Fuel price increase

[ArrioBMW]

After 8 pages and 79 posts, this is all I have to say...

I have yet to meet a politician without a price tag!

I met a few without charges, they bought me TT ... of course not the ruling party lah

 

[Hellraiser]

There's nothing wrong with high expectations on the government bro but we do have to be a bit realistic with our expectations and demands.
If we cut our subsidy now that resources can be better utilized.
Plus there would be no more excuses for the government if they fall short of their promises in improving the lives of Malaysians

rubbish! my expectations are very much the same as the malaysian guy next door. who are you to talk on behalf of the government? who are you to tell me to be realistic??

 

[ALBundy]

1.Cyberjaya is part of an initiative to develop the K economy ... Just go to MDEC web site you'll see a few hundred if not thousands of MSC status companies ... We are churning out more IT talents and more IT related products and services

Yes, it was an initiative to develop the K economy as I mentioned. But what has transpired ever since is plenty of companies are located there to take advantage of the MSC status and more importantly the tax incentives that come with it. What has BMW Malaysia, HSBC, Shell and etc has to do with IT R&D?? I know the HSBC building is basically a regional data call center operating 24 hours. Similarly BMW does operate a regional data and call center as well. We are churning more IT grads...YES, as for talented grads, the jury is out on this one.

2. No it was not relevant at all ... It was at a time where world oil prices ballooned sky high because of speculators when the threat of a recession did the price went down. The government re-instated the subsidy once the oil prices went back to normal levels within 6 months. What can the government do within such a short period of time? You're just trying to find faults really.

You missed the point. What I am trying to point out is the government has not been able to keep its promises made in the past. If one look at the overall picture, Malaysia actually profitted from the massive oil price increase (Petronas profit increase tremendously) and there wasn't a need to increase prices. The government promised to use the savings to improve public transport, I am merely stating a fact, not finding fault as you claimed.

3. LOL ... again please re-read and comprehend my post earlier as i said that companies needing to survive will find their competitive edge through R&D in improving their existing products or new product/services lineup amongst others. I am talking about companies streamlining, increasing efficiency, extending PLC through implementing processes, R&D of processes and methodologies and etc in the face of rising cost and competition.

Yes, as I mentioned in my earlier post, most of these firms are not high tech firms and also Malaysia do not possess intensive R&D capabilities. Hence the simple solution is for them to relocate to countries with cheaper labour. Aren't we seeing this happening already with companies relocating to Vietnam and China? Bro, theory and practical/reality are two entirely different things

4. Stop short of selling the country to foreigners what do you propose??? What policy change are you talking about? As it is the government have implemented several policies to open up the market like the banking sector, foreign ownership in companies and etc. We can't be opening up the economy so freely at the expense of local companies ... It must be done gradually and carefully!!!
Talking about IT industry there are many programmers that are earning a basic pay of 4-5k with 3-5 years experiences ... Again there are more graduates now in IT, computer science and engineering than ever before.

The solution to the current dilemma faced by Malaysia (the middle income trap as we speak) does not need a rocket scientist to figure it out. We are talking about increasing the per capita income of the general population, and that simply means better paying jobs. Just look at our neighbour down south with their economic transformation from being a low-end electronics manufacturer (like Hongkong in the late 70s and 80s as well) to what it is today. I believe our current PM is well aware of the challenges ahead, and I fully sympathise with what he is going through and can only hope he has the political will to implement his ideas. Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is a good read btw

I do not intend to go into details as some may term it as sensitive issues but other than a paradigm shift in term of how the resources (natural and human) of this country is managed, we may continue to be stucked in this middle income trap.

Cheers

 

[B33mEr]

rubbish! my expectations are very much the same as the malaysian guy next door. who are you to talk on behalf of the government? who are you to tell me to be realistic??

I'm merely stating my opinion bro ... You wanted to join in the discussion then let's discuss ... No need for that tone Unless of course you're trolling larrr

 

[chookleng]

get over with it. there's more to come and the increase will not just stop at this rate! im immune to this long ago...for a matter of fact whether you like it or not, every1 have to comply n obey....pointless to complaint..instead we should think how to earn more. hehe...my two cents thought.

 

[Hellraiser]

I'm merely stating my opinion bro ... You wanted to join in the discussion then let's discuss ... No need for that tone Unless of course you're trolling larrr

aiks..?! you have your point. i have my point lah. no need for name calling bro....LOL!!

