The fuel hike announced by the government evoked reaction from the people. Everyone had (and still has) something to say. One thing for sure, the rakyat are not happy. We’re angry. We want information. Some even resort to street protests to voice out their dissatisfaction.
The Star reported that ‘A large group of opposition party supporters from PAS and PKR gathered in front of the Kampung Baru mosque after Friday prayers to protest the recent fuel price hike.’
With that, here are a few things the government should do to assuage public anger.
With that, here are a few things the government should do to assuage public anger.
1. Improve public transport
Most people rely on private cars to get to their destinations. Now, more people are depending on public transport. Ever been on one? Not exactly a wonderful experience, was it? Memorable, but for the wrong reasons. Therefore, the savings from cutting the subsidies should go to enhancing our public transport.
2. Real price of petrol, real price of cars
If one expects the people to pay the full, real-world price of petrol – and I must say it is a perfectly reasonable expectation – then the rakyat expects, also reasonably, to buy cars at real-world prices, without the exorbitant taxes currently imposed.
I agree with the writer. The above was part of a comment on The Star’s Column, Contradictheory.
3. Reveal Petronas accounts
Don’t compare the petrol price with other countries in the region and say we’re the cheapest (after Brunei). That’s just not right. And we’re NOT stupid. Compare our prices with the other oil-producing countries.
Having said that, Petronas raked in millions of ringgit in revenue every year. Where’s all the money? Shouldn’t it be sufficient to cover the fuel subsidy? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see for this one.
People from all walks of life are affected by the fuel hike, especially the poor.
Don’t compare the petrol price with other countries in the region and say we’re the cheapest (after Brunei). That’s just not right. And we’re NOT stupid. Compare our prices with the other oil-producing countries.
Having said that, Petronas raked in millions of ringgit in revenue every year. Where’s all the money? Shouldn’t it be sufficient to cover the fuel subsidy? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see for this one.
People from all walks of life are affected by the fuel hike, especially the poor.
In Malaysia Today, Bank Islam Malaysia senior economist Azrul Azwar Ahmad Tajudin was reported saying
“For the poor, the recent fuel price hike comes as a double whammy of sort. For the past one year, they have been struggling to make ends meet with the rising food costs. Now they are hit once more with more expensive fuel while there is zero growth in their income.”
The ministers should not just in the air-conditioned offices and leave it to the people to cope with the changes. After all, it’s their job. They are the ones who should think of ways to help us. That’s why they were elected. It’s their responsibility.
The ministers should not just in the air-conditioned offices and leave it to the people to cope with the changes. After all, it’s their job. They are the ones who should think of ways to help us. That’s why they were elected. It’s their responsibility.
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