issues. To determine what is the negative factor contributes by RMN warships in relations to maritime environmental issues. To determine whether the capability of RMN in conducting operations isconstrainedby the current environmental policy and legislation. To suggest solutions towards the environment compliant warship without jeopardizing required operations. 1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY RMN warships are not much different with any commercial vessel and thus should comply withenvironmental regulations such as the Environment Quality Act 1974.   Due to the integrity, RMN should set a very good example in complying not only to the act, but to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 and a number of international maritime environmental conventions in order to portray a good image to the public.   RMN warships should be able to operate without restriction in ports or open seas.   Due to some intensive measures on environmental issues, there aresome restrictions and constraint on naval activity with regards to ships design and conduct of operations.   Hence, the study should be able to determine the best solution for win-win situation. 1.5 LITERATURE REVIEW The literature of the research mainly based on environmental thesis papers,which havebeen done by scholars as a reference.   Generally, the literature addresses Malaysias environmental qualities, environmental justice and common public attitudes towards the environment.   It is further discussed about policies, practices and Malaysias commitment to international agreements which to be scrutinized.   The literature as well as provides information with regards to consequences of the fast track style of development on our natural resources, health, quality of life and ecosystems. 1.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY The preparation of this research paper is based on the secondary data,mainly from books and other published articles.   Most of the material from military references are classified Restricted.   Therefore, limits the research on the subject matter. Time constrained is the biggest setback and hindered a more commendable study of the existing issues. 1.7 METHOD AND SOURCES The primary method will be through literature research.   Therefore, the sources will be published books and journal articles spanning the subject areas of Malaysia Environment Issues and RMN Operations.   Newspaper articles, speeches by relevant personalities and interviews will also be sought after.   Information will also be extracted from official governmental or organisation websites. 1.8 CHAPTER OUTLINE The paper will be organised into five chapters as follows: Chapter 1 : Introduction . This chapter is the introduction of the subject and layout of the paper. Chapter 2 : Maritime Operations .   This chapter will elaborate the concept and conduct of Naval Operations focusing on the RMN. Chapter 3 : Existing Maritime Environmental Issues and Degree of RMN Compliance .   This chapter examines a series of environmental issues, related to shipping design and operation.Its further discuss the degree of compliance for each issue, against existing environmental legislation and regulations. Chapter 4 : Impacts to RMN .   This chapter will discuss the impact on RMN current operations and to determine whether the capability of RMN in conducting operations is constrained by the current environmental policy and legislation. Chapter 5 : Conclusion .   This chapter includes a discussion on the possible outcomes and to suggest solutions towards an environment compliant warship without jeopardizing required operations. CHAPTER 2 MARITIME OPERATIONS 2.1 INTRODUCTION During the course of recorded history, mankind has perpetually looked towards the sea as a provider of nourishment, as a channel for trade and for the migration of people, culture or idea. The last three millennia has witnessed the development of maritime craft from simple design to the fully computerised ships of the modern day era.   In relation to safe guard maritime national security, warship has been designed and developed as a symbol of supremacy and struggle for control of the seas and trade influence in faraway lands.   Warships have been instruments of both good and evil and have influenced the evolution of mankind.   As a maritime nation, Malaysia is not excluded in enhancing and developing its naval capabilities.   Located at the crossroads of Southeast Asia and the sea are seen as an increasingly important factor in the economic and security aspect of this country. The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) started from humble beginnings with a rudimentary naval force of coal burning launches and small coastal patrol boats during the colonial time.   Today, the RMN fleet comprises an assortment of modern warships, submarines and naval helicopters armed with state of the art command, control, communication, computers and information (C4I) armed with long-range guided missiles and protected by the most modern electronic warfare systems.   This has completed the metamorphosis of RMN from the coastal Brown Water Navy into a Blue Water Navy, a modern armada. In order to parallel with its vision ‘To be a World Class Navy (Always Excellent), RMN have to be a committed organisation, competent, forward looking, strive for quality and always seek for continuous improvement in managing its own source and technology.   Presently, the roles of the RMN are two-fold; during wartime, the RMN is to ensure the maritime sovereignty of Malaysia while during peacetime, its role is to protect the nations maritime interest that included Malaysias offshore resources, especially oil and gas, shipping and fishing. Since environmental issues are a major challenge and concern throughout the world, the RMN has to develop its operations toward supporting the environmental friendly. 2.2 NAVAL OPERATIONS Naval operations will be the largest contributor toward the maritime environmental issues if it is not being tackled well.   To narrow down the scope of this research, the focus and discussions will be towards the RMN operations.   Every naval exercise always associated with the universal role known as ‘The Trinity of Naval Functions (Figure 2.1) namely military, constabulary and diplomacy.   The first role is the military which is to enforce of state sovereignty and defend the national jurisdictions in the sea by way of control and deterrence at sea.   Secondly is constabulary roles, the navy carried this to enforce the security and law to protect marine resources and the national marine wealth, to maintain order at sea and to support the national development.   The third role is diplomacy. Naval forces are the visible mobile and potent symbols of the nation state and such are the useful instruments of foreign policy.   These roles and functions are the bread and b utter to the RMN, and of course it is not limiting the usage, freedom of manoeuvres in Malaysian waters for whatever reasons. 2.3 MARITIME WARFARE AREAS Malaysia as a maritime nation is the facts that cant be argued about.   The sea area is larger than the land mass and a unique feature of being a country split by an ocean supporting the facts.   Malaysia is divided by the South China Sea into two main land masses namely the Peninsular Malaysia on the western side and Sabah and Sarawak on the eastern side.   