Fuel Price Hike: Yes? No? How?
The recent fuel hike and subsequent measures taken by the Malaysian Government (e.g. urging Govt. staff in northern Malaysia to cycle to work) has met with more disapproval than support in recent days. We have the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) president saying that the hike was “simply too much”, the Kuala Lumpur Lorry Operators Association secretary-general claiming that “…even the present diesel subsidy was not enough…” and even the president of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers chiming in with “…the recent hike in fuel price may have a significant negative impact on the manufacturing industry if there is a potential increase in electricity charges.”
But that’s not all. Malaysiakini is host to much more “disturbing” talk on the fuel hike. Try the “durian story” analogy which argues that there’s no reason to decrease fuel subsidies when Petronas - a highly profitable fuel company - is government-owned (or more accurately, citizen-owned). Try this reader’s call for more transparency and accountability by Petronas (or rather, the Government). If you want even more arguments against the fuel hike, look at the responses of MDP (arguing that the Govt.’s aim of using the extra funds for public transportation and etc. would turn up empty, yet again) and DAP (arguing that the move is “highly irresponsible and uncaring”).
Luckily, we do have positive statements from Malaysians. There are those that applaud the Government’s move, arguing that subsidies benefited the rich more than the poor in the first place (but still pushing for greater accountability of Petronas’ gains). Personally, I feel that Malaysian demand for petrol has been far too high in the first place - a clear symptom of the circumvention of basic economic principles. Subsidies have undeniably served their purpose, but oversubsidies have possibly cost Malaysian companies their international competitiveness.
It’s therefore a brave move to remove these competitive hindrances, now that they are less needed. Better to wean Malaysian firms from “petrol overdependence” now rather than later as no longer can we expect kindness in today’s harsh global economy. Of course, we do also have to hope that the financial gains from the fuel hike are used appropriately.
I was so emotionally affected by the sudden fuel hike bomb shell that I too was desperately seeking channels to express my feelings.
Having scanned the various options such as Starblogs…etc, I discovered that quite a number of my fellow Malaysians have beaten me to it – venting the frustrations.
The most surprising thing is that they have exactly echoed all my views. It is good to know that I am not alone in my line of thoughts.
I observed that they have painstakingly detailed and outlined their statements with genuine convictions. Thank you very much for speaking out for the many of us who lack good writing abilities.
To be fair, I noted that there were some who have written in to support the hike. However, the fact remains that the nays far outnumber the ayes – meaning there are more suffering souls than the optimistic ones.
It is disheartening to also note that the government can so far only offer little solace with the introduction of future measures that do not promise much.
One question came to mind. Have we all written in solely just because of the fuel hike or more due to the realisation that much have gone wrong and grown desperately out of control? Does this signal the start of Dark Age for Malaysia where it will finally become a has been? No more enjoying first world living standards at third world prices? How are the future generations going to cope in the near future? I believe this is actually the real main concern nagging at the back of most Malaysian minds.
Anyway, no point living in further self denial of the harsh reality. Whatever further we have to say now and then, will have little or no bearing on any forthcoming fuel, water, electricity and whatever hikes that the government will definitely impose. Only us, just us will hear. Yet, the sun will rise again tomorrow.
I can only offer a somewhat strange solution that I derived from my personal experience. I would like to share it with everyone concerned and hope that it will bring all some degree of comfort.
Picture this scenario, you are an average income earning parent of forty plus of age who is taking a rest from the day’s toil at home. Your teenage son/daughter walks into your room and will always start by asking, “ Dad / Mum, I need some money for ……………”
You will routinely reply by stating, “How much?” then reach for your wallet/purse and hand over the required amount. You will probably draw a long silent sigh, shaking your head and resume whatever you are doing then, letting the matter rest.
I always feel better this way, treating our government as an adopted teenage child with growing costs.
The only down side is this child will never grow up and you will continue funding till the end.
I can assure you that life will more bearable and humorous this way. Try it.
On a graver note, is the recent recurring strange weather phenomenon of sudden mini hurricanes with powerful winds that uprooted large trees, indicative of Heaven’s displeasure? Ancient superstition states it signifies the transfer of mandate . I pray not. We already have enough problems here and do not need a Thaksin or Arroyo situation.
And finally ending on a lighter note, someone suggested that BN stands for “ BARANG NAIK” . I think “BAD NEWS” also can. What do you think?
Comment by KLNG — Wed, Mar 15th, 2006 @ 12:29 am
Unbelievable. This is probably the longest comment I’ve ever received on any of my blogs, and a detailed one it is too.
Your “teenage kid” is an interesting analogy, and is indeed a rather positive way of looking at things. But let’s note that “teenage children” can get out of hand.
Lol, “barang naik” eh. I agree. But I think “bad news” is a little too harsh, for now that is.
Comment by ZMAng — Wed, Mar 15th, 2006 @ 12:47 am