Since 1999, the opposition has been urging the government to increase the minimum wage to at least RM1,800 or RM2,000 per month. That was in 1999. Today it should be maybe RM2,500 per month. RM750 is just ridiculous. At a minimum wage of RM750 it is better to live in the UK. - RPK
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written by anon, April 14, 2010 00:56:46
Dear Pete,
I know a settler cannot do much with RM750 a month. This is in a kampong. Uniforms, shoes, inner clothing, clothing for everyday use, provisions, small repairs for the house(including pipes, roof leaks etc), doctor's bills, electric bill, petrol for the motorbike (to take kids to school and back and to go to work in the plantation) - let me stop here.
All these for a family of four....excluding the parents(heck, parents too have to be dressed and have to eat). Now how much do you think it will come up to?
My friend in the kampong who cannot afford to go to the doctor when his child is unwell and resorts to 'traditional' medicine and prayers. Kampong folks too succumb to toothaches and being children, often fall and hurt themselves.
No proper school teachers so no proper education - unable to afford to send kids for tuition classes.
Then there is the occasional marriage ceremony - this family is realistic, nothing elaborate and spend what they can afford and even that is insufficient. No buffaloes, no fancy cakes.
But, there is an avenue to have a decent 'kenduri' - pawn gold and borrow money - to feed 50-100 people....similar to poor Indians.
There came a time when this family did not have money to buy essential items.
Then comes Hari Raya....money is needed for a small-scale celebration. Where do they find it? Birthdays are just singing a song for the person and simple food is served....it is a family affair.
But there is hope yet again - pawn more jewelery and borrow more money while paying off the first loan.
Now let us take the scenario in a city. Or do I have to even mention it? I believe Pete has that all covered.
If a kampong family cannot cope with RM750 a month, what do you expect a family in the city to do?
My friend Zahib, I will keep helping you if I can. Suhana, I will send you some money if I can.
Suhana is my former maid who looked after my late mother....not an easy task. Her neighbours give her rice and when I had the means I was sending her money which kept her and her family going - I am not in a position to help her now but I hope and pray that I will soon be able to continue helping her and her family.
So those who waste food and blow your money on what you do not need, think of these hungry people who are not very far from you.
Members of UMNO, MCA and MIC these are your people - ethnically Malays, Chinese and Indians. It is a damn disgrace that some still live below the poverty level and are ignored while you frolic and bask in glory and deceive the people that you are helping them.
Money allocated goes into pockets of local ketua kampongs who have learnt how to slip money into their pockets - heck if his big boss can do it, so what is wrong with that? After all, he too wants to be behind the wheels of a fancy car.
These corrupt officials have learnt fast from the experts who walk through the Corridors of Power.
Yes there are poor Chinese and Indians too in these kampongs.
But these people are now aware of the present pretentious politicians and will never vote for you. They are aware now.
Soon, they will be on their way to Putra Jaya....demanding an explanation.
They do not like broken pipes and broken promises.
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