These two land masses are being separated by more than 1000 kilometres of navigable waters.   Malaysia and the nations of the region are reliant on the sea for transportation; they draw greatly on the maritime environment for living and mineral resources.   Maritime forces have significant access and control in our region.Thus, Malaysia requires maritime forces able of curb the challenges of our strategic geographical conditions. The RMN is essentially responsible for protecting Malaysias maritime interest.   To meet these tasks, the RMN is provided with various assets ranging from old and obsolete patrol craft to the most modern and highly sophisticated state of the art frigates and corvettes capable of carrying out all the four dimensions of naval warfare, namely surface, sub-surface, air and electronic warfare. 2.3.1 Anti Surface Warfare ( ASu W ) The main dimension of Naval Operations is ASuW defined as follows: The actions necessary to detect, identify and counter an adversarys surface capability.   ASuW operations, which may include sea control and sea denial operations, disruption of Sea Lane of Communications (SLOCs), defence offriendly forces from surface attack, or a combination of all, seek toensure that the necessaryaction are conducted in a timely fashion, denying any adversary the ability to employ forces in an effective manner. Thus, freedom of manoeuvre and able to sustain long period of operations is the major requirements for the RMN warships. 2.3.2 Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) In order to counter subsurface threat, RMN warships must be able to detect the enemy using any available sensors.   Therefore to locate a submarine requires a very hectic and thorough procedure which this will requires warships to stay longer at operational area.   The elements of ASW as follows: ASW comprises operations with the intention of denying the opponent the effective use of submarines.   The ASW protection of a force depends on defence in depth and close coordination between ships, helicopters, Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), shore-based facilities and friendly submarines.   The complexity of such coordination and the special environmental factor involved makes the submarine threat one of the most difficult problems to counter. 2.3.3 Anti Air Warfare (AAW) Warships are vulnerable once detected at the open sea, therefore it exposed to be attacked, AAW in the maritime situation required fast reactionof its sensors and personnel, in order to counter the threat.   The purpose of AAW is defined as: Is the term used for the defence of friendly forces against the threat of aircraft and airborne weapon, whether launched from air, surface, or submarine platforms.   AAW is the maritime term for defensive counter air operations and is part of the joint air defence system.   AAW is based on the principle of defence in depth and layered defence, defeating air attacks at the maximum possible distance from maritime forces 2.3.4 Electronic Warfare (EW) In EW, an electromagnetic and acoustic spectrum is being exploited as to integrate to the various warfare areas, such as AAW, ASUW and ASW.   Warships and aircraft are equipped with a variety of systems that utiliseor exploit the electromagnetic and acoustic spectrums in order to give early information on enemy position [24] and activities. 2.4 RMN IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Being a small navy, the RMN needs to evolve to remain relevant.   It has to create a credible force encompassing an integrated system of ships, aircraft, submarines and well trained personnel, but resource are increasingly scarce.   To stay ahead, the RMN has to do more with less.   In other words, one of the RMN challenges is to stay ahead by achieving improvement through the application of creative and innovative solutions and making all round improvements continuously.   The other challenges are the need to adopt technological advancement, continuous upgrading of the existing fleet to ensure the highest state of readiness and effectiveness and achieving synergy in the future warfare scenario.   The procurement of new technologies and upgrading of its asset must parallel with the environmental friendly requirements. In 1994, the EarthCheck Global Standard was established by the travel and tourism industry to provide a mechanism for the promotion of environmentally sustainable tourism.   It is also demonstrating a commitment towards environmental and social responsibilities, better environmental risk management procedures and asset protection.   With the current awareness towards meeting the growing environmental requirement for compliance, RMN has started with KD LEKIU and KD SRI INDERASAKTI as a pioneer.   The bold action by the RMN is influences by following factors: The RMN ships will acknowledge as no different than other commercial vessels and thus its will bind to the same rules and regulations. Environmental issues are currently complex and need special attention and requiring effective and flexible long-range planning. It is difficult to forecast the environmental requirement due to ageing if warships in order to develop appropriate responses. The international community is increasingly applying a coordinated global approach to foster marine environmental issues.   Thus, the RMN should portray a good image in addressing the problem a pro-active way. Strict rules and regulations in controlling the marine pollution are now being implemented in coastal areas and also being expanded on the high seas. The RMN approaches toward environmental friendly warships is unable to meet the complex challenges of environmental compliance.   More strategic and forward-looking plan for future ships is to be implemented. The RMN approach toward environmental friendly warships is eventually costly and may sometimes endanger the health of service personnel as well as operational effectiveness. A better environmental compliant warship design is much more significant due to the good return of investment in operational and cost benefits.   It will not have to rely on shore support for waste management. Apart from these commitments, warships basically having the privileges of sovereign immunity and special exemption as discuss below. Complete exemption of warships and other ships owned or operated by a State and used only on government non-commercial service from the application of the convention so far as both main rules and enforcement provision are concerned. Having said that, the RMN has a strong sense of commitment in upholding the community values of Malaysia, thus naval operations are properly planned as to suite the environmental stewardship in order to preserve it for future generations and therefore,will give the RMN a fine record.   It appears that there were operational benefits from sound environmental practices and the RMN is slowly to adopt this concept.   2.5 CONCLUSION In conclusions Maritime Operations is a challenging business.   Having a vast area of operations with a multi faceted of the threat, the RMN continuously been challenged by the new development such as the rise of non-traditional maritime security issues and the complexity of maritime environmental issues.   