REMOVING SUBSIDIES

1. Since the report that Datuk Seri Idris Jala had announced that the country faces the possibility of going bankrupt if the Government continues with the high subsidies to various items, there has been much concern and debate.

2. The Malaysian Insider claims that UMNO has a distaste for subsidy cuts because it has rebuked Idris. I suppose the Insider and the opposition are all against subsidy cuts even if they lead to Malaysia going bankrupt.

3. Everybody must have read about the fate of Greece whose borrowings exceeded its GDP. The European Union has had to bail out Greece to the tune of 300 billion Euro to prevent it from going bankrupt and pulling down the European Union with it. Already the Euro has depreciated substantially and many are predicting the demise of this European common currency. The European economy, once powerful and rich, faces the possibility of a recession, simply because of the bankruptcy of one of its members.

4. Idris has not predicted bankruptcy today or next year or any time soon. He says if the debt goes up by 12 per cent per annum we would be bankrupt by 2019 when our debt would be equal to our GDP. Do we want to let the country slide into banruptcy?

5. What Idris is saying is that if we continue with the present level of subsidy (already reaching RM74 billion per annum) and we cannot pay our debts, we will certainly not be able to arrest the slide.

6. To pay our debts we must cut back on spending, A big item is the subsidies for food, fuel and power, health, education and tolls.

7. I believe he will not cut subsidy, or at least not much, on food, health and education. But the subsidies for fuel and power and toll payments should be gradually reduced.

8. When I was Prime Minister the price for one barrel of oil was only US$30. The subsidy was not too big. It is now US$80. To keep the same price would mean to increase the amount of subsidy to make up the difference. Similarly when the Government agrees not to increase toll rates it has to reimburse the losses sustained by the operators. This cost a lot of money.

9. Borrowing money to pay for the increasing cost of subsidy is not the answer. A good Government must ensure that servicing loans is sustainable.

10. The Insider and the Opposition must know all these. If they are against cuts in the subsidies it must be because they want the country to go bankrupt so that the Government party would be defeated. You may defeat the Government but if you inherit a bankrupt country, you will not be able to turn around the country either.

123 thoughts on “REMOVING SUBSIDIES”

  1. Salam Tun,
    Bagi saya, tidak mengapa jika kerajaan hendak mengurangkan sedikit subsidi ke atas petrol, diesel, gula spt yg diumumkan smlm.
    Cuma yang saya risaukan ialah jika sikap kerajaan yg berterusan membazirkan wang rakyat dlm menjalankan projek2 gajah putih dan juga perbelanjaan lain spt yg di jelaskan dalam Laporan Ketua Audit Negara.
    (ini bukannya tuduhan pihak pembangkang, tetapi adalah hasil audit oleh Ketua Audit Negara).
    Bagi saya, amalan pembaziran begini amatlah merugikan negara. Sekiranya kerajaan berterusan membazirkan wang rakyat dgn cara begini, smpi2 bila2 pun kita tidak dapat mengatasi defisit dlm belanjawan kita.
    Membeli sebuah laptop pada harga RM 45000 (sepatutnya dengan RM 45,000, kita boleh beli lebih daripada 10 biji laptop), set screw driver dgn harga beribu ringgit dan mcm2 lagi pembaziran yg dilakukan. Agak sukar utk dipercayai jika semua perbelanjaan ini diluluskn oleh pihak berkenaan tanpa wujudnya elemen rasuah.
    Sudah sampai masanya kerajaan “walk the talk”. Jika kerajaan meminta rakyat berjimat cermat, maka kerajaan pun perlu melakukan perkara yg sama.
    p/s : Tun tiada komen ke mengenai pembelian kapal selam TAK BOLEH SELAM oleh kerajaan? Apa pandangan Tun? Kalo beli kereta Proton, kemudian ada masalah dgn “power window”, itu boleh dikatakan masalah minor. Tetapi apa halnya kalo beli KAPAL SELAM tetapi TAK BOLEH SELAM? hmmm…

  2. Mahathir
    I believe opposition does not want Malaysia go bankrupt. I believe Opposition Pakatan want to stop billions stolen by UMNO.
    For every billion MCA stole, UMNO stole 25 billion. eg. PKFZ 12.5 billion = 0.5 billion MCA + 12 billion UMNO
    For every billion SAMY VELU (not MIC) stole, UMNO stole 10 billion.
    By pareto analysis, eliminating the stolen billions by UMNO will stop Malaysia going bankrupt because the UMNO stolen billions are more than the subsidies for food, education and fuel.

  3. Dear Tun,
    I live in the city, but God knows I struggle to put food on the table for my parents and sisters everyday. Need not I explain my situation.
    “But the subsidies for fuel and power and toll payments should be gradually reduced.” In reference to this sentence of yours, I just hope that it is done with full consideration of those who are suffering from urban poverty as well. I do understand the need to cut the subsidies.
    I also think the government must find ways to curb the problem of cut-throat food sellers. We all know it’s necessary for them to increase the food price when the petrol was priced at RM 2.7/litre, and we all also know that it’s typical for them to not reduce it back when the petrol price went down to RM 1.8/litre. The situation is very much expected. But why is this happening Tun? I’m pretty sure you understand the importance of food supply in a country. With the current prices around KL especially, people are having problems even to eat. [I know you’re no longer in the govt, but I just feel better expressing my feelings to someone like you]
    But I know the issu may seem petty to some.
    Young and Naive,
    MSAR.

  4. Good day Tun,
    Just want to give my piece of mind on the current topic.Malaysia will definately going into the direction if the current government still act corrupt in every way.Spending people’s money like their own.God know how many corrupt practices that have been swept under the carpet.The goverment talks about cost saving but instead they spend on thing that are against it.Look at yourself first!The so called UMNO which say they are the ultimate hero for the malay but mostly involved only for the sake of getting rich of themselve and the family.Some rules state more than 10 or even more 30yrs…Can you imagine…We need fresh people with fresh idea not these people who talk nonsense.Wake up please.Its the goverment is bankrupting the country…When they cannot make money with new investment…They turn their back to rakyat by claiming money is not enought and need to cut subsidy or even worse taxing people…This is plain stupid and redicoulous…Think…

  5. Hi Tun,
    We know what Idris is saying. We are not dumb!
    The thing we are saying is this…..
    If we are going to bankcrupt in god only knows how many years time, isnt it wise.. no scratch that out.. wise is not a correct word.. responsible is more like it.. yes, RESPONSIBLE for BN to stop all their nonsensical spending NOW!?
    Spending nonsensically can be in terms of building what we already have in abundance that doesnt benefit the general soul like Me or that minachi down the road. Another palace when we already have 2? How many Agungs do we have? He has a few rather comfy cars to ferry him around right? He can survive the distance from say, old palace to putrajaya without any problem right? Infact, I think it would be good for him to walk from say his old palace to Plaza Damas if he needs to go there for some scones and tea! Noope, he wont grow another inch but it would be good for his legs. I heard he went to Germany for some leg problem. So, walking would cut down on the need to go Germany for leg repairs! Going to Germany for leg repair is expensive and again, not really necessary. You had your heart fixed here.. and I think heart is more important than LEGS!
    Another mosque when we already have more mosques than a lot of muslim countries? Perhaps this is not as nonsensical but than again, if we are to build another mosque, perhaps it is because the existing one is bursting at its seams? If yes, I am all for buiding places of worship may it be mosques, churches or temples.
    Well, these are just a few examples of what was told to us or rather exposed to us. God knows how many more secret palaces or what else that BN has perhaps gone on to build without us knowing. Oh! let’s not forget the toying idea of building a new Parliament house. Hmmm… if we are to be bankcrupt, I think MPs and all should meet under the Angsana tree and use kipas satay!
    Spending nonsensically can also be in terms of maintaining or creating or even dreaming up one sided deals with private companies such as toll concessions, private duno what power deals and plenty more that are equally shocking if not distressing!
    So, in a nut shell, DONT COME AND TELL US THAT WE ARE GOING TO GO BUST IF WE DONT CUT SUBSIDIES WHEN THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES IN ITS MERRY WAYS TO SPEND OUR..I REPEAT, OUR! MONEY IN THE MOST IRRESPONSIBLE AND SELFISH WAYS/FASHION! If BN wants to continue in such a fashion, than it better be prepared to be sacked in the next election. I for one is willing to take a chance with the Opposition. Afterall, LGE has done a tremendous good job with Penang. He can do it with the whole country given time and if nuisance people from BN are kept at bay!

  6. Salam sejahtera, Tun,
    Saya hanya seorang orang kampung. Sefaham saya kalau subsidi ditarik balik maka harga barang/perkhidmatan tersebut akan naik/mahal.
    Cuba bayangkan, si X berpendapatan sebulan hanya RM1,000 (itu gaji kasar kalau bersih hanya RM890) sebulan dan tinggal di Kuala Lumpur atau Johor Bahru. Kalau subsidi minyak ditarik balik maka harga minyak akan naik, tambang bas akan naik, harga barang lain (termasuk makanan) akan naik, sewa rumah akan naik, yuran sekolah akan naik dan kesemuanya termasuk sumbangan kepada ustaz untuk mengajar agama akan naik.
    Persoalannya bagaimana kerajaan (yang memerintah atau pembangkang) untuk memastikan kehilangan subsidi tersebut dapat digantikan dengan sesuatu yang memberi manfaat terus kepada si X. Kasihan si X kerana kenaikan barang/perkhidmatan datang dari semua sudut. Dan si X ini adalah salah seorang yang penting di dalam satu-satu organisasi sama ada kerajaan/swasta walaupun gajinya kecil contohnya pengawal keselamatan, juru gegas (despatch), budak pejabat, pembersih dan pembantu pejabat (tea lady, cleaner), jurutaip dan lain-lain seumpamanya.
    Kemudian datang idea Model Ekonomi Baru di mana orang macam saya ini faham bahawa pendapatan rakyat Malaysia akan melonjak. Tapi tidakkah kalau pendapatan naik maka harga barang akan naik. Takkanlah si Y yang membuat roti tidak akan menaikkan harga roti setelah melihat si X gajinya telah naik (walaupun hanya RM200 sebulan, Sipenasihat ekonomi akan mengatakan okeylah itu, sebab peningkatan gaji sebanyak 20%). Menurut hukum alam (ini yang saya faham), kalau pendapatan seorang itu naik maka akan ada si Malang yang pendapatannya tidak akan naik ataupun turun. Akhirnya, simpanan bersih yang si X ada, akan balik asal, tidak ada peningkatan pun. Baru naik gaji, barang dah pun naik. Malang sungguh si X.
    Saya dapat tahu bahawa idea Model Ekonomi Baru datang setelah kajian dibuat oleh para bijak pandai. Tetapi adakah penemuan/penyelidikan itu telah dicabar atau “tested” atau “proven”?? Atau bijak pandai tersebut hanya “syok sendiri”? Saya minta bijak pandai ini pergi jelajah keseluruh negara (jangan hanya buat seminar dekat pusat konferen yang berhawa dingin sahaja dan hanya “one way traffic” perbincangan). Jumpalah mereka yang dibawah sekali iaitu petani, buruh, pengawal keselamatan untuk dapatkan maklum balas.
    Cuba bayangkan, sekarang ini apa boleh buat dengan duit RM1.00. Kalau dekat KLCC, nak makan pun tidak dapat. Dulu (saya nyatakan pengalaman saya yang lahir hanya sebelum 13 Mei), air botol RM0.20, suratkhabar RM0.20, roti canai dan mee goreng RM0.20, tambang bas RM0.20. Tapi sekarang tiada. Saya ada terjumpa belas pelayar (ex-sailor)orang kita di London di mana dia mengatakan bahawa semangat duit sudah tiada (Ini saya nyatakan apa yang dia katakan). Cubalah yang bijak pandai fikirkan supaya tabungan bersih (net saving) rakyat akan bertambah dan bukan hanya pendapatan sahaja yang naik.
    Pada pendapat saya, pengagihan kekayaan negara secara adil dan telus adalah penting. Contoh yang mudah, kalau bagi sebutharga untuk pengawal keselematan, mereka akan nyatakan dalam sehari memerlukan 3 pengawal keselamatan yang kosnya RM1,200 per shif (rakyat tempatan). Tetapi pada realitinya, pengawal keselamatan itu hanya 2 orang (syif 12 jam) dan gajinya RM400 iaitu pesara tua. Jadi inilah yang menyebabkan pengagihan kekayaan yang tidak efektif dan adil. Ini hanya pengawal keselamatan, bagaimana pula projek pembinaan, IT dan lain-lain. Bagaimana pula dengan RASUAH?
    Oleh itu fikirlah masak-masak. Jangan terikut-ikut dengan pemikiran barat tanpa kajian dan semakan yang mendalam dibuat untuk menyesuaikan dengan keadaan di Malaysia. Memang mudah untuk dicakapkan kalau nak duit negara lebih maka tarik balik subsidi. Tapi implikasinya bagaimana? Adakah kekurangan duit negara disebabkan kerakusan pihak tertentu mengaut untung atau ketidakcekapan kerajaan memungut hasil atau RASUAH atau kegagalan kerajaan menoptimakan khazanah negera?
    Wasalam

  7. Assallammualaikumwarahmatullahiwabarokatuh.
    Semoga di dizinkan Tun.
    [[ayozzhero]]
    wajaperak:

  8. Tun,
    Izinkan saya memberi pendapat 3 sen (nilai Kerajaan Malaysia apabila membuat perjanjian dengan negara asing) saya berhubung pengurangan/pemansuhan subsidi terhadap barang keperluan rakyat termasuk minyak dan tenaga.
    Saya tidak membantah terhadap pengurangan atau memansuhkan terus subsidi kepada rakyat tetapi persoalannya Tun adakah ia selari dengan usaha kerajaan untuk meningkatkan pendapatan rakyat?
    Umum mengetahui jika harga minyak dan tenaga elektrik dinaikkan, ia akan menyebabkan tindak balas berantai iaitu kos pengangkutan akan naik sekali gus menyebabkan kenaikan harga barangan makanan, begitu juga dengan kenaikan harga elektrik.
    Menyentuh mengenai pengurangan subsidi tol oleh kerajaan, kalau tidak silap saya Tun, rakyat sudah habis membayar kos pembinaan Lebuh Raya Utara Selatan malah melebihi kos sebenar melalui pembayaran tol.
    Adakah rakyat harus membayar kos penyelenggaraan lebuh raya di negara ini pula untuk selama-lamanya?
    Kalau tidak silap saya lagi Tun, ada negara di Barat yang mengenakan sistem tol kepada rakyat tetapi tidak ada cukai jalan di negara berkenaan.
    Begitu juga ada negara yang mengenakan cukai jalan tetapi tiada sistem pembayaran tol.
    Tetapi di Malaysia kita ada kedua-dua sistem tol dan cukai jalan sekali gus.
    Tun, kerajaan terutama mereka yang kaya (saya tidak iri hati dengan orang kaya malah berbangga jika mereka berbangsa Melayu) harus sesekali memandang ke bawah melihat penderitaan rakyat marhaen terpaksa membayar tol setiap hari.
    Dulu kerajaan menjanjikan jalan alternatif tanpa tol tetapi sekarang rakyat seolah-olah dipaksa melalui jalan bertol kerana tiada jalan alternatif disediakan.
    Bayangkan kos RM100 atau lebih sebulan terpaksa dibayar rakyat membayar tol yang boleh digunakan untuk membeli barangan makanan runcit untuk sebuah keluarga miskin sebulan?
    Tun, saya bukan antipembangunan, binalah sebanyak mana infrastruktur dan bangunan mega kerana percaya ia akan memberi keuntungan kepada rakyat dan negara pada masa depan.
    Persoalannya Tun, dalam masa kerajaan bercakap mengenai keperluan mengurangkan dan memansuhkan subsidi, rakyat juga mendengar pelbagai skandal yang merugikan melibatkan bukan jutaan ringgit malah berbilion ringgit wang rakyat.
    Rakyat meluat, sebagai contoh melihat kemurahan hati kerajaan menyerahkan dua blok kawasan minyak kepada Brunei tetapi pada masa yang sama bercakap mengenai kerajaan akan bankrap jika subsidi kepada rakyat tidak dihapuskan.
    Saya kurang setuju dengan saranan Tun bahawa parti pembangkang pun akan sukar memulihkan pendapatan kerajaan jika berkuasa apabila kerajaan sedia ada tumbang dan bankrap.
    Walaupun saya bukan penyokong pembangkang, tetapi tidakkah sebagai sebuah kerajaan juga harus bijak menguruskan pendapatan negara seperti CEO sebuah syarikat korporat?
    Sama ada kita suka atau tidak kepada parti pembangkang, kita mesti akui bahawa ada tindakan mereka yang bukan sahaja popular di kalangan rakyat malah berjaya tanpa menjejaskan pendapatan kerajaan.
    Saya benar-benar kesian dan bimbang Tun terhadap nasib bangsa Melayu dan kerajaan sedia ada jika tumbang pada pilihan raya nanti dan berharap kerajaan sekarang akan berjaya pada pilihan raya umum akan datang.
    Salam Tun.