 

[B33mEr]

Yes, it was an initiative to develop the K economy as I mentioned. But what has transpired ever since is plenty of companies are located there to take advantage of the MSC status and more importantly the tax incentives that come with it. What has BMW Malaysia, HSBC, Shell and etc has to do with IT R&D?? I know the HSBC building is basically a regional data call center operating 24 hours. Similarly BMW does operate a regional data and call center as well. We are churning more IT grads...YES, as for talented grads, the jury is out on this one.

2. No it was not relevant at all ... It was at a time where world oil prices ballooned sky high because of speculators when the threat of a recession did the price went down. The government re-instated the subsidy once the oil prices went back to normal levels within 6 months. What can the government do within such a short period of time? You're just trying to find faults really.

You missed the point. What I am trying to point out is the government has not been able to keep its promises made in the past. If one look at the overall picture, Malaysia actually profitted from the massive oil price increase (Petronas profit increase tremendously) and there wasn't a need to increase prices. The government promised to use the savings to improve public transport, I am merely stating a fact, not finding fault as you claimed.

3. LOL ... again please re-read and comprehend my post earlier as i said that companies needing to survive will find their competitive edge through R&D in improving their existing products or new product/services lineup amongst others. I am talking about companies streamlining, increasing efficiency, extending PLC through implementing processes, R&D of processes and methodologies and etc in the face of rising cost and competition.

Yes, as I mentioned in my earlier post, most of these firms are not high tech firms and also Malaysia do not possess intensive R&D capabilities. Hence the simple solution is for them to relocate to countries with cheaper labour. Aren't we seeing this happening already with companies relocating to Vietnam and China? Bro, theory and practical/reality are two entirely different things

4. Stop short of selling the country to foreigners what do you propose??? What policy change are you talking about? As it is the government have implemented several policies to open up the market like the banking sector, foreign ownership in companies and etc. We can't be opening up the economy so freely at the expense of local companies ... It must be done gradually and carefully!!!
Talking about IT industry there are many programmers that are earning a basic pay of 4-5k with 3-5 years experiences ... Again there are more graduates now in IT, computer science and engineering than ever before.

The solution to the current dilemma faced by Malaysia (the middle income trap as we speak) does not need a rocket scientist to figure it out. We are talking about increasing the per capita income of the general population, and that simply means better paying jobs. Just look at our neighbour down south with their economic transformation from being a low-end electronics manufacturer (like Hongkong in the late 70s and 80s as well) to what it is today. I believe our current PM is well aware of the challenges ahead, and I fully sympathise with what he is going through and can only hope he has the political will to implement his ideas. Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs is a good read btw

I do not intend to go into details as some may term it as sensitive issues but other than a paradigm shift in term of how the resources (natural and human) of this country is managed, we may continue to be stucked in this middle income trap.

Cheers

1) It was never about R&D alone when MSC started ... There are incubators and start-up IT companies in Malaysia with MSC status that developed the software and done their own R&D ... I can name several companies easily bro ... But i let you do the research this time ... look at the links that i have provided earlier.

2) Yes we did profited from the price increase subsequently the petrol that we imported has also increased. If i remember correctly refineries in Malaysia is unable to cope wit our demands and some of the refineries refine a higher grade of petrol for export (tho i may be wrong on this)

3) R&D need not be the exclusive domain of high tech firm ... Research and Development is not only on tangible but also on intangible products/services i.e. customised and develop services based on market research and consumer trends, R&D in traditional sense is no longer confine to labs or product development ... Again R&D is only one of the many tools that a company can use to gain competitive advantage as there are numerous ways to gain an advantage over competition ...

4) Better paying jobs? ... There are many factors to consider about when formulating an economic plan especially for a multi cultured country like Malaysia and it is not easy like you said ... But i'm confident we can and will achieve it.

 

[docrayboy]

I think the British did us in with a very ambiguous constitution...where not all Malaysians are or will ever be truly equal...

 

[IanDaddy]

If corruption is not reduced we are doomed, like an engine leaking oil or coolant. What happens when you stop topping up ? Is it so complicated ?

 

[mizhan]

is there such a thing as corrupt-free administration? i suppose the goal instead should be to significantly reduce corruption.

 

[jaleeks23]

Change is good. Removing subsidy is good. Spending the savings on public infrastructure is good. By removing the subsidy, the public in general is being pushed to change = good. BUT ARE THE LEADERS CHANGING??

Who knows, the savings seems to sound right for the unpaid salaries in duta area, for the huge jump too the current amount?