Maritime operations, parallel with environmental issues will provide a better solution in managing the maritime security issues.   In another case, it will give some operational benefit to the RMN since every item onboard has been well maintained and the operational requirementsare easily tackled. Apart from having the special privileges and immunity of warships, the RMN should not take this advantage to take part as one of the environmental non-compliance conducts.   As to progress toward environmental stewardship, the RMN therefore should act like no different than international ocean shipping, which binds to the rules and regulations as to uphold the community values of Malaysia. CHAPTER 3 EXISTING MARITIME ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND DEGREE OF RMN COMPLIANCE 3.1 INTRODUCTION The RMN warship is no different than other international oceans shipping all over the world; more or less it would contribute to the effect of the environmental issues.   Most studies have found that the international ocean shipping industry accounts for roughly three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.   This means that if the ocean shipping industry were a country, it would rank seventh in the world in emissions.   Its shows that more or less ocean shipping industry contributed to environmental problems, hence warships are not excluded.   Even though warship has been thoroughly design, but it still contributes to some extend the environmental effect while doing their operational task.   As we go through our daily life, which is increasingly becoming fast paced and hectic, only a few of us take a time out to look around and notice the devastating effects of modem civilization on the environment.   The environment has to sustain not only the basic human needs for survival but also the conversion of raw materials into goods and services. Ensure continuous improvement in the productivity and quality of the environment while pursuing economic growth and human development. Ensure the highest commitment to environmental protection and accountability by all decision makers in the public and private sectors, resource users, non-governmental organisations and the general public, in formulating, planning and implementing their activities. Based on above principles in Malaysia National Policy on the Environment, the RMN is yet to adopt this principle officially because the negative aspect to the environment is very minute, but in a long term period the effect will slowly affect the environment, and this will de discuss further in following paragraph.   Therefore, planning and implementing activities from designing of warships to the way executioner part of the operations are to be monitored and suit to the highest commitment of environmental protection. Malaysia has a sound and viable National Environmental Policy and adequate legal regime to cope with challenges of the present day marine pollution issues   The protection of the marine environment and degree of the RMN compliance were based on Environmental Quality Act 1974, Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, Merchant Shipping Oil Pollution Act 1994, Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984 and Fisheries Act 1985. 3.2 RELATED MARITIME ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Threats to the environment are an increasing concern for states, societies and the international community. In relations to naval operations, below are the related maritime environmental issue which more or less hascontributed to the emerging problems. 3.2.1 Water Pollution Water pollution may be less conspicuous than the solid waste pollution, but it is probably even more dangerous.   This is partly because a wider range of harmful chemicals falls in this category and partly because it is more mobile as compared to the solid waste materials.   With regard to marine environmental issues, liquid pollutants are generated from ships and offshore installations.   Liquids are simply dumped into the oceans without any treatment.   One of the most common liquid wastes is sewage.   In many cases sewage is discharged to the sea without any treatment, which will create disease producing bacteria thus the plant and animal life in it cannot survive and the water becomes anoxic or lifeless. 3.2.2 Air Pollution and Degradation of the Atmosphere Air pollution is one of the toxic forms that affect the environment.   Air, by far, is the most important aspect to human life.Air pollution and air quality has become a huge topic in the world today.   The air quality is different depending on your location where about.   For examples, Los Angeles is very smoggy and has poor quality versus the forests of Brazil that have very clean air, meanwhile Kuala Lumpur is experiencing seasonal haze from month of July to October every year.   Polluting the air with any kind of foreignmaterial such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon mono-oxide, hydrogen sulphide, volatile organic compounds, chlorine, chloroform, chlorinedioxide and making environment dangerous to live for living species is called air pollution. Air pollution is actually the accumulation of any unsafe substances to the atmosphere, which causes the destructive of the environment, human health and the quality of life.   The increasing of shipping industries has increased in air pollution and even though ships are operating far from land, more or less it has contributed to the increase in the death rates resulting from various diseases caused by air pollution varying from breathing problem to lung cancer. Air pollution does not only affect people, but it also damages the whole ecological system in which plants and animals are harmed as well. Air pollution has reached such a critical stage where it affects the earths atmosphere as it lets in more harmful radiation from the sun. Consequently, our polluted atmosphere is becoming a better insulator, thus, preventing heat from escaping back into space. That is why there is a global rise in temperature, which scientists refer to as ‘global warming.   Pursuant to this rise i n temperature the world food supply and sea level will be affected, also there is the probability of the increase in the tropical disease. Air pollution also has a dramatic effect on natural resources.   Ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and rivers perform many important services for Earths environment.   They enhance water and air quality, provide habitat for plants and animals, and provide food and medicines. Any or all of these ecosystem functions may be impaired or destroyed by air pollution.   Moreover, because of the complex relationships among the many types of organisms and ecosystems, environmental contamination may have far-reaching consequences that are not immediately obvious or that are difficult to predict. 3.2.3 Global Warming The excessive production of Carbon dioxide to the environment is one of the factors that have affected the ozone layer.Thus it willprevent some amount of solar energy from being radiated back to space. