KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 — Datuk Shahrir Samad, the minister who has faced the brunt of criticism over oil prices, courted even more controversy today when he suggested Malaysians were greedy if they expected subsidies to continue.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, whose job is to regulate prices, said subsidies are meant to only cushion the burden of high prices.
"When prices come down it will just be greed on the part of consumers to insist that they be subsidised," he said.
Shahrir's comments come as more Malaysians have accused the government of reneging on the promise to maintain a 30-sen subsidy on petrol and diesel.
While the government continues to subsidise diesel, it has stopped subsidies on petrol sales.
A quirk in the method in which pump prices are set and the steep drop in global oil prices have now resulted in the government collecting a "tax" through revenue gained from the difference between pump prices and the actual market price.
"It is not that we are not keeping our word. It is because the drop in prices has been faster than the 30-sen subsidy," he said.
He said it would be destructive to bring down prices quickly, but he offered no explanation for such an argument.
The minister also brushed aside suggestions that consumers were now subsidising the government.
"The Government collects taxes. It is Government revenue. When the price is high, that is when the Government extends it as subsidy," he said.
Oil prices have played a major part in Malaysian politics over the past year.
The opposition successfully used rising oil prices as an effective weapon against the ruling Barisan Nasional government in the March general election.
Playing on widespread dissatisfaction over rising oil prices then, the opposition succeeded in wresting five state governments and also denied for the first time in the country's history BN's two-thirds parliamentary majority.
While pump prices have fallen sharply recently because of a softening global economic outlook widespread unhappiness remains because the government has effectively removed subsidies on petrol sales.
Comments (31)
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Malaysians are not greedy...
written by DeltaP, November 25, 2008
written by DeltaP, November 25, 2008
Instead of painting Malaysians as a greedy bunch, the truth is that the rakyat always deserves more than what the BN government gives them.
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written by AuntyG, November 25, 2008
written by AuntyG, November 25, 2008
Spot on Shahrir, Malaysians are greedy. Starting with the avaricious BeEnd goonies and croonies.
The "rest of the world" are greedy bcos they poor and hungry, or find it difficult to manage in these challenging times of economic crunch. Probably Shahrir has forgotten what hardship is, you lucky bloke!
The "rest of the world" are greedy bcos they poor and hungry, or find it difficult to manage in these challenging times of economic crunch. Probably Shahrir has forgotten what hardship is, you lucky bloke!
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written by ml, November 25, 2008
written by ml, November 25, 2008
yes we are greedy sir.but the worst is your umnoputra make malaysian is suffering everyday.we are asking our own money ..Rm 0.30 cents only .
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Shut Your Gap Shi*hir
written by Stop The Nonsense, November 25, 2008
written by Stop The Nonsense, November 25, 2008
Malaysians are not greedy. They just have stupid so called leaders. It's destructive to bring down prices quickly - destructive to whose pockets? So you mean it's fuc*ing CONSTRUCTIVE to the citizens for the fuel price to increase by 78 cents overnight???? Shut your gap if you don't have a brain to first process what you want to say. WHEN THE STUPID GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO SPEND, THEY REDUCE OUR EPF INTEREST PAYOUT, INCREASE OUR MONTHLY TAXABLE AMOUNT AND WHATEVER NOT. SO WHEN THE GOVERNMENT CAUSES HIGH INFLATION RATES, WHERE THE HELL DO THE CITIZENS FIND THE EXTRA MONEY TO COVER THEIR EXPENSES? THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO INCREASE ALL OUR SALARIES?
The natural resources of this country belongs to the citizens. So how come only PETRONAS is benefiting from it and none of the citizens are enjoying any of the perks that come with the resources? Why should we be taxed on things that belong to us while only certain individuals enjoy the full benefits; including the government. If that's the case, we shouldn't be paying income tax since we're being taxed on our natural resources.
You might argue that every other country in this world impose taxes on their citizens. BUT AT LEAST THE PEOPLE OF OTHER NATIONS ENJOY FAR BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS WITH MUCH HIGHER BUYING POWER. IN CASE YOU DIDN'T REALISE, THE RINGGIT IS BECOMING RUBBISH.
