Petrol Prices... Subsidies vs. Taxes (2)

MalaysiaKini picked up the story here:

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/93366

Petrol Prices... Subsidies vs. Taxes

Headlines from Malaysia Today: "Malaysians are now paying petrol tax"

What does that mean? And why do I feel mad after reading the news piece?

For a long time, M'sians have been "enjoying" petrol subsidies from the government. Our beloved government tried to cushion the people's burden by ensuring the pump prices are stable. However, after the March '08 general elections, the world crude oil prices shot up and our head honchos got a little nervous.

Since then, a RM 0.30 subsidy has been allocated to show our gomen's "concern" to the burdens of the people.

Did it cushion our countries inflation? NO

Any price increases? YES (however, the PM covered himself by saying the public would not be "too badly affected by price increases")

The guys on top were in hot soup, and had to think of something to do regarding oil prices. Today, our much respected PM said "the Government had kept its promise to reduce petrol prices." Thank their lucky stars that the world oil prices dropped. Referring to the high prices of goods, the wise man blame-shifted "The Government had kept its promise but traders are not doing their part," he said.

Today, world crude oil is priced around RM 55 and our dear minister says that "Even if prices return to RM1.92, we will still have a bit of surplus."

SO WHY ARE PETROL PRICES STILL AT RM2.00???!!! The lame excuse is that it will be returned to the government effectively as a form of tax. From Subsidies to Tax. Now M'sians are being TAXED FOR PETROL!!! Can you see why I'm MAD?!

To refresh our ever forgetful human brains:
- June 5th 2008, when the petrol prices were raised by 78 cents, our eloquent PM said "Our effort is certainly not an attempt to be popular but we try our best to help the people. We cannot satisfy everyone," - I guess they've changed their minds from helping to taxing.

- "Oil firms to stop offering petrol as contest prize" as it was a controlled item and subsidised by taxpayers’ money. - Shahrir Samad, September 9, 2008. So now, since we are taxed for petrol, is it OK to offer petrol as contest prize???

- Remember the RM 625 rebate? "Pos Malaysia getting RM30m in commission" - I guess we know who's the happy camper here. Btw, some people say that Khairy and the 4th floor boys has a hand here.

Graph taken from MalaysiaKini website. Please subscribe to their news portal!

Off Topic

Another blog that i visit is:

http://doctor2008.wordpress.com/

I dunno where I got this link from, but i used to read a medical officer's blog out of his sheer ability and knack for writing. Ever since, I've been fascinated with doctor's writings (not their handwriting though). Anyway, here's an interesting read on the top ten most irritating phrases (and my comments in italics):

1. At the end of the day - What's so ABSOLUTELY irritating about this one?

2. Fairly unique - This is an oxymoron.

3. I personally - I PERSONALLY use this quite often, to differentiate between my personal opinion, to my work (professional) opinion, my religious opinion, ... what else ah?

4. At this moment in time - I use this too. But at this moment in time, I guess its better to use, "right now"

5. With all due respect - With all due respect to those who use this phrase, I HATE this phrase! Especially when overused.

6. Absolutely - I'm absolutely guilty of this one.

7. It's a nightmare - Really? How is "Its a nightmare" irritating?

8. Shouldn't of - *blur* ... must be some white man thing

9. 24/7 - My office runs 24/7. Nothing especially irritating about it. I guess its in the context of, like, "I must have oxygenated water 24/7..."

10. It's not rocket science - I use this once in a while. Now that I read the phrase, it DOES sound quite condescending.

Dismaed Sightings

Imaging you see two cars in front of you. The X20 below, and a black Honda City. Thats the difference between a high ass and a beautiful rear.

Spotted in Hotel Istana parking:

Sightings

WRD *333 spotted on Sprint Highway after toll near Eastin Hotel.

No pics.

THM Poison TT 3 @ Kajang

I missed a wonderful TT at Kajang with 10 fellow THM X20s.

1. Mliven has a blog scoop (with YouTube vids on the Evo power window functionalities!):

2. Kumar has more pics on the THM forum:

3. Mtuc has great pics here:

(No) More Sightings?

Early last week I was feeling quite down, as it has been a while since I last spotted an X20 on the road. I also have been busy with Work, Church and Family stuff that has put my favourite THM forum and blog on the shelf for later.

Then on Wednesday, on the way to office, I saw a silver X20 on Jalan Duta.

- On Thursday, on the way to office, I saw a sapphire silver X20 getting on to Jalan Sentul.

- On Friday, I saw a X20 stuck in a jam on Jalan Tun Razak. This is the only one I managed to get a pic:


- On Saturday, I saw an X20 on Federal Highway, near Midvalley, heading to KL.

- On Sunday, I saw an X20 on the opposite lane in SS2.

Four sightings, four days in a row. Coincidence?

Long Overdue SNIPPETS

1. My last post was October 16th. Thats more than 2 weeks ago. I feel sorry for those who have been coming back here regularly and finding no updates. Thank you for your visits.

2. I haven't seen any X20s on the road, however, in Kluang, an SG Avante is spotted!


3. Oil prices are in the RM 60+ region. I dunno to be happy or sad. 40% of M'sia's funding comes from Petronas. I wonder how the lower crude oil prices are affecting our budget, since Budget 2009 was tabled when the oil price was RM 125 per barrel.

4. No updates to my car. However, upcoming events are THM TT at Kajang (with alot of poison) and TT at Fara's. Details to come.

5. Two brothers from my church are car enthusiates. Both of them drive the Toyota Trueno, or its more famous name, 86 ('part loke' in canto). All of them with stock engines, but kitted bodies and modified interiors. The white one, driven by the younger brother, won a time challenge race recently

Enjoy some pics:














This is the interior of the Red 86. Nice gauges and bride seats!


Same Red 86, black bonnet - a "cool" oil cooler with the engine code on it (not intercooler)






Check out the depth of those rims.