MAS loses money, and the rakyat now has to pay more for trips overseas. Proton loses money, the rakyat now has to continue paying high duties for foreign-made cars. But when Petronas makes money, the rakyat now has to pay more for petrol. It's definitely a case of 'heads I win, tails you lose'.

The PM and ministers say our petrol prices are still cheaper than other countries, but do they have to pay US$42,000 for a Toyota Camry or US$16,000 for a Proton Waja? Sure, there are countries in Southeast Asia you can compare oil prices with but unless one wishes to regress, why compare with them?

It is nonsensical to increase the price of fuel by 20% and tell all retailers that they are not allowed to increase their prices. If I, as a hawker pay 20% more for my tank of gas, my profit has been reduced by that much. Who will subsidise for that loss in income? Will the government pay for such a loss? How can they increase the price of fuel and tell me not to increase the price of my goods? It's a free market and if I increase my price and no one comes then it's my loss and my business.

The worst part is that when the 9th Malaysia Plan comes out and contracts are awarded to crony contractors, we will have to continue paying toll and high prices for public transport, water, and electricity. The rakyat loses either way. We have been fooled, hoodwinked and lied to. Come 2008, we shall know better.