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect which leads to global warming.Among the industrialized countries, USA, Russia, Japan and France are the largest contributors to this menace.USA alone accounts for 42% of the total carbon dioxide emission all over the wor1d.Most countries in this region like Malaysia and Indonesia are rapidly approaching the emission levels recorded.As of now a rise of average atmospheric temperature has been reported over the past 75 years and is likely to continue into the next century. Global warming has resulted in shrinking of glaciers and ice sheets; a rise of 6 to 37inches in the mean sea level is predicted by the year 2100.Low lying countries within this region such as Bangladesh and Indonesia risk getting submerged by the rising sea levels. Glob al warming will aggravate the water crisis in summer months. It would also lead to expansion of geographical range of tropical pests and will increase the chances of forest fires. 3.2.4 Ozone Depletions The stratospheric ozone layer existing between altitudes of 12 to 35 kilometres is considered as a protective shield or an umbrella for the earth because it prevents the ultraviolet rays from reaching the surface of the earth.In the absence of this layer, no life would be possible because the sun rays would raise the temperature of the lower atmosphere making the earth a blast furnace. The importance of the ozone layer came to light in 1985 when a hole was detected over Antarctica.Chloro Flouro Carbons or CFCs are the group of the gases, which are largely responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer. These synthetic chemicals are widely used as propellants in spray cans, air conditions and refrigerators. Thus CFCs in addition to carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are termed as greenhouse gases as they all contribute to the greenhouse effect. In addition to this, Ozone layer depletion has caused a definite rise in the cases of skin cancer it is estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that 12% decrease in the ozone layer would cause skin cancer in up to half a million people per annum. 3.2.5 Acid Rain Acid rain is the serious pollution hazard. It causes irreparable damage to agricultural crops, forests, aquatic life and even the human body. It corrodes buildings, pollutes the drinking water and degrades soil. Major sources of sulphur dioxide emission are thermal power plants, crude oil refineries and automobiles, which together account for 50% of the sulphur dioxide pollution.Rainwater of pH less than 5.6 is considered acidic. Emissions of waste gases from industries, vehicle exhausts and power generation are causes of rainwater acidity.When the pH levels of lakes and rivers fall below about 5.5, many species of fish will die, and this in turn is followed by changes in the ecosystem.Acid rain is corrosive to metals such as iron and zinc roof, marble and limestone.Low pH values have been attributed by an increased in industrial activity and large numbers of motor vehicles emitting considerable amounts of sulphur and nitrogen compounds into the atmosphere.Acid rain is detrimental to life and life-support systems. Acidity is measured by hydrogen ion concentration, designated as pH, and is measured on a scale of 1 to 14. A pH value below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline.Rain acidity in Peninsular Malaysia is on the rise and the number of areas affected by acid rain is growing. Studies by the Meteorological Service Department exposed that, to date the acid rain is becomingworrying environmental problem. 3.3 BINDING LAWS Most of the international environmental law is based on agreement or treaty.With regard to the protection of the marine environment, Malaysia adheres to a number of international conventions. The treaties are as follows: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982. Maritime Pollutions Convention (MARPOL), 73/78. International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC), 1990. International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992. International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage 1992. Treaties are made to be performed. ‘Pacta sunt servanda or the rule that treaties arebinding on the parties and must be performed in good faith is the fundamental principle of customary international law. This principle has been reaffirmed in Article 26 of theVienna Convention on the law of Treaties 1969, ‘Every treaty in force is binding uponthe parties to it and must be performed in good faith. Therefore, Malaysia is obliged to the binding laws and thus not excluding the RMN in this context. This paper will only discuss one domestic rule and twointernational treaties as to examine and relate the degree of the RMN compliance in environmental issues. 3.3.1 Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Act 1984 The Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984 is an important Malaysian statute devised to implement certain aspects of the UNCLOS 1982.Part IV of the EEZ Act deals with p Malaysia Maritime Environmental Issues and Its Impact Malaysia Maritime Environmental Issues and Its Impact CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND Seas and oceans traditionally used by us to have all the source of rich, opportunity and abundance. The vast area of it has given us the aspiration either to use or to abuse it.   Most of the countries in this world are connected with sea and ocean, which make the line of communication and transportation easily done through it.   Many years ago while air transportation is impossible, transportation through land could take a month to reach. Sea and ocean line was used heavily either for trade, communication or expanding the power beyond the borders.   The increasing awareness by us has changed the point of view that the feel of appreciation which not only in a sense of importance for economy and social, but also in a sense of security.   Maritime security and safety issues are major and hot topics nowadays.   It is spoken all over the world, especially in this modern and globalise era where crime has no longer a matter of a single country but a matter concerning everybody.   It is borderless and at any time can happen anywhere.   Because of the large maritime area, this crime is very difficult to contain particularly in the area where the enforcement is less due to lack of security assets.   This situation worries the country, especially those are depending directly to the sea as a source of development. Maritime threats have existed ever since commerce went to sea.   Now, its just in what capacity and in what dimension.   Threat to maritime in aspect of maritime security and safety can be from any kind such as piracy, sea robbery, human trafficking, smuggling and others, which cover up to sea pollution.   Malaysias total sea area of 614,159 square kilometres is almost twice its landmass and the size of itsExclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) alone is 453,186 square kilometres.   An estimated 70 percent of the population lives along 4,800 kilometres of coastline area, which have rich ecosystem and biodiversity.]With these unique backgrounds, it has offered tremendous economic value and prospects to Malaysia.   Major economic activities are offshore petroleum, marine transport, marine tourism, fisheries and aquaculture. As a maritime nation, Malaysia is a party to a number of international conventions dealing with marine pollution, which laid down important rules to be followed by s tate parties to prevent and control marine pollution.   