I refer to the letter Be grateful air is still free . The statement, 'It sounds petty but to most of us there is no more room for cutting costs' by Anum Suhayyla is very apt for the majority of the rakyat as far as their financial position is concerned.

I am a pensioner surviving on a meagre monthly allowance. Ever since retirement I have been very careful with my daily expenditure. For my daily lunch and dinner, I have been marketing for the cheapest fish and vegetables possible. Ikan 'kembung' happened to be the cheapest in the market. Now, with the increase in petrol price, the price of 'kembung', too, has escalated. What other choice am I left with?

For transport, I have been driving my old Proton Saga, which has been giving trouble all this while. Lately, when I sent the car for repair, I was handed a repair bill which almost made my heart stop. I was told by my mechanic that he had no choice. Everything has gone up in prices. Looks like I cannot even maintain an old car. What other choice do have I?

Very soon, I believe, water and electricity rates will go up. What should I do then?

But we have a 'very good' leader in Najib Razak, who asked us to change our lifestyles which I will gladly follow. Here's how:

I will consume one kembung fish every alternate day.

I will sell my old car and walk.

I will dig a well in my house and use candlelight every night.

Datuk Najib, a very big thank you for your very good advice. We cannot find such 'fine' leaders like you and Pak Lah all the world over. Malaysia must be very lucky to have you both.