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.)

Saturday, March 03, 2012

BR1M not fairly distributed

'Bantuan Rakyat' means 'Help the people' and with the monthly income limit set at Rm3,000, I would have thought all those who earn less than that are eligible, especially those who are really poor. Yet, we have read in the papers of people in need who had their applications rejected for one reason or other, while those who are obviously well-to-do were successful. Examples of the latter include husband and wife applying separately, who live in their own detached houses, own cars and even one with an address like Tropicana Resort!

I was told the applications were vetted against records of 15 government agencies like Inland Revenue Board, Road Transport Department, and so on. Obviously, many tried their luck with multiple applications, deception or tips on how to fill in the forms 'properly' and were successful. While those in charge would have no idea about each individual's circumstances, friends and relatives know who should or should not have been eligible.

Again, because of poor planning, inaccurate definitions, and inadequate vetting procedures, such government initiatives left a bad after taste for many. This reminds me of the Rm625 given to those who own cars with engine capacity below 2,000 cc and which did not prevent those who own BMW and Mercedes from being eligible. Today's news mentioned about those who bought new cars with engine capacity over 1500 cc, since 2007 are ineligible. Someone mentioned a VW Touran has only 1,400 cc but costs over Rm200,000! What about Mazda RX8 which rotary engine has an equivalent capacity of 1,400 too! There are many elderly folks whose children are millionaires or at least high-income earners, and it is up to them to search their conscience or value their individual pride whether to apply for such aid. Just like government scholarships, it is a nice feeling for those who can afford, to use their own money instead because by doing so, it helps one other less fortunate student to get it.
Link

4 comments:

Claudio said...

I agree 100%
barrclaudio@aol.com
barriclaudio@lawyer.com

Anonymous said...

Yes correct
barrclaudio@aol.com
barriclaudio@lawyer.com

bayi said...

ostour inguatelFrom Day 1, BN and the government had never intended that the BR1M scheme to be fair. It was conceived as a political tool and has been implemented as one, using the rakyat's money.

What is the best thing to do? Encourage all those given the money to take it and then vote for the opposition. It's their money after all.

kowsai said...

They keep shifting the goal post, suddenly the ability to purchase cars above 2000 c.c. becomes a condition. I think they under estimated and run out of cash. My friends got their RM500 (in cash) accompanied by successful letters from MCA, making it looks like MCA is giving the money. I hope some of the RM500 does not end in some peoples pocket. To be transparent all eligible should receive voucher or cheques.

I think it is okay for the well to do to apply as it does not compete or deprive deserving people from getting the RM500.