It is less than 100 days before Malaysia's fifth premier will be sworn in. A new chapter will begin for Malaysia. Nobody knows for sure what key objectives will be set. Will the objectives be balanced between economic prosperity and social responsibility?

Judging from the trend of developments from 1981 to 2003, it is a fact that the large proportion of those years has been dedicated to delivering economic development, rather than social obligations.

We have seen the introduction of toll highways, privatisation, mega buildings for mega people, and so on.

Talking about mega buildings for mega people, I wonder why the government has not given serious consideration to the needs of lower to middle income groups for better public transportation infrastructure.

I have been a regular to KLIA, Puduraya, and KL Sentral. It is sad to note the vast difference in facilities offered.

Just because Puduraya has not been an international entry to tourists does not mean that (the bus terminal) should be neglected. As a rule of thumb, an aggregate number of people flocking Puduraya every year is as significant as KLIA. But do we care?

Since Puduraya is the entry point of people from the kampung and small towns in Malaysia, it does not mean that they do not deserve to have a conducive environment upon arrival and during departure.

Are these people going to be neglected forever? Don't they deserve something better? Do we roll out the red carpet for foreigners and give Malaysians from the kampung a muddy welcome?

While the answer may be related to economics - the government cannot impose 'landing fees' for the buses - is every Malaysian so materialistic that only economics matter?

We have campaigns on 'Caring Malaysia', 'Malaysians for Peace' - but do we really care about the economic imbalances among our people?