Time To Come Clean PETRONAS

Pakatan Rakyat has been calling for Petronas to show it's cards on the table because the Rakyat wants more transparency. Right now Petronas only has to report to the PM. How can one man be in charge of so much public money? How can this be rightly justified is beyond me. Petronas makes billions per year and only one man has the final say on how these billions are spent. Won't it be better if Petronas in put under the guidance of Parliment?

Suddenly Khairy come out asking Petronas to open up as well. This would undoubtedly give him some political mileage and I think everyone knows it. Let's take it with a pinch of salt and say he has a change of heart and believes in PR's course of action. I don't see any other BN MPs shouting out loudly calling for the same to be done. I mean what are these guys waiting for? Who the hell voted for these lame ducks? So for now I will give Khairy the credit and benefit of the doubt. Lets see if Petronas will listen this time since First Son-In-Law has spoken.

It is now up to Petronas to do the honourable thing and show us the money or whatever is left of it. Not just asking us to refer to their website for annual financial statements. They don't give us the information we want. What needs to be made known is the amount spent on:

Salaries of Exec Directors including benefits in kind, bonuses, etc;
Salaries of top exec within Petronas;
Expenditures on vehicles and planes, yes you heard right PLANES with an S.
Expenditures on hosting functions, gatherings, etc.
Other operating expenses.

These information will then tell us if the top execs in Petronas are indeed living like kings while the rest of the Rakyat are left licking their daily wounds. The Rakyat is saying out loudly, "Enough is Enough!" If the BN Government still don't hear us then perhaps it's time for a change. If the new Government doesn't correct this problem then we will change them too. This is how democracy should work. I don't see why the Rakyat should be the victims here.

As a citizen of this country, I think Malaysia is one of the best place to live in. It is safe from many natural disasters and/or conflicts that are taking place in countries like China, USA, Japan, Indonesia, Africa and the Middle East. I don't think anyone can disagree with me on this one. However, there is one disease that this country needs to get rid off and that is corruption. I am sure other countries have their fair share of the same problems but that's another story. This is the cancer that is going to kill us all. Unless the BN Government takes the necessary steps, Malaysia will never be healed and we are all going to suffer at the end of the day.

Malaysia is a net exporter of oil so that means Petronas makes a lot of money. These monies belongs to the Government which means it belongs to the Rakyat since it is the Rakyat that chooses the Government of the day. Therefore, monies which belongs to us should be spent to improve our everyday lives. The Government must use these monies to improve our public transport system for both East and West Malaysia, improve our education system, improve our health care system and improve our basic infrastructures especially to the rural areas. These are the things that will improve our lives and make Malaysia an even better place to live in. The only acceptable way for the Government to carry out these improvements is through open tenders so that it is transparent and free for all the Rakyat to see. Otherwise, any Government contracts given out for such works may be riddled with corruptions and kickbacks. That is one sure way of losing our monies only to benefit a few.

The Government is right by saying that we have to reduce and ultimately remove our subsidies but we must must evaluate if we are ready for such a drastic move. With the recent rise in fuel prices, Malaysian are already feeling the heat in trying to balance their cheque books every month. Our current public transport is not even up to scratch which means most people still depend on self transportation to get from point A to point B. Try taking a bus in Malaysia and see how long it takes you. It is even worse if you are located in smaller places like Kuching, Ipoh, Kedah, etc. I couldn't believe it when I went to the petrol station the other day. What used to cost me RM75 to fill up now costs me RM105. That is only part of the problem because as soon as fuel price rises, all basic items starts to increase as well. If the Rakyat had the option not to drive but use "good and efficient" public transport then maybe, just maybe, we will be able to save what little we can. That will only solves a small part of the problem because prices of all other things will still increase.