Some reports have concluded that the quality of marine environment and life in our country is showing signs of decline.According to Oxford Dictionary (7th edition) environmental issues can best define with something connected to natural conditions that affect behaviour and development of something.   To be more precise, environmental issues are negative aspects of human activity on the biophysical environment.   Few examples of maritime environmental issues are conservation, environmental degradation, environmental health, nanotechnology, nuclear issues, water pollution, air pollution and resource depletion.   To explain further, the definitions of environmental issues in law perspective as follows: Any direct or indirect alteration of the physical, thermal, chemical, or biological properties of any part of the environment by discharging, emitting, or depositing environmentally hazardous substances, pollutants or wastes so as to affect any beneficial use adversely, to cause a condition which is hazardous or potentially hazardous to public health, safety, or welfare, or to animals, birds, wildlife, fish or aquatic life, or to plants or to cause a contravention of any condition, limitation or restriction. Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is one of the maritime agencies in Malaysia which one of the roles and functions is to safeguard our national interest.   Hence, theroles and functions are the bread and butter to the RMN, and of course it is not limiting the usage, freedom of manoeuvres in Malaysian waters for whatever reasons.   In connection to maritime environmental issues, the RMN has a strong sense of commitment in upholding the community values of Malaysia.   At the forefront of these values are respect for the environment and a growing need to ensure that naval operations are undertaken by sustainable methods and that the environment is preserved for future generations. 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT With the current capabilities and ageing of warships, RMN has a bigger issues to adhere to the rules and regulations with regards to environmental friendly and thus will affect the conduct of RMN Operations.Indeed there are inventions of new environmental friendly technologies and of course will increase operational efficiency, but due to the limited budget on national defence sector, RMN is to wisely maintain its own asset and at the same time parallel to environmental issue requirements. 1.3 OBJECTIVE S The objectives of this study as follows: To examine the relationship between Naval Operations and maritime environmental issues. To determine what is the negative factor contributes by RMN warships in relations to maritime environmental issues. To determine whether the capability of RMN in conducting operations isconstrainedby the current environmental policy and legislation. To suggest solutions towards the environment compliant warship without jeopardizing required operations. 1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY RMN warships are not much different with any commercial vessel and thus should comply withenvironmental regulations such as the Environment Quality Act 1974.   Due to the integrity, RMN should set a very good example in complying not only to the act, but to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 and a number of international maritime environmental conventions in order to portray a good image to the public.   RMN warships should be able to operate without restriction in ports or open seas.   Due to some intensive measures on environmental issues, there aresome restrictions and constraint on naval activity with regards to ships design and conduct of operations.   Hence, the study should be able to determine the best solution for win-win situation. 1.5 LITERATURE REVIEW The literature of the research mainly based on environmental thesis papers,which havebeen done by scholars as a reference.   Generally, the literature addresses Malaysias environmental qualities, environmental justice and common public attitudes towards the environment.   It is further discussed about policies, practices and Malaysias commitment to international agreements which to be scrutinized.   The literature as well as provides information with regards to consequences of the fast track style of development on our natural resources, health, quality of life and ecosystems. 1.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY The preparation of this research paper is based on the secondary data,mainly from books and other published articles.   Most of the material from military references are classified Restricted.   Therefore, limits the research on the subject matter. Time constrained is the biggest setback and hindered a more commendable study of the existing issues. 1.7 METHOD AND SOURCES The primary method will be through literature research.   Therefore, the sources will be published books and journal articles spanning the subject areas of Malaysia Environment Issues and RMN Operations.   Newspaper articles, speeches by relevant personalities and interviews will also be sought after.   Information will also be extracted from official governmental or organisation websites. 1.8 CHAPTER OUTLINE The paper will be organised into five chapters as follows: Chapter 1 : Introduction . This chapter is the introduction of the subject and layout of the paper. Chapter 2 : Maritime Operations .   This chapter will elaborate the concept and conduct of Naval Operations focusing on the RMN. Chapter 3 : Existing Maritime Environmental Issues and Degree of RMN Compliance .   This chapter examines a series of environmental issues, related to shipping design and operation.Its further discuss the degree of compliance for each issue, against existing environmental legislation and regulations. Chapter 4 : Impacts to RMN .   This chapter will discuss the impact on RMN current operations and to determine whether the capability of RMN in conducting operations is constrained by the current environmental policy and legislation. Chapter 5 : Conclusion .   This chapter includes a discussion on the possible outcomes and to suggest solutions towards an environment compliant warship without jeopardizing required operations. CHAPTER 2 MARITIME OPERATIONS 2.1 INTRODUCTION During the course of recorded history, mankind has perpetually looked towards the sea as a provider of nourishment, as a channel for trade and for the migration of people, culture or idea. The last three millennia has witnessed the development of maritime craft from simple design to the fully computerised ships of the modern day era.   In relation to safe guard maritime national security, warship has been designed and developed as a symbol of supremacy and struggle for control of the seas and trade influence in faraway lands.   Warships have been instruments of both good and evil and have influenced the evolution of mankind.   As a maritime nation, Malaysia is not excluded in enhancing and developing its naval capabilities.   Located at the crossroads of Southeast Asia and the sea are seen as an increasingly important factor in the economic and security aspect of this country. The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) started from humble beginnings with a rudimentary naval force of coal burning launches and small coastal patrol boats during the colonial time.   