I read with amazement on the sudden change in direction made by the deputy prime minister recently in that the government is reviewing low salaries of government workers and may contemplate adjusting them appropriately. Doesn't anybody feel suspicious of this move?

I still remember few months back when Cuepacs asked for an increase but this was rejected by Pak Lah. On this, I think the majority of those in the public sector are not living up to their standards in performance to deserve any increase in pay. In fact, some should've been sacked a long time ago and they should be thankful that they are still on the government's payroll which in turn come from our tax money (I contribute almost one clerk's annual wages every year).

But to be fair, I think living expenses in Malaysia have been increasing due to poor management and poorly advised leaders right up to the top. Worse, many lack the intelligence and calibre to administer our economy.

So why now the sudden change and intent to review and upgrade the lower salary scales? You and I know that, of course, this is because election time is just around the corner and these government servants are the major vote contributors to the BN government.

If the public sector does not get the goodies from our government, a drastic swing of votes is likely to happen. As such, BN is playing its cards right now. You will see more roads being resurfaced and more development announcements coming soon including the lowering of petrol prices to fish for votes, watch out for it.

So why don't we just do the same and promise the BN that we will vote for them in return of all the goodies. Then when the time comes, we do the opposite - just like the way we are being treated by the BN government now.