Tale of Two Cities

How Can They Be Poor Since They Have Hiluxes?

an ignorant elitist remark by Sarawak Chief Minister ( now "Premiere ) to the hardworking ones and to the working class when he was presented data by Economic Planning Unit.

He pointed out that many of those classified as poor are eKasih recipients in the rural areas, but have already improved their financial situation and even owned ‘Hilux’ (four-wheel-drive pickup trucks) and have air conditioners installed in their houses.

 “What happened was that we have data under EPU (Economic Planning Unit) which is based on eKasih on those classified as poor and in need of assistance. But over the years, they have improved (their income) and increased their assets…”[Council For Native Customs & Tradition (Sarawak State Gov) July 6th].

between need and showing off  - driving 4x4 to work or to Bangsar Shopping Mall to buy groceries.

“ statement shows that he really does not understand the problems of rural residents. We bought a Hilux because it was a necessity. Without a 4×4 car we can’t move anywhere. The bad condition of the deep roads can only be navigated by 4×4 car, and even then it has to travel 5 to 8 hours. 

We also want to buy a small and cheap car. But this small car will 100% never reach our village. It will break down and end up in the middle of the road. Because of the bad road to the interior of Sarawak car maintenance costs are very high.

This greatly burdens our lives. So much so that most of our income is spent on the 4×4 car installment alone. The question is how do we buy a car if we are poor. Most of us buy 4x4s using the names of our children who have payslips working in the city.

Most banks did not approve our loan application because there was no permanent job. Therefore we use the names of our working children. So we have to work hard to find money to pay that off each month. 

I hope the Premier of Sarawak does not make media statements without first checking the real facts of an issue.

Now in peninsular Malaysia (Sabah/Sarawak excluded for now) the government is implementing a policy targeting diesel fuel. We are worried if the government thinks we are rich in the countryside. Then we will face another problem, the diesel subsidy for us will be withdrawn. 

The Premier of Sarawak should give an accurate report to the central government.

I can only use my tires for 3-4 months only need to be replaced. Compared to those who live in the city can use their car tires for more than a year. This is a picture of the difficulties that we rural people face every day – and a car that could last two decades in the city will regularly fall apart in five years battling along these roads.”

https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/103892/edisi/sabah-sarawak/abang-johari-cipta-rekod-tunggang-motosikal-lebih-100km

 

I wonder The Premier and his officers would understand as he will flown in a helicopter everywhere in Sarawak or escorted by tons of officers paid by the rakyat if he wants to go to Point A and B. Again, nothing is permanent.

Closing this note with this awesome advice.