  9. Tun,
    Subsidy means any Goverment measure that ensure prices below market clearing levels for consumers or above market clearing levels for producers…so “over-priced” Government procurement by definition should be included as subsidy items. I think maybe the Government should work out on how to overcome the “procurement overpriced” issue first, as outlined/highlighted every year by the Auditor’s General office before talking about cutting other “people’s subsidy”.

  10. dearest Tun,
    I don’t think we can cut the subsidies…
    do you think if you call your children for a meeting to discuss ending their rm500 allowances..they will be happy to say ok?They thought you want to increase…suddenly cancel,you think they can accept ah?Don’t think so.Same story with rakyat/subsidy
    if in Shell,MAS you can do these to prepare your staff for the eventuality,and if they protest-you can sack them.
    but for a nation if Government dare to go ahead when they are not happy the rakyat will sack the government!
    Only way to go whether Najib likes it or not is;-
    a- Just gotta make sure all the GLCs make Billions of profit-so just do the right things,get the right people,etc!
    b- Just show real commitment to end corruption,not lip service so no more leakages
    c- MACC, is really independent? Get the opposition take charge of MACC.Why worry-you think can simply charge people without proof ah?
    d- Malaysia is an extremely beautiful country with all the exotic things tourist want at our doorsteps only.But so far only Genting Highlands seem to be helping Malaysia bring in lots of tourist.Actually if the Government really and seriously develop and promote Malaysia ,we are surrounded by 1/2 a billion of our SEA neighbours alone not yet talk about the 2 + + Billions from China and India,we are actually a Gold mine but all the tourist now know is KL,Twin Towers,Putra Jaya,Batu Caves,Sunway and Genting.Oh sorry forgot..Langkawi oh Langkawi and our other exotic islands.
    Maybe Tun with your experience developing and selling Langkawi before maybe they should appoint you to see how we further develop all our other attractions esp in my favorite and very neglected state of Perak.Important thing is we can make money for Malaysia ma.
    Let’s have big targets like double our tourist arrivals from 22 mio to 44 mio,why not China and Spain can we cannot meh?But of course lah after we have the tourist products. Tourism is important because it is also the other reason why we must have this subsidy thing going because it will help make Malaysia still cheap for tourists to come ma.
    I think this is Government job to think of increasing revenue for Malaysia so they better do it.If I do all the thinking than Govt got no job already.Than all the big fat salary for what,to say yes bos only ah?As usual set up think tank loh.
    Emotional acct of Govt with the people is mostly overdrawn,we are basically despaired already to see any real changes of happening soon.Originally we were happy with the promise of Change or Collapse and were convinced when Najib actually amended the UMNO constitution to allow anyone to challenge him only to betrayed later by I help you you help me episode in Sibu.This betrayal is an enormous withdrawal of the emotional acct.Nowadays at the click of the finger only people can see for themselves whatever they have heard is true or not.So a subsidy cut now is suicidal to UMNO in PRU 13.
    If the govt has no intention of cutting subsidies yet-best not to talk about it at all.As it is now unnecessarily,the Govt make us hate them already for giving us this much dreaded news at time our confidence with the Govt is at it’s lowest.Every moment as we discuss and discuss and discuss..I think now ah even if Govt don’t cut the subsidies also UMNO consider gone case already come PRU13.

  11. Salam YAB dan diKasihi Tun,
    1. Masaalah utama mengenai subsidi ialah ORANG KAYA PUN MENIKMATI SUBSIDI termasuklah subsidi makanan, tol, kesihatan, minyak dan etc. Memanglah kerajaan boleh BANKRAP jika orang kaya pun diberi subsidi. Subsidi patut diberi kepada mereka yang BETUL-BETUL BERHAK/LAYAK (tidak berkemampuan dari segi kewangan). Mungkin satu sistem kupon boleh digunakan.
    2. Secara peribadi, saya ok (setuju) saja jika subsidi dikurangkan kerana mesti ada cara untuk setiap keluarga MERANCANG PERBELANJAAN. Jika harga minyak naik, kurangkan penggunaan minyak; jika tempat yang hendak dituju dekat saja, elok berjalan kaki atau kalau ada pengangkutan awam, boleh guna. Begitu juga dengan tol. Kalau mahal, jika ada pilihan, guna saja jalan yang tidak bertol. Untuk makanan, bagi yang berkeluarga, eloklah memasak di rumah dari makan di luar

  12. Salam Tun,
    The opposition is just looking for a scapegoat. This is just another propaganda by the opposition.
    In my view upgrading of infrastructure is good but to spend inappropriately is something to think about.
    Eg the recent Mosque that can occupy 20000 people per seating seem to be a wastage.
    Big grand mosque in kl is abundance.
    Allah dont look at a big grand mosque to justify ones’ iman…
    Allah bless a nation when there is justice and harmony among beings.
    well spent money to aid the poor in raising their standard of living and help the poor in getting good education and so on. imagine with that kind of money the government spend can really lift up their standard of living for the poor. Have mercy for the poor. Thanks

  13. Hi Tun,
    I feel that our gov good in approved spending project and talk alot rubbish. Debt goes up by 12 per cent per annum is malaysian fault? Who should take this respon.?
    Who approved the 20 billions project for Johor Iskandar? Until now no result come out? Year 2007 got few high cost projects at east & west coast.. all about hundreds billions. Then how about Port Klang case? How many ppl enjoy gov money for themselve in all these projects? All are happy for fullfill their pockets only.
    Our gov really good in expenses, did our gov talk abt increasing gov income? Like outsider’ investment, tourism, tax, export… NO.. Just look like NON OF MY BUSINESS..
    Not easy to management a country, if they dont know the management, planning & correct action skill, then we will ….

  14. Dearest TUN,
    I think you are smart enough to know that comparing the Japan cost of living against Malaysia’s cost of living shold not be mentioned in the first place. I am really fed up when malaysian politician says that our cost of living etc are the cheapest in the world. For people who earn Rm50,000 per month like them, For foreigners who earn Rm100,000 a month…definitelt everything is cheap of course. But what about our policemen and military boys, low ranking government servants and clerk who earn Rm1000 a month?? Have they thought about them? Even earning Rm3000 is not enough to raise a decent family. Do your math properly.
    Removal of subsidies issue? Of course for people like Idris Jala and the rest of the politician…they don’t need the subsidy. The amount of income they earn per month is more than an average malaysian earn in a year or 3 years, some 10 years!!
    Look at our own backyard first before saying anything. The country will go bankrupt in 9 nears if they continue with corruption, massive spending, unnecessary developments which feeds the rich and influential. The country will go bankrupt if they spend rm800 million on new parliament building, on new fighter jets when The MIG-29 is just a few years old (somebody sees a great opportunity), on submarines that doesn’t work. Country will go bankrupt is they spend Rm10 billion for something which is worth Rm1 Billion. Country will go bankrupt if they do not prosecute people who are responsible to give away malaysian petroleum wells to Brunei (when we can fight in international court for Sipadan & Pulau Batu Puteh, why can’t we fight for the Petroleum blocks? Of course Singapore won’t pay for the island so will not Philipines. Brunei, the oil rich kingdom? Maybe.)
    CERTAINLY THE COUNTRY WILL NOT GO BANKRUPT IF THEY CONTINUE TO SUBSIDISE FOR THE SAKE OF ORDINARY CITIZEN WHO ARE TRYING TO MAKE END MEETS.
    Fight corruption and we will be a rich nation

  15. Dearest TUN,
    We all know that you are indebted to Tun Razak for all the good things that he has done to you. You are now repaying his good deeds by supporting Najib. Very noble But there are limits!! He is giving away the Malays privileges to garner the support of the non-malays. But sadly, the Non Malays still are not supporting Najib. To make things worse, the malays are distancing themselves because they think Najib & UMNO cannot protect the malays anymore. Very ironic, the Chinese have their chambers and associations, what does the malay have? The malays only have UMNO which is forgetting it’s root cause!!

  16. Hi Tun,
    Do you feel dissapointed with wat gov said in past few days? Tun so concern about subsidies’ issue and try to explain gov difficulty here but…
    Sometime i really confuse – R they politicians or 4 years old boys? Why so foolish circumstances can happen? A week before concern abt subsidies issue & come out with “bankrupt by 2019” statement but now talking how to spent money million2.. haha.. how much to spent on new Parliment house?

  17. Salam Tun.
    I’m not familiar on the full mechanism & technicalities of government budgeting, but I believe Idris Jala only gave the easy scenario to go about on this ‘too much subsidy’ phobia.
    Consider these facts:
    1. The concession to PLUS and other highway operators will expire soon, and the govt can then collect tolls instead of spending money on subsidy. Alternatively nego with them to extend the concession period albeit by maintaining/reducing the rates, which I believe they’re ever willing.
    2. Any increase in world crude oil price is a win situation, since Malaysia burns less petrol than she produces! The extra money obtained from the crude oil price increase must be used as subsidy to maintain current petrol price.
    3. Now that ex-PM Pak Dol & family can’t taunt Petronas for a slice of the petrodollar (even though son K’luddin is salivating profoundly at those missed opportunities), money from Petronas alone almost suffice to make up the RM74b annual subsidy that the govt provide! (Hopefully Tun can request Petronas to reveal the recipient/s of the contracts arising from the late overseas trips by Pak Dol before his forced retirement!)
    4. The ‘missing/unaccountable’ RM270b Petronas gave to Pak Dol & the RM250b from Blocks L & M that Pak Dol ‘donated’ to Brunei can cover more than 7 years subsidy!
    There are 1001/101 other areas for the govt to search for the RM74b annually to keep Malaysians happy, instead of doing away with the present subsidy. Idris Jala should look further to find out at this 1001/101 areas.

  18. To Karma,
    Why don’t you ask Anwar Ibrahim what he did with the rakyat’s money when the country almost went bankrupt during the 1997/1998 financial crisis? He was the finance minister, wasn’t he??
    Who came up with the brilliant solution to the finacial crisis and saved the rakyat and the country from bankruptcy?
    You and people like you are just a bunch of ungrateful ……!!!

  19. Assallammualaikumwarahmatullahiwabarokatuh.
    Semoga mendapat izin dan perkenan Tun.
    [[checker
    Bukan semua rezeki yang Kami kurniakan kepadakamu itu hak kamu tetapi kami amanahkan sebahagiannya untuk orang2 yang tertentu yang memerlukan bantuan – Firman Allah]]
    Tuan.Minta maaf.Tapi saya rasa tuan telah tersilap di sini.Jika dari Ayat Al Quran tolong sebut ayat mana surah mana.Jika hadith saya percaya mungkin benar.Zaman sekarang banyak manusia yang jahil.Harap tuan dapat lebih perincikan lagi.Saya amat menghargai sumbangan dan jasa Tuan dalam blog Tun.
    Terima kasih.
    Terima kasih Tun.

  20. Good day Tun….
    Najib says “Govn.have NO more MONEY” BUT The Minister Of Parliment says…. Need to upgrade to a new & improved Parliment house @ Putrajaya and it will just COST RM800 MILLION!!!! Reason given… “More new MP’s…. so Parliment is very crowded… No place to lepak”
    So….. NOW…. My RM800 MILLION question is…. WHY govn. need a new Parliment house? Afterall… MAJORITY of our ELECTED YB’s are always TOOOO busy with their own “Extra-Coricular Activities” to attend most of the Parliment sitting!!!! We can see this from RTM.1… so many empty seats…. Why waste money???? Tax payers have to work very hard to pay tax money to govn….. Better spend the RM800 MILLION on the rakyat….. so that the next General Election…. the YBs wannabe can say “I help you to clean the longkang…. You help me to elect this person” Afterall with a new Parliment house…. this will not help to improve the YB’s attendance or helping the grassroot!!!!
    Satu lagi “projek” BN yang mengecewakan…. just like our “New Sub”….
    FYI – The new generation of Rakyat is a “Knowledgeable Rakyat”… they will think before they act. Unlike our Grandparents / Parents era…. they are more on “Loyalty” then a brainer!!!

  21. Dear Tun,
    Across the board subsidy is not sustainable for any economy. Worst is when it becomes unsustainable, cutting back will be very difficult. It can even change the goverment or cause riots.
    Across the board subsidy will tax the goverment coffers to no end. Its net effect is to distort the real free market forces taking effect to efficiently move the economy.
    Demand is not moderated and supply is unsustainable over the long run. Creativity and efficient use of resources will not be maximised as the low cost keeps demand high but supply is diminishing.
    Subsidy supporting pure consumption is not good. Just as an individual using credit for personal consumption, especially non essential consumption will cause him negative growth. Where else if he uses credit for investment he can expect growth for the returns from his investment.
    Subsidy must be for investment. With investment we expect returns – no matter how long it may take but returns are expected.
    The goverment therefore needs to re-examine the kinds of subsidies given out the rakyaat.
    Government spending MUST yield returns. It must grow the economy. It Must be for growing the economy. Not for pure consumption.
    Education, Basic health care & basic food stuff are investments. So are necessary infrastructural developments.
    In a free market economy prices depends on supply and demand. Keeping fuel prices low, using subsidies, distorts this equation. It further increase demand straining further the goverment coffers. Demand increase as people will not curtail travel, nor look for cheaper alternative of traveling, and more efficient use of fuel.
    It a zero sum game.
    Same goes for sugar, cooking oil, gas and what have you…
    Highways…we have been going about it the wrong way. The goverment should have forked out the funds to build them – its infrastructural development. Than tender out for operators to run and maintain them. Toll price will be for the upkeep only and not the initial investment cost. The goverment will get a cut from the Toll for the enforcement cost.
    With this Toll prices can be kept in check and the goverment DO NOT have to GIVE the operators money from its coffers.
    This will also ensure only much needed highways are build based on the Goverment’s MASTER PLAN. Not some underused highway being build without any viability to the economic growth foreseen.
    Najib needs to figure out a transition strategy to reconfigure the use of goverment coffers more efficiently and effectively to invest in the growth of the nation’s economy.
    ————————————————
    With regards to the action of the USA on the matter of the flotilla and IRAN. Well it have been proven without any reasonable doubt that the USA has LOST all moral authority to lead the world to peace or for any other matter.
    It only has the military aka dictatorial authority of one who had military and physical might. USA, you can shaft your so called democracy.
    Your days are numbered. Your currency is monopoly money. Your banks are frauds. Your capitalist system is one big casino.
    All the world can see for themselves the real USA who claim to be the force for good…yet WHAT GOOD have they done??

  22. Dear Tun,
    What Idris Jala said is right. Make no mistake about it. We cannot be in a state of denial. The fact remains that the govt. has been subsidizing practically everything to make the rakyat feel comfortable and sustain their cost of living at the lowest possible. But for how long the govt. should continue maintaining the subsidy at a higher level. It will be suicidal if the govt. continues to maintain status quo on subsidy. Yes, it could make this country bankrupt as what Idris Jala rightly said.
    The right thing to do is for the govt to reduce the subsidy gradually, so as not to affect drastically the cost of living of the rakyat particularly the lower income group. What the govt. should also do is to plug all the loopholes and pilferages on subsidy item by item for a given period of time and then find the best alternative solution to reduce the impact of the reduction in subsidy.
    As for the oppositions who keep on “meyalak”, let them menyalak sampai ke pagi. They are worth nothing. Don’t give them a damn. They have no credibility except trying to destroy the fabric of our delicate multi-racial society. They are in fact a menace to society!!
    I don’t think the oppositions can be of any good to the rakyat. The can fly kite !!! They will destroy this country. Make no mistake about it. Everything will turn into ashes if given them the chance to rule. I CAN SMELL RAT !!!

