tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post3254144877409485528..comments2023-10-15T21:42:27.426+08:00Comments on Philosophy Politics Economics: Prices Take A HikeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-5961899945566230682008-06-11T13:37:00.000+08:002008-06-11T13:37:00.000+08:00The thing is, from the so-called extra money from ...The thing is, from the so-called extra money from the reduction in fuel subsidies where will it go?<BR/><BR/>You talk about the future of Malaysia but all I can see is that it's either mostly for the pockets of some people or god knows where that extra money is going to.<BR/><BR/>Fuel is much more expensive for the citizens to buy now and there is no preparation nor alternatives given for the citizens to ease their burden.<BR/><BR/>Where are the more efficient public transports? Where are the policies that will be implemented to ease the burden of the citizens?<BR/><BR/>Before implementing all of this, the government just decided to drop an atomic bomb just like that. It's freaking unfair. Cost of living has gone up considerably especially in states where there public transport is like utter crap. No LRTs/MRTs available as alternatives and busses are only available on the main roads only (What about people living far away from bus stops?), not to mention the ripoff expensive taxis. Oh and did you think public transports in KL are efficient enough in the first place?<BR/><BR/>Don't get me wrong though, I'm not against the reduction and removal of fuel subsidies. I'm just against how the government did it.<BR/><BR/>Yes, the government can remove the subsidies for all I care BUT they must implement substitutes/alternatives that can offset the burden on the citizens.<BR/><BR/>What they did was totally a bad move. Take a look at how it has impacted on the Ringgit. The real value of money has fallen and there is no income increment, no other form of burden easing. How do you expect people to survive in the future where the fuel is not subsidised anymore?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-9131881578688189782008-06-10T20:42:00.000+08:002008-06-10T20:42:00.000+08:00I share your sentiments but Anwar has promised to ...I share your sentiments but Anwar has promised to do the opposite. <BR/><BR/>What will you do if he becomes PM? What will DAP do? Support him or just keep quiet? <BR/><BR/>You know this is bad economics and will ruin the country in the long run when we become a net oil importer by 2014.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-60667665882901684172008-06-06T12:30:00.000+08:002008-06-06T12:30:00.000+08:00Dear TonyI'll get my "revenge" in next Sarawak sta...Dear Tony<BR/><BR/>I'll get my "revenge" in next Sarawak state election .... coming soon!! <BR/><BR/>And for all those voters who voted for BN recently, that's your "reward" and you bring us all to brink of starvation!! <BR/><BR/>Regards<BR/>SarawakianAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-89249336199463286642008-06-06T11:27:00.000+08:002008-06-06T11:27:00.000+08:00The removal of subsidies is inevitable, which I ag...The removal of subsidies is inevitable, which I agree, as it distorts the real price and encourages inefficient consumption of resources. But I feel that the reasoning above is strictly from a textbook point of view. Apply it to the normal struggling man on the working man on the street who has to wake up at 6 am to avoid the jams and reach work at 8 am... then work till 7 pm and endure jams to get back at 8.30 pm or later and yet does not even indulge himself/herself in veblen goods, the sudden 40% hike doesnt give him/ her much choice does it? <BR/><BR/>The long term effects are good of course as the money from subsidies saved can be channeld to providing better infrastructure (which in this case most likely refers to better mass rail transport as we hope). However, again, the construction of a mass rail transport will take a longer term to materialise. <BR/><BR/>In the mean time what does the person who has a family to feed going to do?? He/She still has to send their kids to school dont they? I still have to drive alone to work, as I dont have anyone to car pool with as my colleagues leave else where and we leave work at different times and have different commitments. To boot the public transport at my area is almost negligible.<BR/><BR/>On the Second Finance Minister's call for people to take public transport as he mentioned most developed countries have almost 50% of their citizens using it, I would like to ask him to try it out for a week and then imagine just 30% of the whole Klang Valley using it. I don't have empirical results to back it up, as some economists/statisticians among u will of course ask me for it, but I believe that logic would have it that the whole public transport system would crash in the morning peak hour and most of us would be late for work. <BR/><BR/>Again I reiteate the view that subsidies has to be reduced, but it has to be done in a way that minimizes shocks the most. I agree with those that say it has to be done in stages for the effects to have a smoother absorbtion. Economics is about efficient use of resources - that is true. But in application I am in the view that it has to be applied in a humane way. Economics is about efficient usage of scarce resources, but in the end we are all humans with mouths to feed. <BR/><BR/>On a development point, the government doesnt even have any concrete plans to improve the public transport and also redistribute the rebates. While they come up with some sort of plan, normal people would still have to fork out money to pay at 2.70 - not yet factoring in the inevitable increase in necessity item costs. I would call the recent move in the hike as a "Gun and Run" using Economic theory as disguise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-21555963605127367622008-06-06T07:25:00.000+08:002008-06-06T07:25:00.000+08:00Thank you Tony for the brief statement. You're sta...Thank you Tony for the brief statement. You're statement truly show your understanding of the economy. I would strongly urge DAP to give a solid suggestion towards solving the problem. With the suggestion, it'll show the people that DAP is a party with constructive solution and not a party that knows how to organize protests only.