I don't mind paying taxes, but WHERE THE HELL DOES ALL OUR MONEY GO TO? IF YOU SAY OUR TAX RATE IS MUCH LOWER AND OUR GOVERNMENT HAS LESS MONEY TO SPEND, HOW COME OUR MINISTERS CAN LIVE JUST AS LAVISHLY AS MINISTERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES???????????? OUR TAX MONEY CANNOT GIVE US BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? BETTER SECURITY? THEN THE MINISTERS SHOULD STOP GOING AROUND IN BRAND NEW MERCEDES VEHICLES, LIVE IN APARTMENTS, SHOP AT HYPERMARKETS AND SO ON. IF THE LIVES OF MALAYSIAN CITIZENS ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO ENJOY ALL THESE, IT SHOULD ALSO BE THE CASE FOR THE MINISTERS SINCE WE ARE THE ONES PAYING FOR EVERYTHING THEY EARN AND OWN.
OUR DAMN BUDGET HAS TRIPLED SINCE 10 YEARS AGO. HOW MANY OF YOU OUT THERE CAN SAY THE SAME FOR YOUR SALARIES. IF THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TRIPLE THE BUDGET IN ORDER TO 'RUN' THE COUNTRY, I DON'T KNOW WHY THE CITIZENS DO NOT NEED TRIPLE THEIR SALARIES TO SURVIVE. IT'S TIME WE STOPPED CUTTING DOWN ON WHAT WE HAVE JUST SO SOME MORONS CAN HAVE MORE.
The natural resources of this country belongs to the citizens. So how come only PETRONAS is benefiting from it and none of the citizens are enjoying any of the perks that come with the resources? Why should we be taxed on things that belong to us while only certain individuals enjoy the full benefits; including the government. If that's the case, we shouldn't be paying income tax since we're being taxed on our natural resources.
You might argue that every other country in this world impose taxes on their citizens. BUT AT LEAST THE PEOPLE OF OTHER NATIONS ENJOY FAR BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS WITH MUCH HIGHER BUYING POWER. IN CASE YOU DIDN'T REALISE, THE RINGGIT IS BECOMING RUBBISH.
I don't mind paying taxes, but WHERE THE HELL DOES ALL OUR MONEY GO TO? IF YOU SAY OUR TAX RATE IS MUCH LOWER AND OUR GOVERNMENT HAS LESS MONEY TO SPEND, HOW COME OUR MINISTERS CAN LIVE JUST AS LAVISHLY AS MINISTERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES???????????? OUR TAX MONEY CANNOT GIVE US BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? BETTER SECURITY? THEN THE MINISTERS SHOULD STOP GOING AROUND IN BRAND NEW MERCEDES VEHICLES, LIVE IN APARTMENTS, SHOP AT HYPERMARKETS AND SO ON. IF THE LIVES OF MALAYSIAN CITIZENS ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO ENJOY ALL THESE, IT SHOULD ALSO BE THE CASE FOR THE MINISTERS SINCE WE ARE THE ONES PAYING FOR EVERYTHING THEY EARN AND OWN.
OUR DAMN BUDGET HAS TRIPLED SINCE 10 YEARS AGO. HOW MANY OF YOU OUT THERE CAN SAY THE SAME FOR YOUR SALARIES. IF THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TRIPLE THE BUDGET IN ORDER TO 'RUN' THE COUNTRY, I DON'T KNOW WHY THE CITIZENS DO NOT NEED TRIPLE THEIR SALARIES TO SURVIVE. IT'S TIME WE STOPPED CUTTING DOWN ON WHAT WE HAVE JUST SO SOME MORONS CAN HAVE MORE.
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written by JP, November 25, 2008
written by JP, November 25, 2008
You must be joking, saying that we are greedy. For years you BN people have stolen
and raped our country's resources. Your mismanagement brought Malaysia to where
it is today.
Don't point the finger at us without examining your own faults first.
Or do you want the 2 million young new voters to vote you out of power in the next election.
Stop the BN arrogance!
and raped our country's resources. Your mismanagement brought Malaysia to where
it is today.
Don't point the finger at us without examining your own faults first.
Or do you want the 2 million young new voters to vote you out of power in the next election.
Stop the BN arrogance!
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surely you mean the rent seeking umnoputras
written by shocking, November 25, 2008
written by shocking, November 25, 2008
greedy !!!
how can anyone be more greedy than your umnoputras !? you rent seekers are in a class of your own.
how can anyone be more greedy than your umnoputras !? you rent seekers are in a class of your own.
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RM1.30 for petrol with promised subsidies
written by Frederick Foo, November 25, 2008
written by Frederick Foo, November 25, 2008
Nobody expected the oil prices come down so fast, but he must keep his promised. Who is more greedy if we compare the people of Malaysian and the cabinet Ministers? Look at UMNO election, how much money involve during campaigning for the nomination. This is real greedy.