  23. Salam kasih Ayahanda Tun M dan keluarga.
    Isu subsidi. Sekadar hendak berkongsi maklumat sahaja.
    1.Di zaman kanak-kanan ditahun 60an saya sempat membeli gula pasir
    dengan harga 0.25sekati dan susu pekat manis 0.65 setin. Kalau tak
    silap saya.
    2.Harga ketika itu kelihatan macam murah je. Tetapi ayahanda Tun M,
    Kami nak beli basikal pun tidak mampu. Basikal ketika itu mungkin
    RM120 sebuah apa lagi nak beli TV gambar hitam putih??. Arwah ayah
    pekerja am JKR ketika itu. Nasihat arwah ayah dan emak sangat kami
    hargai.
    3.Alhamdulillah kami adik beradik semua hidup sihat sampai sekarang.
    Hasil dari jimat cermat. Walau pun ketika itu ada buku teks kena
    beli.Tiada ASB dan ASN pun. Yang ada buku saving pos office.Tengah
    bulan hitam ibu jari kanan arwah emak. Sekarang BSN.
    4.Dizaman tahun 2000an ini, lebih hebat dari dulu. Saya terpanggil
    dengan kenyataan subsidi. Ada yang pro dan ada yang kontra. Ada
    pelbagai alasan. Contoh kecil: jika keluarga yang berpendapatan
    rendah makan dengan berlauk ikan 4 ekor. Mungkin selepas subsidi
    di dtarik mampu beli 2 ekor ikan. Sebab semuanya dah mahal katanya.
    5.Peliknya, dalam daripada yang kurang kemampuan, ada yang mampu
    milik dua telefon bimbit. Canggih pulak tu. Ada yang mampu miliki
    dua set TV, mampu milik motorsikal cc kecil dan sebagainya.
    Entahlah…
    6.Yang penting penarikan subsidi biarlah berhemah. Tiada pemimpin
    yang mahu melihat negara Malaysia ini miskin.
    7.Di doakan ayahanda Tun M dan keluarga sentiasa sihat walafiat.
    Semoga sumbangan ayahanda Tun M kepada yang memerlukan, di berkati
    Allah SWT.
    Wasallam,
    Abadi

  24. Dear Yang Amat Dihormati Tun,
    To my mind, the Government could have thought of better idea instead of reducing or removing subsidies. Why it is always people have to sufffer? For the case of fuel, we all know that Petronas makes more profit when the price increases which is then passed back to the Government. And for toll rates, we people are sick with the lopsided agreement. The toll operators are extremely protected in commercial parts but given leeway in terms of maintenance and providing comfort to users. The riding quality of our toll highways is not up to the standard and hazardous at certain stretches. Look at the queue at toll gates. These operators are not bothered at all at how far it stretches for users to pay them!
    How can the Government allow the toll operators to increase the toll rates when these operators are making huge profit each year? How can the Government have to compensate them when the toll rates are not allowed to be increased? How can the Government could have agreed with such agreement? If the operators are given traffic guarantee, why can’t the Government get some advantage when the traffic volume exceeds the projected figure? These are the things that revolve around most people’s mind. Why can’t the Government renegotiate the agreement so that people don’t have to suffer.
    Actually there are many steps or actions the Government can take in order to avoid sacrificing the subsidies. I’m sure we have all the experts to do this job but please be aware that people have suffered enough.
    Thank you Tun for the space.

  25. assalamu alaikum tun
    food subsidy is important so no way to removing subsidy in this section. power also one more important section as food and health, education also same as above. as tun say in power section can remove or reduce subsidy except home supplies. toll,fuel strictly can remove subsidy it force people to use the government and public transport and it stop useless travel. govt can try to make a department for food. supply food items directly by this way subsidy correctly get to Malaysian only and can avoid misuse the subsidy. we need good analyse above sections subsidy and gdp growth. our growth is nation growth…………
    assalamu alaikum tun

  26. Salam Tun,
    Saya berpendapat subsidi tidak patut dihapuskan atas alasan berikut:-
    1. Kerajaan Malaysia selepas Tun diwarisi oleh kepimpinan yang pemalas. Mereka ini malas untuk bekerja mencari duit untuk negara. Mereka ingin duduk rilek. Ingin nikmati kesenangan yang Tun usahakan.
    Sebab itulah potongan subsidi dibuat supaya beban kerajaan untuk bekerja kuat diringankan dan dipindahkan kepada rakyat.Perlukah rakyat membayar akibat kepimpinan negara yang pemalas.
    2. Datuk Najib mengatakan pelaburan berbilion -bilion akan masuk dari pelaburan Western Digital dll. Adakah ini hanya sembang kosong.Saya rasa ini sembang kosong bila subsidi hendak dipotong.
    3. tidak ada kerajaan di dunia macam di bawah kepimpinan Tun yang mencari duit untuk negara dan menyalurkan balik kesenangan melalui subsidi minyak, gula dan bahan makanan lain.Tidak pernah beban kerajaan dipindahkan kepada rakyat semasa zaman tun.
    4. Di zaman Pak Lah subsidi minyak dipotong banyak kali,tetapi kepimpinan sekarang lebih teruk , bukan saja minyak ,tapi gula dan bahan makanan lain juga ingin dipotong.

  27. Dear Tun and followers of Tun,
    I now publicly absolve Tun from all issue surrounding the IPP subsidy for natural gas.
    The reason is because that the subsidih is artifical based on an artificial price. Price for natural gas in Asia is not the same as the price in the US even though they are exactly same the product. (Asians pay almost 2x the price).
    So even though on the left hand the Gomen is spending money “to subsidy” the IPP (based on the Asian price) on the right hand the Gomen is making money from Petronas due to this high price.
    Furthermore, there is more supply of gas than there is demand. Even the Indons are forced to export their gas to the US because there is so much gas around. So really the Gomen is not losing money on the IPP because if the IPP did not use the gas, Petronas will be forced to export to the US and in the US they will not pay the same high price we pay.
    So the opportunity cost is 0. Its just an accounting from left to right
    (Am surprised Tun did not explain this. Anyhow – Tun is cleared from this)

  28. Dear Tun and Readers,
    First and foremost my greatest appreciation to your self for not censoring my comments.
    I have gathered that Pemandu gave a private screening to your esteemed self on this subsidy story.
    I regret to inform your esteemed self that
    a) Pemandu was wrong in defining the subsidy and wrong in calculating the number.
    b) Malaysia is by way not the most subsidized nation on earth
    c) They are right in the debt implosion but wrong in how to solve the problem.
    Even though I may not be the dear YAB/ YTM Tun’s supporter, if I ever was graced with the opportunity to present to you, I would have checked and rechecked my numbers to make sure I would not misinform your esteemed self.
    Details of what is subsidy and how it is calculated is available at
    http://penumpang.blogspot.com/2010/06/wenger-pantang-di-cabar.html#more

  29. Dear Tun,
    Today’s Star reported the government is considering building Putrajaya Parliament costing rm800 millions. The present Parliament building would be Heritage. What a waste of money after announcing the government would go bankrupt in 2019 if current level of subsidies continue.
    I am sure there are many more similar not so urgent projects but costly to undertake. These projects can wait. The government must know their priorities. The government needs te be prudent and frugal and not be wasteful at the expense of the voters.
    Democratic government is the government of the people, by the people and for the people.
    amin tan

  30. Salam Tun & Fellow CheDet’s Bloggers,
    I support the government intention to gradually reduce the current subsidies but to replace it with a more fair scheme, that is to provide subsidy only to those in needs and deserved to be helped.
    I am not economist but I believe that there is nothing wrong in providing and continue to provide subsidies to the rakyat. Maybe the government must look at and study the similar applicable concept in Islam. ( Bukan semua rezeki yang Kami kurniakan kepadakamu itu hak kamu tetapi kami amanahkan sebahagiannya untuk orang2 yang tertentu yang memerlukan bantuan – Firman Allah )
    but the objective must be correct, the choices and types of subsidy must also be relevant to achieve the set objective. Application or implementation of those subsidies must be effective and efficient. The types of products to be subjected to subsidy must be relevant to the strategic needs of the categorised target groups. Of course, the target groups that are entitled to receive such subsidies must also be clearly defined and their individual records must be kept updated, to enable the government to carry-out regular reviews.
    I am not going into the mechanics of it, but focus on 2 component in application of subsidies, namely;
    a)Products – basic food products such as rice, flour, sugar, cooking oil, cooking gas and many more that have relevance must be placed in the subsidy scheme. ( these must distributed to selected categories of society which have been target as subsidiy receipients at certain selected outlets, located nation-wide, easily accessable, least beaurocratic system and transparent )
    b)Services – basic requirement on education, healthcare services, housing, transportation etc.must be extended subsidy scheme to the selected categories. Again simplified and transparent system mus be used.
    Another words, the government has the national obligation to provide subsidies on basic needed items and services to the relevant group of the society. The rich should not complain.
    The petrol subsidy can be gradually withdrawn except for the public tranportation and fishermen.
    The subsidy on rice,flour,sugar and cooking oils etc can gradully withdrawn except for the indentified groups of the reciepients. There is no reason why businesses such as restaurants, confectionaries, drink plants should be subsidised.
    Low-cost house should strictly be for the lower income groups and otherwise make it a crime for other not deserving group to be have access to this kind of subsidies.
    In other words the government must develop comprehensive national subsidy scheme that are fair, transparent and enforce strictly punishment to wrong doers as criminal offenders. It is not a problem if the government has the strong commitment and political will to implement it.
    Semuga Allah memberi kita semua kekuatan dan kesabaran untuk melaksanakan dan menegakkan ajaran Allah yang haq.Ameeen..

  31. Salam Ayahanda Tun,
    “8. When I was Prime Minister the price for one barrel of oil was only US$30. The subsidy was not too big. It is now US$80. To keep the same price would mean to increase the amount of subsidy to make up the difference. Similarly when the Government agrees not to increase toll rates it has to reimburse the losses sustained by the operators. This cost a lot of money.”
    I have no comment on oil prices… but on the toll rate, there’s some point to ponder…
    the user has to pay for the toll but as we approach the toll plaza we can already see the traffic ahead is not even moving…queing to pay the toll and get stuck in it for at least 1hour is really something not acceptable but we have live it for years.. and still the rate is increase each few years.. from 90cent to RM 1.10, from 70cent to 90cent and we travelling each day to&fro… with that number of users and that volume of traffic i don’t understand the losses that they are making each day…
    just my another confusion and curiosity…
    wassalam.

  32. Assalammualaikum Tun,
    1. I strongly believe that the financial mess Malaysia is currently facing is due to the incompetence and treachery of Dollah Badawi.
    2. The first stupid mistake he made was to allow petrol to increase substantially. As a result there was spiraling increase in the cost of all essential services and items. He opened the opportunity for profiteers to provide excuses. Once prices are up, it will not come down. From previous experience, even a slight increase in the salary adjustment of the civil servant, there were increases in the prices of essential items. This, Dollah Badawi did not learn.
    3. The second stupid mistake he made was to raise the salary of the civil servant exorbitantly. He did it when the income from petroleum was at its peak. He failed to realize that the income from petroleum is not sustainable and also that salary adjustment increase is a permanent commitment.
    4. Now, the private sector employees are lagging in remuneration whereas they are the drivers of economic growth. Civil service is now much sought-after jobs.
    5. There were also unforgiveable deliberate acts which were intended to benefit his family members and cronies such as Pantai Holding sale and buyback, Agusta sale, Maybank Indonesia and Pakistan ventures, scraping of the crooked bridge, scraping and reopening of railway double tracking project, merger of Golden Hope and Guthrie Plantations with Sime Darby, and many others.
    6. We and the future generation will suffer as a result of his treacherous acts.
    Salam sejahtera to you Tun.

  33. Salam Tun and Readers,
    1. The underlying key in economic policy formation is to ensure that the poor is not getting poorer, the rich might be getting richer. In other words, income disparity and hence, poverty, should be of the main concern in deriving any policy economic formulation.
    2. One argument has suggested that Malaysia’s status as middle-income country will be trapped for a longer period of time if the business entities are still adopting the cheap-imported labors in their production. As a result, the wages received in general(including the locals) are low. The net income received will eventually be a great factor determining the low market price of other goods and services, (ironically, the low market prices as suggested in the argument seems to be misleading as evidenced by the current actual prices in the market, especially foods) which in turn creates a reciprocality to the income of the producers or sellers, and of course, creating another group of low income receivers.
    3. The result is that the Malaysian Government will be subsi’dying’ to keep the prices affordable by the Rakyat. Then why we still hearing sounds of dissatisfaction over the high prices from the Rakyat? Its simply because their incomes are not in tandem to afford with the price of goods and services.
    4. Here’s another round of chaos. To mantain the subsidy, the Government will be using whatever means it has, including income tax revenues or simlply known as ‘Duit Rakyat’, which is supposed to be directed to development projects and other beneficial plans.
    5. I would view the step to cut subsidy, especially in the power and energy sector, should be implemented in utmost consideration (assuming transparancy prevails) of the Rakyat’s spending ability as well as possibility to revise the wage system.
    6. Whatever it takes, its the narrowing income gap and eliminating poverty that should be frontloaded by the Government.
    7. Wassalam.

  34. Tun yang dikasihi,
    Saya berharap kita semua dapat diberitahu apakah pecahan RM74 billion subsidi tersebut – persekolahan percuma, makanan (gula, tepung, minyak masak, etc), petrol,tol, elektrik, air dsb. Ramai diantara kita tidak sedar betapa bernasib baik kerana dapat menikmati semua ini.
    Ilmu atau maklumat itu penting kerana ia membawa kepada kefahaman pada sesuatu isu/masalah dan akhirnya penyelesaian yang terbaik. Apa Idris lakukan ialah membentangkan maklumat dan jika kita semua berhenti dari “denial” ini, kita boleh bersama-sama menyumbang cara mana mengatasi masalah ini – bukan asyik komplen itu tak elok ini tak betul sepanjang masa i.e such a waste of energy & resources.
    Saya berharap Tun dapat terus menulis kerana ramai yang dapat belajar dan faham dari penerangan tersebut – kenapa Kerajaan perlu berbelanja untuk menggerakkan ekonomi i.e bila ada projek = ada pekerjaan, bila syarikat untung = cukai kepada kerajaan dan pekerjaan/employment dapat dikekalkan dsb. Kalau RM1 disimpan dalam bank, ia terus menjadi RM1 + faedah 5% kepada seorang tetapi jika berbelanja dan berpindah di antara 10 tangan, ia menjadi nilai yang lebih besar dan bermakna kepada 10 orang.
    Kalau terus menyalahkan sana sini, masa terus berlalu, masalah tidak selesai dan kita semua dan anak-anak juga yang rugi.
    Semuga Allah sentiasa memberkati Tun.

  35. Salam Tun Dr. Mahathir,
    Extended government subsidies tend to create a less resilient, self-reliant and productive people.
    Removing all subsidies is just as fatal for an economy as not removing any at all. I suppose the people in government have to decide which subsidies to be removed, by how much and when. A good government will make the right decisions about this.
    Can’t depend on daddy’s allowance all our lives.
    Salam,
    Hanif.

  36. Assalamualaikum Tun.
    Tgk banner Tun datang 14Jun kat stadium negeri.Maybe saya juga datang mendengar kalau ada kesempatan.Kebetulannya ada kenduri kat K.trg minggu ni.