Today, the RMN fleet comprises an assortment of modern warships, submarines and naval helicopters armed with state of the art command, control, communication, computers and information (C4I) armed with long-range guided missiles and protected by the most modern electronic warfare systems.   This has completed the metamorphosis of RMN from the coastal Brown Water Navy into a Blue Water Navy, a modern armada. In order to parallel with its vision ‘To be a World Class Navy (Always Excellent), RMN have to be a committed organisation, competent, forward looking, strive for quality and always seek for continuous improvement in managing its own source and technology.   Presently, the roles of the RMN are two-fold; during wartime, the RMN is to ensure the maritime sovereignty of Malaysia while during peacetime, its role is to protect the nations maritime interest that included Malaysias offshore resources, especially oil and gas, shipping and fishing. Since environmental issues are a major challenge and concern throughout the world, the RMN has to develop its operations toward supporting the environmental friendly. 2.2 NAVAL OPERATIONS Naval operations will be the largest contributor toward the maritime environmental issues if it is not being tackled well.   To narrow down the scope of this research, the focus and discussions will be towards the RMN operations.   Every naval exercise always associated with the universal role known as ‘The Trinity of Naval Functions (Figure 2.1) namely military, constabulary and diplomacy.   The first role is the military which is to enforce of state sovereignty and defend the national jurisdictions in the sea by way of control and deterrence at sea.   Secondly is constabulary roles, the navy carried this to enforce the security and law to protect marine resources and the national marine wealth, to maintain order at sea and to support the national development.   The third role is diplomacy. Naval forces are the visible mobile and potent symbols of the nation state and such are the useful instruments of foreign policy.   These roles and functions are the bread and b utter to the RMN, and of course it is not limiting the usage, freedom of manoeuvres in Malaysian waters for whatever reasons. 2.3 MARITIME WARFARE AREAS Malaysia as a maritime nation is the facts that cant be argued about.   The sea area is larger than the land mass and a unique feature of being a country split by an ocean supporting the facts.   Malaysia is divided by the South China Sea into two main land masses namely the Peninsular Malaysia on the western side and Sabah and Sarawak on the eastern side.   These two land masses are being separated by more than 1000 kilometres of navigable waters.   Malaysia and the nations of the region are reliant on the sea for transportation; they draw greatly on the maritime environment for living and mineral resources.   Maritime forces have significant access and control in our region.Thus, Malaysia requires maritime forces able of curb the challenges of our strategic geographical conditions. The RMN is essentially responsible for protecting Malaysias maritime interest.   To meet these tasks, the RMN is provided with various assets ranging from old and obsolete patrol craft to the most modern and highly sophisticated state of the art frigates and corvettes capable of carrying out all the four dimensions of naval warfare, namely surface, sub-surface, air and electronic warfare. 2.3.1 Anti Surface Warfare ( ASu W ) The main dimension of Naval Operations is ASuW defined as follows: The actions necessary to detect, identify and counter an adversarys surface capability.   ASuW operations, which may include sea control and sea denial operations, disruption of Sea Lane of Communications (SLOCs), defence offriendly forces from surface attack, or a combination of all, seek toensure that the necessaryaction are conducted in a timely fashion, denying any adversary the ability to employ forces in an effective manner. Thus, freedom of manoeuvre and able to sustain long period of operations is the major requirements for the RMN warships. 2.3.2 Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) In order to counter subsurface threat, RMN warships must be able to detect the enemy using any available sensors.   Therefore to locate a submarine requires a very hectic and thorough procedure which this will requires warships to stay longer at operational area.   The elements of ASW as follows: ASW comprises operations with the intention of denying the opponent the effective use of submarines.   The ASW protection of a force depends on defence in depth and close coordination between ships, helicopters, Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), shore-based facilities and friendly submarines.   The complexity of such coordination and the special environmental factor involved makes the submarine threat one of the most difficult problems to counter. 2.3.3 Anti Air Warfare (AAW) Warships are vulnerable once detected at the open sea, therefore it exposed to be attacked, AAW in the maritime situation required fast reactionof its sensors and personnel, in order to counter the threat.   The purpose of AAW is defined as: Is the term used for the defence of friendly forces against the threat of aircraft and airborne weapon, whether launched from air, surface, or submarine platforms.   AAW is the maritime term for defensive counter air operations and is part of the joint air defence system.   AAW is based on the principle of defence in depth and layered defence, defeating air attacks at the maximum possible distance from maritime forces 2.3.4 Electronic Warfare (EW) In EW, an electromagnetic and acoustic spectrum is being exploited as to integrate to the various warfare areas, such as AAW, ASUW and ASW.   Warships and aircraft are equipped with a variety of systems that utiliseor exploit the electromagnetic and acoustic spectrums in order to give early information on enemy position [24] and activities. 2.4 RMN IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Being a small navy, the RMN needs to evolve to remain relevant.   It has to create a credible force encompassing an integrated system of ships, aircraft, submarines and well trained personnel, but resource are increasingly scarce.   To stay ahead, the RMN has to do more with less.   In other words, one of the RMN challenges is to stay ahead by achieving improvement through the application of creative and innovative solutions and making all round improvements continuously.   The other challenges are the need to adopt technological advancement, continuous upgrading of the existing fleet to ensure the highest state of readiness and effectiveness and achieving synergy in the future warfare scenario.   The procurement of new technologies and upgrading of its asset must parallel with the environmental friendly requirements. In 1994, the EarthCheck Global Standard was established by the travel and tourism industry to provide a mechanism for the promotion of environmentally sustainable tourism.   It is also demonstrating a commitment towards environmental and social responsibilities, better environmental risk management procedures and asset protection.   With the current awareness towards meeting the growing environmental requirement for compliance, RMN has started with KD LEKIU and KD SRI INDERASAKTI as a pioneer.   