Subsidizing the subsidized with our subsidies?

The Government now wants to take away subsidies from the people. Looking purely at the economic side, it makes a lot of sense to minimise subsidies, as subsidies have the potential to erode the wealth of a nation.

However, our Government cannot remove the subsidies if the principle reason is to ensure the Government has more money to spend.

This Government has shown us all, time and again, their propensity to spend unnecessarily, irresponsibly & immorally. Over the span of 20 years, we have seen many projects which went way above the budget. The Matrade Building at KL comes to mind. The twin track rail also comes to mind. Lets not forget the silly monuments build all over Putrajaya.

We read of the Auditor-General reports of laptops purchased by the Government, 300% above the market price. We see millions spend on RELA, when the money should be spend on the Police (more salary/better equipments etc).

Submarines purchased, but cant float. Jet plane engine, stolen from the very people who are suppose to protect the nation. Cars used by the Government, is rented from some mysterious company at a super-inflated price.

The numerous Bank Bumiputra scandals. The billions lost by our Government-related banks like Bank Islam. Recent Sime Darby losses. Klang FTZ scandal.

We can go on and on. It would too long.

All these are examples of wastage. Examples of irresponsible governing. Immoral spending.

The root cause, we all know is corruption. Be it in the form of kick-backs, pay-backs, rub-backs etc, somebody's back was taken care of, and the only ones to lose out are the people.

This Government has not shown the political-will to tackle corruption and in fact seems to send the message to the people, that this Government takes corruption as a culture and a norm. How then, can the people be expected to accept this proposal to remove subsidies?

Another issue this Government has failed to tackle in the recent discussions about subsidy-removal, is salary. The salary of a young professional in Kuala Lumpur, hovers around RM2,500 to RM3,000. Some lucky ones may receive salary of RM4,000 but this is the exception and not the norm. The clerical staff, on the other hand, usually starts at RM800 to RM1,200 at Kuala Lumpur.

If subsidies are taken away, what guarantees can the young Malaysians be able to cope up with this level of salary? If petrol price shoots up to (for example) RM3.50 per litre, how would that help?

A young professional use to earn about RM1,800 to RM2,200 back in the year 2000. 10 years later, the starting salary has gone up by 15% to 30% only. Yet petrol prices which used to be around RM1.20 per litre back in 2000, is now doubled in price.

Perhaps the Government should not hoodwink the people anymore. Why do you need this money saved from subsidy? Please tell us the truth? Is it to subsidies the expensive and expansive lifestyle of our politicians in the Government? Is it to give our politicians more money to promise to the people during by-elections?

Please tell us the truth. No more lies.