Thought of the week - we hear of what is called a Nine-Point Plan by the MCA. It is good and noble.

On the other hand, who have they been talking to? Do they actually think this plans they have concocted will feed our stomachs and help the family’s needs? Big deal. Do they actually know why there so many people resorting to borrowing from ‘Ah Longs’ (loan sharks) when they are in dire financial need, big or small.

Like the other folks, the Chinese society in the country is generally conservative and they do not wish for their problems, especially financial ones, to be known by their friends. ‘Ah Longs’ are a last resort and in most cases the only option.

Sad to say, with the present economic situation and the rate of inflation, how far can a family with a school-going child go on RM3,000 to RM3,500? One has to juggle with a single lid and try to cover three pot at the same time, as a Chinese saying goes.

Yes, it is nice to note that Bank Negara's statistic for inflation rate is what? Two and a half (2.5) percent? One would like to know what this figure is based on - home-cooked food?

Look at the price of bread. They should know not one every bakes at home. The last I checked, every loaf had got an increased price tag. Coffee and even hawker food has gone up in price.

Personally, I would like the MCA to deal with the matter at hand - providing us with better economic opportunities. Yes, lifelong learning and other plans are well and good but without a full stomach one cannot concentrate, much less learn well.

So MCA, change the content of the Nine-Point Plan to focus more on the economic survival of your community. Do it with sincere heart and not as a political gimmick.