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written by focussed08, November 25, 2008
written by focussed08, November 25, 2008
Yes, yes, most of Malaysiann government politicians are a greedy lot - need I say more?
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written by Ken Ling, November 25, 2008
written by Ken Ling, November 25, 2008
Subsidise is not require if the government is the profit well and provide wellfare to the company ^^
we have the right to greedy !!!
we have the right to greedy !!!
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speechless...
written by noobie, November 25, 2008
written by noobie, November 25, 2008
do u pay for ur petrol?? do u pay for the car that u sit in? i am not sure but i believe there is a driver that drives the car u sit in n u dun pay for the petrol the car uses, the installments or even the driver's salary...
with such high standard of living n a public infrastructure that barely (or is it hardly) in par... asking for a subsidy for petrol.. the driving fuel for the workforce (waking up 5 in the morning.. making sure to reach the bus stop by 6.. just to reach office by 8.30 is not the way i wan to go to work; thats y people prefer to drive)
i feel like u are trying to incite a riot by provoking the citizens... are you not a malaysian? do you agree that u are greedy as well?
with such high standard of living n a public infrastructure that barely (or is it hardly) in par... asking for a subsidy for petrol.. the driving fuel for the workforce (waking up 5 in the morning.. making sure to reach the bus stop by 6.. just to reach office by 8.30 is not the way i wan to go to work; thats y people prefer to drive)
i feel like u are trying to incite a riot by provoking the citizens... are you not a malaysian? do you agree that u are greedy as well?
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written by JJ, November 25, 2008
written by JJ, November 25, 2008
The minister forgot that the 78 sen increase earlier this year resulted in a host of other food items increasing their prices correspondingly. I would like the honourable minister to propose how he intends to get the food prices to drop to pre-increase levels. If he can get the food prices back to pre-increase levels, I would be glad to pay RM1.92 per litre of RON97 petrol.
If he cannot, he will just have to admit that he got it wrong and keep to his word of maintaining the subsidy. If anything, at least it will buffer the increase in food prices.
Cheers.
If he cannot, he will just have to admit that he got it wrong and keep to his word of maintaining the subsidy. If anything, at least it will buffer the increase in food prices.
Cheers.
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hahah
written by amoker, November 25, 2008
written by amoker, November 25, 2008
Sharir sounds like an idiot. Yalar, it is the greedy people who uses taxpayer's money to build this corridor and that corridor. All these lousy explainations by Shahrir and Najib did not make sense and only show that they are greedy for their own pockets. We distinctly remember the promise to subsidize 30cents at all costs. Liar!
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written by Felix, November 25, 2008
written by Felix, November 25, 2008
Hi Sharir! We loyal rakyat never fail to pay our taxes! The taxes collected pay your salary and the rest of your gang! You accused us loyal rakyat as being greedy, we never hear how you are going to help us or suffer with us - berat sama dipikul, ringan sama jinjing!
Oil and other natural resources belong to the rakyat - there is no need for the govt to subsidise us! Subsidy to us means we buy something at RM1.00 and sell it below RM1.00 - then this is truly a subsidy!
List Petronas and give shares to all of us. Make it into a close fund where only our citizens can own the shares. This way, profits can be given to us by way of dividends. There is no need for any subsidy from the government.
We hear Petronas give billions and billions of royalty to the government, Trengganu, Sabah and Sarawak every year. But, we do not see any progress. Where has all the money gone to or siphoned off? Go to the Malay kampungs, Chinese new villages, rubber estates - you will understand what I mean.
What a contrast when we noticed many politician children become multi millionaires/billionaires. Division Chiefs of political parties living luxuriously in big houses, driving big cars and eating and enjoying good food in famous restaurants! And more, we see politicians spend thousands and millions of dollars just to win a post in a party. How are they going to get back all these money spent or invested? We rakyat shudder and tremble at the thoughts!
Sharir - if you and your gang of politicians can contribute 10% of your wealth to help the poor rakyat who are sufferring the most in these trying times, then we will be forever in your debt! The billions contributed will help us tie over this period of bad times.
Please, please do not accuse us of being greedy. We loyal rakyat has been very tolerant and has kept our slience over the excesses perpetrated during the past 50 years or more. We want to see you support an independant ACA to clean up the mess accumulated over the years!
Lead us by example by being an effective leader rather than criticise us loyal rakyat as being greedy!
Oil and other natural resources belong to the rakyat - there is no need for the govt to subsidise us! Subsidy to us means we buy something at RM1.00 and sell it below RM1.00 - then this is truly a subsidy!