  37. Salam Tun yang amat dihormati dan disanjungi,
    1.Memang benar setelah Datuk Seri Idris Jala mengumumkan pernyataan berkenaan subsidi dan kemungkinan Malaysia muflis jika kerajaan meneruskan subsidi yang cukup tinggi yang diberikan oleh kerajaan dalam perbagai sector telah mendapat pelbagai reaksi dari segenap lapisan masyarakat samada secara terus atau tidak terus dan samada melalui PEMANDU atau tidak.
    2. Pengumuman ini samada bermotifkan politik jangka pendek atau jangka panjang bukan lah persoalan pokok tetapi yang lebih penting lagi ialah ketidakpuashatian semua pihak samada yang akan teruk terkena atau yang hanya sekadar merasa akan terkena teruk ataupun juga hanya sekadar ingin menjadi wira untuk kepentingan tertentu atau sesiapa juga yang tidak merasa puas hati jika tindakkan menghapuskan subsidi samada sedikit demi sedikit atau sebanyak demi sebanyak dijalankan. Persoalan kemuflisan Negara jika tindakan menghapuskan subsidi ini dengan apa cara sekalipun adalah amat bergantung kepada kebijaksanaan kerajaan menangani isu ini. Kebijaksanaan ini telah dibeli oleh rakyat dengan memberikan gaji dan imbuhan yang amat tinggi kepada pihak kerajaan samada Perdana Menteri, Timbalan Perdana Menteri, menteri2 kabinet, timbalan2 menteri kabinet, ketua pembangkang, pembangkang, ahli parlimen dan adun yang memang merasakan mereka adalah pejuang untuk menjadikan Malaysia sebuah Negara yang terbaik dari kaca mata mereka samada bersetuju atau tidak bersetuju dengan isu pemotongan subsidi ini. Jadi ini adalah tanggong jawab mereka yang terpilih menentukan apakah yang terbaik sekarang dan akan menjadi terbaik juga di masa akan datang. Kalau masalah ini tidak mampu ditangani maka lebih baik tak payah menjadi pak/timbalan menteri, ketua pembangkang, ahli parlimen dan sebagainya dan biarlah orang yang lebih layak, jujur dan berpandangan jauh menyelesaikan masalah ini. Saya tetap yakin masih terlalu banyak orang yang di luar sana mampu melaksanakan tugas ini dengan lebih baik dengan niat yang suci serta penuh kejujuran. Apa yang penting sekarang ialah seseorang pemegang tampok pemerentahan Negara bukan hanya sekadar pandai secara hak malah mestilah Nampak padai, bukan setakat jujur malah mesti kelihatan jujur, bukan sekadar layak malah mesti kelihatan layak

  38. Tun,
    Kerajaan nak hapus subsidi.Elok juga kepada kita rakyat Malaysia.Saya setuju jika hapuskan juga yuran pengajian sekolah dan pengajian tinggi.Insuran dan cukai jalan kenderaan turun 75 %.Bagi petani pula,apungkan harga padi.jangan sekat harganya.Jangan tetapkan paras minima potongan padi(petani ditindas oleh kerajaan dalam perkara ini sejak sekian lama).Mansuhkan cukai jualan,impot kenderaan persendirian.Berhenti kutip tol serta merta.Satu lagi,jangan lagi”BERNIAGA DENGAN RAKYAT” seperti yang sudah-sudah.
    Mustahak sekali ialah tukar semua pegawai atasan dan pegawai yang tak amanah,tak buat kerja dan menyusahkan rakyat.Kuatkuasakan semua undang-undang,jangan buat hanya bila ada pendedahan oleh media.Banyak duit negara hilang begitu saja sebab penyeludupan dan aktiviti haram.
    Bukan susah sangan pun.Baru dikata adil.

  39. Hi Tun,
    “bankrupt by 2019”, I am not sure true or not for this statement. But as who under financial background like me know that the ways to solve shortage of cash flow are a)cut cost, b)borrow money, c) increase income..
    What is the main income for a country? I think tax… Correct? Then why gov still not approve license for Ascot sport? This is very profitable business, anybody can estimate the tax payble fo this business?
    Do you know how serious & easy ppl go online to gamble sport match every moment? Most of these website not under malaysia, maybe THE CEO is malaysian lar.. Can gov & polise stop ppl surf all thoese net? I dont think so..
    Nobody have the actual estimate profit for all illegal broker/gamble company.. Because wat i know at least 50% of young & middle age chinese male are playing football gamble with CREDIT TERM. THESE ALL ILLEGAL BROKER/GAMBLE COMPANY didnt pay tax, right?
    Ppl still can survive gamble with cash, but sure will die fast gamble with CREDIT TERM. If I am the leader, i will approve the license after comparing advantage & disadvantage.
    Thank you.

  40. Asalamualaikum…
    yg menjadi pelik bin ajaib mengapa sebelum ini subsidi membatu rakyat juga dapat membangunkan m’sia sehingga di kenali seluruh dunia yg mana sebelum ni depa ingat org m’sia duduk atas pokok…
    mengapa di zaman ada sumbangan petronas tetiba negara akan bankrap..p mana duit2 tu semua….nak kata ada pembangunan ntah lah….problem kurang gula ni..nak minta tolong sangat kpd pengacara2 media eletronik jgn lah duk kata jgn makn gula banyak nati dapat kencing manis…dah jelak dah di dendangkan ngan ‘ayat’ tu…yg duk terkejut beruk sangat gula takder bukan yg gunakan gula sekampit sebln…yg duk terkejut tu peniaga kecil2an…saya sekampit
    dari taun lepas duk ada lg sbb kurangkan gula sejak azali…kita yg marhain ni tak kisah gula ada ke takder sbb kalo tak dapat buat manisan kita boleh buat lempeng cicah ikan kering atau sambal tumis ikan bilis jgn nati kami di dendangkan kuarangkan mkn cili kurangkan mkn tepung gandum kurang itu ini lama2 gamaknya kena hidu jer jgn makan nati obesiti….sedih…mengapa zaman bapak jadi pm
    problem ni tidak seteruk ini…betul ke rakyat di dulukan…mengapa saya rasa tak percaya….saya agak yakin yg artikel bapak ni sebenarnya bapak ‘camdek’idris jala bukan mengiyakan kenyataannya…

  41. Hi Tun,
    I feel doubt-why the subsidies’ issue so susah to solve & take so long time to find the ways?
    I agree “Father need to know the stress of son & son have to understand father’s beban.” Most malaysian are educated so we will have our own reasonable judgement & accept the reasonable decision by gov. Exp, we didnt make noise for every saturday we need to buy plastic beg when we shop.
    My cadangan for cut the petrol subsidies..
    Gov make analysis to ensure how much available to sub. per litre (x) for retail selling. Then average the whole mth of petrol’s world market price, Less X to get new retail price for next coming mth.
    Example, gov sub. RM0.50/litre, average world mkt price/litre for May 10 is RM3.00 then new retail price for Jun 10 will be RM 2.50.
    Later after 1/2 or a year, optional – gov can decrease sub. RM/litre.
    PPL can be easyly to live wit the slowly inflation & easy understand wit the formula. I feel this make gov more easy and straight to the point.
    No need take long time (price still increasing at this moment) & waste money to do a lot of survey (of coz ppl not agree for price increase without planning) before decision come out. Work easier way to cut off wastage and effective to the target.
    Do you feel so?

  42. Salam Ybhg.Tun,
    Isu subsidi yang diperkatakan sekarang bagi saya adalah satu peroses pendidikan kepada rakyat dan kerajaan untuk berhemat dalam perbelanjaan .Dipehak kerajaan saya fikir banyak perkara dan cara boleh dilakukan utk mengurangkan perbelanjaan tanpa menjejaskan kualiti hidup rakyat.Diantaranya:-
    1.Kerajaan boleh mengurangkan bajet sehingga 10% dengan melaksanakan perolehan secara tender yang kompetitif dan terbuka,
    2.Mengurangkan bilangan kakitangan kerajaan yang terlalu ramai.Berdasarkan penduduk malaysia hanya 27 juta bilangan 1.2juta kakitangan awam adalah yang tertinggi didunia.
    3.Ajensi kerajaan yang bertindih fungsi seperti di Kementerian Pertanian yang mempunyai ajensi hampir 20buah perlu dikurangkan,begitu juga ajensi di kementerian lain.
    4.Ajensi pemungut cukai mesti menambah fail pembayar cukai terutama Hasil Dalam Negeri dan Kastam.Banyak cukai terlepas dari dipungut kerana kegagalan ejensi pemungut cukai mengesan syarikat atau orang perseorangan yang layak membayar cukai.
    5.Pemimpin politik mesti menunjuk tauladan yang baik dengan hidup sederhana bermula dari PM,Menteri,dan Wakil Rakyat.
    6.Penguatkuasa undang-undang terutama di sempadan negara mestilah menjalankan tugas dengan jujur supaya penyeludupan barang bersubsidi
    dapat dibendung.
    7.Kerajaan mesti TEGAS menlaksanakan polisi supaya barangan bersubsidi HANYA UNTUK RAKYAT MALAYSIA SAHAJA.Oleh itu sebarang pembelian oleh waraga asing seperti warga singapura diharam terus dan tidak dibenar sama sekali hatta satu kilo pun utk dibawa pulang ke Singapura.
    Terima Kasih,

  43. Assalammualaikum w.b.t Ayahanda Tun dan isteri,
    Semoga dipanjangkan umur dan dimurahkan rezeki,
    Malaysia akan bangkrap pada 2019 sebab subsidi?
    Saya rasa Malaysia akan bangkrap lebih awal iaitu pada 2013. Sebabnya, POS rugi RM 800 juta, SIME DARBY rugi RM 2 billion, PKFZ rugi RM 4.5 billion, PROTON rugi berapa billion tahun lepas, dan lain-lain kerugian yang mungkin keluar lagi pada masa depan. Jika duit-duit yang berbillion ini dikumpul, sudah tentu dapat digunakan untuk menampung subsidi tahunan kerajaan berjumlah RM 74 billion tersebut. Pada hari ini, Parlimen baru berharga RM 800 juta akan dibina di Putrajaya dan bangunan Parlimen sekarang akan dijadikan MUZIUM. Hak-hak rakyat dipotong (jalanraya, tol, rumah murah, bonus tahunan) tapi hak ahli-ahli YB dibuat secepat mungkin walaupun kerajaan me war-warkan kempen berjimat cermat ketika ekonomi dunia merudum. Jika inilah yang dibuat oleh kerajaan, saya rasa saya berhak menyuarakan pandangan saya sebagai rakyat. Sebagai rakyat yang sayangkan Malaysia dan BN, saya rasa kerajaan bangkrap idea, bangkrap pemikiran, bangkrap tindakan. Dan akhirnya, kerajaan yang bangkrap segala-galanya, tidak akan diundi oleh rakyat pada pilihanraya yang akan datang. Wassallam.

  44. To remove all the mentioned susidies, a minimum wages level should be set. Otherwise we could not complete with the rising price while earning something that is not promising.
    2 Cents,
    Zul

  45. Tok Det and Bloggers,
    This is the truth that is hard to swallow.
    As an Accountant, I am quite familiar with what Idris Jala is trying to convey. Basically, by committing to over-spending habits, one might be exposed to bankruptcy. This is exacerbated by the fact that the deficit caused by the over-spending is covered through loans. Immediate measures need to be taken to close the gap by cutting the expenditure or improve the income. It is that simple, isn’t it?
    But what is not that simple is how to cut down the expenses or improve the income. In my perspective, the second option is harder than the first one.
    The mechanism of giving subsidies is not fixed by its nature. It depends on the trend of public consumptions, the increase in population and also the fluctuation in oil prices. The current price per barrel is already increasing by 300% compared to 10 years ago. Therefore the mechanism in giving subsidies to the people is no longer viable because it is subjected to uncertainties and fluctuations.
    However, the sudden increase in consumer price may significantly affects lifestyle of the people. People in middle class can easily be downgraded into a lower class in an instant. Household income RM4k and below has already been classified as Urban Poor these days.
    I believe that this problem can be resolved. As continuity to the facts and figures presented earlier, Government should present to the people who actually make up the country, the new mechansim to address the overspending as a whole and not just the subsidies. By removing subsidies, new mechanism should be established to channel the country’s wealth to the much needed ones according to their social status. THE COUNTRY’S WEALTH SHOULD BE SHARED WITH THE RAKYAT AND NOT THE CORRUPTED GOVERNMENT OFFICERS.
    Further, other type of government expenditure could be reasssed and the revenue sources could also be re-eaxmine to provide the balance and to reduce the deficit. Maybe the business income tax could be increased first before putting out VAT.
    I’ve also noted that there has been quite a volume of leakage in public funds recently reported by the Jabatan Audit Negara. It does not surprised me at all that there has been overpricing in the quoatation for the pens, screwdriver or any other purchases made by the government offices reported by the Jabatan Audit Negara. If I may say, before we throw some of the passengers or the supplies into the sea, the hole in the ship should be patched first to prevent the sinking.
    After all, what is the country if it is not for best of the rakyat. As far as I can understand, the richness of the country is the richness of its rakyat not the government servant or the ministers. For crying out loud, it is time to walk the talk about ‘rakyat didahulukan’.
    If the present Government is not careful enough, the result could be evenmore catastrophic. Disgruntled ‘Rakyat’ could simply just swing their vote next election and makes the country even more unliveable.
    Who says it is easy to manage the country.

  46. SALAM KASIH DAN SAYANG
    AYAHANDA RAKYAT TUN
    IZINKAN,
    By Idea on June 9, 2010 5:35 PM
    SDR. IDEA,
    WE APPRECIATE YOUR GOOD AND PRACTICAL IDEAS…THANK YOU.
    SEMOGA YANG MAHAKUASA MEMBUKA LUAS GEDUNG ILMU UNTUK SDR. IDEA BERKONGSI ‘IDEAS’ DENGAN K.A.M.I…’KITA ANAK MALAYSIA INSAF’
    ALFATIHAH, AMIN.

  47. SALAM KASIH DAN SAYANG
    AYAHANDA RAKYAT TUN
    IZINKAN,
    By Idea on June 9, 2010 5:35 PM
    SDR. IDEA,
    WE APPRECIATE YOUR GOOD AND PRACTICAL IDEAS…THANK YOU.
    SEMOGA YANG MAHAKUASA MEMBUKA LUAS GEDUNG ILMU UNTUK SDR. IDEA BERKONGSI ‘IDEAS’ DENGAN K.A.M.I…KAMI ANAK MALAYSIA INSAF
    ALFATIHAH, AMIN.

  48. Assalammualaikum Tun & pembaca semua,
    All the proposed changes, we can either choose to see it’s good side, bad side or WIN-WIN situation. Either we choose to see it as half empty glass or half full glass.
    Sebagai seorang rakyat Malaysia, saya amat bersyukur pertama, bahawa ada seseorg yg sanggup menganalisa tentang keadaan ekonomi negara dan membuat kesimpulan bahawa kemungkinan besar negara kita akan muflis, dan berkongsi dengan kita semua tentang ini. Its a good to know something earlier even though sounded very negative at the beginning because at least we can prepare for the future.
    Sebagai seorang warga, saya tidak khuatir kalau semua subsidi ditarikbalik oleh kerajaan, /B SEKIRANYA /B kerjaan mestilah dapat menyelesaikan terlebih dahulu masalah masalah yg selama ini bertahun tahun tertimpa kepada rakyat.
    Salah satu contoh adalah pengangkutan awam dan traffic jem di Kuala Lumpur ni. Saya rasa masalah ni dah lama semenjak 20-30 tahun. Tidak pernah kerajaan kita menganalisa sejauh manakah paling berkesan utk memberikan sistem perkhidmatan awam paling terbaik kepada rakyat. Tidak ada 1 corak sistem yg dikeluarkan untuk mengatasi masalah ini yg sekian lama terpendam. Sekiranya kerajaan boleh membuktikan terlebih dahulu bahawa mereka dapat mengadakan sistem pengangkutan kenderaan awam yg menepati masa, yang selamat, yang selesa, yang berkesan, yang teratur, secara otomatik, kita sbg rakyat mahu dan akan menggunakan perkhidmatan awam dan tidak akan bergantung kepada kenderaan persendirian.
    Tetapi janganlah hanya hangat hangat tahi ayam bila memperkenalkan sesuatu sistem yg baru. Dulu saya ingat lagi bila bas rapid KL mula diperkenalkan, waduh, semuanya on time lepas tu apa jadik skrg?Langung on time tu tidak ada, pelbagai alasan diberikan, inikah sikap atau sistem yg kita nak? Kita mahukan sistem terbaik yg berterusan.
    Kerajaan kita selalunya tidak berfikiran panjang untuk membuat sesuatu infrastruktur, mereka hanya berfikir untuk jangkamasa selesai skrg bukannya berfikir utk kapasiti 5-10 tahun akan datang.Pernah tak menteri menteri kita ni skrg pergi ke KLCC LRT waktu antara 5-7 petang selepas org pulang bekerja, lihat betapa ramainya kapasiti manusia di situ? Itu sekarang dan apa akan terjadi sekiranya 5-10 tahun akan datang? Tidak mungkin infrastruktur skrg akan dapat menampung volume manusia yg tinggi. Tengok sendiri dan turun padang dan setelah itu, compare dengan infrastruktur negara negara yg mempunyai pengangkutan awam terbaik di dunia. Jangan pergi jauh, negara Singapura sudah cukup elok dilihat betapa mereka memikirkan jauh kedepan apabila membuat infrastruktur pengangkutan awam utk rakyat mereka(not that I pro or like Singapore, but I do have respect in their public transport system)
    Kenapa kerajaan mahu mengambil dahulu sebelum menyelesaikan masalah yg selama ini tidak selesai???? Kalau budaya “sweep under the carpet” masih ada in the government, ataupun tidak prihatin dengan kehendak or the root cause of what actually the people wanted, tidak akan jauh bezanya pun kalau subsidi ditarikbalik.
    Sbg rakyat kita cuma mahu the simple things and one of it sepertimana contoh ialah public transport, kenapa kerajaan kita tak nak selesaikan dahulu masalah yang dah berpuluh tahun ini, dan barulah bercerita tentang penarikan subsidi daripada rakyat ???
    To Cabinet Ministers; “Don’t Ask to Take back Our Subsidy first, Ask yourself what you can or will do for us and show us your outstanding result first.” . Rakyat Malaysia kebanyakkannya sudah bijak pandai, kita tak nak hanya dengar cakap atau janji manis kerajaan, kita mahu lihat hasil dan implementasinya. We are not interested to see a drawing of a tree, we are interested in getting the real fruits from a real tree AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
    Sebagai seorg rakyat Malaysia, sekiranya saya lihat masalah yg dah lama ini (cth public transport) dapat diselesaikan dgn elok, saya tidak akan khuatir dan gusar sekiranya, kerajaan ambil balik subsidi.
    Tetapi saya akan lebih gusar dan khuatir sekiranya the government take first, but then later promise heaven and earth but eventually nothing at the end.After that great at giving excuses after excuses to our people why certain problems never resolved for so many years.
    I LOVE MY COUNTRY MALAYSIA VERY MUCH THAT I DO NOT WANT IT TO BE BANKRUPT HOWEVER I LOVE MY MALAYSIAN PEOPLE MORE BECAUSE OUR PEOPLE’S NEEDS AND PROBLEM IS ACTUALLY OUR COUNTRY’S NEEDS AND PROBLEM WHICH NEED TO BE RESOLVED FIRST.
    Kind Regards,
    Emma Roslinda Edrus

  49. Salam TUN,
    This Karma is a dedicated follower of Barry Wain,sharing similar traits.
    Both writting with vague assumptions hoping to shape the masses thinking to demonise you.
    The inratructures built during your 22 years tenure as Prime Minister still stands today,testimony to money well spent.
    You have achieved this with your midas touch,without even removing any govt subsidies.
    I am sure Karma is also using these roads built by you.
    Following Barry Wain’s number Malaysia should be bankrupt back then and not 2019

  50. YABhg Tun,
    …what ever it is, it’s always the common people that suffers..
    Politicians and political parties should led by example. As it is….some can even afford to take second wife!!!

