Some complaints are valid: long lines at Government agencies, bureaucracy when dealing with the civil service, favouritism/cronyism among public servants (blatant in this country I tell you) etc. and should be taken into account or given further thought. I am glad that the Government has already started steps to manage such complaints at best they can. In the end, there will be certain aspects that we are still not happy with, but that is part of life: you win some, you lose some... So at least in those respects I can still live with.
Other complaints are not so valid...borders on the whiny, in my opinion. Let me give you an example. Lately there has been a lot of buzz on raising of the prices of essential services such as electricity, petrol and water. Come on...we all know that such price rises are inevitable. As long as these rises are associated with improved efficiency in services, we should all be happy and thankful. For my part, the area I live in has not had a power disruption for a year now (compared to once a month two years ago). The tap water hasn't been cleaner in years, and less frequent water cuts. We have to compromise on these facts, and not whine about them. But I truly hope that money saved from the reduction in petrol subsidies is put to good use and not wasted on lining the pockets of those in power (that IS something to complain about).
So today the issue of raising air fares by our national carrier takes center stage. As usual there is the chorus of complaints: fares are too high, putting profits ahead of national interest etc. But the fact is that Malaysia Airlines is a business...and businesses needs to make profits to survive. So what's the point of making losses...with the Government (and ultimately tax payers like you and me) bear the losses...all in the name of national service (and oh, this incidentally has been happening all this while). How does that put us in better light with investors overseas? And people here are scratching their heads why Indonesia draws more foreign direct investments than our country, sheesh...
And speaking of subsidies: I gladly await the day when medical subsidies are to be lifted. Now healthcare, admittedly or not, is a big drain on the Government's finances. Imagine paying RM 1 and get medications, blood tests and x-rays...where else in the world does this happen? It's about time they lift this subsidy and put the money to better use. Sure there'll be the usual chorus of disapprovals, but I'm sure some compromise can come about it. It WILL not burden the poor if executed properly. It is all for the betterment of our society, in the end. Makes us less dependent on the Government and more on our two feet. At least I can say that, but not for the 60% so population of our country...
It's time people tighten up their belts and make do with what they have. They have to be more discerning with spending, and save more. Unfortunately this is not to be...I guess with all the advertisements on spending, sales, credit card promotions etc. Well spend today and there'll be less (if not none) for tomorrow. The good times have to stop some time...
Well I've more things to gripe about, but I'll leave that for another day.
Other complaints are not so valid...borders on the whiny, in my opinion. Let me give you an example. Lately there has been a lot of buzz on raising of the prices of essential services such as electricity, petrol and water. Come on...we all know that such price rises are inevitable. As long as these rises are associated with improved efficiency in services, we should all be happy and thankful. For my part, the area I live in has not had a power disruption for a year now (compared to once a month two years ago). The tap water hasn't been cleaner in years, and less frequent water cuts. We have to compromise on these facts, and not whine about them. But I truly hope that money saved from the reduction in petrol subsidies is put to good use and not wasted on lining the pockets of those in power (that IS something to complain about).
So today the issue of raising air fares by our national carrier takes center stage. As usual there is the chorus of complaints: fares are too high, putting profits ahead of national interest etc. But the fact is that Malaysia Airlines is a business...and businesses needs to make profits to survive. So what's the point of making losses...with the Government (and ultimately tax payers like you and me) bear the losses...all in the name of national service (and oh, this incidentally has been happening all this while). How does that put us in better light with investors overseas? And people here are scratching their heads why Indonesia draws more foreign direct investments than our country, sheesh...
And speaking of subsidies: I gladly await the day when medical subsidies are to be lifted. Now healthcare, admittedly or not, is a big drain on the Government's finances. Imagine paying RM 1 and get medications, blood tests and x-rays...where else in the world does this happen? It's about time they lift this subsidy and put the money to better use. Sure there'll be the usual chorus of disapprovals, but I'm sure some compromise can come about it. It WILL not burden the poor if executed properly. It is all for the betterment of our society, in the end. Makes us less dependent on the Government and more on our two feet. At least I can say that, but not for the 60% so population of our country...
It's time people tighten up their belts and make do with what they have. They have to be more discerning with spending, and save more. Unfortunately this is not to be...I guess with all the advertisements on spending, sales, credit card promotions etc. Well spend today and there'll be less (if not none) for tomorrow. The good times have to stop some time...
Well I've more things to gripe about, but I'll leave that for another day.
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