I would not go around celebrating because it does not appear we have won anything yet.
The withdrawal of the 15yr End-0f-Life policy looks just to be a repreive, not an abandonement. Because they said they will be looking at other ways to implement the idea given that the current concept is unpopular. You can be sure the bastards will be thinking of other novel ways of implementing this further down the line.
The thing is they are always testing the waters and trying it on for size. And if you let your guard down, they'll sneak one in under the radar and get away with it. You remember how not so long ago (during Badawi's tenure) they tried to change the publication of history textbooks to portray their (alternate) spin on the racial background of this country ? When it got to the media, it was of course blasted to hell by an indignant public and so they 'tarik balik'....Like I said, the fuckers will test the waters all the time. They will prod you on the arse, prod you on the nose, and see if you bite or you won't.
You got to remember they have not pull back on the proposed ban on imported 2nd hand replacement parts. It still means that most everyone driving relevant but out-of-production cars will be still be screwed by the G.
It's just a ludicrous situation because there cars are out of production but perfectly usable and in most cases made in quality that exceed the newer Malaysian-made brands. Where are you going to get replacement parts for your beloved Honda EG? The car may be out-of-production but it is still Honda's most popular ever sport hatch . You give me a choice between one of your CPS-engined Neo hatchback and a Honda EG, I'd pick the EG anytime......the Neo can't even hold a candle to an EG in terms of quality. And then of course, all the Nissans, Mitsu's, VW's, Volvo's, Toyota's (SEGs, SEs Camry's etc, etc, etc)
So we have not won anything as far as I'm concerned. If they stop the import of good quality 2nd hand spare-parts and other chop-shop items, you'll have trouble maintaining your out-of-production ride that depends on the steady flow of 2nd hand parts to keep going. Ultimately, it amounts to the same thing. You are forced to give up the car and buy a new vehicle just because of the maintenance difficulties.......maintenance difficulties that are not caused by inherent engineering flaws, but rather caused by political interference from the G to choke off your spare-parts. So we are still being screwed with, one way or another.
One last thing.....I don't understand that comment from one of you here about giving up our "selfish ways" and supporting the G's NAP just so that we should "be looking at the big picture".
There is nothing selfish about someone working hard, saving hard and providing a reasonable lifestyle to take care of himself and his family. In point of fact, its our personal obligation to do so.
People cannot be expected to work for years to pay their taxes and service car payments only to be told that they have to give up their perfectly functional vehicles on some whimsical suggestion that they need to buy a new car.
It's wasteful and it's wrong.
And when we talk about 'wasteful', let me remind you that 'wastefullness' has been a byword that goes hand in hand with BN and its G institutions. Scandal after scandal. Hardly a day goes by without some news about mis-use of funds by G and its agents in one way or another. Balkis, PKFZ, Toyo, Azalina, Auditor's General Report, Khairy, money politics during elections, Teoh Beng Hock & corruption inquiries, Razak Baginda and defence contracts, highway concessionaires, dubious G contracts and tenders, sub-standard contractors.
So.........What kind of "big picture" were you referring to ?
By your idea of the "big picture", are we to ignore all the dubious stuff happening around us and hope that maybe the corruption, the inefficiencies and wastefullnes will clean itself out ?
The G has only itself to blame if the rakyat is suspicious of their motives. When the G itself does not deal with 'clean hands', the rakyat refuse their overtures not because we are selfish. It's because we see a scam for what it is. Buy new and buy local does not equate to buying quality. (Malaysian joke :- If the car's bodywork does not make noise, then it is not a Proton, lol. If the gearbox does not seize up and overheat, it's not a Perdana)
You, son, have got to wake up and smarten up. You cannot go around the world with blinders on. If you think last and current BN team had had your best interest at heart., if you think they had acted fairly for all Malaysians of all creed and color, without ill-will and without favor, and if you can convince all Malaysians that all that then maybe
To a lot of us, being a patriotic Malaysian has nothing to do with simply waving the flag and singing the national anthem. It's the ability to read between the lines and go past the political rhetoric and to vote responsibly.
If it comes down to a choice, then obviously I will look after myself because I know I'm worth it. I know I will be prudent and I know I won't overspend. I cannot put an equal amount of faith that my taxpayer $$ will similarly be put to prudent use by the G.....not after all that has happened.
But hey....at the end of the day, it's your money. You do what you want with it. If you think it is a good idea to pour more money to this current G, if you want to continue funding their Government kenduri's and their overseas khusus holidays, if you want to give up your good car for them....... be my guest. In this country, there is no social welfare system. When you have no money to put food on the table, the G won't send you a welfare cheque.
Another good reason to be "selfish", I guess.