Contradictions

It's a world of contradictions, and Malaysia is no exception. We just held the Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera ("Bumiputera Economy Congress"), Bumiputera encompasses the original settlers that includes the Orang Asli, the Sabah and Sarawak natives, the Malays and those deemed as Bumiputera, and that includes some Thai and Portuguese descendants.

This congress is meant to identify issues and employ strategy to improve the economic well-being and livelihood of Bumiputera, being the largest population in Malaysia. I read in news headlines and excerpts that they have identified over 80 resolutions that is meant to improve Bumiputera. However, I cannot find what are the 80 resolutions. If any0ne can share with me, it's mnuch appreciated.

For a matter of prime importance where a congress is held, there should already be a list shared of the matters that will be dealt with. It shouldn't ber buried and become the responsibility of the Secretariat alone or selected government departments. The resolution should belong to everyone and everyone should work towards achieving the resolution.

My wife is a baker and she sells directly to her customers or sell at booth she opens at selected malls and locations. She employs between 4 to 6 at any one time. Her goods are both affordable and premium. I am going to use her as an example in the contradictions.

As a baker she buys her ingredients that are locally sourced or imported. The situation with our exchange rate is just killing her. She cannot raise prices arbitrarily yet she needs to absorb the increase yet continue to employ people. Her rental for a spot that is barely 5 feet by 6 feet is around RM14,000 a month. Yet they are encouraging small entrepreneurs and businesses. Where is the encouragement? Notice the contradiction?

They held a congress for Bumiputera Economy, yet I have not read any substantive action to tackle the issue with our currency. It is about to reach the stage during the Asian Financial Crisis. We should be at crisis mode by now yet we seem almost nonchalant about it. Notice the contradiction again?

We are taking care of people's wellbeing and even holding a congress for that purpose at the same time we introduced consumption tax hikes. Say what we will, it will impact people's wellbeing in the end as anything related to logistics will have far reaching consequences. We can expect further increase in prices for goods and services. They will be lesser items in the supermarket trolley and baskets. Probably lesser operators for Ramadan this year and a very modest Aifdilfitri is expected. This will result in lesser collection for the consumption tax. Notice the contradictions?

We are working towards the wellbeing of the people. The people are already hit with a weak currency, consumption tax hikes, even purchase from overseas are now impacted causing some trouble to those online businesses, businesses and entrepreneurs we are trying to encourage. Now whether buying from overseas, online or local, everything will be expensive. My clothes I bought years ago still fits...

With the effort made, the people will be hit again with tariff hikes for water and energy. As if that is not enough, soon there will be targeted subsidy especially for fuel. Enjoying subsdised fuel will be a thing of the past for many. Well, Malaysia is facing obesity so walking is a good idea. Might be able to reduce weight and lessen medical bills. If shoes get worn out there's the selipar Jepun (flip flops) .....quite cheap I think. And maybe there will be better usage of public transport, maybe lesser cars on the road, less traffic jams and imporved air quality.

We always need to look at everything positively. With all these price hikes people will spend less, maybe more savings. Eat less thus improved weight and health. So after all the contradictions they may be looking out for us after all. Not been to a Ramadan buffet for awhile now, don't need to and it's exorbitant and such a waste of money. So all good, except for some of our businesses and businessmen.

Contradictions.