List Petronas and give shares to all of us. Make it into a close fund where only our citizens can own the shares. This way, profits can be given to us by way of dividends. There is no need for any subsidy from the government.
We hear Petronas give billions and billions of royalty to the government, Trengganu, Sabah and Sarawak every year. But, we do not see any progress. Where has all the money gone to or siphoned off? Go to the Malay kampungs, Chinese new villages, rubber estates - you will understand what I mean.
What a contrast when we noticed many politician children become multi millionaires/billionaires. Division Chiefs of political parties living luxuriously in big houses, driving big cars and eating and enjoying good food in famous restaurants! And more, we see politicians spend thousands and millions of dollars just to win a post in a party. How are they going to get back all these money spent or invested? We rakyat shudder and tremble at the thoughts!
Sharir - if you and your gang of politicians can contribute 10% of your wealth to help the poor rakyat who are sufferring the most in these trying times, then we will be forever in your debt! The billions contributed will help us tie over this period of bad times.
Please, please do not accuse us of being greedy. We loyal rakyat has been very tolerant and has kept our slience over the excesses perpetrated during the past 50 years or more. We want to see you support an independant ACA to clean up the mess accumulated over the years!
Lead us by example by being an effective leader rather than criticise us loyal rakyat as being greedy!
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written by Damocles, November 25, 2008
written by Damocles, November 25, 2008
He said it would be destructive to bring down prices quickly, but he offered no explanation for such an argument.
But it's not destructive to raise the prices quickly!!!!
What a bloody MORON!!
But it's not destructive to raise the prices quickly!!!!
What a bloody MORON!!
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Why it would be "destructive"?
written by Confused Malaysian, November 25, 2008
written by Confused Malaysian, November 25, 2008
"He said it would be destructive to bring down prices quickly, but he offered no explanation for such an argument."
Hi Shahrir, pls explain why it would be "destructive".
If it can help to lessen rakyat's burden, how can it be "destructive"?
Hi Shahrir, pls explain why it would be "destructive".
If it can help to lessen rakyat's burden, how can it be "destructive"?
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written by ma lay sia, November 25, 2008
written by ma lay sia, November 25, 2008
can shahrir answer to the people how else can the ordinary man in the street directly benefit from the country's position as a net crude producer? the people would rather take the benefit in pennies rather than dream of partaking in pounds because there is just no way the small guy can net something like ikan bilis in the vast ocean filled with buayas. what's more, maintaining a low fuel price will ensure that everyone big or small will have his fair share.
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Malaysians are not greedy, but UMNO/BN govt are greedy & corrupt to the core!
written by scrutinizer, November 25, 2008
written by scrutinizer, November 25, 2008
"It is not that we are not keeping our word. It is because the drop in prices has been faster than the 30-sen subsidy," Shahrir said.
The UMNO/BN govt have never keep their words anyway! They always twist & turn and force the rakyat to swallow anything they say. The govt should use the sharp price plunge to lower fuel prices to benefit the rakyat, not maintain a floor price & make money.
When the fuel price is high, they say they are going to do away with the subsidy, but when the price is low, with NO subsidy, they impose the fuel tax instead. With such low crude oil price, I think even diesel subsidy is also withdrawn.
The UMNO/BN govt have never keep their words anyway! They always twist & turn and force the rakyat to swallow anything they say. The govt should use the sharp price plunge to lower fuel prices to benefit the rakyat, not maintain a floor price & make money.
When the fuel price is high, they say they are going to do away with the subsidy, but when the price is low, with NO subsidy, they impose the fuel tax instead. With such low crude oil price, I think even diesel subsidy is also withdrawn.
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written by malaysia boleh, November 25, 2008
written by malaysia boleh, November 25, 2008
hey why our country which is now in such situation.Oil n others natural resources in this land belongs to all MALAYSIAN n not PETRONAS. Now who say we r GREEDY!!!!!!!!!!
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written by Chan, November 25, 2008
written by Chan, November 25, 2008
This is the guy who suggest cost saving, and now saying Malaysia is greedy. I wonder whether our "leader" ponder upon themselve, their party and the government they are running, whether they are doing even more. Example Rosmah now is on oversea trip, who is paying? Anyway I am glad Shahrir have gut to talk about this, other ministers never just keep quiet, as they know by point at others, 4 fingers are point back at them.