Therefore the only thing for our flip flop PM to do now is to ask Petronas to come clean and open their books for the public to see. I am sure we have more than enough accountants and auditors out there who can tell us the true story. If there is nothing to hide than there are no reasons why this cannot be done. Only after this is done will the Rakyat let this matter rest and move on to other issues. Oh another thing, the PAS Youth in Selangor should concentrate their effort on issues like Petronas instead of barking up small issues like two singers performing for our football match with Singapore. Talk about issues that are more relevant so that the Rakyat will see that you are worth our future vote. Remember, not only the Malays voted for PAS on 8 March 2008. It was Malaysian of all races and religions. So buck up! Like the old saying, "SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT!" We the Rakyat are running out of patience and believe me, we are not amuse by such actions.

Malaysia is a beautiful country but we Malaysians are not making the best out of things and before we know it, things will be beyond repair. Petronas would have lost all its monies and then what are we going to do then? 25 years of oil reserve and 35 years of gas reserve is not very much. We have to think about our next generation.

Malaysia as a net exporter of oil should be compared to our nearest neighbour, BRUNEI. They too are net exporter and the closest to us. I think that would give us all a clearer picture. Indonesia is now a net importer and that is why they have pulled out of OPEC. Thailand and Singapore don't even produce oil. I think the Government must have thought we were stupid or something. Must be our "excellent" Education System. So its time for Petronas to come clean and open up their books for all to see. Let's all unite together in one voice to ask Petronas and the BN Government to do the right thing. The Rakyat deserves an answer!

God doesn't exist!

A little bit of reading for all of us to reflect on!

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.

As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.

They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?"asked the customer.

"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist.
Tell me, if God exists,would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine loving a God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and un-kept.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?"asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber.And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me."

"Exactly!"- affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.

Good Morning Sarawak!

I thought this article is very interesting so I add it into my blog for reading pleasure. As you know, there are many who have reacted negatively to the increase in our fuel price. Honestly I do not know what the Rakyat can do about it but if everyone follow this suggestions it will be interesting to see what happens. So read on and decide for yourself.

Good Luck!

THIS IS NOT THE 'DON'T BUY' PETROL FOR ONE DAY, BUT IT WILL SHOW YOU HOW WE CAN GET PETROL BACK DOWN TO $1.00 PER Litre....

This was originally sent by Phillip Hollsworth, a retired Coca Cola executive.

If you are tired of the gas prices going up AND they will continue to rise this winter, take time to read this, PLEASE.

This makes MUCH MORE SENSE than the 'don't buy petrol on a certain day' campaign that was going around last April or May!

It is worth your consideration. Join the resistance!!!!
We are going to hit $ 3.00 a liter and it might go higher!! Want petrol prices to come down?

We need to take some intelligent, united action. The oil companies just laughed at last year's action because they knew we would not continue to 'hurt' ourselves by refusing to buy petrol. It was more of an inconvenience to us than it was a problem for them. BUT whoever thought of this idea, has come up with a plan that can really work.


Please read on and join with us!

Here's the idea: For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY petrol from PETRONAS the biggest price-up driver company.

If they are not selling any petrol, they will be inclined to reduce their prices. If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow suit.

But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of petrol buyers. It's SO simple!

I am sending this note to 20 people. If each of you sends it on to at least twenty more that's (20 x 20 = 400) ..

And those 400 send it to at least twenty more (400 x 20 = 8000 ... and so on, by the time the message reaches the fifth group of people, we will have reached over SIXTY FOUR MILLION consumers!!!!! 20x20 = 400

400x20 = 8,000

8,000x20 = 160,000

160,000x20 = 3,200,000

3,200,000x20 = 64,000,000

64,000,000x20 = 12,800,000,000

That's 12.80 Billion people folks, who will have been contacted!!!!! Unbelievable?? Do the math and see for yourself!


Of course, not all 12.80 billion pump PETRONAS, but with the hard work and network distributions, others users will get this news and distribute it to the whole Malaysia


Again, all you have to do is send this to 20 people. That's all! I'll bet you didn't think we had that much potential, did you!
Acting together we can make a difference.. If this message makes sense to you, then please pass it on.