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>James LohAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-9457130329037193352008-06-06T01:24:00.000+08:002008-06-06T01:24:00.000+08:00Dear Tony, After reading what KianMing wrote on ...Dear Tony, <BR/> After reading what KianMing wrote on MalaysiaKini, I'm again glad to hear that you share his view that it's necessary and not cash in for political popularity. <BR/> As a public figure within a party, it must be hard to express your belief without stepping on others. So are you going to support the demonstration with the party?<BR/><BR/> For most of us who has the resources to read this blog and post comments here, the price hike may be something to curse about as it tighten our spending power. What about those people who already can't get ends meet? They got no share of rebate because they couldn't even afford a motorbike but the huge inflation will spare no one! <BR/><BR/> Worried about crime rate.Tzu Yenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08340803393150960150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-55669748377807731132008-06-06T01:09:00.000+08:002008-06-06T01:09:00.000+08:00Perhaps this is a trap to INSTIGATE the public to ...Perhaps this is a trap to INSTIGATE the public to go for LARGE SCALE DEMONSTRATION.......<BR/><BR/>Only by then they can impose martial law to keep everybody's mouth shut.Tan Wee Tionghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11813852666435753016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-37751877178440003602008-06-06T00:56:00.000+08:002008-06-06T00:56:00.000+08:00Dear All DAP Supporters,Let us all unite together ...Dear All DAP Supporters,<BR/><BR/>Let us all unite together to support and contribute in our best possible way to help DAP MPs & YBs to fist fight this political journey less traveled.<BR/><BR/>Together we will surely rise in no time to ousted Pak Lah, The Forever Sleeping PM and rebuild Malaysia to the world.<BR/><BR/>Just Change It!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-57305038981869808172008-06-06T00:42:00.000+08:002008-06-06T00:42:00.000+08:00I accept the withdrawal of out feul subsidy for ve...I accept the withdrawal of out feul subsidy for vehicles provided the tax on cars also withdrawed immediately or refunded!!!1Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-34445745230283177012008-06-05T23:28:00.000+08:002008-06-05T23:28:00.000+08:00I dun get why we were told that there will be no p...I dun get why we were told that there will be no price increase earlier... read this info which is funny but true <BR/><BR/>http://2cents2some.blogspot.com/2008/06/fool-me-once-shame-on-you-fool-me-twice.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-44276354585674684012008-06-05T22:36:00.000+08:002008-06-05T22:36:00.000+08:00From a commentator in Mahathir's blog expressing f...From a commentator in Mahathir's blog expressing frustration of the incompetence Abdullah Badawi.<BR/><BR/>http://www.chedet.com/2008/06/oil-price.html<BR/><BR/>memory said... <BR/>Dear Tun,<BR/>I am Malaysian chinese,been travelling to Taiwan, China and HK frequently and all of my friends there always recognized 'Mahathir' as the Icon of brave speaker. I am proud of u, with the visions. But there are too many bad politicians involved in your baby projects-sucha as Silterra in kulim and 1st silicon in sarawak. They lost about RM6 billions each so far as per 2007. That's my own calculation and was published in NST last year too.<BR/>My business was badly hurt and closed down due to the high cost after Ringgit was unpacked. <BR/>I believe in your idealogies and your ways of thoughts and comments on the issues and fired the issues -are all true!. There is no way that strengthening Ringgit without tarnishing the export or there is no way that cost of operation has not been increased with the strengtening of ringgit. All are lies by the ministers! we should send them back to primary schools to learn their math! and the Miss Zeti too!.<BR/>I had earned some money when u were PM. But after the handover, i faced the problems of bad economy,strengthing Ringgit and etcs. I lost RM3000 in exchange rate per 1 transaction, which was summed up to rm150k per year. A fried of mine, in Furniture export, lost rm300 to 400k for the exchange lost. <BR/>And now, i am unemployed with debts, lost of income, business closed. <BR/>Tun, please make a come back!! <BR/>By the way i am in High tech industry -semiconductor and electronic.<BR/>Please help tun. We can survive with this government. They dont even know what is the economy!<BR/>Tq.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-38220343685358586652008-06-05T22:04:00.000+08:002008-06-05T22:04:00.000+08:00Find out the IPPs in the country that have lopside...Find out the IPPs in the country that have lopsided agreement with Tenaga. Boycot all the products & services of these IPPs related company or related to the bosses.