“The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.”

This sentiment seems appropriate for the millions of Malaysians who now have to cope with rising prices after the government raised the price of fuel for the fourth time within two years.

Perhaps the government coffers are really empty after all those mega projects that do not really create a sustainable economy although a few economic czars really get heaven sent opportunities that can create instant billionaires just like some AP recipients.

I don’t think the cronies are going to cut back on their lifestyles much. Perhaps instead of a two-carat diamond, they will swap to a one carat one. Instead of a helicopter ride to the nearby golf course, they will use the BMW 7 Series as those Proton and Kancil owners now have to take the public transport or use a motorbike. An ingenious way to cut down on the horrendous traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur and free the roads for the high and mighty.

Highway operators will suffer a drop in collections but not to worry. They have ironclad agreements that the government will use taxpayers’ monies to compensate them as they too have become accustomed to the lifestyle of the rich and infamous.

Did I say infamous? How would you describe them when they have more cash than brains and can easily compete with Hollywood stars for the number of divorces and trophy wives?

Somehow it does not reflect well on the authorities as after more than 48 years of ruling a country that has been blessed with an overabundance of wealth, they now have to squeeze the ordinary folks for a mere RM4.4billion.

If the current leadership really want the people to believe that they have their hearts in the right place, we need to have a Freedom of Information Act so that people can check and make sure there is no more hanky-panky going on in government.

It is a humbling experience for leaders but sometimes-even people like George Bush need to face the bitter truth.
Even in Malaysia, the truth will set us free. But don’t hold your breath for the government to tell us the whole truth unless we strive for freedom of information.

photo:http://www.pinkdiamonds.co.uk/images/diamond025pinkmedium240.JPG
Quotation by Gloria Steinem