THEY will LOWER THEIR PRICES TO BELOW THE $1.50 RANGE AND KEEP THEM DOWN. THIS CAN REALLY WORK.

It's simple - send the message along to others and choose to not buy petrol from PETRONAS

TWENTY FIVE POINT SIX BILLION people:
Now THAT's people power.
LET'S JUST DO IT ! ! ! – stop pump at PETRONAS

Former CM should 'behave like an elder statesman'

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang DAP yesterday told former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to not meddle in state government matters and to behave in an "ethical" manner.

Bukit Bendera member of parliament Liew Chin Tong, policy adviser to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, also insinuated that Koh may be trying to sabotage the Pakatan Rakyat state government.

In a stinging attack, he accused Koh of going against the interests of Penangites and called on the latter to "behave like an elder statesman".

Liew said Koh had repeatedly announced outdated information about pending investment plans of multinational companies to prove his point that his Barisan Nasional state government had been responsible for courting investments.

"In doing so is he trying to prove a point or is he simply trying to sabotage the current state government?" he said.

Liew went on to question Koh on why he was going against the interests of Penangites by sabotaging potential investment plans by multinationals.

He said it was unethical for Koh to preempt potential investment announcements as it was against international best practices.

"It is the right of an investing multinational company to decide how to announce their investments in a foreign country.

"Much as we like to leave Koh alone and accord him the respect befitting an elder statesman who has 'retired', his actions so far have fallen short of such a stature," Liew said yesterday.

He added that it went without saying that many investment plans were proposed during Koh's tenure and that people were aware that the former chief minister had sat on many proposals.

"It is, therefore, inconsequential whether it is Koh or Lim who received an investment proposal.

"It is the closure of the deal that matters," he said, adding that investors everywhere looked for visionary, dynamic leadership and decisiveness in decision-making before pumping resources into a foreign land.

Liew said it was these qualities in the new chief minister which endeared him to investors and resulted in the quick conclusion of several investment deals. - NST

Government's Cost Cutting Measures

Well, the Government is finally trying to lead by example by cutting cost to their allowances and paid holidays. However, a 10% cut is not nearly enough because if we think about it, when does a Minister nor its Deputy ever entertain anyone? I think it is the other way around. I mean when we invite Minister or its Deputy to any functions it is all paid for. Other than that I don't see why Ministers and Deputy Ministers should have entertainment allowances. That is even more so when it comes to our PM and DPM because being the bosses of this country, they are even more unlikely to entertain anyone. Anyway, 10% cut is like nothing if you ask me or anyone else on the streets for that matter. By right it should be totally cut off since they don't need it. Then we can see how much savings there would be.

As for paid holidays, I think they should only limit them to local holidays. In this way we can see that the Government is setting a good example that we should support our own local tourism industry. Instead of flying off somewhere else and enjoy their holiday with the Rakyat's money, these Ministers should enjoy our money here in Malaysia and give Malaysians the chance to earn it back. As our PM was announcing these cost cutting measures, I can't help but noticed that our DPM is actually spending four days in the UK. I only hoped that he is actually doing some work there which will benefit this country because I am sure the amount spent for this trip will no doubt be very big. Imagine the First Class air ticket, the 5 start suites, the food and allowance entitlement, the transport and security costs. All these will add up to a huge bill since the UK Sterling Pound is such a strong currency.

Finally, perhaps the PM should show the way by paying salary based on performance basis. Since the last election result is so poor, perhaps salaries of Cabinet Ministers and their Deputies should be reviewed. Afterall, these salaries are paid by the Rakyat and therefore, if the Rakyat felt that any Cabinet Member is not up scratch then the relevant "Employee of the Rakyat" should not be paid that much.

Anyway, I think everyone now feels the pinch and hence so many people are speaking up about their unhappiness. Whoever becomes the Government of the day should take the Rakyat's voice seriously and take every criticism with a pinch of salt. Otherwise, we cannot be called a truly democratic society in a developed country.

