Reading the mainstream newspapers, one would have thought that Malaysia's economy was booming and the unemployment figures and inflation experience were just scary nightmares. It's either election time once again or the Malaysian economy is really heading for a bull run.

Unfortunately, a simple discussion with the many contractors and vendors in the Klang Valley will reveal that the bears have overshadowed the bulls.

Many are frustrated over increasing petrol prices and toll rate hikes, which will inevitably make everything else go up in price. It was revealed that Singapore's investment in Johor and Malaysia has decreased. Our foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow is now among Southeast Asia's lowest.

So while the Barisan Nasional continues to indulge in racial politics and play trial and error with our nation's economy, our children's education, our infrastructure and our banking and finance industry suffer. The world surpasses us and Malaysia which once was the pearl of Southeast Asia is now a pauper among these nations.

Election time you say? Well, the rakyat will not fall for the 'feel good' hype again.