Up goes the Malaysian cost of basic necessities

While it is rumoured that the price of basic essentials will increase in Malaysia after the General Elections held a fortnight ago, I say that it does not need to wait either for that period or rumours. It is a natural tendencey for businessmen and merchants to take full advantage of any reason that would increase their profit margin.

The name of the ruling Political Party that won another 5 year mandate to govern the country goes by the name of Barisan Nasional. In English that translates to the National Front. Ironically though in the local Malaysian (Bahasa Malaysia) language the BN (as the short name for Barisan Nasional) has been given another meaning – Barang Naik! In English that translates to Increase in cost of Goods.

So then, who’s to blame the powers-that-be in the ruling Party when going by their own Party’s short name is tantamount to mean just that!

Across the Straits of Johor, our neighbour, Singapore has a similar Political Party name acronym. The People Action Party or PAP that rules the island nation has another meaning for their tight lipped citizens. PAP as some declare means Pay And Pay! Which of course is true for Singapore that has no natural resources whatsoever and apart the Banking, Trade and Commerce resources, the citizens become the other only viable source for the economy.

Over four decades ago, I could buy a bowl of noodle soup for 10 cents U.S. Today, for about the same bowl of noodle soup it costs 1.30 U.S. If my Math is correct that amounts to an increase of 1200 percent points!

It’s not even cheap to die today. The cost of the coffin and funeral expenses would make a corpse to resurrect.

“But if you try a little kindness then you’ll overlook the
blindness of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded street.”

The people have spoken

Malaysia is about to conclude their Nationwide Elections. At this juncture, it is apparent that the ruling political party, the Barisan Nasional is being assailed on their greater than two third majority that they have enjoyed ever since the country gained Independence from the British.

I am not surprised by this turn of events. The Barisan Nasional shot themselves at their own feet with their kind of pro Malay and racially inflamatory stance in a country that is of a multi race composition. This is a wake-up call for the Barisan Nasional leaders at all levels.

One cannot expect much from the Opposition candidates who have succeeded at this round of National Elections. Many of the successful Opposition candidates are aged and these Opposition parties do not have the machinery to take on such a gargantuan task in administrating the populace where they won.

How this augurs for the electorate that supported the Opposition over the next five years is going to become the more definitive issue than the fleeting moments of joyous celebration over their victory.

It is going to be interesting to see how the political climate is going to unfold in Malaysia during the next five years.

“But if you try a little kindness then you’ll overlook the
blindness of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded street.”