As a voter I had certain expectations in mind for those who I had voted for. I would like my government to assist us, protect and defend us. Not only from external threats but also domestic. I want my government to be better and brighter than the regular man on a Clapham Omnibus, to be able to solve problems and formulate solutions which would benefit me - a regular Malaysian. However this table explains otherwise:
As always, there will be answers deflecting criticism. But as of today, the answers have been to blame the increase in the price of oil prices worldwide. As a net exporter and what I understand by the word 'net', Malaysia should have been able to cater for the domestic fuel demands and still have leftovers for export. From this, Malaysia decided to sell its high quality fuel (due to low sulfur content) and import low quality fuel from other countries including from the Middle East (I don't know what our environmental policies are!!) to allow the government extra profits. The question is, after that episode we are left to the 'global fuel market forces' where we cannot ignore the rise in fuel prices when we 're-import'.
You know what? If this government had an ounce of consideration for the welfare of its people, I would rather have our oils not being sold and instead cater for the local demands. It could also score us some points for being environmentally friendly!
But that is oil. The average Malaysian bear the daily burden not only of oil but other essential items such as foods, low wages, crippling taxes and toll charges, prices based on monopoly, education costs, daycare costs (as more Malaysian couples have to resort to both husband and wife working) as well as others.
Let us see at the price of automobiles, After the price hike, I have looked at the prices of cars between three countries namely Thailand, Indonesia and Thailand. Let us see how Malaysian first hand cars cost in relation to the other countries. The results speak for themselves. Res Ipsa Loquitur.
From the appended table we can see that among 3 countries Malaysia's price is WAY above normal. For a Toyota Vios in Thailand (whom TV3 shows almost everyday filling their Petrol in Rantau Panjang) it is 58% more expensive in Malaysia and a Toyota Yaris in Malaysia is 47% more expensive than the same model in Indonesia.Malaysia's refusal to accede to the demands of the Free Trade arrangements between ASEAN where Malaysia would have to agree to a 0% to 5% import tax on foreign automobiles, have led to this to happen. Since Pak Lah has mentioned that no further protection would be given to PROTON, could Malaysians have cheaper cars? I say 'cars' because when the foreign cars come cheap, the local automobile industry would have to follow suit or else suffer.
Use of public transportation you say? Why don't the Transport Minister come and check them out for themselves and not just the spanking new coaches used to officiate events!! Just look at the LRT and KTM Komuter systems, delays upon delays with minimum coaches. I have never seen an LRT train that stretches all the way from the front to the back of any station! At the most it would reach three-quarters of the stations platform!
The increase in the price of electricity is also another problem. In Malaysia, where Tenaga Nasional and a host of other Independent Power Producers generate and supply electricity, the prices were raised due to increase in fuel prices. Shouldn't the government nationalise the IPP if they seem to burden the general Malaysian public?
Please remember, the people feel these increases en bloc. They don't address it as a separate items. Our heads are getting bombarded again and again. We choose our representatives in order for them to HELP US, not for us to UNDERSTAND them time and time again!
Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his promise to lower the price of petrol, and you know what? I BELIEVE HIM! come September 16 2008 - Malaysians cannot wait for a new government to take over from these inconsiderate nincompoops!
Amir Hamzah bin Amha
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