TwoSen

IT is amazing that the debate over the benefits of price controls is still raging when the whole issue was dealt with so conclusively 232 years ago.

In 1776, Adam Smith published his monumental tome, The Wealth of Nations, that addressed just where the true wealth of a nation lay. His conclusion was, not in the pockets of producers, or in the coffers of government, but in the living standards of its ordinary citizens.

Smith argued that ordinary citizens can only maximise the use of their purchasing power if all subsidies and protection are removed on locally produced products, and there is no restriction on the importation of foreign goods. Consumers should be “free to choose” what they buy and from what source.

Price controls, as well-meaning as they are, result in a lack of choice and lack of quality for consumers and, ultimately, higher prices. Price subsidies come out of the taxpayer’s pocket. Taxpayers subsidise other taxpayers for goods they don’t even consume or use.

It’s time for the government to bite the bullet and remove all subsidies on all products and remove all restrictions on consumer choices.

Money used to subsidise prices can be redirected to community services such as health and education. Surely saving a few sen on a bag of sugar cannot be compared with the possibility of decent health services as and when needed!

IAN MACKECHNIE, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 19, 2008

LAT’S cartoon on the coming general election (NST, Feb 16) is significant. “Absolute transparency”, it said of the new transparent ballot boxes.

We appreciate that the Election Commission is doing its best to ensure a fair election by introducing indelible ink and transparent ballot boxes, besides other precautionary measures already in place.

What we would like to see is that this “absolute transparency” goes beyond transparent ballot boxes. We want to see transparency and accountability at all levels of government. From issuance of tenders for government projects to providing efficient service to the people on a daily basis, there must be a high level of commitment to accountability to the public.

Malfeasance should never be condoned and conniving officials are just as guilty as the offenders themselves.

There were many areas of disappointment during the last five years and, as usual, there are the election promises of good service to the people. Ultimately, it is up to the people themselves to gauge the sincerity of the candidates.

Cast your vote wisely, for you have to rely on him for another five years!

TAM YONG YUEE, Muar

Source: NST – February 19, 2008

I REFER to the news item “Handful skip shooting practice” (NST, Feb 12) which mentioned that shooting practices carried out by National Service trainees would enable them to get knowledge and experience.

This may be partly true.

But the question is, how could a little knowledge and a brief experience in firing a high-powered M16 automatic rifle with live bullets really help?

This shooting practice would be beneficial to future or would-be policemen, soldiers or other armed personnel.

For those who undergo this practice for a few hours or a day or two, it would remain as an unforgettable experience, but nothing more.

KALAVATHY RAGUNATHAN, Petaling Jaya

Source: NST – February 19, 2008

What used to be one of the greatest pleasures for Penangites and others, was the bridge drive over to the island. One was fascinated and inspired by the breathtaking panoramic views of the hills of Penang, the city of George Town and the colours of the sea and land. First time visitors were similarly awed by the beauty.

When the authorities started to install “viewing screens” at the central divider, many letters of protest were sent in to the press. The response from the authorities was that this was to prevent motorists slowing down to look at accidents on the other side of the road! This seems very much a “throwing the baby out with the bath water” approach – surely better management of the traffic with officers or traffic police directing cars to move along, would be more efficient and cost effective?

This extremely expensive installation over 13 km seems to have now extended its original brief. May the public know why the screens are now being installed on the outer sides of the bridge? Is this to prevent motorists from slowing down while they enjoy the sea view? It would be of great interest to know how much has been spent.

We do not wish to be treated like children who have to be deprived because they do not behave. We would like to see improved traffic management of the bridge. Clearly this is deficient as seen in repeated episodes of horrific jams following accidents and during festive holidays. The management appears to have no fall-back plan and traffic police are nowhere to be seen. Surely an improved system for the first bridge should be in place before planning a second bridge?

L.L. Lim
Penang

Source: The Sun – February 18, 2008

I AGREE with J.L. of Puchong (”Nothing five-star about its meal box” — NST, Jan 14) that the meal boxes dished out on Malaysia Airlines are a disappointment.

Much as I would like to continue to be loyal to MAS, however, due to its rise in fares, I have to move on to other carriers which, amazingly, come with five-star meals.

In order for MAS to achieve the targets of its Business Turnaround Plan, it must continually gauge and improve its services. It is imperative for MAS consultants to fly “coach class” to experience the quality of services offered.

SAKINAH ISMAIL, Ampang

Source: NST – February 18, 2008

I WAS glad to learn that the proposal to set up police stations at shoplots is gradually being implemented.

It is time for the police to focus on community policing, with the goal of preventing and reducing crime. Studies have shown that community policing works well to reduce and prevent crime by making it hard to commit criminal activities. One can only hope that police presence in shoplots will prevent minor crimes.

