The signs are written all over the wall yet we continue to witness much barking up the wrong trees. And in some cases, the mantra appears to be the proverbial 'tutup satu mata' syndrome.

That, in essence, perhaps best sums up the crossroads that we Malaysians are heading to. The man-in-the street, the humble wage-earner and simple businessmen are struggling to make ends meet these days. Parents who - because of a lack of options locally - sent their children overseas for further education are having nightmares in keeping up with the payments.

Inability to keep up with credit card payments and bankers' quick court action are silently affecting more homes. The incidence of missing monthly payments for housing loans is surging, seen from the sprouting of even more 'Bank Lelong' signage posted at every nook and corner. Families going for the cheapest fish and vegetables are a common sight at every 'pasar malam' and wet market these days.

On top of all this, the public has to figure out how on earth they are going to cough up more from their drying wallets to meet increased expenses namely increased toll rates, increased water and electricity tariffs and increased fuel costs. Not forgetting the impending hikes for assessment and quit rent rates.

These do not include the host of other problems plaguing the rakyat like the arbitrary hikes and irregularities in parking rates in towns and cities nationwide, the increasing cost of taking public transport and the indiscriminate price increases for consumer items.

Amidst all this, we read of endless stories of corruption and abuse of power within the corridors of power. Add to this is the brewing 'war' between the current and past prime ministers of Malaysia and an almost daily dose of nonsensical statements by various politicians and top civil servants.

Rubbing salt into the wound is the spiralling crime rate what with house break-ins and snatch thieves, multi-million ringgit heists and secure warehouses and wanton robberies at banks.

Where are we heading? Are we a nation destined for doom? Or are all of the above mere faulty perceptions? With the economic meltdown the nation is facing with decreasing foreign direct investment, the future looks very threatening.

With religious sentiments being trampled upon and racism rearing its ugly head, we are not making things any better too. With politicians practicing arrogance to the hilt, we are only further sowing a deep sense of disillusionment.

Unless and until the powers-that-be muster the coordinated, cooperative and positive energies of everyone - from politicians to the man-on-the-street - negativism will bring an even quicker death to our national aspirations.

Malaysia is undeniably at crossroads. No neighbour is going to help us until and unless we decide to help ourselves. Period.