How should we judge a government?

In Malaysia, if you don't watch television or read newspapers, you are uninformed; but if you do, you are misinformed!

"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." - Malcolm X

Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience - Mark Twain

Why we should be against censorship in a court of law: Publicity is the very soul of justice … it keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial. - Jeremy Bentham

"Our government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no
responsibility at the other. " - Ronald Reagan

Government fed by the people

Government fed by the people

Career options

Career options
I suggest government... because nobody has ever been caught.

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?
Corruption is so prevalent it affects English language?

When there's too much dirt...

When there's too much dirt...
We need better tools... to cover up mega corruptions.

Prevent bullying now!

Prevent bullying now!
If you're not going to speak up, how is the world supposed to know you exist? “Orang boleh pandai setinggi langit, tapi selama ia tidak menulis, ia akan hilang di dalam masyarakat dan dari sejarah.” - Ananta Prameodya Toer (Your intellect may soar to the sky but if you do not write, you will be lost from society and to history.)

Friday, July 25, 2008

Do we have a choice in government?


I grew up in the midst of vehicle repair workshops, repairing vehicles from cars, vans, lorries, buses and even tractors. In fact, we used to be in the vehicle repairs business but opted out because we were too honest in our dealings – charging 10% on top of our spare part costs, yet having to pay for increments in wages, for example. It was a goldmine industry if one is dishonest but I was instrumental in closing down the family business as it was more like a venue for entertaining some old friends.

By the way, in our quest for the best bargains, please give a thought to the businessmen, big or small, as some of them actually sold at below cost prices out of desperation. I have seen a spare parts shop closed after a year of operation, and a car air-conditioning and accessories shop closed just a month ago, the boss let me decide how much to charge and sometimes, I had to add a few ringgit just to be fair to him! But good things never last. Now, I am sympathetic to the small traders who still charge 3 kuih for a ringgit despite the recent price increases. Yesterday, I even got a 20 sen discount for taking the last 3 pieces!

I have commented in Tony Pua’s blog entry Philosophy Politics Economics: Cost-Cutting Mercedes as follows:

What the Terengganu State Secretary has given as the rationale for the purchase of Mercedes must be the most ludicrous if one is trained in minimising costs in our expenditure:
He said the German cars were bought for the safety of the state officials who had to travel extensively and to reduce the cost of maintenance.
“After much evaluation, the state felt the Mercedes-Benz cars are more reliable for long term use. It was also time to replace the Proton Perdanas,” he added.
Just looking at the statement, I can criticise the word ‘safety’ because I cannot think of anything that Mercedes has which Proton has not, if one is travelling within the normal speed limits. Please do not claim that Proton Perdana is unsafe once we reach 110kph!

How often do state officials ‘travel extensively’ if not on private trips with their families?

I was wondering about the reason ‘To reduce the cost of maintenance’ when I read about the astronomical repair bills of over Rm170,000 and Rm140,000 for two Perdanas since 2004, given as an example. This roughly works out at Rm35,000-40,000 each year for each vehicle! What type of repairs and maintenance could have cost so much? The amounts are more like accident claims submitted to insurance companies, which I am certain they were not. We must seek for further information and be prepared to laugh out loud when provided.

If I were to be given the task of claiming such repair bills I would have a tough time coming out with them. Bearing in mind these cars were bought brand new with the usual years of warranty. For oil changes (engine and gear), tyre changes and so on, a look at the mileage can tell us whether the frequency was normal. The mileage can tell us whether private use was rampant. Honestly, I just cannot submit such claims without looking stupid or obviously inflating them.

This morning’s Star showed a picture of Trengganu’s State Secretary holding up a document with ‘Here’s the proof…’ and how are we supposed to read it? In the same report, there was an apology for a clerk’s mistake earlier. So it is becoming a trend now to have versions 1 and 2, like the Statutory Declarations!

I am also concerned about the workshop charging 25% surcharge because the bills are paid after 3 months. The rate of interest smacks of ‘along’ unless it covers kickbacks which is likely under the circumstances.

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