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Sharir ..Sharir
written by Tony Woo, November 25, 2008
written by Tony Woo, November 25, 2008
sharir is a typical bone head who engages "gear in the mouth before the gear in the brain". most of the time, he just make statement to gain cheap publicity..a promise is a promise...DPM said Govt will subsidy 30 cents mean Govt will subsides 30 cents no matter what ...no honor I really new incoming PM will punish irresposible and "flip flip" minister like Sharir..no matter how popular he is
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Malaysian are label as greedy by her leaders
written by Daniel Chang, November 25, 2008
written by Daniel Chang, November 25, 2008
Dear Malaysian,
Remember today, remember well to cast your vote 4 years down the road. It looks like we did not punish them (BN-MCA-MIC& the gang) enough during 080308. This is a very un-statementship statement, we shall condemn Sharir political career forever from today onward.
Never ever vote any BN members to the government.
We love Malaysia
Remember today, remember well to cast your vote 4 years down the road. It looks like we did not punish them (BN-MCA-MIC& the gang) enough during 080308. This is a very un-statementship statement, we shall condemn Sharir political career forever from today onward.
Never ever vote any BN members to the government.
We love Malaysia
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All citizens in Malaysia are greedy except UMNO
written by Wakdoh, November 25, 2008
written by Wakdoh, November 25, 2008
All citizens in Malaysia are greedy, except UMNO leaders. UMNO leaders are not greedy at all, they are clean, honest and upright.
He could not bring down the petrol price quickily because most of the petrol stations especially Petronas belong to UMNO cronies. They need to earn from the rakyat. Afterall, it is their claimed rights of Ketuanan.
He could not bring down the petrol price quickily because most of the petrol stations especially Petronas belong to UMNO cronies. They need to earn from the rakyat. Afterall, it is their claimed rights of Ketuanan.
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written by rocky, November 25, 2008
written by rocky, November 25, 2008
Drastic increase is ok but drastic drop!! what kind of arguments is this? we should live without subsidy but the govt now wants to further tax us cos they screwed up their budget and need help cos they blew the money away on subsidising a few connected individual to get rich. BTW due to the higher prices, the petrol dealers are making more commission, no complaints from them now on credit card charges or their commissions.Just give us actual prices good minister who thinks we rakyat are stupid and can accept arguments about drastic price drops.
these govt is only keen to help the rich and the connected and tax the rakyat. are they really keen to help the rakyat?
BTW who is greedy? we must be the only oil producing country that is paying taxes on fuel IMHO. some other oil producing countries, hey don't even need to pay taxes lets alone true prices for fuel!!!! what you say BN and Shahrir Samad...who is greedy???
these govt is only keen to help the rich and the connected and tax the rakyat. are they really keen to help the rakyat?
BTW who is greedy? we must be the only oil producing country that is paying taxes on fuel IMHO. some other oil producing countries, hey don't even need to pay taxes lets alone true prices for fuel!!!! what you say BN and Shahrir Samad...who is greedy???
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Just a Servant
written by simon, November 26, 2008
written by simon, November 26, 2008
Dear Sharir
You are just a government servant and paid by all of us (rakyat).. the way you said it seem that we own government a favor... All the taxes, epf, and collection is rakyat money. if you cant do a good job and blame on us.. Please go.. nobody ask you to do the work. if you cant.. please quit.
rgds
You are just a government servant and paid by all of us (rakyat).. the way you said it seem that we own government a favor... All the taxes, epf, and collection is rakyat money. if you cant do a good job and blame on us.. Please go.. nobody ask you to do the work. if you cant.. please quit.
rgds
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written by silly me, November 26, 2008
written by silly me, November 26, 2008
it's detrimental to reduce the prices of fuel in accordance to the world prices, how? oh wait, i know, the rakyat will become so rich and will gang up to fight the goverment with their extra $$$ saved from lower fuel prices...
maybe it's time for those living in johor to drive to singapore for fuel, and those in the thai-malaysia border to get fuel from the neighbours...
maybe it's time for those living in johor to drive to singapore for fuel, and those in the thai-malaysia border to get fuel from the neighbours...
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written by Calvin, November 26, 2008
written by Calvin, November 26, 2008
Satu lagi project Barisan Nasional. Thank you for voting BN... it is time we rally those unregistred voters to vote in the coming election.
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who's greedy??
written by keano, November 27, 2008
written by keano, November 27, 2008
johor Bahru folks who voted him, please stand up...because of you we have this kind of answer!!!do you think he will talked like this if election is just around the corner?One more time, because of you we have to suffer this !!!!!!johor bahru voterss....thanks for electing him
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But i will give it to you la... Since you've got the back up of the corrupted government, you really do not have to watch your words one bit.