The bold action by the RMN is influences by following factors: The RMN ships will acknowledge as no different than other commercial vessels and thus its will bind to the same rules and regulations. Environmental issues are currently complex and need special attention and requiring effective and flexible long-range planning. It is difficult to forecast the environmental requirement due to ageing if warships in order to develop appropriate responses. The international community is increasingly applying a coordinated global approach to foster marine environmental issues.   Thus, the RMN should portray a good image in addressing the problem a pro-active way. Strict rules and regulations in controlling the marine pollution are now being implemented in coastal areas and also being expanded on the high seas. The RMN approaches toward environmental friendly warships is unable to meet the complex challenges of environmental compliance.   More strategic and forward-looking plan for future ships is to be implemented. The RMN approach toward environmental friendly warships is eventually costly and may sometimes endanger the health of service personnel as well as operational effectiveness. A better environmental compliant warship design is much more significant due to the good return of investment in operational and cost benefits.   It will not have to rely on shore support for waste management. Apart from these commitments, warships basically having the privileges of sovereign immunity and special exemption as discuss below. Complete exemption of warships and other ships owned or operated by a State and used only on government non-commercial service from the application of the convention so far as both main rules and enforcement provision are concerned. Having said that, the RMN has a strong sense of commitment in upholding the community values of Malaysia, thus naval operations are properly planned as to suite the environmental stewardship in order to preserve it for future generations and therefore,will give the RMN a fine record.   It appears that there were operational benefits from sound environmental practices and the RMN is slowly to adopt this concept.   2.5 CONCLUSION In conclusions Maritime Operations is a challenging business.   Having a vast area of operations with a multi faceted of the threat, the RMN continuously been challenged by the new development such as the rise of non-traditional maritime security issues and the complexity of maritime environmental issues.   Maritime operations, parallel with environmental issues will provide a better solution in managing the maritime security issues.   In another case, it will give some operational benefit to the RMN since every item onboard has been well maintained and the operational requirementsare easily tackled. Apart from having the special privileges and immunity of warships, the RMN should not take this advantage to take part as one of the environmental non-compliance conducts.   As to progress toward environmental stewardship, the RMN therefore should act like no different than international ocean shipping, which binds to the rules and regulations as to uphold the community values of Malaysia. CHAPTER 3 EXISTING MARITIME ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND DEGREE OF RMN COMPLIANCE 3.1 INTRODUCTION The RMN warship is no different than other international oceans shipping all over the world; more or less it would contribute to the effect of the environmental issues.   Most studies have found that the international ocean shipping industry accounts for roughly three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.   This means that if the ocean shipping industry were a country, it would rank seventh in the world in emissions.   Its shows that more or less ocean shipping industry contributed to environmental problems, hence warships are not excluded.   Even though warship has been thoroughly design, but it still contributes to some extend the environmental effect while doing their operational task.   As we go through our daily life, which is increasingly becoming fast paced and hectic, only a few of us take a time out to look around and notice the devastating effects of modem civilization on the environment.   The environment has to sustain not only the basic human needs for survival but also the conversion of raw materials into goods and services. Ensure continuous improvement in the productivity and quality of the environment while pursuing economic growth and human development. Ensure the highest commitment to environmental protection and accountability by all decision makers in the public and private sectors, resource users, non-governmental organisations and the general public, in formulating, planning and implementing their activities. Based on above principles in Malaysia National Policy on the Environment, the RMN is yet to adopt this principle officially because the negative aspect to the environment is very minute, but in a long term period the effect will slowly affect the environment, and this will de discuss further in following paragraph.   Therefore, planning and implementing activities from designing of warships to the way executioner part of the operations are to be monitored and suit to the highest commitment of environmental protection. Malaysia has a sound and viable National Environmental Policy and adequate legal regime to cope with challenges of the present day marine pollution issues   The protection of the marine environment and degree of the RMN compliance were based on Environmental Quality Act 1974, Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, Merchant Shipping Oil Pollution Act 1994, Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984 and Fisheries Act 1985. 3.2 RELATED MARITIME ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Threats to the environment are an increasing concern for states, societies and the international community. In relations to naval operations, below are the related maritime environmental issue which more or less hascontributed to the emerging problems. 3.2.1 Water Pollution Water pollution may be less conspicuous than the solid waste pollution, but it is probably even more dangerous.   This is partly because a wider range of harmful chemicals falls in this category and partly because it is more mobile as compared to the solid waste materials.   With regard to marine environmental issues, liquid pollutants are generated from ships and offshore installations.   Liquids are simply dumped into the oceans without any treatment.   One of the most common liquid wastes is sewage.   In many cases sewage is discharged to the sea without any treatment, which will create disease producing bacteria thus the plant and animal life in it cannot survive and the water becomes anoxic or lifeless. 3.2.2 Air Pollution and Degradation of the Atmosphere Air pollution is one of the toxic forms that affect the environment.   Air, by far, is the most important aspect to human life.Air pollution and air quality has become a huge topic in the world today.   The air quality is different depending on your location where about.   For examples, Los Angeles is very smoggy and has poor quality versus the forests of Brazil that have very clean air, meanwhile Kuala Lumpur is experiencing seasonal haze from month of July to October every year.   