FUEL Price INCREASE

FUEL PRICE INCREASE

Finally the TRUTH is rubbing ON US! We have to pay near-market prices for fuel. As an Environment-conscious being I am not worried about the increases in the fuel prices - BUT I am very concerned about their spiralling effect on food prices, transport and basic shelter.

Unless the government has very good strategic plans to help the poor and needy, the most affected by this steep increase will be the ones who can least afford it.

Prices of food, public transport and low-cost housing must be kept down and affordable.

It is now time, and critically so, for the government to introduce minimum wages. With the expected increase in cost of living it should not be less than RM1,200 per month (RM800 basic + RM400 cost of living allowances) for all sectors particularly the private-sector.

Don't let the people die of starvation or suffer from malnutrition.

Sabah workers, other than in the government sector, receive lower wages but have to suffer a higher cost of living. What is going to happen to them? How do they survive?

And what about the ethnic subsistence farmers slogging in the valleys and up on steep hills? Will they be priced-out of their lives? Will they be able to afford basic necessities?

Sabah leaders should seriously look into good public transport systems all over the state. The City transport system should be greatly improved and subsidised to encourage its use.

Too much of the Nation's wealth has been wasted without the majority of the raayat gaining benefits due to politics and patronage.

The Nation's finances must be more prudently managed and fairly shared among all its citizens.

One way is to get rid of wasteful mega projects.

Another way is to do away with negotiated tenders and go for 'a clean open-tender system.'

Billions of Ringgit may be saved from these which can be channelled towards welfare for the poor and helping farmers and fishermen upgrade and increase our food production.

My personal call to Malaysians is: CHANGE Your HABITS and ADJUST Your LIFE-STYLE BUT at the same time DEMAND transparency and accountability.

In this, I hope our leaders will show the way - failing which, the people could show them the way by VOTING MORE WISELY the next time around.