Latest news with #YOURSAY
Malaysiakini
5 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Don't hike fruit prices, they're a necessity, not luxury
YOURSAY | 'Will vegetables be next?' SST on imported fruits pose nutritional risks, consumer groups warn World Citizen: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has very bad advisors. As it is, consumers are already paying very high prices for imported fruits (and also local fruits) and imposing this five percent sales tax will only make things worse. On the one hand, people are encouraged to consume more fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, the ill-advised government wants to artificially raise the price of fruits. This is a total contradiction. The first thing this government should understand is not to raise the prices of food by imposing taxes. Instead, the government should do everything to keep the prices of food down and not the other way around, because the nation needs a healthy population, not a malnourished one. This is very basic. Food is never a luxury. It is essential unless it is of an exclusive category. Apples, oranges, and pears are not in the luxurious category. Talking about local fruits, what is the government doing about their high prices? Papayas, pineapples, guavas, and durians are very expensive compared to before, and it is cheaper to eat imported apples and oranges. This government is blind to facts and lacks people with grey matter. Plebeian: Malaysia has an extraction economy. Extraction from the ground and from its people. We keep getting taxed more and more for everything, but experience no improvements in the quality of life. Instead, what we do get in return for higher taxation is pollution and environmental degradation, abysmal urban planning, unsafe roads, a wretched public healthcare system, poorly maintained recreational facilities, horrible libraries, etc. Money going into a sinkhole. TaaS: Another 'great' reform by the government to improve livelihood and cost of living. 'Bill' the people again. Fruits are an essential part of a daily diet and nutrient intake. So are vegetables. It does not matter if imported or locally produced. Malaysia is a country which grows only tropical fruits, and very limited fruits are grown in higher areas of Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands. These essential products, therefore, must be free from taxes. Is the government going so low by going after daily necessities while going on a spending spree to protect race and religion? Will vegetables be next? Observer from Space: Hardworking Malaysians have time and again been pressed hard to pay more taxes to shore up a corrupt and bloated government! It's every citizen's right to eat fruits that are grown within the country and imported. It looks like these are now exclusively for the elite and corrupt. Anwar should listen and learn from Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's speech after his party's win at the recent general election. Specifically, he reminded his cabinet and himself that they are all servants to the citizens. Humble Opinion: I kindly urge the government to consider removing taxes on essential fruits such as apples and oranges. These fruits are a staple of a healthy diet and should be affordable for all Malaysians, especially ordinary families who strive to put nutritious food on the table. By eliminating these taxes, we can promote healthier lifestyles, reduce the burden on household budgets, make fresh produce more accessible to every community across the country, and also affect the well-being of many. BrownGoose2196: By raising imported fruit prices, the fruit sellers will automatically raise the selling prices of local fruits. As it is now, a piece of guava or mango is even more expensive than a piece of apple. Inflation is definite. All because the government wants to increase tax collections to cover large financial deficits, and the untouchables who have been squandering our money. Mhc9b23: I don't get it! We are trying to budget to eat as healthily as we can afford to, so some of these imported fruits are not a luxury but a necessity for our long-term health and well-being. We'd rather eat healthily to keep healthy than suffer later and pay for medical expenses. For one, uncontrolled usage of pesticides, especially in cultivating certain local fruits, is killing us. The other option is to go for organically grown fruits and also pay a premium. Please consider the people, our young and seniors in the family, who are trying and struggling to eat healthily before making and implementing such decisions. Zaheed: Fruits, whether local or imported, are essential and should not be slapped with sales tax. It is an essential foodstuff with nutrients and an essential part of keeping healthy. What is wrong with Madani? The local suppliers have very limited items, and that is too often in short supply. The good fruits are almost always exported while the locals get the C-grade ones. HJ Angus: All this just shows how complicated the Sales and Services Tax (SST) is, and trying to please different folks. A universal tax, like the goods and services tax (GST), is more efficient with all consumers having to contribute. VioletBeetle0699: Avocado is a healthy fruit that provides a lot of nutritional benefits. It is sad to see the government fail to realise this and make stupid statements instead. The government will just tell you to eat palm oil, then. OrangeBird5803: There should be SST on sugar, flour, and oil. Overconsumption of these items is killing Malaysians. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Risky for Anwar to seek a meeting with Trump