Fuel Crisis! So what now?

Recently the Government delivered another blow to the Rakyat by increasing the price of fuel. This of course affects everyone whether you own a car, motorcycle or just uses public transportation. This is because everything uses fuel in one way or another and even if you don't own car or motorcycle, you still have to pay for higher fares for taxi and buses very soon. On the one hand it is good to see that our Government is finally reducing the oil subsidy so that the rakyat will learn to change their subsidy mentality. However, the only problem now is that are our standard of living or salary earnings are not the same as the rest of the world? Ok lets just take singapore for instance. A retail shop assistant would earn about SGD1,000 to SGD1,500 per month. Food and drinks per meal in hawker stalls are averaging about SGD5-8. And when they go to teh supermarket to get basic items like Dynamo Detergent it cost SGD8-9 per bottle while for the same item here in Malaysia its like RM18-20 per bottle. Bear in mind that Malaysian Shop Assistant We have been seeing a steady rise in our cost of living but the one thing we failed to see is the steady rise in salaries for most people. The same excuses are always used such as no profit, times are bad, slow performance, etc. So it is now a vicious cycle because things seems to be getting from bad to worse. People cannot afford to spend more and hence the economy is not going to improve soon. Inflation is definitely on the rise because our Ringgit is buying less than it use to. In the end, the Rakyat will suffer yet again. We may have been told that our inflation rate will hit 5-6% this year but personally it feels more like hitting 10%.

So the Government said they will spend whatever they can save to improve public transportation, to help the hardcore poor, etc. The question I think we should ask is when will this happen and how will the funds be allocated. I am sure in the next few months the Government will be awarding new contracts to upgrade our public transport and all that. But how will the funds be awarded and to whom? Will these be done by way of open tenders? Will the Government streamline all the public transport services into one system whereby a person buying an "all day ticket" can use them for our buses, trains and monorails? But before the Government does that, the whole public transport industry needs to come under Government control so that there will be no private entity that can monopolize the whole system. Perhaps the Parliament should be put in charge with monitoring the situation so that it will be fair and just for all. Every MP can have a say in how things are done. After all, the Rakyat chose you, the MP, for a reason and that is to serve the Rakyat.

Take the case of East Malaysia, the public transport there are almost non existence. There are bus services but not they are not regular at all. So if the Rakyat wishes to rely on public transport there, I cannot imagine how efficient they would be in their work if they cannot even determine what time they can get to work or move from one place to another during working hours. As for taxis, good luck to anyone trying to flag a taxi down. One would have to spot them on the road first otherwise one would have to call their center to see if any taxi wants to pick you up. Oh lets not forget the taxi meters, in SARAWAK I am sure these taxis have them but they are probably brand new because no one ever switches it on. Until today, I have not heard of anyone in Kuching every paying their taxi fares through the taxi meter. In KK it is more organized, because some taxis actually use them so at least the Rakyat knows that they are paying a fair price.

Well since we are on the hot topic of fuel crisis, I wonder when will the Government make it public the accounts of Petronas. Since the fuel belongs to the Rakyat, we should have the right to know how these monies are spent. The other day, it was stated by Petronas that the cost of oil exploration has gone up tremendously. So won't it be prudent for the Rakyat to see it for themselves how these costs are incurred? Maybe salaries for the Directors and CEO should be reviewed or perhaps the some administrative cost cutting measures should be undertaken. Perhaps contracts being awarded should be made public tenders and should be scrutinize by a select committee which should include a few representatives from PR. I think this will only happen when our Government changes hand.

Be Prepared!

With the recent fuel price increase, there will be price increases in everything very soon. Effective immediately, my favorite kolo mee already cost about 40 cents more. So you can imagine that everything else will be going up too. What is the Government going to do about enforcement to control the spiralling cost of food? Our Government Enforcement should be stepped up and constantly monitor the situation. If we are not careful, there will be chaos soon and people will start to take their protest to the streets. I mean when ones livelihood is affected to a degree when they cannot make ends meet, they will be left with no alternative but to voice their frustrations publicly.

