The amulet business has been hit hard. Trader Sri W.G.G. used to employ 10 mobile-phone toting amulet salesmen a few years ago. Today, only his nephew is on his payroll. Now, there are days when we don't make anything. It's not all bad.
Amulets blessed by reputable monks still do well.
And there hasn't been a juicy scandal so far this year. Perhaps those monks who have trouble renouncing earthly desires are being brought back to righteousness by market forces. With his company mired in debt and more rockiness ahead, Richard Li is seeking someone else to do the heavy lifting. The daggers are out between President Wahid and Vice President Megawati. All Rights Reserved.