While it may be fun to present an 'alternative budget' as reported in Opposition front unveils alternative budget — hey, it might even be cool — what is the point of it all if those who present it have no obligation or accountability to keep the promises contained in such a budget?

When I was young I promised myself (as perhaps did so many others) that when I began to earn money I would lavish it on my relatives and friends unreservedly. However, when I earned my first ringgit, I realised that it only went so far and real priorities needed to be set and all those great promises disappeared — a will-o'-the-wisp — in the reality of bills, responsibilities and debts.

Those were magnificent childish years: understandable and proud, yet irresponsible and unaccountable. I got over those years a long, long time ago. Pity that Prof Dr KS Jomo and the Barisan Alternatif have still not done so.