  51. Tun Dr Mahathir,
    1. Dr Mahathir saya rasa harga tol plus highway perlu dikurangkan lagi (sekiranya boleh). Tol plus highway mahal Dr Mahathir.
    Terima Kasih,
    Rakyat.

  52. Dear Tun,
    Based on your statement below
    – Similarly when the Government agrees not to increase toll rates it has to reimburse the losses sustained by the operators. This cost a lot of money.
    Can you make public the contact for the toll ? certainly it’s not possible, right ?
    is this cost a lot of money ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

  53. Assalamualaikum Tun,
    Saya bukan pakar politik/ekonomi…Hanya seorg rakyat Malaysia.
    Hanya melontarkan pendapat..Saya rasa seorg bapa x sepatutnya memotong belanja anak2 sebelum dirinya.. Sebagai anak harus memikirkan juga bebanan si bapa..
    Salam Mesra..

  54. Dear Tun,
    1. Saying ‘if the debt goes up by 12 per cent per annum, we would be bankrupt by 2019 when our debt would be equal to our GDP’ is a sentiment echoed to rationalize subsidies removal. Among other sentiments I have heard are:

  55. Dear Ayahanda Tun,
    May I…..
    By parameswara 2 on June 9, 2010 2:18 AM
    With GLCs acting like greedy and fearless bullies, black or white cats also cabut la.
    Why blame TENAGA, KTM and TELEKOM?
    With charges charge at low rate to keep rakyat happy so that they will vote BN, how these government owned companies make money to upgrade their facilities, patriotism and gaji, right?
    Like we say, Government loose money because of Rakyat First, GLCs make money because of Performance Now.
    Who gives GLCs the Government Projects?
    BN politicians LO…..
    BN politicians can talk national politics because they are the Non-Executive Directors mean The Sleeping Partners who draw Directors’ Allowance kerana mereka pintar cara meniup belon (balloons)!
    Take care Ayahanda Tun.

  56. Dear Tun,
    Just to support my comments yesterday, attached is disgruntled from rakyat over public transport.
    http://www.mmail.com.my/content/39255-fiasco-leads-passengers-walking-along-railway-tracks
    Look how rakyat suffer. Its happened to me since I’m 16 yrs old and after more than 10yrs+++++, this stupid problems still havent solved yet. What are the govmnt doing??? Takan the country want us to tunjuk bakti to KTM by buying our own train and serve the rakyat?? Imagine waiting 2 hours, IT’s 2 freaking hours! just to wait for a train! This is very bad to country’s productivity as people have reason to late for work..
    And this contributed the factor that rakyat have no choice but to buy own car and resulted consuming more petrol!!
    We can consume no sugar, take no salt, no ajinomoto but no petrol? we will surely die~~~ Didn’t the govment see the problems? Where’s the govmnt planning?? If we dont have Putrajaya and KLCC, does our country enjoy financial freedom?? Why does in the past, our country didnt have debts so much? Who took all the money?? Why wasted so much money in by-elections?? Why those money wasted in politics and yet rakyat have to suffer?? And rakyat have to be blame??
    ==Vendetta==

  57. SALAM KASIH DAN SAYANG
    AYAHANDA RAKYAT TUN
    IZINKAN,

    3.Everybody must have read about the fate of Greece whose borrowings exceeded its GDP…
    WE WANDERED ALONG THE BEACHES OF THE BALKAN PENINSULAR AND WONDERED WHETHER THE GREEKS WUD INCUR SUCH FATE IF BLOCK L & M RESERVES WERE TO BE FOUND IN THEIR TERRITORIAL WATERS INSTEAD ‘IN’ THE ALREADY OIL RICH STATE!..EMMM?
    AND WE WANDERED FURTHER THE 10TH LONGEST COASTLINE OF THE WORLD AND WONDERED WHETHER ANY FRACTION OF THEIR BORROWINGS WERE USED AS SUBSIDIES FOR FOOD, FUEL AND POWER, HEALTH, EDUCATION AND TOLLS AND FERTILISERS…AND….AND…………….ETC., FOR THE GREEK PEOPLE!
    AND HERE IN THIS BLESSED COUNTRY, WE DON’T HAVE TO WANDER DEEP INTO THE SEAS AROUND THE MALAY PENINSULAR TO FIND RICH SOURCES OF REVENUE. WE HAVE ‘SLIME DARBY’ PLANTATIONS AND THE FLEET OF ‘GLCs’ ( GROUPS LOSING CAPITALs)) ON LAND AND THE ‘AIR-TOONS’ AND ‘E-MAS IN’ THE SKIES TO SUPPLEMENT THE SUBSIDIES FOR THE RAKYAT..
    AND WHY NOT, WHEN THE GOVERNMENT OF ‘RM'( RINGGIT MALAYSIA ) WITHOUT HESITATION IS WILLING TO BURN BILLIONS ON THE TRACKS OF F1 TO PROMOTE MALAYSIA IN THE MOST EXPENSIVE SPORTS ON PLANET EARTH…THE F1! (THANKS TO THE TOONS..RACING ORBITS WERE ONLY SEEN IN THE CARTOON SERIES..THE JETSONS)
    IF ONLY THE GOVERMENT OF ‘RAKYAT DIDAHULUKAN, PRESTASI DIUTAMA’ REALLY DO PRACTICE WHAT IT PREACHES WHEN REMOVING THE SUBSIDIES..EEEYAAK!…’ON REFLECTION, I WUD TAKE BACK MY STATEMENT’ (BORROWING THE WORDS OF A ‘MULE’ RIDDEN BLOGGER CALLED WENGER J KHAIRY)
    THE GREECE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN GREASED BY THE GREEKS FOR ITS FINANCIAL WOE..
    AND IF EVER MALAYSIA FALLS INTO THAT CRISIS, THE RAKYAT WILL SURELY OFFER LIVE FOWLS AND REPTILES TO THE GEEKS IN THE GOVERNMENT HIERACHY..OF OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE!
    WANNA BET, BLADERS?
    ‘SEMOGA K.A.M.I. (KITA ANAK MALAYSIA INSAF) DIJAUHI DARI SEBARANG MUSIBAH’.
    ALFATIHAH, AMIN.
    Ps. If Malaysia is to go bankrupt as forecast, we will still pay the punters but with Naan Roti serve with Roasted Mule…Don’t worry lah blader, we’ll get the license for JUDI HALAL when the time comes.. he he

  58. REMOVE SUBSIDIES TO ENRICH CORRUPTED GOVERNMENT! You really think that cutting the subsidies will enrich country? Very wrong! All the saving will only goto corrupted government officer. Eventually, the country will also go bankrupt. Why these corrupted officer not being detained or charge in court? Because all the judges, ACA(anti curruption agency), police controlled by Government, kononnya demokrasi woh ???
    Tun, if a capable person involve corruption (just like Tun) i will not care about it because you deserve it, i believe a lot of Rakyat will stand with me. But if a person just on board without showing his or her capability, i think most of the Rakyat will be very angry and rejecting these officer. Especially the recently issue, a lot of officers talking without thinking. Sometime i wonder they have brain or not? Why we choose them? The person who choose them is more stupid. These officer always talking nonsense, sometimes i think a secondary student is better than these idiot officer, always try to give a very very idiot excuse to hide their mistake. Idiot excuse until a primary student also will not believe!! What happen to the BN? Kindergarden standard???
    I really hope Tun don’t blind blind to support a “kindergarden standard” officer, Rakyat today is different. We know how to think.
    Say for one example, why suddenly Jackpot will strike in Sarawak recently? Why so coincidence? I think most of the Rakyat will know that this Jackpot is chainage to the Political Money in Sibu Election. I don’t know whether is true or not? But atleast i am really think of that way.
    So, if BN really want to win in the next election, please choose capable candidate, if not, guarantee BN will loose out all the state just like other country!

  59. The government is considering moving the Parliament to the Putrajaya administrative capital, a move which could cost up to RM800 million.

  60. Asalamualaikum Tun,
    *Subsidi Kerajaan atau Subsidi Rakyat?*
    *(Government Subsidy or Malaysian Subsidy?)*
    I beg to differ. All this while, Malaysians have been fed with FALSE impression that the government is subsidizing them. What was then cannot be applied in present. Nowadays, it

  61. Subsidies must be maintained for the well being of all Malaysians, bumiputras and non-bumiputras alike and whoever resides in. Subsidies have to be well managed just like other things. It’s just a wishfull thinking if we try to find the perfect mechanism in ensuring that the subsidies will reach the targeted population because we live in a multi-society.
    The government must find ways to improve the nation’s income via fiscal means. Citizens and non-citizens (legal and PATIs) who enjoys the subsidies must contribute back to the nation. Adjustments have to be made.
    GST is one method but still it will certainly affect prices of goods and people everyday lives. Look into other areas such as annual property tax (for prime land areas, medium & high costs landed houses and condos via a tax schedule & reschedule every 5years or so.), non-citizens automotive sales tax & luxury goods tax. These will at least get back some of the subsidies enjoyed by the rich and the non-citizens. Impose vehicle entry permit to foreign vehicles entering our country which are enjoying our subsidies meant for Malaysians.
    Reassessment of income tax to encourage people to pay tax(for example rescheduling personal tax schedule and increasing corporate tax).Maybe Baitulmal can work hand-in-hand with the government to overcome the nation’s fiscal deficit.
    Maintain subsidies for essential items such as rice,cooking oil,sugar,petrol & diesel because these are necessities in people’s lives.As for education & healthcare, the subsidies given have to be controlled and monitor in order for it to reach the qualified persons.Reduce subsidies gradually in electricity & water to avoid wastage as well as constructions items should they are being subsidised currently. As for tolls, if the operator cannot maintain then they should hand over their concessions to the government to handle everything, from financial matters right down to the operations.
    Last but not least, the government should spend wisely.Try to make sure that development reaches into every part of the country,to the muslim & non-muslim bumiputras living in the cities,kampungs or in their native lands as well as the non-bumis.
    Finally, may Allah bless us with His mercy all the times.
    Salam….

  62. salam Tun,
    the possibility Malaysia going bankrupt due to subsidies is only one of the factor.
    the most important factor is to control corruption.
    no matter how much money Malaysia has,how much money we save from cutting the subsidies,if we are corrupted the money will not be enough.
    it will land in corrupt pocket,still Malaysia wont have the money.
    in medical,when there is bleeding,first we have to arrest/stop the bleeding first then the transfusion can work.
    if we continue the transfusion while the bleeding continues we might not achieve our target.

  63. SALAM BUAT TUN BERDUA MOGA DIRAHMATI ALLAH S.W.T
    1) DALAM ISLAM SATU BENDA YANG PALING BAIK UNTUK DIBUAT OLEH UMATNYA IALAH BERSEDEKAH KERANA AMALAN INI BERSANKUTAN DENGAN MENDAPATKAN PAHALA DISISI ALLAH S.W.T.
    2) APA DIA PAHALA ? IA BUKAN SEPERTI MINYAK ATAU BARANGAN YANG NAMPAK. TETAPI AMALAN INILAH YANG AKAN DAPAT MELEPASKAN DIRI KITA DARI API NERAKA.
    3)SISTEM UNTUK AGAMA ISLAM DI AKHIRAT NANTI PAHALA UNTUK DIKUMPUL DAPAT MEMBAWA KE SYURGA SEMENTARA DOSA YANG DIKUMPUL BOLEH MEMBAWA KE NERAKA.
    4) ITULAH BEZA PEMIMPIN KITA RASULLULAH S.A.W DENGAN PEMIMPIN ATAU KETUA NEGARA YANG ADA SEKARANG. RAHMATANNYA LEBIH KEPADA ANUGERAH ALLAH S.W.T MEMBERI SECARA PERCUMA TAMPA BERKIRA ATAU MENJAGA HARTA UNTUK DIRI SENDIRI ATAU MILIKNYA.
    5) TELAH KITA DENGAR KONSEP SEDEKAH INI COCOK MALAH TIDAK AKAN DITINGGALKAN OLEH PEMIMPIN-PEMIMPIN YANG MEMENTINGKAN AGAMA ALLAH S.W.T. SATU RAHMATAN KEPADA UMAT MANUSIA.
    6) MALAH SATU YANG MEMALUKAN SUDAHLAH HIDUP DARI CUKAI YANG DIKUTIP DARI RAKYAT DAN BERGANTUNG KEPADA MANUSIA LAIN UNTUK MEMBELI KELUARAN YANG DICIPTAKAN SEBAGAI BARANGAN JUALAN KINI HAK PEMBELI ATAU GALAKAN UMAT MANUSIA UNTUK MEMBELI AKAN DITARIKKAN UNTUK MENJAGA KETUA KOPORAT YANG GAGAL MENCARI SUMBER BARU BAGI MENGEKALKAN JAWATAN MENGURUS SATU-SATU PERUSAHAAN.
    7) ADA KEDENGARAN NEGARA KITA AKAN DIWAKILI OLEH HAJI-HAJI BAKHIR UNTUK DITUGASKAN MENJAGA HARTA-HARTA NEGARA.WALAU PUN NAMPAK MACAM SISTEM PENYELAMAT TETAPI SEBENARNYA AKAN MEMISKINKAN ATAU MENGURANGKAN KEMAMPUAN MEMELIKI SESUATU BARANGAN BERHARGA.
    8) SEMUA INI KERANA PELUANG UNTUK MENGEMBANGKAN SISTEM PENGANGKUTAN DARAT KERANA DAPAT HABUAN DALAM BENTUK PELABORAN KONSESI PENGANKUTAN. LAGI BANYAK MASAALAH KEPADA RAKYAT SECARA INDIVIDU LEBIH MEMBERI PELUANG KEPADA SISTEM PENGANKUTAN AWAM.
    9) GOLONGAN INI SEPERTI IDRIS JALA ATAU TONY FERNANDES AKAN MEMBANTU DALAM MENJAYAKAN PERKHIDMATAN PERUSAHAAN TETAPI NILAI YANG ADA PADA GOLONGAN INI BOLEH MEMBURUKKAN KONSEP “SEDEKAH” YANG DITUNTUT DALAM AGAMA YANG LEBIH PENTINGKAN KEZUHUDAN ATAS GANJARAN PAHALA MILIK ALLAH S.W.T.
    10) KONSEP INI AMAT JAUH DARI BENDA-BENDA YANG NAMPAK DIMATA KERANA IA GHAIB DISISI ALLAH S.W.T YANG TIDAK TERCAPAI OLEH ILMU SECETEK MILIK MANUSIA.
    WALLAHU’ALAM

  64. Pronouncing a govt bankrupt is serious stuff. It raises very many questions and should have been handled by Najib himself. He should have said subsidy rates are high and govt plans to reduce them gradually over the long term, say 10 years and that the NEP takes this into account. And if don’t show such financial disipline, we expose ourselves to risks governments like Greece are facing.
    He should have reserved bankruptcy for PR run govts, not BN run govts.

