How should we judge a government?

In Malaysia, if you don't watch television or read newspapers, you are uninformed; but if you do, you are misinformed!

"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." - Malcolm X

Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience - Mark Twain

Why we should be against censorship in a court of law: Publicity is the very soul of justice … it keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial. - Jeremy Bentham

"Our government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no
responsibility at the other. " - Ronald Reagan

Government fed by the people

Government fed by the people

Career options

Career options
I suggest government... because nobody has ever been caught.

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?

Corruption so prevalent it affects English language?
Corruption is so prevalent it affects English language?

When there's too much dirt...

When there's too much dirt...
We need better tools... to cover up mega corruptions.

Prevent bullying now!

Prevent bullying now!
If you're not going to speak up, how is the world supposed to know you exist? “Orang boleh pandai setinggi langit, tapi selama ia tidak menulis, ia akan hilang di dalam masyarakat dan dari sejarah.” - Ananta Prameodya Toer (Your intellect may soar to the sky but if you do not write, you will be lost from society and to history.)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A fool and her husband's money will soon be parted...

I cannot help being a busybody when I overheard a shop assistant's conversation with someone from a vehicle service centre.

“See what needs doing and give me a quote.” she instructed the guy. I can imagine him rubbing his hands in glee and thinking, 'sui yee' (or 'water fish' literally and supposed to mean turtle, but somehow, it is a slang to mean someone who is easy to con for her money).

I offered advice by saying she had given the impression that she had given an open cheque to him, and each time, a friend at the side would advise me that she would not like it. Pride at stake, and what good was it by saying that she is also in business and knows how to check prices with others?

This reminds me of a relation who thought she did a good job by reducing the amount stated in a bill, without realizing that the next time, they would just up the amount expecting a reduction!

Back to the case study. The most practical way is to have someone who is knowledgeable in vehicle maintenance ( a trusted mechanic would be a great help) to do a quick check and spot any vital part that needs servicing. This is after the warranty period and it is cheaper to have repairs done by others.

Vital parts would be tyres, brakes, timing belt (not chain) and other belts, etc.

Oil changes (engine, gear, brake, power steering, would depend on manufacturer's or other recommendations).

For a car over 5 years' old, an instruction to service all that is necessary would tempt the mechanic to suggest a long list of things, which was what actually happened:

Fully synthetic oil, top grade gear oil, spark plugs (at Rm50 each!), stainless steel air filter, alignment (even though there was no complaint earlier, anyway it is subjective), expensive brake linings, etc. and shock absorbers! While the car was at the workshop for a few days, each day came recommendation for different items. I actually heard the amount went past Rm1000, then Rm2000 and if not mistaken, Rm3000! Though she has yet to confirm, reserving the right to check the prices first. But with the car in their hands, no way are they going to let go without hassle.

She said her reason for telling them to do what is necessary was because she has no time to take the car for minor repair each time and would prefer everything done in one go!

I was discussing with a gentleman who was asked the prices quoted and he certainly did not like the idea of fully synthetic engine oil, the Rm50 each spark plugs, the stainless steel air filter. He also agreed with my point that the new shock absorbers might not be necessary. He found the brake linings expensive and again agreed with me that we would not know what type are being fixed. There is always the possibility that prices are quoted for original parts but fakes fixed and it would take a few months before anyone realizes it. I even warned of the danger of other good parts being changed while the car is at the workshop! Such is the level of distrust people have of mechanics in general.

Anyway, I am becoming unpopular for being a man with a high KPI (Kay Pochi lah)!

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