YOURSAY | 'Trump might ambush Anwar like he did with Zelenskyy.' Anwar writes to Trump to request US-Asean meeting Anonymous_3f4b: When and why did Mr Madani (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) write to US President Donald Trump? As though Trump would read his letter. For all you know, the letter would have been dumped into the wastepaper basket even without Trump knowing it, at worst, or left to his many secretaries and officials to vet even before putting it on his desk. Mr Madani, as prime minister of this year's Asean chair, should and could have made a direct line phone/video call to Trump like his Asean counterparts Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the like. Did he even congratulate Trump on the latter's win? By not doing so, he has not shown respect and diplomatic decorum to Trump, and likewise, we should not expect favours or diplomatic considerations from the Trump administration. But then Trump would have chastised him and given Mr Madani a piece of his mind. Unlikely that Trump will accord a US-Asean meeting soon, and if so, he would send one of his many secretaries or officials to do the talking to Mr Madani as head of the Asean chair. Another head would have been better suited to expedite the talks. Pink: Trump does not like to deal with trade blocs; he prefers to have bilateral trade negotiations between individual countries because he will have better negotiating power. This is the reason why he is belligerent towards the European Union. So, this is bound to fail. I fear Trump will insult Anwar the way he insulted Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, by showing a fake video claiming there is a genocide of white people in South Africa. What if he raised the issue of racial and religious discrimination in Malaysia in front of all the cameras for the world to see, even though it is far from the truth? That will damage Malaysia's reputation as a moderate, liberal country. He may also likely claim that Anwar's support of Hamas is anti-semitic. It is a risky proposition. Anwar may be highly regarded and respected by all at home. But to Trump, he is just the leader of a small, underdeveloped country. Just a Malaysian: It's just a formality. How do you negotiate with a 'madman' who is hell-bent on bullying his way through? He who believes power will get everything their way? It is much like our citizens who love to shout down at all minorities' concerns. Who refused to listen to different opinions and ideas, where 'my way' is the only way, or else? Now we are faced with a real bully, while our local bullies are all quiet as mice. Isn't this the time to defend race and religion? For real this time, not the wayang, chest-thumping performance at people who cannot fight back. TaaS: It used to be protests and boycotts (towards America). Now, it is like begging (to meet their president). How can the village leader possibly lead Asean when he has shown poor leadership for his country and a bad example for his party? Do you think Trump would be particularly concerned about meeting with a group of Asean countries, many of which have recorded among the highest trade deficits with the US, and making concessions? Do you think Malaysia and others can get away without removing non-tariff barriers? BesamanMucho: Did you also mention in the letter that: 1. Malaysia is a 'fiercely independent nation'; 2. I have written to the United Nations to sack Israel from the world body; 3. I have met the leaders of Hamas; I have met now deceased Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Hassan Nasrallah; 4. I have contributed RM100 million of our people's money to Gaza; 5. I give free education to Palestinian children, while the same may not be available to other local minorities. 'Based on the above achievements, it is only right that you meet me soonest.' Apanama is back: I prefer Trump to come over (to Malaysia) for the Asean meeting. Why? So that he can ambush Anwar (on several issues). So far, Trump had ambushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (ongoing war with Russia) and Ramaphosa (over white farmers and land reforms) in the Oval Office. Therefore, Trump needs to give Anwar a 'tight slap' in front of the Asean leaders by ambushing him, playing the videos, showing proof that Anwar is supporting Hamas, as the US will not be happy with his behaviour. Trump accepts the invitation and ambushes Anwar. Just do this favour for me. Hmmm: Trump is willing to let his own most prestigious university in the world sink because of some of their students' pro-Palestine protests. What do you think he will do to someone who openly supports Hamas and even supports protests against the US, boycotts US franchises, and lets school children mimic Hamas in schools? When you are only a small fry, don't try to be a hero. Look after your own backyard first. If you want to support Hamas, do it quietly and don't drag the country down with you. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Risky for Anwar to seek a meeting with Trump