  65. Salaam Tun Mahathir,
    As foreingner subsidy must be remove gradually and GST must be introduce with rebate given to more deserving raayat then only Malaysia can progress economically and politically.
    Malaysian must have strong will power to go through and the ruling party must dare to take risk for long terms gain success.

  66. Dear Tun,
    As a citizen in the middle income group, I would say that I agree and disagree in the move to cut down subsidies.
    I agree as in it is impossible for the government to continue with the subsidies forever as it will lead to extreme deficit in the governments coffers.
    However, I disagree with the subsidies being pulled out without counter plans as the outcome will be disasterous. Any increase in the price of oil and basic goods i.e. flour, sugar, etc. shall have tremendous impact on the prices of other goods. The chain reaction will almost definitely kill of a significant portion of the middle income group and shove them into the lower income group.
    A short trip for grocery shopping in hypermarkets and wet markets will show that RM 200 is insufficient to provide a decent meal and basic necicities for a family of four for a week.
    A household income of approximately RM 5,000/month is insufficient to comfortably provide for a family of four today, and I do not dare to imagine the impact of rise in cost of living will do the these families, which makes up the majority of Malaysian population.
    The government is saying that they would like to push for Malaysia to be a high income nation by 2020, but as far as a middle income citizen like me can see, we are likely to end up in the low income group.
    The salary structure in private companies (do not include government and GLC’s) in general does not move in tandem or as fast with the rise in the cost of living.
    I feel that it is only fair for the government to look into ways to create development thus giving the opportunity for its people to grow and earn more rather than look at drastic ways to save money without actually considering the impacts it has on its people.

  67. Asalamualaikum
    Tun yang di kasihi.
    Isu subsidi ni di perkatakan setiap masa dan kadang-kadang hilang.
    subsidi memang di perlukan oleh sebahagian besar rakyat, saya bersukur kerana kerajaan memberikan pemberian subsidi selama ini memang dapat memudahkan kehidupan harian rakyat. malangnya subsidi ini sebahagian sahaja yang dapat dinikmati oleh rakyat sebahagian lagi dibaham oleh penyangak subsidi sekian lama sebagai pengandali urusan subsidi ini. contoh ; pengedaran disel subsidi untuk nelayan di seludup sebahagian besar entah ke mana, jumlah yang besar di tuntut kepada kerajaan tetapi yang di gunakan oleh nelayan hanya sebahagian. ; beras,gula,dan bermacam lagi yang bersubsidi di pasaran hilang entah kemana di bekal atau tuntutan subsidi tinggi kepada kerajaan, ; pengedar di sesetengah tempat hanya mengedarkan bekalan beras ke ladang sawit yang di gunakan oleh pekerja ladang sawit ( pekerja asing )sedangkan di pekan atau bandar apalagi di kampung-kampung rakyat tak dapat sebab peruncit dari ladang tersebut menawarkan harga lebih seringgit dari harga pasaran untuk 10 kilogram beras yang terhad jumlahnya di pasaran kepada pengedar beras atau peruncit tersebut. Ini baru sedikit barangan yang bersubsidi, banyak lagi yang disalahgunakan oleh golangan yang mengandalikan pengedaran dan berbagai cara lagi untuk mengaut keuntungan secara haram subsidi ini untuk mengkayakan diri mereka dan merugikan golongan sasar juga merugikan kerajaan. DIharapkan sedikit demi sedikit kerajaan memperbaiki sistem pengagihan barangan bersubsidi ini. saya melihat bila pengandalian barangan bersubsidi ini dapat diurus dengan baik sebahagian besar peruntukan ini dapat di kurangkan oleh kerajaan dan wang tersebut dapat digunakan dengan sebaik mungkin untuk keperluan rakyat dan negara.

  68. seronok juga dengaq negara akan bankrup, golongan marhain seperti saya ni tak la susah hati sangat…yang betul2 susah hati mesti lah golongan2 pak menteri, ahli2 politik dan pegawai2 kanan. org2 seperti ni yang akan mengalami trauma yang amat dashyat. pemimpin mudah menudingkan jari kepada rakyat yang menggunakan subsidi.
    tapi mereka lupa mereka selama ini mereka yang menjadi dalang. kerajaan berhutang untuk memenuhi tuntutan mereka dengan memperkenalkan projek yang tak diperlukan langsung oleh rakyat.
    sekarang bila menghadapi kesukaran masalah tersebut di tudingkan pula kepada rakyat.
    tunggulah masa yang sesuai kita tahu apa sudahnya….
    wallahuaklam

  69. Dear Tun,
    It seems that you are censoring again. My comment rebutting the nonsense sprouted by your “malas berfikir” readers on short selling was not published.
    I used to hold you in high regard for after spending billions of ringgit on the MSC, you continued upheld the freedom from censorship. But alas, even that is not respected these days.
    As to this – I don’t know whether to comment on the many inaccuracies in this posting as well as Jala’s comments. If I comment it may be censored….

  70. The Govt shld slowly completely reduce subsidies on power, fuel and tolls. Health and food shld be kept for humanity sake.
    If the Govt is half-brained, they shld remove anything in their budget that has a heavy loading.
    1)Items like civil service shld be dramatically reduced. Reduce labour in govt service and increase technology to make civil service more efficient. Bureaucrats tend to be stifle progress, so streamline it.
    2)Reduce army personnel. Who will we be at war with?
    3)Increase taxes esp in cigarettes/tobacco, liquor/beer and certain luxury cars. Make it cost RM10 a pack or more. Extra tax will increase subsidy on higher cost of healthcare
    This will keep us ticking for another 10yrs

  71. To Zulkiflee Bin Arip….
    You should be putting your comment here…Your comments sounds very racist….Islam teaches be fair to all man kind but you comments shows the opposite side.
    Please don’t post your comments anymore.
    Thank you.

  72. Dear Tun,
    Cutting subsidies on fuel and toll would bring hardship to the people the majority of whom are fixed income earners. They would vent their frustration in the ballot boxes. The beneficiary would be Pakataan Rakyat, not the way Tun describe in point number 10. It would be the repeating of same mistakes in PR 12.
    amin tan

  73. Fuel and energy subsidies must be removed from the system and use it on education as it will produce better nation in future. To use the subsidies on education does not mean by donating some mega ringgit to a school that oppose the goverment but it would be much better to build more class rooms and train more teachers. Less pupil in a class, more attention they gets.
    Insider should think what will happen to our children and nation in future if the country is bankrupt. Our rich neighbough next door will be coming and knocking on our door to donate some food or coal for an airspace or for oldwater. At that time we would probably agree with anything even to exchange some land in their bush with our strategic island.

  74. Salam Tun,
    Suddenly the country has a big debt? Where is that coming from? Who is gonna pay for it? The People? Then what? make their life more miserable by increasing the cost of living (removing subsidies) and asking them to keep smiling while the government push the debt that had to be paid to the people. Wow! how easy it is to manipulates and abuse the power given by the people.
    Going bankrupt is the only vision current government could foresee, one way or another it will end the same. It doesn’t matter how long it will take, since the attitude and the way of thinking remain the same. So, there will be no productivity plans to reduce the debt until the liability eliminated. I believe it will be more new debts will added for the people taking the burden.
    We were forced to accept it because we used to be suffered to build the country during the hard time in the past. Would the subsidies removal will reduce the crimes rate which is currently elevated?

  75. Salam Tun,
    We have seen it all before. Some people will try to deliberately bankrupt the country and use it as an excuse to bring down the government. In Indonesia, we saw such strategy being successfully used to bring Suharto down. We saw somebody tried to use the same strategy in Malaysia in 1998. Now, we are seeing it being tried again.

    Talk about trying to become the prime minister at all costs.

    USEFUL AND FREE INTERNET SERVICES AT http://www.usefultechs.com

  76. Tun,
    I view Idris Jala’s statement as a positive hyperbole aimed to “shock and awe” the Malaysian public at the need to let go of the subsidy mentality. A few days after his announcement I thought the effect has been largely good, people were perturbed but they got the message. Change or die! Of course the opposition were making some noises but I thought their arguments were rather weak. It was when some in UMNO itself that starter to appear to dispute Idris’ statements, only then the public mood has started to change negative towards Idris’s comments. Too bad, is this a case of shooting one’s on feet? Are Malaysians and Malays in particular so addicted to subsidy that any talk of letting them go scares them, even with the prospect that the effects on Malaysia’s economy in the future is unsustainable. I applaud the move to reduce and eventually abolish all subsidies, to hell with those who say otherwise. Reforms may be painful, but I don’t sure want to see Malaysia turn into another Greece. Better the pain now when we are still economically healthy.

  77. dear Tun,
    I am of the opinion that any sort of crutches,is not good for us. If other countries can live without it ,why can’t we?So the Government should hesitate no more and just remove it- the sooner the better.Especially if not doing it will take us to Idris Jala Vision 2019.Theoritically,it is not impossible to do these cuts if it is made to be not so painful.As it is now removing subsidies, will be a huge withdrawal from the emotional accounts of the rakyat.Now,to ensure that they can accept this unpopular action-you must first make a terribly huge emotional deposit,bigger than the withdrawal-so that as long as there is a positive balance in the emotional account after the withdrawal,the Rakyat can take it,eventually.
    So the challenge really is not to cut the subsidies,but rather on how to build the deposits in the emotional accounts of the people.Now from my ponderance this is what i think will be a tremendously huge deposit to win the rakyat’s heart immediately:-
    1- Get Sime Chairman and the whole board sacked immaterial of whoever is guilty for they have failed to do their job of ensuring profitability for the shareholders .Seeing Musa Hitam get the boot will make me so happy I don’t mind if the price of petrol is RM3 per litre!Same goes with other GLCs.
    2- Ensure proffesionals only to run the GLC’s and not clever talking politicians.Doens’t matter the race as long as they are Malaysians and can bring profit to the company.Show us their business credentials- paper qualifications,MBA from Harvard/Oxford alone is not sufficient.Real business experience is a must.Experience running Government Agencies,Departments not valid for consideration at all.If no locals get foreigners.Doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white as long as it catches mice.
    3- All GLCs must shed their Govt servant mentality,they must think like the private sector.KTMB,TELEKOM,TENAGA is very sadly still hopelessly inefficient or very Governmently.Try the Komuter services if you don’t believe me.We want to see drastic changes immediately.Again choose people based on performance not race,as long as Malaysian -at all levels.These are business organizations for heavens sake-and not any social ,non profitable organizations you can choose any Tom ,Dick or Harry to take charge.
    4- Make Sports a big thing , devote a much bigger portion of the GDP for sports.A multi racial country like Malaysia must not waste the extraordinary leverage sports magic can do to bring the hearts of the different races of Malaysia together.And a happy and caring Malaysians will be rational enough to absorb reasonable subsidy cuts.So do whatever necessary to bring glory to sports again-the urgent thing now is to revamp FAM – introduce the KPI’s for proffesional to run and deliver us results immediately?..We must catch up with the Koreans and Japanese once again.Yes,Sports is an area to explore for emotional deposit.
    5- Whatever else to make the people happy soonest possible.A think tank should be set up immediately.
    Now just one more thing to recommend once the Government is ready to do the inevitable,i.e,- remove the subsidies for fuel,power,toll -this painful job must be done one shot ,like how Bambang Yudhoyono did it in Indonesia.Because if you cut gradually,everytime you cut-it will be a huge withdrawal(the opposition will help dramatize to make it huger than it really is)so three times you gradually revise it, the emotional withdrawals will be times three!So just once ,as long as you know the people have already been given a huge emotional deposit whatever that it is,then theoritically everything will be OK .Pak Lah did it wrong the last time.
    That’s what I think.

  78. I believe that the BN government must first show they are accountable. Are they considering cutting their own expenditure and excesses?
    Will they investigate the PKFZ scandal transparently, and make the perpetrators accountable? Will they stop paying tens of millions of ringgit to a PR firm which teaches ministers “how to use Facebook”? When they remove the subsidy, will they accept a ministerial pay cut?
    Do Malaysians need to pay the salaries of a bloated cabinet and an extremely bloated civil service? Will the Prime Minister stop blatantly trying to buy votes with millions of ringgit?
    Come to think of it, the extremely disproportionate and bloated civil service is the ruling party’s own subsidy. The bloated civil service is their “vote bank”, which leads to wastage and inefficiency. Is the government willing to let go of this subsidy?
    Isn’t the cabinet Najib’s subsidy as well? Does Najib risk losing MPs and party members if they are not appointed as Ministers? Is that why the cabinet is huge? Palanivel was appointed as a deputy minister to prevent a fallout among BN component parties MIC and UMNO. A former opposition strongman, later turncoat was appointed a senator. Former parliamentarians who lost their seats were appointed as senators and as ministers. Why weren’t suitable MPs chosen instead? Why are the rakyat paying their salary?
    If BN shows that they are willing to live without their own subsidies, I will support a removal of subsidies. But it doesn’t look like BN will any time soon.

  79. Dear Tun,
    You method of managing economy no longer valid cos 22 years of your rule has cause a lot of hardship to poor Rakyat. Our rich nation billions has been robbed by BN. You are aware of this when BN leaders investing in Europe,India, Argentina and others using Rakyat’s money.
    You too enriching yourself and your family even Forbes magazine doesn’t want to include Tun in the list cos that $$$ belongs to Rakyat
    Tun(incl.yr family), what will you gain from this “huge” wealth? Please return this wealth to Rakyat. Look at Warren Buffet,too much billions doesn’t serve any life purpose so he donated $37b.
    You know Najib and Pak Lah are highly corrupted cos they follow yr footstep. Believe me, if Tun starts giving back all this wealth to Rakyat your Karma will be better. Please listen to poor Rakyat, gap between rich and poor is getting bigger….YOU KNOW THIS TUN!
    Wasallam

  80. Asalamualaikum….
    saya sebenarnya dah muak n penat dgn perkataan subsidi n bankrapsi ni…maaf lah….mereka hanya tau bercakap tapi tidak memberikan
    pilihan lain/jalan utk menggurangkan masaalah mcm saya jugak walhal mereka di peringkat tertinggi pemerintahan…kalo ada antara org2 yg berumah banglo tapi bila bab hantar anak p belaja kat luar negara
    masih mengharap biasiswa ape jadi ngan anak2 org kg/yg pendapatan tak seberapa….nak potong subsidi boleh tapi boleh tak kerajaan menjamin tidak akan ada anak2 yg tidak dapat ke sekolah kerana ibu bapa tidak mampu nak bayar duit bas..atau nak beli baju sekolah…
    la ni pun saya rasa masih ramai yg datang kesekolah dgn poket kosong…kalo terasa dahaga minum air paipsi cola…kenapa bukan rakyat m’sia masih membeli barangan yg bersubsidi sama harga dgn rakyat m’sia lepas tu kita bising kata negara akan bankrap….berapa juta org asing tanpa izin dlm m’sia..
    berapa ribu antara mereka yg ada motor/kereta secara gelap….
    adakah gaji bawah 800 henggit mampu membeli barangan keperluan harian atau sekadar mkn bubur tepung beras mcm saya mkn masa saya
    sekolah dulu kerana tak mampu….bila subsidi minyak di kurangkan bukan ke harga minyak akan naik n harga semua barang akan naik juga termasuk tuala wanita sedangkan gaji tidak seberapa…..saya teringin nak tau kalau ada negara yg tidak memberi subsidi kpd warganegaranya dlm masa yg sama semua harga barangan dlm negara mampu di beli oleh semua rakyat mereka….saya benar2 dah penat dgn ayat kerajaan dah tak ada duit/subsidi/bankrapsi….tapi menteri2 tetap naik gaji…org2 kerajaan gaji depa naik hampir setiap taun kut…kewangan negara stabil ke tidak ke mereka tetap menuntut bonus…negara di luar sana ekonomi masih tak tentu(berita kata) ekonomi m’sia melonjak naik jugak..(berita kata gak)mana tak bankrapnya negara ni kalo glc2 tidak di urus dgn berhemat mcm sime darby….yg membawa negara bankrapsi bukan kerana pemberian subsidi kpd warganya tapi kerana sifat tamak sesetengah ahli lembaga pengarah glc2 kat m’sia lepas tu bebankan rakyat marhain….

