Of Monsters and Morons

It's staring at us menacingly in one eye while the other is fixed on our pockets, searing a hole through our wallets. The monster in question is the current fuel price personified, which has been featured rearing its ugly head in recent weeks by the media:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/350252/1/.html

As of Friday 6th June 2008, it closed at USD138.54 a barrel.

This price hike (or rather, *hiking*, because to use singular here is to be delusional) has translated into changes in all our lives. Singaporeans, having been raised as pragmatists with an eye for a bargain, have been heading in droves (pun intended) to neighboring Malaysia to get their cars filled up and, since they are already there, their shopping bags too. I mean, we go where the wind blows right? And in Singapore, the wind always blows in the direction of a good bargain.

However, across the causeway, our friends have been up in arms over this:

http://www.thoughtdissector.blogspot.com/

See post (Tuesday, 3 June 2008: Again, oppositions are stupid! )

"Malaysia has no responsibility in any way to subsidise those kiasu and kiamsap (stingy) Singaporean fuel price as they are not Malaysian.

In 1965, they have decided to leave us and to establish their own country, and since then has taken a lot of advantages over their "bulliable" neighbour. Recently, they have LAWFULLY claimed their stake and ownership over Pulau Batu Puteh, whose original title belongs to Malaysia.

Perhaps, it is the low intelligence of the Malaysian side which allowed such things to happen. Also, Malaysia also has to supply Singapore unprocessed water at a very cheap price and buy back the processed water from Singapore at a higher price. How can such things happen when Malaysia supplies the original water? It makes no sense, and it is nonsense!

Now, as a party which claims to represent the rakyats, DAP says that it is not a wise move to have a two tier fuel pricings. It is ridiculous. The taxpayer's money should solely be used for the benefits of the Malaysian citizens - not being corrupted by individuals, or to subsidize non-tax payers! I cannot imagine seeing people with such mindset running the country because they simply forget: Charity starts at home. You don't feed the poor while you can't even feed your family. It is plain logic and they failed to see it.

The subsidy shouldn't have existed in the first place. Singaporeans come and buy very cheap groceries before returning to Singapore - like pampers, rice, etc etc. And because also of their spending power, the prices of things in JOhor increase accordingly, making JB as one of the most expensive cities to live in the entire Malaysia.

And Barisan Nasional isn't that smart either. Just that they realise their mistakes and try to mend for them.

Perhaps, Singaporeans will hate me after reading my entry. It doesn't matter, since they always like to look down on people. I tell you, live within your means and do not rob others from their privilege and opportunities. You are always welcome to apply for Malaysian PR if you like Johor so much and want that subsidy! :P"

I've been wondering, ever since having read the post, how Singaporeans could be labeled as 'kiasu and 'kiamsiap' for their chosen coping method. Why should we be labeled as such for our adaptability in the face of adversity? After all, the very quality is the reason we've gone from 3rd world to 1st in a generation. Won't any person with a modicum of intelligence choose to pay less for more (assuming all other variables are controlled for, of course =p)? Not to do so would be bodoh (stupid) and boh nao (no brains).

Speaking of such, these adjectives are apt for describing the Malaysian government's coping methods - as of tomorrow 9th June 2008, foreign cars will not be allowed to refuel within 50km of the Malaysian border. Ok, they don't want to subsidies our fuel expenditure, I get it. What I don't get is why Singaporean cars won't be allowed to refuel if they are willing to pay unsubsidized Singapore rates for petrol at Malaysian pumps? I mean JB is a big big piece of land (note the deliberate avoidance of the words 'town' or 'city') where people can easily get lost and drive around for hours. Lets say you are driving back to Singapore from KL and you suddenly remember that Yong Peng has yummy yummy Char Kway Tiao. You make a little detour for high tea. After lunch you realize that while the smell of Char Kway Tiao directed you there, you can't really smell Singapore and there are no signs to direct you back. Then how? Bo bian (can't be helped) lor, you drive for a couple of hours and find a sign which says 'Awas! Causeway 30 km' You leap for joy until you notice the cute little fuel tank on your dashboard flashing. Oh no. You push on until 2km from the causeway, your car sputters to a stop. Lol, gg.com (as the Malaysians would say). Its 6pm on a Friday evening. Theoretically you could call your best friend in Singapore to come rescue you with a can of petrol. Just that at 6pm on a Friday the Causeway will be so jammed that you might be best friends no more once your car starts.

SO, unless Malaysia can not put oil in their Char Kway Tiao yet keep it as tasty, I probably won't be heading there too much now. Oh, did I mention I spend an average of 300+RM on a shopping trip there? Maybe this season MNG Singapore will make a bit more out of me.