YOURSAY | 'Trump might ambush Anwar like he did with Zelenskyy.' Anwar writes to Trump to request US-Asean meeting Anonymous_3f4b: When and why did Mr Madani (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) write to US President Donald Trump? As though Trump would read his letter. For all you know, the letter would have been dumped into the wastepaper basket even without Trump knowing it, at worst, or left to his many secretaries and officials to vet even before putting it on his desk. Mr Madani, as prime minister of this year's Asean chair, should and could have made a direct line phone/video call to Trump like his Asean counterparts Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the like. Did he even congratulate Trump on the latter's win? By not doing so, he has not shown respect and diplomatic decorum to Trump, and likewise, we should not expect favours or diplomatic considerations from the Trump administration. But then Trump would have chastised him and given Mr Madani a piece of his mind. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Unlikely that Trump will accord a US-Asean meeting soon, and if so, he would send one of his many secretaries or officials to do the talking to Mr Madani as head of the Asean chair. Another head would have been better suited to expedite the talks. Pink: Trump does not like to deal with trade blocs; he prefers to have bilateral trade negotiations between individual countries because he will have better negotiating power. This is the reason why he is belligerent towards the European Union. So, this is bound to fail. I fear Trump will insult Anwar the way he insulted Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, by showing a fake video claiming there is a genocide of white people in South Africa. What if he raised the issue of racial and religious discrimination in Malaysia in front of all the cameras for the world to see, even though it is far from the truth? That will damage Malaysia's reputation as a moderate, liberal country. He may also likely claim that Anwar's support of Hamas is anti-semitic. It is a risky proposition. Anwar may be highly regarded and respected by all at home. But to Trump, he is just the leader of a small, underdeveloped country. Just a Malaysian: It's just a formality. How do you negotiate with a 'madman' who is hell-bent on bullying his way through? He who believes power will get everything their way? It is much like our citizens who love to shout down at all minorities' concerns. Who refused to listen to different opinions and ideas, where 'my way' is the only way, or else? Now we are faced with a real bully, while our local bullies are all quiet as mice. Isn't this the time to defend race and religion? For real this time, not the wayang, chest-thumping performance at people who cannot fight back. TaaS: It used to be protests and boycotts (towards America). Now, it is like begging (to meet their president). How can the village leader possibly lead Asean when he has shown poor leadership for his country and a bad example for his party? Do you think Trump would be particularly concerned about meeting with a group of Asean countries, many of which have recorded among the highest trade deficits with the US, and making concessions? Do you think Malaysia and others can get away without removing non-tariff barriers? BesamanMucho: Did you also mention in the letter that: 1. Malaysia is a 'fiercely independent nation'; 2. I have written to the United Nations to sack Israel from the world body; 3. I have met the leaders of Hamas; I have met now deceased Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Hassan Nasrallah; 4. I have contributed RM100 million of our people's money to Gaza; 5. I give free education to Palestinian children, while the same may not be available to other local minorities. 'Based on the above achievements, it is only right that you meet me soonest.' Apanama is back: I prefer Trump to come over (to Malaysia) for the Asean meeting. Why? So that he can ambush Anwar (on several issues). So far, Trump had ambushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (ongoing war with Russia) and Ramaphosa (over white farmers and land reforms) in the Oval Office. US President Donald Trump (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Therefore, Trump needs to give Anwar a 'tight slap' in front of the Asean leaders by ambushing him, playing the videos, showing proof that Anwar is supporting Hamas, as the US will not be happy with his behaviour. Trump accepts the invitation and ambushes Anwar. Just do this favour for me. Hmmmmmmmm: Trump is willing to let his own most prestigious university in the world sink because of some of their students' pro-Palestine protests. What do you think he will do to someone who openly supports Hamas and even supports protests against the US, boycotts US franchises, and lets school children mimic Hamas in schools? When you are only a small fry, don't try to be a hero. Look after your own backyard first. If you want to support Hamas, do it quietly and don't drag the country down with you. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
