I truly agree with Penampang Sabah that some Malaysians are left behind while some are stepping into the IT era ([#1] Billions could have been for real development [/#], Feb 8).

Some projects are necessary; the LRT and Putrajaya, for example, can alleviate the traffic problems of Kuala Lumpur.

But some are not, like the Petronas Twin Towers. Do we have enough demand for office space to justify having two towers? As it is, only a small portion of the office space there is presently occupied.

On the MAS bailout, is the government's intention to save MAS (our flag carrier) or just to save Tajudin Ramli himself? Spending public money to do the first is the government's responsibility, but not saving a private citizen's financial mess. MAS is nowhere near bankruptcy. Some of its problems can be solved by reducing less-economical routes (or subcontract them to smaller airlines), returning leased aircrafts, selling out some aircrafts and, of course, better management.

As for the LRT bailout, it could have been prevented if the project was implemented properly in the first place. Have the executives of Putra and Star ever wonder why they are not making money? Everyone was screaming for an LRT before it was built, but where are the passengers now?

Building an LRT alone is not a cure-all. Bus systems also have to be streamlined accordingly. Turning LRT stations in housing areas into transportation hubs (which include an LRT, bus and taxi station) would bring more passengers (i.e. money) to Putra and Star. Also, another benefit of increasing local feeder buses to LRT stations means reducing normal buses going downtown, therefore reduces traffic in downtown.

I am very lucky among most Malaysians. I came from Melaka, as opposed to the writer's Sabah. My father exposed me to computers when I was very young. I went to an independent secondary school which provides computer education to every student. But not all Malaysians are that lucky. I don't think we can ever become an advanced nation if there are citizens out there being deprived of computer education.

I am pretty sad with how the government has wasted our tax money. Building a system costs billions but if we don't know how to manage or use it, it's all a waste of money. Building something big in the belief that size matters is a waste of money. Building dozens of highways without ever realising that careful planning of LRT and bus systems is cheaper and more efficient, is a waste of money. Building a so-called cybercity that cost billions yet failing to provide computers to every school is myopic.

And talk of becoming an advanced nation in the midst of failure to provide enough universities makes the former rubbish.