Wish list - Start with changing the tax structure.
1) Transparency, show us where the savings went.
2) Redesign roadtax charges - this should also go hand in hand with fuel subsidy removal. When?
3) Remove car taxes and bring down car prices. This goes hand in hand with fuel subsidy removal. When?
4) Improved public transport. When?
5) Increase personal spending bracket from 9k to 12k/year, average 1k/mth.
7) Spouse not working is only 3k/year, so, those not working no need to eat? At least for a start, increase to 6k/year
8) EPF/insurance = 6k/year only. Most middle income would have the EPF maxed out, can't even cover all of EPF deduction. Split to EPF=6k and insurance=6k respectively.
9) School going children/baby = Rm1k/year (Rm83/mth)! WTF! How much milk can you buy with 1k?? What can they eat, GRASS? survive only on bread? Come on G! Even schoolbus fees takes up the Rm80/mth at least!
10) We have to save for our children's higher education because there is favouritsm here. High achievers don't get the courses of choice, the uni of choice. Income tax should provide a bracket for this, for those who buy education insurance for their children, Rm3k/year sounds reasonable as a start.
11) Remove all the legal roadbullies that push cars to the side to let some crappy fella pass through without getting stuck in jam (They cause accidents too!). If the fella is worried for his safety, dont travel during peak hours.

I tihnk now those earning Rm2.5k/mth don't get taxed. Rm2500x12=Rm30k/year, untaxed! After EPF, they still have about Rm25k(2k/mth) disposable income. These ppl have more untaxed disposable income compared to our bracket of Rm9k(2010 deduction)! Is this logic? I think those in this income region can definitely afford much better living standards, without paying taxes. Shouldn't now our personal spending bracket be increased??

What is happening now is that we are just being made suckers, giving, giving and giving. What do we get?? We will not get high increment. So, if the G wants to remove subsidy, help us by implementing proper and logical income tax structure. We don't get high increment but if the income tax can change for the better, we most probably have more to spend, thus helping us and helping the economy too. I don't see any benefits at all as a general public paying income tax.

If employed middle income group can quickly settle all our house loans, car loans and be loan free, I think all of us can consider getting a Rm2.5k/mth salary job. Will this move us to higher income nation?? I think our system is not supporting the vision and goal of high income nation.

At the moment, it is not a WIN-WIN situation. It is a WIN-LOSE situation where G is WIN, public is LOSE.

 

[ALBundy]

is there such a thing as corrupt-free administration? i suppose the goal instead should be to significantly reduce corruption.

That's true, there is no country that can claim to be corruption free including Singapore and HK. In Msia, at least according to TI corruption index, there is plenty of work to be done.

 

[IanDaddy]

If corruption is not reduced we are doomed, like an engine leaking oil or coolant. What happens when you stop topping up ? Is it so complicated ?

They keyword here is 'reduced' , and it should be reduced significantly and contained.

 

[ALBundy]

1) It was never about R&D alone when MSC started ... There are incubators and start-up IT companies in Malaysia with MSC status that developed the software and done their own R&D ... I can name several companies easily bro ... But i let you do the research this time ... look at the links that i have provided earlier.

2) Yes we did profited from the price increase subsequently the petrol that we imported has also increased. If i remember correctly refineries in Malaysia is unable to cope wit our demands and some of the refineries refine a higher grade of petrol for export (tho i may be wrong on this)

3) R&D need not be the exclusive domain of high tech firm ... Research and Development is not only on tangible but also on intangible products/services i.e. customised and develop services based on market research and consumer trends, R&D in traditional sense is no longer confine to labs or product development ... Again R&D is only one of the many tools that a company can use to gain competitive advantage as there are numerous ways to gain an advantage over competition ...

4) Better paying jobs? ... There are many factors to consider about when formulating an economic plan especially for a multi cultured country like Malaysia and it is not easy like you said ... But i'm confident we can and will achieve it.

1. I have never denied that there are genuine small start up companies that are into software development and there is no denying also many companies that are not into IT development and are located in Cyberjaya for reasons I have mentioned earlier. That being said, let's ask ourselves how much have we achieved and gained from CyberJaya in relative to the IT industry in India. According to stats, total IT related export of USD 150 million (91-92) grew to USD 5 billion (2000) and further exploded to USD 50 billion (2008) in India.

Again, the reason I mentioned this is to highlight the focus of the previous administrations on building great infrastructure, without the necessary human resources to develop a specific industry is a waste of the country's resources, and hence I doubt the monies saved from subsidy reduction will be put into good use.

2. Yes, our oil is term under sweet crude and is exported and we import oil from the middle east, and yes you are right the cost of importing also went up during that period of time. However, since our sweet crude commands a higher price in the market, the net gain for Malaysia is positive!!