The ministers and high powered politicians do not actually feel the new increases because they go to work in Government cars and they are paid better than most average Malaysians. I think these people don't even realise that we the Rakyat is starting to feel that our inflation rate is already about 6-8% instead of the 3-4%. This also means keeping our money in FD will not actually increase our savings but depleting it eventually.

Today Petronas announced that they are actually not making that much profit. They are saying that the cost of oil exploration is very high. Why don't the Government make public the audited account of Petronas? We the Rakyat should be able to make comments on how Petronas spends its money to run this oil business; i.e. Director's Remuneration and Salaries, Monthly Office Expenses, Benefits and Entitlements to Directors and Senior Executives, Exploration Costs, Monthly Operating Expenditures, etc. Petronas will not be making money is all the above are left unchecked. Petronas can only make more money if they try to trim down all the above expenses. Therefore, some people may have to get less benefits, less pay, less bonuses, etc. I mean everyone acknowledge that times are bad and many companies have already practiced pay cuts, reduced workforce and reduced their expenses. So why should Petronas be any different?

Imagine a 10-20% pay cut for top executives will be more effective then laying off ordinary workers of a company. I think with these measures taken a company like Petronas will be able to improve their profit margin and better serve the nation. Share you thoughts please!

So I would think the best start to satisfy people is to make public the accounts for Petronas and let the Rakyat judge for themselves. Maybe after that, the Rakyat will truly appreciate and understand why the Government had to take drastic measures to increase the fuel prices. Only with such understanding then we can support the Government's decisions. So be prepared everyone, the road ahead is not going to be a smooth ride unless the Government starts listening to the cries of the Rakyat.

Fuel Price Increased Again!

Yesterday's announcement by our PM came as a big surprise to every Malaysian. We were not surprise about the the Government's intention to increase fuel prices. It was already expected to happen after the March 8 2008 election. However, we were surprise by the huge increase being imposed. Just think about it. Now we have to pay even more for our cost of living because before long all other items will definitely increase in prices. Where does that leave the average wage earning Malaysians? I leave that question to be answered by you guys.

Ok so the Government came up with some rebate scheme which is meant to calm the people down. I mean giving back RM625 per year for private cars below 2000cc and RM150 per year for motorcycles below 250cc is really nothing. With our current poorly managed public transport system, the Rakyat still relies heavily on their own transportation. I mean people still need to commute from home to work, sending their kids to school, etc. Furthermore, many companies have not even increased the salaries of their staff to reflect the increase in cost of living. The official indication of our inflation is about 3% and it is expected that it will increase to about 5% this year. I think this figure is actually higher that what is reported. Anyway that is how I feel so consider it my own personal opinion.

So at the end of the day, we the Rakyat cannot do anything about the fuel increment since we have no control of the decision made by our Federal Cabinet but what we should do instead is to demand that Petronas makes public their accounts. This is because Malaysia is a net exporter of crude oil. Unlike Indonesia, which had recently pulled out of OPEC, they are a net importer because their local demand for fuel is actually higher then what they can produce. How come Brunei is left out by the Government when comparing fuel prices with our neighbours?

Why am I saying all of the above? Well because as an average wage earner, I feel that the country is going from bad to worse. I personally find that our disposable incomes are getting thinner and thinner. That means our savings will be affected and eventually that will affect our lives.

Perhaps the Government should also reduced or abolish import duty for cars and the need to pay for our road taxes for privately owned cars. These are some steps which can be taken immediately to compensate for the fuel price increase. However, people who currently own cars will not benefit unless they are buying new cars but at least new car buyers will be able to benefit from these changes.

The Government should also look into establishing a minimum wage system. This would at least make life better for certain lower income group. As for the hardcore poor, I am waiting to see what the Government will do to help these people. Hopefully they will not be made to suffer in the long term. Whatever it is, something needs to be done and it needs to be done soon.