In spite of opposition that saw the streets of Kuala Lumpur filled with pro-fuel subsidy groups during the Abdullah administration, efforts to liberalize the fuel subsidy regime have gone a long way. Several arguments, including one that criticizes the untargeted and blanket nature of the policy have gained tremendous traction. The fact that it benefits [...]

[1858] Of price, liberated

Behind every crisis, there is an opportunity as the cliché goes and the opportunity presented by the period of high energy prices has been satisfyingly utilized. Whatever goals scored by economic liberalism in this country, it is definitely one point up: PUTRAJAYA, Dec 19 – Fuel prices in the country will be determined by the [...]

According to Bernama: KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) — Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad today suggested the government removed the 30 sen subsidy on fuel prices if the pump price goes below RM1.92 a litre. [Govt Should Remove 30 Sen Subsidy On Fuel Prices, Says Shahrir. Bernama. October 31 2008] [...]

With global crude oil prices having more than halved since it peaked at about USD150 per barrel just months ago, this is definitely one of those rare opportunities to make a permanent structural change to our economy by effectively eliminating the fuel subsidy for once and for all. The growth rate of subsidy size at [...]

Long ago as a boy so liberated from cares, I was on my way back home from school. Along the way, I saw a kitten looking so forlornly in a bush with a face so miserable as if she was in need of help. Without much thought, I took her home with the intention of [...]

With bludgeoning fuel subsidy beginning to affect other more productive spending, something has to give. On June 5, the subsidy was reduced and the move is understandably unpopular to many. With higher cost of living plaguing us all, there grows a tendency to blame the state for our reduced welfare lately. The government meanwhile is [...]

MP Jeff Ooi said: Yesterday, all four petrol companies in Singapore – Shell, Exxon-Mobil, Caltex and Singapore Petroleum Company – reduced their pump prices by 4 cents a liter for petrol. Diesel price remained unchanged at S$2.033/litre. [...] Currently, Malaysia retails petrol at RM2.70/litre and diesel at RM2.50/litre. [...] Incidentally, oil prices have fallen by [...]

After all the hype, it was as dull as The Phantom Menace. Metblogs KL has more (please do not take it too seriously).

The mercury is rising out there. With the Deputy Prime Minister has been accused of being linked to murder, a former Deputy Prime Minister accused of having too much fun while rumor of the announcement of emergency tomorrow, I think it is time to chill out a bit. There will be a huge gathering tomorrow. [...]

After years of plugging a pinky into a hole of an imperfect dike, the rising tide behind it has grown sufficiently large that the dike can no longer withstand the pressure on the other side. The dike was not supposed to be there in the first place and now reality looms. In reaction to the [...]

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