Sagers warned in a 4 March Journal of Commerce article, much of Russia's annual energy income is being passed on to other failing industries in the form of subsidies that fuel inflation and frustrate reform.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Starting from late 1994, "carrots" in one form or other are being served simultaneously with the brandishing of several "sticks" to the electorate (example: You cannot vote for upgrading if you vote for the opposition -- PM Goh Chok Tong in the local press).

CNN: LETTERS AND COMMENT

Two other employees are being treated for inhalation anthrax, the most dangerous form of the illness.

CNN: Neighbors mourn postal worker

Yet there are other problems with Mr Sasono's schemes, not least the likelihood that they will lead to one form of corruption being replaced by another.

ECONOMIST: The Robin Hood of Java