What is the annual collection from road taxes by the government? What is our annual collection from the duties on imported vehicles? What is our annual collection from excise duties on all vehicles?
On Samy: If you want it, pay for it
Joey Chan: Samy Vellu, all I need you to do is to answer the following questions:
- What is the annual collection from road taxes by the government? What is our annual collection from the duties on imported vehicles? What is our annual collection from excise duties on all vehicles? Then compare these with the annual road subsidies and maintenance of public roads.
When you answer these questions, please look at us in the eye because we are not as dumb as the journalists you faced earlier this week.
Sharon: I'm deeply affected by the toll hike. I'm staying at Lagoon Perdana and I use the toll everyday to send my son to his babysitter. I pay RM3.20 for the toll everyday. Fuel prices have increase, and so are food prices but our salary remains the same.
The kindergarden itself is so expensive. Because of this, I'm scared to have another child (currently I have only one child). I hope all the society groups can fight this toll rise. I can't take it anymore. My stomach is burning with fire when I think about how to survive and pay for this and that.
Dhammika: The government should immediately and completely remove the toll subsidy. It hurts more to stagger the increases. 'Semi Value' should stop comparing rates from other countries. This comparison cannot hold water. The country's GDP must be taken into comparison as well as the respective strength of the various currencies.
Why must the ministers call a meeting with the editors to gag them from expressing the people's views. Be more transparent and accountable in the administration of the rakyat's money. Confiscate the assets and money of the corrupt few to pay for the toll. I hope the ACA will investigate the US$100 million commission paid for the purchase of submarines. Well, the list can go on...
Meng: Don't complaint, just remember all this gross injustices and remember all the excesses, and the rich MPs and town councilors who squander and rob the people. When the BN government comes with all their sweeteners prior to elections and promises of projects, remember the racial remarks, remember the petrol hike, remember the toll hikes and most of all, remember the arrogant MP who says "if you want it, pay for it."
Who robbed the poor in Malaysia? Look at the auditor-general's report where money supposed to be used for state development and the poor were channeled to office repairs, camera equipment etc. All this revelation has gone unchecked, and the ACA says it is hard to prosecute without evidence. The ACA should interview the auditor-general to find out about their claims.
The rakyat has one tool of evaluation and that is the ballot boxes.
On Authorities 'contribute to religious tensions'
Kaisim: With the Keadilan advisor`s commitment to politics come 2008, Malaysians are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The BN has outlived its effectiveness and usefulness in modern Malaysia. So I will join other Malaysians to support an effective, fair and progressive alternative to BN.
After almost 50 years we are still ultra-sensitive about race, quotas and religion, while our economy is moving downhill.
Parents have no confidence in the national schools because they function like religious schools. The country's top university is downgraded from bad to worst. The graduates from local universities cannot find jobs. The non-bumis are being marginalised in the schools, public sectors and the uniform sectors and even the estates. Do the politicians and government care about these issues?
Let see some changes for the better come the 2008 general election.
On Perlis mufti slams khalwat raids
KSN: It is refreshing to hear the Perlis mufti speaking up in a sober, sensible tone and giving interpretations of Islam which are moderate, acceptable to other religions and faiths. It is very bold on his part when, as far as is known publicly, we have the likes of his counterpart in Perak.
Men and women from the Malay community should begin to speak up and take the bold step to enter public life, politics and challenge the current crop of politicians who have absolutely no interest of the nation as their mission. I have no doubt that the men and women from the non- Malay communities will join them.
This is the time in our history for such a movement to emerge in time for the 2008 elections. Can we dare hope?
On Seven failed privatised projects, RM11b bailout
FF:
I would suggest that Umno deputy Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who is an Oxford graduate, to rectify the losses by applying the key performance index (KPI) to all the government-related companies.