3. Yes, R&D can be anything. But in terms of our discussion, I am saying some of the industries here that benefitted from the low energy cost will simply move out once it's no longer feasible for them to remain here, and it is already happening.

4. In a globalised world economy, Malaysia has to change with the winds of change. Even the Brits whom prided themselves to some of the most well known marques in the automotive industry do not own Rolls Royce (BMW Group), Mini (BMW Group), Land Rover (Tata), MG (Nanjing China) and of course Lotus (Proton Malaysia). As I said, the solution is simple but whether the current administration has the political will to implement all the ideas mentioned by our PM remains to be seen.

Cheers

 

[Hellraiser]

1. I have never denied that there are genuine small start up companies that are into software development and there is no denying also many companies that are not into IT development and are located in Cyberjaya for reasons I have mentioned earlier. That being said, let's ask ourselves how much have we achieved and gained from CyberJaya in relative to the IT industry in India. According to stats, total IT related export of USD 150 million (91-92) grew to USD 5 billion (2000) and further exploded to USD 50 billion (2008) in India.

Again, the reason I mentioned this is to highlight the focus of the previous administrations on building great infrastructure, without the necessary human resources to develop a specific industry is a waste of the country's resources, and hence I doubt the monies saved from subsidy reduction will be put into good use.

2. Yes, our oil is term under sweet crude and is exported and we import oil from the middle east, and yes you are right the cost of importing also went up during that period of time. However, since our sweet crude commands a higher price in the market, the net gain for Malaysia is positive!!

3. Yes, R&D can be anything. But in terms of our discussion, I am saying some of the industries here that benefitted from the low energy cost will simply move out once it's no longer feasible for them to remain here, and it is already happening.

4. In a globalised world economy, Malaysia has to change with the winds of change. Even the Brits whom prided themselves to some of the most well known marques in the automotive industry do not own Rolls Royce (BMW Group), Mini (BMW Group), Land Rover (Tata), MG (Nanjing China) and of course Lotus (Proton Malaysia). As I said, the solution is simple but whether the current administration has the political will to implement all the ideas mentioned by our PM remains to be seen.

Cheers

aiyah bro....whatever you share...end of the day...someone will just say we are still the best country..with the best in this and the best in that so we should all be very grateful and not compare with other countries because end of the day....Malaysia Boleh!

share a joke...

American's have their "Astronauts", the Russian have their "Cosmonauts" and the Chinese have their "Taiko-nauts".

Suddenly this Malaysian politician jumps out and shouts out "Why-Cannot"!!!

 

[ALBundy]

Interesting read,
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/mobile/malaysia/article/how-poor-are-we-really/

 

[ALBundy]

aiyah bro....whatever you share...end of the day...someone will just say we are still the best country..with the best in this and the best in that so we should all be very grateful and not compare with other countries because end of the day....Malaysia Boleh!

share a joke...

American's have their "Astronauts", the Russian have their "Cosmonauts" and the Chinese have their "Taiko-nauts".

Suddenly this Malaysian politician jumps out and shouts out "Why-Cannot"!!!

To me this country is one the best in the world. We have everything here, it's just the direction we are heading to is what worries most.

Diversity is a double edged sword, bersatu kita teguh bercerai kita roboh.

 

[B33mEr]

To me this country is one the best in the world. We have everything here, it's just the direction we are heading to is what worries most.

Diversity is a double edged sword, bersatu kita teguh bercerai kita roboh.

Nicely said ... Again i am confident of the direction Najib is leading us to.

 

[solo]

In our wonderful country, competitive edges like profit margins are never gained by all the above. They are gained by cutting corners.

Let's not forget, public transport companies are profit oriented too with shareholders wanting more and more dividends every year. All the above involve additional cost and I doubt transportation companies want to add that to the cost of rising fuel.

Salut

In support of what I said above:- http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/21/nation/20100721172735&sec=nation

It's sad to see that because public transport companies can't turn a profit, many will have to suffer during this Raya's Balik Kampung.

Salut

 

[solo]

aiyah bro....whatever you share...end of the day...someone will just say we are still the best country..with the best in this and the best in that so we should all be very grateful and not compare with other countries because end of the day....Malaysia Boleh!

share a joke...

American's have their "Astronauts", the Russian have their "Cosmonauts" and the Chinese have their "Taiko-nauts".

Suddenly this Malaysian politician jumps out and shouts out "Why-Cannot"!!!

In the same vein:

American astronaut = Astronaut
Russian astronaut = Cosmonaut
Chinese astronaut = Taiko-naut
Malaysian astronaut = Can-or-not

Salut