SUPP youth on price hikes in Pakatan states

suppadmin | April 13, 2014

SUPP Central Youth, Tan Kai pointed out that there is a wave of price hikes taking place in Pakatan Rakyat ruling states, particularly the water tariff in Penang and assessment rates in Selangor.

He expressed his disappointment saying that the two opposition state governments have not been compassionate toward the people of Penang and Selangor.

“Cost of living is rising due to the global economic slowdown, many people work hard to make ends meet every month and yet, they were so determined to proceed with the adjustment. I wonder, could the hike of water tariff and assessment rate in Penang and Selangor respectively a reflection of the state governments’ ineffective management?”

“Sarawak DAP Chairman YB Chong Chieng Jen kept saying that I did not do my homework. This is just one of his strategies to discredit me. All I have to say is fairly simple, and that is Chong Chieng Jen has long forgotten how to look at these issues from the perspective of a common folk, after years of comfort. People on the grassroots level look at these issues from a very simple and not politically driven perspective”, Tan Kai added.

SUPP Central Youth Secretary General Wilfred Yap also expressed his disappointment with Chong Chieng Jen’s double standard in his criticism on the issues relating to water tariff increment in Penang and electric tariff in Sarawak.

“Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng backed his decision on water tariff increment by saying water users in Penang need to be taught a lesson to prevent water wastages. But at the same time, Chong thinks electric tariff in Sarawak should be reduced.”

“Penang is one of the most advance states in Malaysia, but in the eyes of their Penang Chief Minister, Penang people are so wasteful that they deserved to be taught a lesson by increasing the water tariff. I personally think he has underestimated the wisdom of Penang people”, added Yap.

“The people of Penang are legitimate paying users. The more they used, the more they paid, simple as that. They are willing to take the responsibilities of their own actions, but now it seems like they are being deprived of the rights as paying users because they are left with no rights to choose.”

SUPP member from Kuching Branch, Sim Kiang Chiok would like to question Sarawak DAP, if the low income group will enjoy benefits greater than the high income group if the electricity tariff is lowered.

“The lifestyle of low income households is very simple and thrifty. More often than not, you won’t see large screen Plasma TV and air-conditioner, some even do not have a fridge. Ironically, this is not the case with the rich people. Just the electricity used to power the lights around the fences alone is beyond imaginable for many of us, not to mention the huge crystal chandeliers, fully air-conditioned living environment 24/7 and all the high end gadgets and electrical appliances for the posh lifestyle. If we made a comparison of their monthly electric bills, then we can see who the true beneficiaries are if the electric tariff is to be reduced.”

Furthermore, Sim added, no one can deny the fact that electricity tariff in Sarawak has not been increased for more than two decades despite the hiking costs. “If, like what Chong said, the tariff is way too high, why DAP did nothing in the last 22 years? Had the leaders of DAP been hibernating all the while? Let’s not forget, Chong has been an elected YB for quite a long time.”

SUPP Central Youth Secretary General Wilfred Yap is also disappointed with Sarawak DAP Chairman YB Chong Chieng Jen’s double standard in his criticism on the issues relating to water tariff increment in Penang and electric tariff in Sarawak.