By: kakipulau

Whiles the discussion centers on fluctuations in petroleum prices, which is no doubt, a fundamental issue affecting society, we seem to have missed the effects of this on the wider world. The apparent 'fall' in Malaysian petroleum retail prices has NOT been reflected in a proportionate reduction in prices of basic necessities like food, school uniforms, school shoes, public transport fares etc. If people could literally consume petrol as food, wear petrol and educate with petrol, we'd be much better off. Basic food stuffs like rice are still priced like luxury items. The average earning parent is beginning to find the opening of school this year a heavier burden in expense than it was before. One father, interviewed by NTV7 said he could only afford one pair of shoes for one child this year. What about parents who have 3-4 school going children? What about their fees for extra-curricular activities that are compulsory? How much to feed, clothe and shelter a family? Think about it. Income discrepancies are widening with disproportionate profiteering. How much longer can this continue before a majority of us become destitute? Will the government continue to take a "Marie Antoinette" view of the poor... in the words of that famous French queen who went to the guillotine, "Let them eat cake!"