<BR/><BR/>Ferking crazy schemming us poor rakyat!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-32232391832235897062008-06-05T21:57:00.000+08:002008-06-05T21:57:00.000+08:00Now is only USD130++ per barrel but by this Decemb...Now is only USD130++ per barrel but by this December it will hit USD200++ per barrel!<BR/><BR/>Do not believe? Check the Oil future market @ NY.<BR/><BR/>Be prepare for higher fuel cost in future.NEOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02486175130558789063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-6056224773203709412008-06-05T21:56:00.000+08:002008-06-05T21:56:00.000+08:00Although I agree that long term subsidy for the pe...Although I agree that long term subsidy for the petrol will not be a wise move for Malaysian, I definately very upset with this recent hike. Why? Because the saving from the fuel subsidy will not be channelled for 'rakyat' welfare or country growth.<BR/><BR/>I equally dissappointed that the government have no compassion for rakyat as the current economy sentiment already is not good. What have the government do to prepare rakyat for all these price hikes? Asking us to change our lifestyle but is the government setting any example for the rakyat? What happen to 'Kepimpinan melalui Teladan'?<BR/><BR/>So what choice does the rakyat have now? Tighten our belt and embrace the worst.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-46295668864377443732008-06-05T21:43:00.000+08:002008-06-05T21:43:00.000+08:00to strong DAP supporter 5.11:china and indonesia a...to strong DAP supporter 5.11:<BR/><BR/>china and indonesia are net importers of oil. i'm afraid your information is outdated by the decades.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-68592117963453189022008-06-05T21:09:00.000+08:002008-06-05T21:09:00.000+08:00Dear Tony,One of the issues that have come out of ...Dear Tony,<BR/><BR/>One of the issues that have come out of the debate over the fuel hike has been over transparency over the Petronas accounts. (Yes, I know it's an old issue!)<BR/><BR/>Yet when I raise the issue with friends in PETRONAS they tell me that the results are announced every year, the accounts are available online and the full annual reports are in the Parliamentary Library.<BR/><BR/>Now that you're a YB, maybe you can tell me if the annual reports are actually available in the Library? <BR/><BR/>If they're not, that's one thing, but if they are then I was curious as to what sort of additional information people are looking for?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-53559959972194650432008-06-05T20:47:00.000+08:002008-06-05T20:47:00.000+08:00Take action against the frigging corrupt, from the...Take action against the frigging corrupt, from the PM and Dep PM down. Investigate all and sundry and throw them in jail, and then talk about talk removing subsidies. I would only then support the removal of the subsisdies.Major D Swami (Retired)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07293039146572298497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-23543522943084025222008-06-05T18:48:00.000+08:002008-06-05T18:48:00.000+08:00I'm with most DAP's reps view on this issue,Price ...I'm with most DAP's reps view on this issue,<BR/><BR/>Price hike is inevitable, and the subsidy practice won't benefit the country...<BR/><BR/>but at the same time, where does the oil money go? What about the subsidy that IPP is enjoying?<BR/><BR/>Why not scrutinizing all the related issues, make a firm step on dealing with these issues, before levering the subsidy?Bentohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04732565853872797486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-42966940192854215812008-06-05T18:27:00.000+08:002008-06-05T18:27:00.000+08:00Few issues can be raised from the recent fuel hike...Few issues can be raised from the recent fuel hike:<BR/><BR/>a) Credibility issue and flip-flop policies on fuel subsidy; enough said and repeated numerous times by many.<BR/><BR/>b) Mixing free markets prices with monopoly/protected markets. This is what many here are making noise over. If we want free mkt pricing then free the other mkts as well. Give us free market in terms of car imports (i.e. abolish APs), free markets for telco services, free markets for banking charges/fees, free markets for taxis/ airlines, free markets for IPPs, etc. The excesses here can release more $ into the market to better distribute income. Let the public enjoy lower rates, tariffs, charges etc.<BR/><BR/>c) Reduce excesses and inefficiencies in Govt. Lead by example, senior Govt officials on economy class, limit travel claims and cut down on 1st classs accomodations. Free-open market tenders to best/lowest price bidder for quality products/ services. Remove quotas, restrictions and crony tenders/awards.