With DAP like MCA 2.0, pact with Umno works, for now
YOURSAY | 'It will work until non-Malays say enough is enough.' PAS-DAP-Umno: 'Can't Live With or Without You' saga continues Milshah: Whether it is PAS-DAP or Umno-DAP combo, I think it's about how to get the most votes. It's a bit confusing, but both have advantages and disadvantages. For Umno-DAP, it's the complete opposite. Umno is pro-3R (race, religion, and royalty), while DAP is Malaysian Malaysia. It's very strange how they were able to form the pact. Somehow, the two political parties were able to form a pact, with Umno continuing to champion 3R issues. We can see Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, whom the non-Malays love to hate, championing the Malay cause. However, for this pact to work, DAP had to change from streetfighter to MCA 2.0. And that's how the Umno-DAP combo was able to survive till this day. It would not have worked if DAP continued using the streetfighter style of yesteryears. To put salt into the wound, we see Umno leaders saying that under Umno, DAP has been tamed. This, of course, upset many non-Malays. Many non-Malays have said they will not vote for Pakatan Harapan in the 16th general election (GE16). However, the Umno-DAP combo has a strong advantage, which is PAS. True, Umno has Akmal. True, DAP is MCA 2.0. But with PAS lurking in the shadows, non-Malays are forced to vote for Harapan for fear of PAS. All in all, I would say this Umno-DAP is working. For how long? Until the day non-Malays say enough is enough, we are not going to vote for Harapan, even if PAS becomes the government. I don't think that day is coming, as every time I post about PAS becoming the government, should non-Malays stop voting for Harapan, nobody dares to challenge it. So, yes Umno-DAP combo is working, for now. IndigoHamster4797: Umno people like to talk about PAS and DAP. In reality, the only parties that can confidently rely on winning 40-50 seats in GE16 are DAP and PAS. They have hardcore supporters who back both parties' unwavering core values. You may disagree with them or even not like them, but you know what they stand for over the many years. One party sits on the extreme left while the other one sits on the extreme right of the political spectrum in Malaysia. Voters face challenges when deciding on Umno, PKR, Bersatu, MIC, MCA, Gerakan, and Amanah. They crowd the middle with very little differentiation other than 'we are not xxxxx' (e.g. we Amanah are not PAS, we Bersatu are not Umno, we PKR are not Umno). None have a real plan and unique selling proposition to voters on what voters will see if we put them in power. I think the middle parties should get all their current leaders who are more than 65 years old to retire to allow for introspection and refresh. Save Our Currency: PAS will never be able to form the government. Perhaps, they can, but the earliest would be by two more GEs. Today, they are being rejected by the Chinese, Indians, Sarawakians, Sabahans, and most importantly, the educated Malays. Ask yourself (PAS), with this situation, how are you going to form the government? Day by day, you are hurting these people with your remarks, which are disgusting and repeated so incessantly that even your own community is sick of hearing them. Coward: Any Umno president thinking about his own future, not that of the party, mind you, will not join PAS, for fear of losing their power. This is one of the important reasons why it will be very difficult for PAS to form the federal government, even with Bersatu's help. Money politics is so ingrained in non-PAS Malay politics that Bersatu is likely to disintegrate if it cannot be offset by the government come next GE. That's scary for both Bersatu and PAS leaders, for there is no guarantee that Bersatu votes will flow to PAS, or that enough will flow to Umno for them to join hands. Bottom line: It's ok to collaborate with DAP, but equally, it is also okay to criticise the other party for collaborating with DAP. As far as both sides of the divide are concerned, it's a win-win situation. Anyone who cares to analyse this situation will have to come to at least one of the two conclusions: DAP is fine, they are just vilified for political mileage, or Malay politicians are an 'unscrupulous' lot who will sleep with the devil. Don't need to incite. Just maintain or increase their seat share, and sooner or later, it will be the kingmaker. Then they will let their weight be felt. Anwar is nothing without DAP. From a Malay political perspective, they are split between three, not two parties. As their seat distribution becomes even, then DAP just might be the kingmaker. Cheong Sai Fah: DAP is always used as a punching bag or bogeyman. Where do Umno and PAS find in DAP's constitution that it is against Islam, Malays, and the monarchy? The world has changed to a multi-polar world. Malaysia needs to remain a multi-polar society. A uniracial or religious society does not result in or guarantee a progressive and prosperous future. Share, live, and let live. Malaysia has enough room for every citizen. Let's focus on building a prosperous country. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
