Apple Says Sorry

Apple CEO Tim Cook apologized to Chinese consumers after two weeks of being lambasted by state-run media and others for arrogance and poor customer service. It seems that the company’s offense was in its failure to replace the back covers of iPhones after repairing electronics inside. A simple thing really that shouldn’t have been allowed to smolder and then become a target of public anger.

Cook had explained: “In the process of studying the issues, we recognize that some people may have viewed our lack of communication as arrogant, or as a sign that we didn’t care about or value their feedback”.

But many companies are guilty of the same things that Cook mentioned above – not just Apple. My beef with Unilever could be traced as far back as seven years ago! But unlike the Apple case where it caught global attention and forced the company to act correctly, my case is very much about just this one individual (i.e. me). I am only one voice so my rant will have no effect whatsover on the behemoth that is Unilever. [Those keen to know about my grievance can read about it at this link http://helpvictor.blogspot.com/2008/10/walls-story.html].

The Apple apology was overdue but I suppose, it’s better late than never. In case, anyone in Apple thinks it is not a big deal – consider that China accounted for $22.8 billion in sales in fiscal 2012. Didn’t I say, business is business?

Bloomberg referred to the Apple apology as a rite of passage for foreign brands in China. This is to assume that Apple and other foreign brands are being picked on by Chinese authorities. This is simply not true. Consumer dissatisfaction was real and Bloomberg was being mischievous.

I was at Wisma WIM in TTDI’s Jalan Abang Haji Openg to attend the Metropolitan Bilingual Toastmasters meeting. I didn’t have any role but I did take part in Table Topics and won the Best Speaker ribbon. A good meeting and I would give it a score of a 6.5 out of a 10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

And finally after months of toying with Malaysians, Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the dissolution of Parliament today, paving the way for GE13. Only official media were allowed to broadcast the announcement from within Najib’s office in Putrajaya.  

Najib made a faux pas in his dissolution speech which was telecast live nationwide. Many did not realize that Najib had said “Pada pagi ini, saya telah pun menghadap Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong dan menyembah warkah kepada baginda memohon perkenaan supaya parlimen ke-12 dibubarkan pada hari ini Rabu, 3 April 2012”. [“I had an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and delivered the letter to dissolve the 12th Parliament (session) today, Wednesday, April 3, 2012”].

Going by Najib’s speech, Parliament was dissolved last year and not 2013!