Malaysians read with apathy the figures released by Pos Malaysia chairman highlighting that only about 2.1 percent of EPF contributors who drew money for the computer purchase scheme actually bought them.

If the figures are indeed true, it reflects the pathetic state of Malaysian society, and the poor way in which they view their future in this age of new economy and cyber-world.

Questions though, still remain: How on earth did an unconnected man with EPF have this high figure of abuses? Where are his sources? If the EPF had indeed given him the figures, why was it not released earlier, say during the Budget presentation or soon thereafter so that it can be debated and discussed thoroughly in Parliament?

Pos Malaysia chairman's answer only provides more doubts as to the viability of his business. I am exasperated to note that Pos Malaysia still has no plans to improve on its present services, and lo and behold - is now frenzying itself up to notch top money from this cash-rich project, involving more than one million contributors and at least half going to utilise the deal.

For sure, Pos Malaysia states that it has already solicited help from top IT companies to provide after-sales services and repair jobs; but there is still that missing touch; we the consumers do not have direct contact with the suppliers to cater for our needs. We will be forced to pick only the available options, and not make choices based on what we want.

However noble his intentions are, the chairman misses the point of K-economy entirely. It is not just about putting any 'junk' of a computer into every home, it is also about empowering people to use it in the best of ways to their benefits.

Can Zainol Mahmood honestly tell us that his 'postmen' are equipped with the necessary skills to implement easy in-house training to purchasers? How shall purchasers learn to use their newly bought equipment - by going to computer shops for lessons? Wouldn't it be prudent enough if they do it firsthand by hand-picking their choice and then to undergo free training at the computer sales outlets?

The real question is not just about curbing abuse. A person intent to abuse the system will find 1,001 ways to do so. He can either solicit the aid of the staff handling the Oda Saja orders (mind you, there are already allegations concerning the company's current projects), or worse, find ready buyers (computer outlets, etc.) for the computers, and then sell it off at a discount. They still get the money, since people will not mind losing some money as long as they get the bulk of it.

Getting 10 or 11 established suppliers will not benefit the consumer if the price is still higher than generic computers. Further, generic computers are easier to upgrade. We all know how fast a system can become outdated these days. So, it would be futile to waste our life-savings on something which will be useless in less than three years' time.

There are computer companies offering installments (including Pos Malaysia, surprisingly) for the purchase of computers. Why doesn't the government improve on this? They can elect companies to be their agents, get the purchasers to take the computer from them and then pay the money (EPF contribution, of course) to the suppliers direct. If the EPF can do this on so many items, why not for computers?

People are getting fed up with the top-down mentality of passing orders. Even though the EPF contribution is for our future, it is still our money. It is best if we can contribute towards suggesting how best to deal with it, and not just to accept it blindly like mice seeing cheese.

Maybe, to curb abuse, the government can instead propose that EPF contributors buy computers on instalment basis, then get the money from EPF to 'ease' their financial burdens. In that way, no questions will be asked as to how the money is spent. They did it with house purchases.

It's high time the government and Pos Malaysia realise Malaysians in general still prefer cash to knowledge. You just can't eradicate this by encouraging computer purchase. A revolution of the brains and attitude is required, one which the government is yet to ponder upon. Just look at Umno and you'll agree.

EPF Contributor