Re-surfacing in Malaysia after a long vacation, it is indeed a bleak year ahead when the country's CEO is entertained to the fireworks display to launch Visit Malaysia Year. During the launching ceremony, there was no mention of the difficulties faced by the flood victims in Johor and on the flood situation in Sabah, Terengganu and Kelantan. Nor was there any mention on the public extra sufferings due to the toll fare hike which took effect from 1st Jan '07.

The flood in a remote town in the Northern part of Sabah has cut off roads and forced the school students to walk 3 miles to school along the muddy path, crossing rivers using dangerous single log bridge. Andwhere is the aid? And if the opoosition parties were to offer their lending hand, the deed will be scorned and accused of politicking. But where are the Putri UMNOs, the UMNO youth, the Putera UMNOs ? Still dreaming of riding the 'eye on KL'? Where are the officials from the Ministry of Education? Is it the case of no see, no problem?


And yet the CEO used to say that Malaysia has to develop its human capital...How do we develop human capital when there is no concertive effort to develop them, regardless of race, geographical location or social standing?

Nearer to the capital, thousands if not hundreds of protestors gather across Sunway Pyramid to voice their displeasure on the recent toll increase involving 5 highways namely Cheras-Kajang Highway, Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP), Kesas Highway, Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway and Guthrie Corridor Expressway. Early reports mention that there are some efforts taken by the Police to discourage and disband the gathering.

Initial reports are still sketchy on the outcome of the gathering but maybe, just maybe, the Government will use the protest to make a u-turn on their decision regarding the toll price. One element that is conspicously missing from the gathering is the UMNO youth who regards themselves as the saviours of the Malays and Malaysians. Where are they now ? Still having nightmares on the C4 case?


All this while, where are the elites? Maybe busy gaping at the RM 30 million wonder across Taman Titiwangsa. The 'eye on KL' shall be open to public for the whole of 2007 at RM 15 per ride for adult. On that alone, the 'eye' needs 3 million adult visitor to break even on the construction cost, without taking into consideration the maintenance and operating cost.

And is the 'eye' meant to go hand in hand with the newly launched RM 4 million public toilets that needs RM 1.50 per entry for 15 minutes ?

How I wish that all this funds can be diverted to help the flood victims, wishful thinking? Or maybe the profit raked by the National Petroleum company can be used to offset the toll increase....

All this can be done, when and if the rakyat choose Batu Talam to make their stand - loud and clear to the ruling party.

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...