Pantun Minyak Naik

I got to the office late again
Too many people, I couldn’t board the train
Thought of using my own transport
But fuel price is high I can’t afford

My boss was angry and wanted explanation
Write show-cause letter or he’ll take action
He wants things to change for the better
But how can I do that when everything’s pricier?

The Government announced fuel price hike
Too much subsidy, the Govt don’t like
They want people to change lifestyle
Sure we have to but it’ll take a while

30 cents per liter is highest increase
Never in history had it gone up like this
But who are we to say no?
Perhaps the Opposition, consumer groups and NGO

My teh tarik price will surely go up
It will cost more to enjoy my favourite cup
Mamak stalls association says it has no choice
I want to complain but nobody hears my voice

Transport operators are also complaining
They cannot believe that this is happening
How can they absorb the mounting costs?
They ask,” Who wants to operate at a loss”?

Electricity tariffs are up next
TNB wants approval of the Cabinet
It’s been ages since last revision
But they’ve been making profits by the millions!

Last night the DPM came on TV
To explain to the people why it was necessary
Fuel price is up to reduce subsidy
Haven’t we heard that many times already?

Compared to them, our fuel is still cheap
So we are told by Datuk Seri Najib
But why compare with other countries
Stop blaming our neighbours, pleeez!

Embracing globalisation is the way to go
Open your market so says WTO
Increased efficiency the desired result
Reducing subsidy is a good start

People’s benefit always in mind
The rich, the poor will all be fine
Reduce subsidy to finance projects
But rich contractors get all the contracts!

Many people will feel the pain
Endure it now for long-term gain
I think this trend will be maintained
Until one year before Election

Don’t drive your car to save fuel
Talk to your friends and go on car pool
Or even better just take a bus
Save on toll, less money to PLUS

So next time you take a bus ride
Don’t feel so bad, do it with pride
Less jam, less stress, no worry about toll
That’s very good we’ve all been told

I am a little man with no power
Always saying yes and meant to suffer
What can I do to make a difference?
Don’t give them vote in next Election?

No matter what people say now
They will forget it, you and I know
There will be goodies in Election year
And they will return this government to power!

March 2006

(Streamed out of my mind during a suffocating train journey to work from Kajang to KL Sentral, while staring at the roof, on an unusually crowded coach, nervously wondering whether I would be late)