  81. Salam YAB Tun,
    Ianya adalah perkara yang mudah untuk difahami. Sekiranya hasil pendapatan tidak mencukupi untuk membayar beban hutang, sebagai contoh sebuah negara atau syarikat akan muflis.
    Tetapi sebagai sebuah negara yang mempunyai hasil bumi, dan hasil-hasil yang lain yang menjana pendapatan negara, adakah masih tidak cukup untuk digunakan oleh kerajaan untuk menjalankan tanggungjawap terhadap negara dan rakyat? Apakah negara ini perlu berhutang melebihi pendapatan, apakah tujuan hutang tersebut, sekiranya untuk pelaburan, ianya pasti pelaburan yang akan memberikan keuntungan, kerana sudah semestinya pakar-pakar yang akan menguruskan pelaburan tersebut.
    Sekiranya hutang tersebut untuk perbelanjaan sudah semestinya tidak akan mendatangkan pendapatan, dan seterusnya secara logik negara tidak akan mampu untuk melangsaikannya sampai bila-bila. Sekiranya perkara tersebut berlaku, siapa yang akan menganggungnya, pasti Rakyat!
    Berkenaan dengan subsidi, sekiranya masih tidak dapat dielakan, saya berharap supaya dua benda yang harus dikekalkan, petrol/diesel dan education. Petrol sekiranya dinaik kan, ianya seperti domino, secara automatik barang-barang yg menggunakan pengangkutan juga akan naik, dan akan menyebabkan perbelanjaan oleh rakyat akan berkurangan, dan seterusnya penjanaan ekonomi didalam negara juga akan berkurangan dan kemungkinan banyak yg akan gulung tikar. Education adalah sebagai pelaburan kepada rakyat untuk menjadi pakar didalam pelbagai bidang professional, kerana majoriti rakyat di negara ini adalah didalam kategori miskin.
    Salam.

  82. Salam Dr. M

    Is that the only way to avoid this?…removing subsidies?…fuel subsidy particularly..

    I think many would agree to demolish certain subsidies gradually, but not subsidies on fuel…we haven’t got high purchasing power and removing such critical subsidy would be suicidal…everything goes up, purchasing power goes down, then what?…will we meet the goal to avoid bankruptcy?…

    we, the rakyat, know it’ll be hard on the government…but i guess the government should seek other way first and i do not think removing subsidies is the only way…removingg certain subsidies, yes…but not fuel and power…(the miserable solution as to give rebate for only vehicles under 1000cc is ridiculous to be honest :D…)

    maybe we should cut the wasteful budgets…for example, we don’t need MIMOS to be injected with budget worth of billions just to develop student’s final-year like projects on a big scale…unless they come out with something useful and can ensure they’ll develop on their own(don’t say we don’t have the cut to develop something useful on our own… just because MIMOS failed to hire qualified employees(not on how many pointer they scored in University, because that’s the main problem, ICT-ly speaking) doesn’t mean we can’t)…if their staff can’t do it, make it open-source…fund the open source project, one useful project for a start…

    or maybe reassess current projects…many projects have been managed under wrong hands…
    or whatever solutions that could work after careful studies…the people don’t need this crap solution…government can’t manage their funds well, then rakyat should take its toll…that’s not a solution…in fact, it’s never a solution and i think(within my limited economy knowledge), the solution will speed up the process of bankruptcy ….

    and i feel strange because this entry of yours don’t reflect what you’ve known for…a fighter…never say never and such…are you being honest there’s no other way?…that’s the only question that i hope you can asnwer…because if that’s you yourself that think there’s no other way, i can’t think of any other credential person who can lead us to the ‘other way’…not even the opposition…moreover several current clowns that we called menteri nowadays…

    thanks…
    -Wan Ahmad Nazif-

  83. Tun,
    I believe the present government has learnt well from you i.e. always opt for the easy way out.
    I totally agree with you that a good government must ensure that it is capable of servicing its loans but I also disagree with the way the present government is doing it – that you seem to endorse i.e. by way of cutting the subsidies.
    It is misleading to say that the opposition would capitalise on the country becoming insolvent. This is absolute rubbish as no one in the right mind would ever think that way. I am more convinced that you are saying this to mislead your readers.
    In my opinion, a good government should ensure that it is able to generate enough revenue to sustain itself. I always like to share this analogy of a dad who earns enough to sustain his family. Should the father, in times of inflation, try to earn more or should he go for the easy way out by telling his family how much they have consumed in the terms of food etc. and then ask them to tighten their belt and scrimp. What would a responsible father do? Don’t you think he should try harder to make more income?
    The rakyat won’t be so pissed off if our government is seen as trying hard to improve the national income. Instead we read in the news how our government (and yours) are extravagant (and unconscientious) in spending.
    If the present day government has any sense of corporate governance, they would not simply propose at cutting the subsidies but rather try to improve the revenue of our nation. Tun, haven’t you learnt from Greece yet??

  84. I think the people on top does not know how the Rakyat are suffering:
    Quoted from one of the callers at RADIO24 just now:
    “Please do not discuss poverty at Shangri-La Hotel”

  85. Don worry, we are moving into High Income Economy now which is very much focusing on HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT.
    During last 2 decades, we only have Physical Development in our country only, thanks to the Hydrocarbon income given by God.

  86. in japan opposition party now ruling party did the same and at the end many voter dont trust them anymore lead to their leader early resignation…
    no toll free anymore!increase toll
    no benefit ,tax more high
    still corruption big time
    no development
    this will happen to us if we trust opposition in malaysia,
    they alway talk something they cannot do…cakap banyak habuk pun takde no benefit.

  87. in japan opposition party now ruling party did the same and at the end many voter dont trust them anymore lead to their leader early resignation…
    no toll free anymore!increase toll
    no benefit ,tax more high
    still corruption big time
    no development
    this will happen to us if we trust opposition in malaysia,
    they alway talk something they cannot do…cakap banyak habuk pun takde no benefit.

  88. Dear Tun,
    Interesting topic. Subsidy is needed for the poor, not for the rich. Though I am not well versed with government spending, my instincts tell me most of those money under the pretext of subsidy goes to the already rich Malaysians. Now this is where things are wrong. Also, we should try not to go against market forces and let the market dictates price of goods. People buying a kilo of sugar cannot appreciate the subsidy money because they do not practically see the money being paid as subsidy. However, government can educate people to act as pressure groups to control prices of goods. Having said that, we still need to subsidize the poor so that they are well taken care of. The mechanism used to reach them must be effective and less corrupt. Lastly, the simplest solution the present government can work on is to reduce wastage and promote savings. Serious campaigns and roadshows need to be explored and wise spending by government agencies must be rewarded, say, introduce “Anugerah Kualiti Perbelanjaan Berhemah”.
    Have a nice day Tun and may you be in good health all times.
    Thank you

  89. removing subsidies for betterment is Ok. But does the government spend its money wisely and wouldn’t burden the majority group of people with small salaries?
    We saw the GLCs companies waste our tax money every year and non of them can be recovered back. We paid the GLCs CEO by millions and they still make losses and do not give any fruits to the people.
    We saw the government agencies buy thing at prime cost while the people are begging at supermarket mercy for discounts on every weekends! From pendrive to military aircraft non of them were bought at discount price or below book value.
    We saw the government still make project at expensive cost eventhought the watchdogs barked at below cost, i.e. cost at RM 5 Million buy at RM 500 Million.
    Yes, of course our country will go bancruptcy if all the above are still practicing wisely by our beloved government.
    Please, if this the best Pemandu can do, please put my grandma as a Director beside our Mr. Tranformation Specialist. She can say cut there cut here and increase there, increse here!
    Gosh!

  90. Salam ayahanda Tun,
    If the current government to spend more wisely, we have extra money to spend.
    One can’t help but wonder why are spending so much on defence? are we going on war with anyone?
    they keyword here is ‘so much’
    tq tun

  91. Assalamu’alaikum Tun,
    subsidi adalah hak bumiputra yg tidak sepatut nya dikongsi oleh orang-orang asing.bayangkan berapa banyak wang kerajaan yg dapat dijimatkan kalau seandai nya kerajaan ada keberanian untuk mencegah penyalah-gunaan subsidi,iaitu subsidi yg dibagi kpd sebarang orang tanpa mengira kedudukkan sebagai bumiputra atau tidak.
    saya menyokong agar subsidi dihapuskan secara berperingkat.kita mulakan penghapusan nya bermula dgn non-bumi.ini adalah orang-orang yg tidak sepatut nya mendapat bantuan.mereka orang-orang bijak yg boleh hidup dan menjadi kayaraya walau dimana saja.hatta di neraka sekali pun mereka boleh mencari jalan senang dgn merasuah penjaga-penjaga neraka.
    bumiputra,orang Melayu dan umat Islam harus di didik secara agresif tentang bahaya nya subsidi terhadap kepentingan jangkapanjang anak-cucu kita.kepentingan Agama,Bangsa dan Negara mendahului,mengatasi kepentingan peribadi kita secara individu.Agama,Bangsa dan Negara perlu kuat dan kaya.bumiputra,orang Melayu dan umat Islam harus diajar bertalu-talu tentang;
    “Jangan kamu tanyakan apakah bakti Negara untuk kamu tapi Tanyakan lah apakah bakti kamu untuk Negara”.
    terimakasih Tun.

  92. Salam Tun,
    I totally agree with you however i believe that the governmenshould focus on ‘auditting’ the GLCs expenditure and ventures first before start the ‘stir’ on the subsidy issues. this is a must before another billions of dollars go missing !!!
    SF
    http://sharat-s.blogspot.com

  93. Dear Tun: due to the fact that we still have a significant percentage of citizens living in poverty or poor the Government should consider retaining subsidaries on essential items as you had mentioned including oil. However, there are several ways to increase the government revenues which are fair to everyone by having a personal income taxes structured to add more taxes to the rich. The reason behind it is because the rich are the most beneficial to the government subsidaries ie: they used the most petrol & energy from the big cars, they enjoyed paying a lower toll and enjoying most of the subsidaries perks which are meant for the poorer citizens.
    Regards

  94. Salam,
    Semoga usaha Tun diberkati dan diberi petunjuk oleh-Nya.
    First of all, i’m not an economist… i’m just a moderate person. and frankly, i’m not against the subsidy removal but i sincerely do hope more information given to rakyat such as…
    1- Malaysia is oil net exporter country – so if the oil price goes up then our country should have more money!!… btw, why do rakyat need to pay for our own oil… the most we should pay is the processing fee…
    2- I was also told that our oil is HIGH quality, thus we export our oil and import ‘cheaper’ a.k.a low quality oil to earn more money… is it true?
    3- Rakyat will also want to know where are all the money gone??? i think you also have this question… as you said earlier, the money given to current G is much2 more than what you are getting throughout your leadership
    4- Everytime when the G reduce the subsidy, they will announce few billions of saving and they always say that the money will be well spend to improve public transportation… i live in Malaysia but i don’t see that happening!
    5- Why the G sign many2 ‘bias’ agreement with guaranteed profit to certain party such as PLUS, IPP, etc… poor rakyat like me can only see all our hard earn money from taxes are given to these few companies… but can’t do anything. It make rakyat like me really wonder if a minister can make a statement like ‘Jika kita benarkan mereka rugi, siapa lagi akan buat highway pada masa akan datang?’
    6- we were also told that we had given our right to many2 billions/trillions of dollars of oil reserved to Brunei as if we are extremely rich country and trying to give some donation to Brunei.
    Hope you can share some light here…
    Thank you and may Allah bless you always!

  95. Tun
    (1) I disagree with your analysis on “subsidy removal” and bankruptcy of the nation
    (2) The No 1 cause of bankruptcy of our nation would be financial mismanagement and lack or prudence and transparency. If we manage this part well, the people will not suffer and our debt will reduce. The problem that we face today is that our government is not capable in managing the problem.
    (3) Let us not forget that this debt problem is not an overnight problem but was inherited from your era and was poorly managed subsequently.
    (4) Solution lies in debt management and not making life difficult for people.

  96. Salam Tun…
    “…the subsidies for fuel and power and toll payments should be gradually reduced.”
    May be you are right that government should make the subsidies reduction for fuel and power and toll payments…but together with reduction of these subsidies, the government should also consider to reduce or even totally cut the certain allowances for their A-level workers such as JUSA, directors, ministers and even prime minister and so on, because I think all of them are able to survive even with their basic salary if the price of fuel / power and toll increase gradually.
    Rasanya hidup mereka tak sesusah kami, yang mungkin ada terpaksa hidup menanggung sorang (bil api, bil air, payment keta, minyak keta, sewa rumah, susu anak, sekolah anak, makan minum anak bini…semuanya atas batu jembala patik), yang gaji kecik, yang tak dapat pangkat baru (sebab interviewer kata melangkau jawatan..tak buleh dari C nak naik A walau ada kelulusan) dan macam2 lagi….
    Sekian TQ…
    ********************************************************************
    Outside The Box : Mesej Untuk Ketua Pengarah JPJ.
    Merujuk kepada cadangan pihak tuan untuk mengenakan penalti kepada pesalah jalanraya yang lambat membayar saman…Pada pendapat saya cadangan tuan itu merupakan cadangan yang tidak bijak…Sepatutnya tuan harus berfikir dan menyelidik terlebih dahulu (buleh mintak tulung research University yang ada di Malaysia jika perlu) rata-rata tahap kemampuan kewangan rakyat sebelum membuat cadangan sebegitu…
    Di sini saya ingin mencadangkan supaya pihak tuan membenarkan pesalah trafik membayar saman mereka secara ansuran ketika hendak membuat pembaharuan cukai jalan…
    Berkenaan kata-kata tuan dalam Utusan Malaysia (16/5/2010)
    Tambah beliau, perkara ini dapat dilihat daripada tunggakan saman JPJ yang berjumlah RM16.9 juta sejak 2000 hingga 2008.
    “Ini disebabkan mereka yang disaman itu tangguh untuk bayar, tunggu ada diskaun baru bayar.”
    Bagi saya, lain kali kalau tak nak bagi diskaun…tak payah la bagi…bukan susah pun…

  97. Dear Tun,
    Opposition wound care whether they could turn around the country or not. We have already seen the preview today.

  98. The subsidies are needed to compensate the ineffectiveness of BN on running the Government resources. People are the resources, but the mentality of our people is a sad thing to story.
    If we want to have a subsidy-free economy, we’ve got to have enough intellectuals to cater with open market situation. To compete with the world, at least with Singapore.
    However, the unethical government practices has cost the people more than what have been all this while subsidized.
    Just take notice the cost of corruptions. That’s the cash. Well, for the long run? The extra pay for outside resources. The inability to shape up the people mentality up to standard especially Malay.

  99. Dear Tun and readers,
    By attitude and antics shown, do they care if they inheret nearly bankrupt country?
    Certainly any point non-recovery (or earlier than that), they will pin-point that it’s Barisan’s fault without really leading Malaysians out from such disaster..
    Technically, in few weeks (or months) to come, it is crucial for Malaysians.. why? It is make or break for DS Najib and Barisan without really breaking the heart of Malaysians.
    Just two cents thought..
    ~ OnDaStreet
    http://ondastreet.wordpress.com

  100. Tun,
    Ada ker Tun fikir negara kita sedang menuju ke arah muflis adalah disebabkan subsidi ? Saya rasa tidak 100 %, daripada apa yang dapat saya tahu ialah rasuah di dalam kerajaan yang berluasan dan menyalahgunaan dalam dasar ekonomi baru yang menyumbang kepada apa yang Tun sebutkan tadi.
    Seperti mana yang kita dapat dengar setiap hari bahawa kontrak kerajaan yang bernilai kira-kira puluhan ribu tetapi tuntutan sebenarnya ialah setinggi jutaan ringgit, cuma bayangkan berapa jumlah wang rakyat yang terpaksa disalurkan kepada pihak yang tak berpatutan. Bukan itu sahaja, apa jua projak yang siap dibina tak akan tahan lama(runtuh semua) iaitu kerajaan terpaksa keluarkan perbelanjaan baru untuk memperbaiki.
    Ini kan yang diperjuangkan oleh kerajaan BN untuk kesejahteraan rakyat selama ini ???? Negara yang kaya raya dengan segala sumber bumi tetapi boleh menuju ke arah muflis, kenapa negara yang kurang dalam segi seperti Singapora tak perlu menghadapi semua ini ???
    Tolong Tun perjelaskan untuk rakyat Malaysia,
    Sekalin Terima ksih.