With DAP like MCA 2.0, pact with Umno works, for now
YOURSAY | 'It will work until non-Malays say enough is enough.' PAS-DAP-Umno: 'Can't Live With or Without You' saga continues Milshah: Whether it is PAS-DAP or Umno-DAP combo, I think it's about how to get the most votes. It's a bit confusing, but both have advantages and disadvantages. For Umno-DAP, it's the complete opposite. Umno is pro-3R (race, religion, and royalty), while DAP is Malaysian Malaysia. It's very strange how they were able to form the pact. Somehow, the two political parties were able to form a pact, with Umno continuing to champion 3R issues. We can see Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, whom the non-Malays love to hate, championing the Malay cause. However, for this pact to work, DAP had to change from streetfighter to MCA 2.0. And that's how the Umno-DAP combo was able to survive till this day. It would not have worked if DAP continued using the streetfighter style of yesteryears. To put salt into the wound, we see Umno leaders saying that under Umno, DAP has been tamed. This, of course, upset many non-Malays. Many non-Malays have said they will not vote for Pakatan Harapan in the 16th general election (GE16). However, the Umno-DAP combo has a strong advantage, which is PAS. True, Umno has Akmal. True, DAP is MCA 2.0. But with PAS lurking in the shadows, non-Malays are forced to vote for Harapan for fear of PAS. All in all, I would say this Umno-DAP is working. For how long? Until the day non-Malays say enough is enough, we are not going to vote for Harapan, even if PAS becomes the government. I don't think that day is coming, as every time I post about PAS becoming the government, should non-Malays stop voting for Harapan, nobody dares to challenge it. So, yes Umno-DAP combo is working, for now. IndigoHamster4797: Umno people like to talk about PAS and DAP. In reality, the only parties that can confidently rely on winning 40-50 seats in GE16 are DAP and PAS. They have hardcore supporters who back both parties' unwavering core values. You may disagree with them or even not like them, but you know what they stand for over the many years. One party sits on the extreme left while the other one sits on the extreme right of the political spectrum in Malaysia. Voters face challenges when deciding on Umno, PKR, Bersatu, MIC, MCA, Gerakan, and Amanah. They crowd the middle with very little differentiation other than 'we are not xxxxx' (eg we Amanah are not PAS, we Bersatu are not Umno, we PKR are not Umno). None have a real plan and unique selling proposition to voters on what voters will see if we put them in power. I think the middle parties should get all their current leaders who are more than 65 years old to retire to allow for introspection and refresh. Save Our Currency: PAS will never be able to form the government. Perhaps, they can, but the earliest would be by two more GEs. Today, they are being rejected by the Chinese, Indians, Sarawakians, Sabahans and most importantly, the educated Malays. Ask yourself (PAS), with this situation, how are you going to form the government? Day by day, you are hurting these people with your remarks, which are disgusting and repeated so incessantly that even your own community is sick of hearing them. Coward: Any Umno president thinking about his own future, not that of the party, mind you, will not join PAS, for fear of losing their power. This is one of the important reasons why it will be very difficult for PAS to form the federal government, even with Bersatu's help. Money politics is so ingrained in non-PAS Malay politics that Bersatu is likely to disintegrate if it cannot be offset by the government come next GE. That's scary for both Bersatu and PAS leaders, for there is no guarantee that Bersatu votes will flow to PAS, or that enough will flow to Umno for them to join hands. Bottom line: It's ok to collaborate with DAP, but equally, it is also okay to criticise the other party for collaborating with DAP. As far as both sides of the divide are concerned, it's a win-win situation. Anyone who cares to analyse this situation will have to come to at least one of the two conclusions: DAP is fine, they are just vilified for political mileage, or Malay politicians are an 'unscrupulous' lot who will sleep with the devil. Don't need to incite. Just maintain or increase their seat share, and sooner or later, it will be the kingmaker. Then they will let their weight be felt. Anwar is nothing without DAP. From a Malay political perspective, they are split between three, not two parties. As their seat distribution becomes even, then DAP just might be the kingmaker. Cheong Sai Fah: DAP is always used as a punching bag or bogeyman. Where do Umno and PAS find in DAP's constitution that it is against Islam, Malays, and the monarchy? The world has changed to a multi-polar world. Malaysia needs to remain a multi-polar society. A uniracial or religious society does not result in or guarantee a progressive and prosperous future. Share, live, and let live. Malaysia has enough room for every citizen. Let's focus on building a prosperous country. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
