Many ordinary Malaysians are suffering in silence in order to make ends meet as the current world monetary crisis has not spared our country. Our leaders are in the state of denial but the shutdown of the many power plants across the country by TNB is a tell-tale sign.

Currently, approximately 3.5 million mega watts of electricity have been reduced from the power supply by TNB, indicating low demand by industrial usage. It also shows that many factories have either shutdown or reduced their man-day operation hours.

The number of laid-off workers has run into the hundred thousands currently (data from the Human Resources Ministry is too small to be believable), and expected to be over a million by the year's end (Khairy Jamaluddin has predicted the unemployment figure to be 900,000 by year end).

However, the government has not addressed this issue in-depth. Two stimulus packages have been churned out to date but these measures are not reaching the rakyat as pointed out by the opposition.

The common blame by the government is that the rakyat has a subsidy mentality. This is partially true, because that is our way of life so the government in power must recognise this issue and not view it negatively. This issue must be taken by the horns and not harped on about endlessly.

Fellow Malaysians are not known to want to work in the plantation and construction sectors; a fact the government must accept. There has been too much manja. The country is blessed with many natural resources and it is more than enough to feed our 27 million population.

The uneven distribution of wealth is the issue that has to be addressed. The misuse of government funds and the undisclosed wealth of BN politicians and BN-linked businessmen amassed through nepotism and cronyism is the issue.

The corrupt government leaders that have been exposed by the opposition are left un-investigated and the evidence just swept under the carpet.

Umno leaders jostling for position at the recent 59th Umno elections have been tainted with money politics. The Umno disciplinary board is seen to practise selective prosecution.

This further tarnishes most of the selected leaders and brings about suspicion in the minds of the rakyat. Corruption in Umno seems incurable and this disease has gone to its core.

The unnecessary inflation was set off by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who increased the petrol price by 80 cents in one go which triggered a mass increase in the prices of food and services. This caught those earning below RM1,000 the hardest. Even after the fall in fuel prices, there was no significant decrease in market prices for goods and services.

Most of the world commodity prices have fallen by more than half. Rice at its peak was at US$1,200 per tonne, it has now fallen by more than half, whilst the lower grade rice now costs between US$200 - 300 per tonne.

Palm oil at its peak was RM4,500 per tonne and has now slipped to just over RM2,000 per tonn. Petrol at its peak was US$160 per barrel but now costing just over US$50 per barrel.

For discussion purposes, I would like to zero in on rice pricing. Broken rice of 5-10% of mid grade was initially priced at RM16 - RM21 per 10 kg bag. During the inflation period it rocketed to RM32 - RM45 but currently it is being sold at RM25 - RM35 per 10 kg bag despite the world market price sliding down far below its initial costing.

During the peak inflation period, the 15% broken rice grade strangely disappeared from supermarket shelves though after government intervention, some quantity resurfaced and currently the supply is aplenty. Strange indeed.

Let me make some suggestions if I may. Appoint independent importers to import rice by issuing Aps (import permits) to them. Don't allow Bernas - an Umno-controlled entity - to monopolise its importation. The same may apply to other essential goods such as sugar, meat products and the many other food items that we import.

I am sure the prices of these items will fall like tenpins if the government permits it. We, the rakyat, have been shortchanged by the greedy BN leaders and their subordinates who are raking in huge profits at the expense of the ordinary rakyat who are suffering.

Umno, you have to change and the recent change in the premiership is being closely monitored by the rakyat. Most of us will surely support BN if our well-being is taken care of. We do not need the Crystal Mosque, mega-buildings and mega-projects.

What we need is our day-to-day livelihood, a peaceful environment to live in, a good public transportation system and other basic amenities needs as stated in the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Najib Abdul Razak must take note of all the recent by-elections. Tricks will not buy votes. No matter what amount of short-term hand-outs are given, it will not change the voting pattern of the rakyat. It is a clear indication that voters are now more sophisticated and they know what they want.

Long-term development projects, satisfying their basic needs should be the main agenda. The police force and the judiciary must be independent bodies and so too the MACC.

Umno must rid itself of corruption urgently in order to save its integrity and show the rakyat that it is serious in eradicating the menace amongst its leaders. Those participating in money politics in Umno must be charged in a court of law for it is amounts to treason. The rakyat wants an honest leader, transparent and accountable for his or her deeds.

To PM Najib we wish you all the best. If no drastic changes are made, we will then make the changes for you through the ballot box. The 13th general elections will be the mass graveyard for BN and Umno per se.