  101. Salam Tun ,
    Tajuk yang sgt bagus untuk diperkatakan.Adakah perkara ” negara akan bankrap pada 2019 ” sesuatu yang benar mengikut fakta ? Sekiranya semua subsidi di tarik balik , golongan mana yang akan terasa bebanannya ? Saya rasa kita semua tahu jawapannya.
    Sekiranya semua subsidi ditarik balik tetapi perbelanjaan oleh kerajaan sesuka hati , bagaimana pula implikasinya kepada negara ? Itu semua harus diteliti . Bagi saya apa pun yang pihak kerajaan ingin lakukan , seharusnya kebajikan rakyat jelata harus diutamakan.Saya tidak menidakkan keperluan menarik balik semua subsidi tetapi tidak pula bersetuju semuanya dikekalkan.
    Seharusnya pemerintah yang lebih tahu keadaan sebenar ekonomi negara dan masa depannya.Sebagai rakyat jelata kami cuma mengharapkan yang terbaik untuk semua.
    Sekian , terima kasih .
    *Semoga Tun berterusan memperjuangkan nasib rakyat Palestine yang ditindas.Semoga apa yang Tun lakukan memberikan semangat dan kekuatan untuk semua sukarelawan terus berjuang.

  102. Since Datuk Seri Idris Jala made his presentation about this topic, I’ve waited to hear (read) YBhg Tun’ comments.And finally you made this post.I agree with YBhg Tun. I wonder why some people have difficulty in understanding this matter. Or perhaps they purposely don’t want to understand. Malaysian are used to receive subsidies in many things. I believe some people don’t even know that some of the items they buy are subsidized.
    Quote from above: “I believe he will not cut subsidy, or at least not much, on food, health and education.” I hope so. The Government must make sure of this. Otherwise people will feel “Kerajaan meletakkan beban pada rakyat”.
    Before subsidies are gradually reduced, people must be explained on the current situation and the consequences of not reducing the subsidies – all the justification and reasoning. Announcement through media is not enough. This is time where ‘menteri2’ and ‘belia2’ of all political parties ‘turun padang’ and explain to the ‘rakyat’ to make sure they understand why such action has to be taken. Jangan masa nak pilihanraya jer baru ‘turun padang’.
    Anyway I really hope the Government and who ever responsible will come out with the best solution / formula to resolve this matter… and YBhg Tun to continue giving advice or at least opinion from your point of view.

  103. A friend of mine once said that he voted for BN to solve problems, not to give him one. I agree.
    To the ministers, stop being dramatic! Please do not ask for our suggestions for anything! Pathetic! We voted you to think, so use your God given brain!
    If the government must reduce those subsidies, please do so. But, please make it harmless, at least.
    p.s. Sori Tun, actually saya cukup meluat dgn menteri2 yang minta pandangan kita untuk sesuatu.

  104. Chedet
    Syukur Alhamdulilah.At least you are not one of those goons in politics, blogospheres and the rest of the intellectuals who think Idris Jala is being far fetched.
    Idris Jala is a credible person. If he can turn around a GLC(i.e MAS) and a giant multi national company (i.e Shell) from red to black I do not see why people have no faith in him.
    The only reason I can think of is everybody is in a sleeping mode and in denial.
    If the ability of paying back debts is between 3-4% each year whilst the debt is at 12% each year, the government still has between 8-9% unsettled debts.The figures used by Idris Jala were not cooked up or plucked out from the sky. These are real figures over a period of 10 years and were used to project for the next 5 years.
    At the rate of GLCs losing money on cost overruns; giving tax allowance to non-GLCs; subsidising IPPs on gas and diesel; losing out on potential billions-worth of oilfields; unjustifiable claims by Expressways owners to hike toll rates; ( it baffled me how a busy and most often causing massive traffic jams during peak hours expressways are said to be losing out) and thus led govt subsidising heavily ; giving out billions-worth of “gifts” during by-elections just to gain support; GLCs losing out on bad investments; unpredictable market failures ; billions of RM gone from govt coffers without a trace ; these are only a few conditions that would lead to a government not able to pay back its debts.
    While some conditions above are due to greed which could be curbed , the government is not able to predict market failures.Henceforth bearing this in mind one has to be tactful in spending and investing but one need not be politically tacful in words. That’s what Idris Jala is trying to do.
    Thank you.

  105. The question is why must the government subsidise the IPP’s and the toll operators? They are business entities and they must take risks.
    Is there a clause in the agreement (which is classified under OSA for God knows what reason) that says that if they make super profits, some of it will go back to the government?

  106. Dear Tun,
    Your arguement for cutting subsidies is compelling and convincing. You have wisely separated health education and food to be further subsidied. Let fuel and toll rise to their natural level because the government cannot afford but the rakyat can. It is just a matter of transfer of hardship from government to citizens. If we do that in an election year BN may lose another 5 states and opposition would inherit a cash rich country.
    Unlike Greece, Malaysia is oil producing and exporting country. Any increase in oil price brings in equal amount in the increase in oil revenue unless we have forward sold all our oil in the future market at current price. Similarly we sold our raw water at 3 sens per 1000 gallons to Singapore for 100 years in advance.
    Please dont copy economic policy of current UK government. They are going for austerity drive by going for surplus budget in a recession. Meaning cut spending, cut jobs. People’s hardship and crime rates are going to rise. It is fashionable to talk about surplus budget. But please understand Surplus budget is only good for ccountry with full employment like Japan.
    Anyway I congratulate Najib’s government for consulting and listening to the rakyat. He is a people friendly PM.
    amin tan

  107. RM74 billion cost per annum is very substantial. If the govt wants to cut it out, its best that the govt. shares its plans on how to do it over the years and the impact on the rakyat in terms of $ per month extra cost that one will incur. Rakyat today are able to understand if it is an initiative that will benefit the future – our children.If the rakyat knows the impact of the $ extra cost, the rakyat will then adjust its consumption accordingly on the subsidised items. As a rakyat, we ask ourself – if we have to pay extra RM2 per month for sugar due to the uplift of subsidy, must we complain when we spend/waste more than that amount for prepaids/sms/etc?

  108. Yang Berbahgia TUN,
    Saya bersetuju akan pandangan Tun dan pakar-pakar ekonomi yang telah memberi pandangan samada menyokong atau menentang cadangan pemotongan subsidi untuk mengelakkan negara menjadi bengkrap.
    Dalam kefahaman orang bisa seperti saya ini bangkrap hanya boleh berlaku apabila kita tidak mempunyai harta atau hasil mencukupi untuk membayar hutang. Atau jumlah hutang melebehi harta yang kita ada. Dalam sebuah negara kita membandingkan jumlah hutang dengan Keluaran Negara Kasar(GDP).Jika jumlah hutan melebehi GDP kita telah tergolong dalam kategori negara bangkrap.
    Yang Berbaahgia TUN dan Pakar-pakar ekonimi sekalian…. Dibumi Malaysia yang bertuah ini kita telah dianugerahkan oleh Allah SWT berbagai bentuk kekayaan – hasil bumi, kesuburan tanah, sumber manusia yang berkebolehan dan sebagainya. Jika kekayaan sumber alam dibandingkan dengan jumlah penduduk yang kita ada sepatutnya kita tidak boleh menjadi bangkrap. Kesederhanaan dalam meletakkan matlamat, mengawal nafsu cepat kaya/cepat maju dan mengadakan tabdirurus yang berdisplin dan cekap kita boleh menghindarkan negara dari bangkrap.
    Malangnya semenjak merdeka kita telah meletakkan cita-cita yang terlalu tinggi sehingga tidak sempat/mampu ditampung oleh keupayaan rakyat negara ini. Peracangan untuk projek yang hebat hanya untuk membanggkakan diri telah menyebabkan kita terjebak didalam perbelanjaan yang diluar kemampuan. Sebahagian projek itu tidak pernah dituntut oleh rakayat. Kita yang meletakkan cita-cita untuk mereka dan merancang untuk mereka. Kita ingin menjadi hebat dengan kos yang tinggi. Akhirnya kita terjebak dengan hutang yang besar. Sama seperti remaja yang ingin kelihatan mewah atau menikmati kehidupan mewah dengan mengguna berbagai sumber hutan termasuk kad-kad kredit.
    Skim cepat kaya sebenarnya bukan sahaja diamalkan taau diminati oleh masyarakat pertengahan dan bawahan tetapi juga oleh mereka yang berkuasa. Ini yang paling bahaya jika keinginan yang sama mempengaruhi mereka. Kita sering mengambil jalan mudah sebagai contoh jika orang tempatan tidak cukup dan kurang upaya melaksanakan tugas kita mengimpot pekerja luar dengan ramai. Akhirnay pekerja luar bukan sahaja mencari rezeki tetapi juga menimba pengalaman dan kemahiran. Apabila mereka semuanya balik kenegara asal kita akan menghadapi masalah untuk menggantikan mereka untuk menggerakkan ekonomi.
    Pengalaman negara-negara bekas jajahan SOVIET UNION dahulu menghadiapi sindrom yang sama. Apabil mereka mencapai kemerdekaan banyak kilang-kilang besar terpaksa ditutup hanya kerana pekerja-pekerja keturunan Russia balik kenegara asal. Negara-negara baru merdeka ini menjadi lumpuh. Begitu juga negara-negara Arab seperti UEA, Saudi Arabia, Qatar dan lain-lain menggerakkan pembangunan negara bukan atas kekuatan rakyat sendiri tetapi oleh pekerja asing. Setelah sekian lama kini rakyat mereka menjadi lemah dan tidak mampu mwembangunkan negara sendiri. Mujur Allah masih sayang dan mereka dianugerahkan minyak.
    Malaysia. Kita masih beruntung. Saya percaya nasihat Datuk Idris Jala bukan bertujuan untuk menakutkan tetapi untuk memberi amaran dan kesedaran agar kita bermuhasabah diri. Saya percaya kita boleh mengurangkan risko bangkrap jika kita mengambil langkah-langkah berikut:
    1. Mengurangkan cita-cita dan selera besar dan menjadi lebih bersederhana. Bilangan rakyat kita masih tidak membebankan berbanding dengan kekayaan anugerah Allah yang ada.
    2. Kurangkan tumpuan kepada kebanjirn pekerja asing terutama disektor moden kerana ini akan melemahkan keupayaan warga sendiri dalam jangka panjang. Pekerja asing hanya boleh diteruskan disektor pertanian.
    3. Pengurangan subsidi harus dibuat secara berperingkat agar tidak memberikan kejutan kepada rakyat.
    4. Kurangkan pergantungan kepada Pelaburan asing (FDI) kalau kita tidak mahu dijajah secara ekonomi yang akhirnya melemahkan kerajaan pilihan rakyat.
    5. Bersikap tegas dalam melaksanakan dasar dan undang-undang.
    6. Laksanakan semula Dasar penyusunan semula masyarakat seperti Dasar Ekonomi Baru. Agar semua rakyat tanpa mengira kaum dapat hidup selesa dalam negara merdeka.
    Mudaha-mudahan negara kita terurus dengan baik dan bijaksana. AMIN……….
    MAZAI

  109. Assalamualaikum Tun M
    Reducing in Fuel prices, or toll rates has its goodness. During the recent brief price hike of Petrol prices, we do see, reduction of cars on the streets of KL and more people resort to Public Transportation, resulting new busses needed on the road, longer LRT lines, and also the revival of the double tracking trains throughout Malaysia.
    But that also resort price hike of transportation and the commercial sector is putting the burden of this price hike to the consumers. But if the government could figure out to reduce subsidies and at the same time, try to maintain the price of daily goods, the results would be encouraging.
    Reducing subsidies to ensure Malaysia prosper and achieved a Developed Nation by year 2020 is something need to be done. However, the consequences and I bet you knew about it, the cost of living will be increasing as well. How can people like normal government servant to survive to live in Malaysia?
    We see today, govt servants resort to corruption, or do other moonlighting jobs just to make ends meet. How could we improve the effectiveness of governance if this is to continue. We wont achieve Developed Nation by year 2020. Poverty and high corruption rates will be as high as before.
    We cannot rely on Petronas’ cash to sustain Malaysia. Petronas too need to be competitive in other O&G companies around the world We do need other GLCs to make money for the Nation and encourage cash flow in the country.
    So how do we want to encourage the Govt Servants to be effective, probably the government should practice rewarding the staff who perform well, who contribute to the country and show eagerness to improve.
    Idris Jala should be given the opportunity to run the economics as what he has done for MAS and also his previous company in Bintulu. Where the company was doomed to be in the reds but managed to pull back into profitable company. But managing a Nation wouldnt be as easy.
    This is just a suggestion of mine Tun, but I am sure, Idris Jala and yourself would have better ideas to implement to the country and ensure the balance in the economic scene and ensuring Malaysia doesnt fall into bankruptcy. I always believe, MALAYSIA can be among the world leaders.
    Just my 2cents opinion. Thanks Tun!

  110. People are not blind or stupid. We see gov. doing
    2-page ad for PM’s wife
    http://www.thenutgraph.com/rosmah-ad-govts-behalf/
    Buying of subs and jets and paying of middle man (Cronies).
    Anything to do with kebajikan rakyat cut but anything to do with Cronies business blindly give.
    Must ensure Cronies business continue to get subsidy.

  111. Tun,
    I agreed we sud cut on the subsidies provided have the proper planning. I dun agreed by simply remove the subsidies and at the same time later say will impose GST taxes! Furthermore, alot Malaysians are working class ppl with NO MINIMUM WAGE/SALARY protecting them, not like Australia whom punished a malaysian restaurant for under paying their staff last year. Again Malaysia inflation was quite high compare to our neighbouring countries.
    If we do the calculation for Petronas latest oilfield in IRAQ which can produce 800,000 barrels of oil PER DAY.. roughly about RM80.64billion per annum, doesnt this already can cover?? Tat’s only IRAQ, havent calculate for the rest..
    Govmnt blame on rakyat consumed alot of petrol and the petrol subsidies was the main impact, but if we turn the other way round, what make us consume so much petrol? It’s govment! why? becos govmnt cant constantly upgrade the transportation infra.
    Those working class people whom cant afford to buy houses nearby city have to look for houses at Never Neverland! and these areas are not supported by efficient public transport(LRT. Therefore, they need to drive which indirectly helping Proton in car sales! Related to this, house prices which nearby cities were all jackup and goreng by foreigners!! There’s no controls over the house pricing and alocations.
    Afterall, Sigh… Anyhow I believe Malaysians are bunch of rich people (except me), able to sustain even without subsidies.. and govment continue to suckup Rakyat’s money.. Just like Iphone selling USD299 per phone which about RM1k but in Malaysia was selling RM2.5k so when we ask Steve Job, why u charge us so high? And he politely replied: Please ask your government…
    Vendetta prevails!

  112. Subsidi sememangnya diperlukan oleh sesetengah golongan rakyat tetapi pada hari ini subsidi tersebut dinikmati oleh segenap lapisan rakyat termasuk yang kaya raya. Mekanisme penerimaan subsidi tersebut perlu dicari agar penerimanya merupakan mereka yang benar-benar layak.
    Walau bagaimanapun, pihak pemerintah perlu mengurangkan subsidi sedikit demi sedikit bagi membolehkan kesan langsung kepada penerima subsidi tulen akan kurang dirasai. Pastinya rakyat akan melenting jika harga petrol yang kini dijual bawah RM2.00/liter tiba-tiba dijual pada harga RM2.70 (seperti seketika dulu). Dicadang juga walaupun pada masa akan datang harga komoditi tersebut turun, harga jualannya dipasaran untuk rakyak jangan diturunkan secara drastik hanya kerana untuk meraih sokongan rakyat.

  113. Dear Tun,
    It is true that we need to look into the subsidies cut to prevent the country from getting bankrupt. But did we also not look into the lavish spendings of politicians and corruptions in the country. These two setbacks also contribute the cause of bankruptcy.I believe Tun has the solution to the problem. We need Tun to save the country.
    Take care Tun. You are the greatest.

  114. Hi Tun,
    Can you please give your honest and unbiased views on the so called “agreement” your PM Najib and our PM Lee recently agreed on? (Tanjung Pagar KTM)I’m very sure there are lotsa of people eagerly awaiting for ur comments.
    Thnx.

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