He speaks with a forked tongue!!

Very young in life we learn that good things are never free - there is always a price to pay for it. We too have learned this through the years with the BN Government ... he that gives with one hands and snatches the goodness away with the other.

Lies! Nothing but lies from our "well-loved and highly charitable"politicians. What am I getting at ?

Well, many Malaysians would have read with joy the news on the scrapping of toll payments at 2 toll plazas on the NPE. The Salak Jaya toll (south-bound) was abolished on Tuesday (24/2) while the toll at PJS2 (Kuala Lumpur-bound) of the New Pantai Expressway was abolished on Feb 13.

Could it be true that the ruling national Government was doing something for the public during these tough economic times? Was there a remote possibility that they understood and were aware of the peoples sentiment towards them - that as a badly defeated ruling Government party, they could get back on the good side of the Malaysian public through various "good deeds" (ala "abolishing tolls"). We can only pray!

Well, the truth is that bubble has burst almost as fast as it was blown. This is an extract from the Star Online, dated Thursday February 26, 2009.

The toll rates for five highways will be increased from March 1, Works Minister Datuk Mohamad Zin Mohamed announced on Thursday. Read full story here.

I was absolutely speechless when I read this report. How could they? What right did they have to further burden the Malaysian public? Do you honestly believe that these highway concessionaires would be suffering without the increase?

There used to be a song titled "Ayo yoSamy" (click here to enjoy the song). Ironically, we have managed to rid one but not the other ... he has left us an indelible mark on Malaysian roads for ages to come.

When the Government raised the petrol prices due to the spike in worldwide oil prices, Malaysians were burdened with an increase in the cost of daily necessities - and when the fuel prices were reduced, the cost of our daily needs remained high. No action was taken against operators who increased prices and did not lower it when lower costs of fuel came into play.

We are today paying the price for the Government's folly - a Government we elected - and a Government that is becoming increasingly unpopular. The Pakatan Rakyat coalition should be rubbing their hands in glee - victory appears to be served up in a silver/gold salver.

Now, the the PR mantra should be ... Keep it simple!! Let's not do anything foolish - the Governance of Malaysia is being handed to us on a platter. Let's not screw up!!