<BR/><BR/>Once the above is done, I fully support non-subsidise full fuel-pump pricesclkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08700265260371403083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-50642140895794993742008-06-05T18:02:00.000+08:002008-06-05T18:02:00.000+08:00Well, I am a Singaporean and unlike what some of h...Well, I am a Singaporean and unlike what some of have said, it is not really true that we are not complaining about the increase in petrol prices. You are right to say that we have a good public transport alternative. If you live in Singapore and earn SGD3000 and spend your money here, I can tell you that you are not better off, unless you save your money and expense that in Malaysia. I hope that it make you feel better now. I have always wanted to make and save my money in Singapore and finally retire in Malaysia, if possible. <BR/><BR/>CheersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-59047126167079571732008-06-05T17:43:00.000+08:002008-06-05T17:43:00.000+08:00Hi again, Tony. I hardly ever post comments and do...Hi again, Tony. I hardly ever post comments and don't have much time available to spend in blogosphere. <BR/><BR/>But I've come back to emphasize two points which I hope you will take further and clarify for everyone:<BR/><BR/>1. There are NO "savings" from ending the subsidy.<BR/><BR/>In other words, the government is not suddently flush with cash from today! As early as 3 or 4 years ago, the size of the federal government's budget deficit was equal to the cost of the fuel subsidy. End the subsidy and you end the deficit. As oil prices have increased, the subsidy has increased, and so has the deficit. <BR/><BR/>One day someone has to pay for the accumulated deficit, and that will be taxpayers. <BR/><BR/>That is not to say that the current expenditure is not wasteful, I agree with many of the comments about how we need to hold our public officials to account for unnecessary and wasteful spending.<BR/><BR/>2. We cannot abolish tolls for road use.<BR/><BR/>I agree that we should not protect Proton anymore, and all duties on cars should come down. Obviously.<BR/><BR/>But someone has to pay for roads and highways. Obviously the user should pay. That is what tolls are for. <BR/><BR/>In some countries, there are no tolls, but the roads are not provided free -- they are funded from a tax on fuel which is then used for road maintenance. So are those who want to abolish tolls asking for a TAX on petrol?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16083082166194872881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-79946800037453705882008-06-05T17:38:00.000+08:002008-06-05T17:38:00.000+08:00Thank you Tony...for showing us how a real politic...Thank you Tony...for showing us how a real politician should be. Although you re on the opposition, you should not be opposing for the sake of opposing. Every economists would know too much subsidy will lead to inefficient outcome, and alter consumer behaviour adversely. <BR/><BR/>I hope DAP can propose some welfare-based mechanism for the government, before the people go rioting.WYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16149881615500824835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-35521313463237283092008-06-05T17:12:00.000+08:002008-06-05T17:12:00.000+08:00Hey Tony,I am your voter & I will tell you this, c...Hey Tony,<BR/><BR/>I am your voter & I will tell you this, choose your words carefully.<BR/><BR/>Yes, the eventual raising prices for petrol must be done. Not suddenly as it was. From an economic point of view, these are the facts in this country, as we also have terrible levels of corruption, low transparency, wastage of taxpayers money, little checks & balance, high prices of cars, a relatively high level of personal loans & people suffering under high amounts of debts.<BR/><BR/>Many take home hardly anything after epf, socso, tax, loan payments, etc.<BR/><BR/>As RPK put it, all the money Petronas made has not been put to good use in developing this country & making us competitive & independent.<BR/><BR/>Just Change It Lah... The bloody gaaaaveeerrrrmeeennnttt lah that is.<BR/><BR/>We are willing to give you the federal funds, but you better make sure we do not continue to suffer & be taken for a ride for long.<BR/><BR/>Your excuses & internal party & political problems do not matter to us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-21521289855986067662008-06-05T17:11:00.000+08:002008-06-05T17:11:00.000+08:00I'm totally agreed with my19, but what BN governme...I'm totally agreed with my19, but what BN government done so far. All project benefits people not successful, a big project like Putrajaya didn't achieve its goal, people still suffer lower salary, RM exchange rate weakening compare to Singapore dollar, people is suffering from the high price daily consumer products, public transport in the city didn’t improve since BN government promise in 2006.<BR/><BR/>Why Singaporean didn’t compliant about increase of petrol price, 1st they have a wonderful public transport system, 2nd Singapore dollar is stronger, if Malaysian working in Singapore with same value of salary (SGD3000 compare to RM3000), your purchasing power is higher than Malaysian, petrol price in S’pore only 2.20 compare to Malaysia we need to paid 2.70. China oil price RM2.37, Indonesia RM2.05, they are oil export country like Malaysia and Singapore not oil export country. <BR/><BR/>On top what my19 suggestion, YB Tony and opposition representative should fight for people for lower personnel income tax, increase taxable income threshold, this definitely will benefits lower income groups. <BR/><BR/>Regards,<BR/>Strong DAP SupporterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37045477.post-52908184224491993962008-06-05T16:51:00.000+08:002008-06-05T16:51:00.000+08:00Tony,I'll gladly pay unsubsidized fuel for 2 benef...Tony,<BR/><BR/>I'll gladly pay unsubsidized fuel for 2 benefits which I think is reasonable.<BR/><BR/>1. Abolish car tax and levy.<BR/>2. Abolish toll.<BR/><BR/>Otherwise don't talk about comparing market rates. <BR/><BR/>But I suspect the money is meant for something else.<BR/><BR/>MarkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com