My wife and I read the banner in the shopping mall which read "Whole Malaysia on Sale" and at once thought of the reality concerning the Malaysian economic situation. Retail outlets are giving 70-80% discounts on products in an effort to finish their stock and get some cash turnover. Unfortunately, this banner is also true of large, inefficient conglomerates and corporations now being bought up (bailed out) by the people of Malaysia.

Inefficient companies managed by non-professionals have lost millions and millions of ringgit. Instead of hiring a professional to manage them or allow free market forces to dictate what happens, the people of Malaysia are made to bear the nightmares of privatisation projects gone amok. The weak management is retained.

There is no longer a need to disguise these bailouts. The government now outrightly and blatantly uses public funds to 'buy' ailing companies. There is no authority in Malaysia to which the government is accountable except God and I hope He speaks soon.

I just hope that when I am 55, I will not be getting worthless MAS or Time share certificates.