Polluting the air with any kind of foreignmaterial such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon mono-oxide, hydrogen sulphide, volatile organic compounds, chlorine, chloroform, chlorinedioxide and making environment dangerous to live for living species is called air pollution. Air pollution is actually the accumulation of any unsafe substances to the atmosphere, which causes the destructive of the environment, human health and the quality of life.   The increasing of shipping industries has increased in air pollution and even though ships are operating far from land, more or less it has contributed to the increase in the death rates resulting from various diseases caused by air pollution varying from breathing problem to lung cancer. Air pollution does not only affect people, but it also damages the whole ecological system in which plants and animals are harmed as well. Air pollution has reached such a critical stage where it affects the earths atmosphere as it lets in more harmful radiation from the sun. Consequently, our polluted atmosphere is becoming a better insulator, thus, preventing heat from escaping back into space. That is why there is a global rise in temperature, which scientists refer to as ‘global warming.   Pursuant to this rise i n temperature the world food supply and sea level will be affected, also there is the probability of the increase in the tropical disease. Air pollution also has a dramatic effect on natural resources.   Ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and rivers perform many important services for Earths environment.   They enhance water and air quality, provide habitat for plants and animals, and provide food and medicines. Any or all of these ecosystem functions may be impaired or destroyed by air pollution.   Moreover, because of the complex relationships among the many types of organisms and ecosystems, environmental contamination may have far-reaching consequences that are not immediately obvious or that are difficult to predict. 3.2.3 Global Warming The excessive production of Carbon dioxide to the environment is one of the factors that have affected the ozone layer.Thus it willprevent some amount of solar energy from being radiated back to space. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect which leads to global warming.Among the industrialized countries, USA, Russia, Japan and France are the largest contributors to this menace.USA alone accounts for 42% of the total carbon dioxide emission all over the wor1d.Most countries in this region like Malaysia and Indonesia are rapidly approaching the emission levels recorded.As of now a rise of average atmospheric temperature has been reported over the past 75 years and is likely to continue into the next century. Global warming has resulted in shrinking of glaciers and ice sheets; a rise of 6 to 37inches in the mean sea level is predicted by the year 2100.Low lying countries within this region such as Bangladesh and Indonesia risk getting submerged by the rising sea levels. Glob al warming will aggravate the water crisis in summer months. It would also lead to expansion of geographical range of tropical pests and will increase the chances of forest fires. 3.2.4 Ozone Depletions The stratospheric ozone layer existing between altitudes of 12 to 35 kilometres is considered as a protective shield or an umbrella for the earth because it prevents the ultraviolet rays from reaching the surface of the earth.In the absence of this layer, no life would be possible because the sun rays would raise the temperature of the lower atmosphere making the earth a blast furnace. The importance of the ozone layer came to light in 1985 when a hole was detected over Antarctica.Chloro Flouro Carbons or CFCs are the group of the gases, which are largely responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer. These synthetic chemicals are widely used as propellants in spray cans, air conditions and refrigerators. Thus CFCs in addition to carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are termed as greenhouse gases as they all contribute to the greenhouse effect. In addition to this, Ozone layer depletion has caused a definite rise in the cases of skin cancer it is estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that 12% decrease in the ozone layer would cause skin cancer in up to half a million people per annum. 3.2.5 Acid Rain Acid rain is the serious pollution hazard. It causes irreparable damage to agricultural crops, forests, aquatic life and even the human body. It corrodes buildings, pollutes the drinking water and degrades soil. Major sources of sulphur dioxide emission are thermal power plants, crude oil refineries and automobiles, which together account for 50% of the sulphur dioxide pollution.Rainwater of pH less than 5.6 is considered acidic. Emissions of waste gases from industries, vehicle exhausts and power generation are causes of rainwater acidity.When the pH levels of lakes and rivers fall below about 5.5, many species of fish will die, and this in turn is followed by changes in the ecosystem.Acid rain is corrosive to metals such as iron and zinc roof, marble and limestone.Low pH values have been attributed by an increased in industrial activity and large numbers of motor vehicles emitting considerable amounts of sulphur and nitrogen compounds into the atmosphere.Acid rain is detrimental to life and life-support systems. Acidity is measured by hydrogen ion concentration, designated as pH, and is measured on a scale of 1 to 14. A pH value below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline.Rain acidity in Peninsular Malaysia is on the rise and the number of areas affected by acid rain is growing. Studies by the Meteorological Service Department exposed that, to date the acid rain is becomingworrying environmental problem. 3.3 BINDING LAWS Most of the international environmental law is based on agreement or treaty.With regard to the protection of the marine environment, Malaysia adheres to a number of international conventions. The treaties are as follows: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982. Maritime Pollutions Convention (MARPOL), 73/78. International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC), 1990. International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992. International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage 1992. Treaties are made to be performed. ‘Pacta sunt servanda or the rule that treaties arebinding on the parties and must be performed in good faith is the fundamental principle of customary international law. This principle has been reaffirmed in Article 26 of theVienna Convention on the law of Treaties 1969, ‘Every treaty in force is binding uponthe parties to it and must be performed in good faith. Therefore, Malaysia is obliged to the binding laws and thus not excluding the RMN in this context. This paper will only discuss one domestic rule and twointernational treaties as to examine and relate the degree of the RMN compliance in environmental issues. 3.3.1 Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Act 1984 The Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1984 is an important Malaysian statute devised to implement certain aspects of the UNCLOS 1982.Part IV of the EEZ Act deals with p