Other aspects of community policing can and should be introduced as soon as possible. Putting policemen into their own homes, rather than having them living at police stations, will increase their community presence and allow interaction with members of the community. Policemen on bicycles or on foot are also more approachable.

If we can make the interaction between the police and community stronger, we can make our communities safer.

MOAZ YUSUF AHMAD, Subang Jaya

Source: NST – February 18, 2008

AS a registered voter who has never failed to vote since the 1980s, I look forward to the 12th general election to give a mandate to my elected representative.

While no one can deny that the incumbent government will win more than two-thirds majority in parliament, one can only guess whether they can repeat their spectacular performance in 2004.

Urban voters tend to be savvy, knowledgeable and are more demanding. Thus, candidates must be well-educated and can speak on national issues with gusto.

Rural voters tend to vote for candidates who can provide the infrastructure to improve the standard of living in their communities.

I hope the coming polls will see more young and educated candidates, who do not raise religion or the race card to win votes and launch personal attacks on their opponents. May the best candidates win the seats in parliament and state assemblies.

HAMDAN IBRAHIM, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 18, 2008

PLEASE allow me to comment on your editorial entitled “Two birds with one stone” (NST, Feb 7). But before doing so, let me focus on the “state of the art” in some of your earlier editorials, at least since the later part of 2007.

I believe it is now generally recognised that in the context of Third World politics, the vast majority of the population, especially in multiracial and multicultural societies, are among the politically marginalised, low income, and groups struggling to survive on a day-to-day basis. It is the kind of issues raised in some of your editorials that really matter rather than waiting for the outcome of general elections.

In fact, these marginalised groups are fully aware of the socio-economic conditions in which they find themselves and how to try to overcome them, and all they really need is someone to highlight and directly remove the political and economic restrictions they face within the institutions they have to work with.

Indeed, any serious and concerned reader should recognise that some of the insights of your editorials appear to have already resulted in some executive review. The more important among them is the “rush” by Felda to review its policies and the entire concept of the much neglected land lease and land-reform measures to encourage food production, especially among padi cultivators and vegetable producers.

In this context, the editorial “Two birds with one stone” can be seen as a microcosm of how possibly to deal realistically with the very “sensitive” issue of essentially “unemployable” Malay graduates.

Indeed, in the context of more upbeat recent perspectives, the suggestion that the National Price Control Council should incorporate training through “roping” in consumer associations is not only timely but absolutely brilliant.

COLLIN ABRAHAM, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 18, 2008

I HAVE yet to see and get a “feel” of the newly-designed RM50 notes with enhanced anti-forgery security features, and which were supposed to be in circulation by this month.

A friend of mine told me that these new notes cannot be accepted by automated teller machines when making a deposit or payment.

However, I am sure that the banks have taken steps to rectify or re-adjust their ATMs.

The decision by Bank Negara Malaysia not to issue a cut-off period in phasing out the old RM50 notes, just like what it did to the RM2 notes where some are still in circulation and are legal tender, is commendable as it saves people the hassle of rushing to banks to exchange them for the new ones.

I can still remember that in 2005, it gave the public a short grace period of less than three months to phase out the RM1 coins, which are now no longer legal tender.

MOHD FAIZAL ABDULLAH, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 18, 2008

I REFER to your report “Ball issue: NSI to analyse further” (NST, Feb 14) regarding the use of the new sepak takraw ball and the impact on increased head injuries among the players, which prompted the National Sports Institute (NSI) to conduct further research on this matter.

The report stated that the research was conducted by a local university. The findings were submitted to the NSI via the National Sepak Takraw Association on Jan 28, which meant a a gap of less than half-a-year between the time the use of the new ball created a controversy and the submission of the preliminary data to the institute.

I have no interest in the politics regarding the choice of the new ball in the sport, and the controversies that have surrounded its use at the 2007 Korat Sea Games.

However, being a keen follower of technological-based sports science research in the country, I am curious about the methodological considerations applied to conduct the aforementioned research.

In consideration of the time constraints within which this research was carried out, the findings on the new ball and its potential effect of causing head injuries to the players appear conclusive.

It is, therefore, interesting to find out critical aspects about the nature of the research, among others:

- How was the method to extract impact data on the skull region determined, since it would definitely take more than a half-year period for such research on human subjects to be endorsed by any university’s research ethics committee?

- What were the biomechanical instruments used to quantify velocity and force data within the target region, irregardless whether subjects were humans or models?

- The overall method of experimentation; and

- How was experimentation control achieved?

Responses to these queries should generate a certain amount of interest within the local sports science fraternity, as it hints on the availability of sophisticated technology required to conduct similar research in this country.

Genuine research is a landmark of sound academic practice, and sensational research findings present defining moments in the advancement of all known knowledge disciplines.

In this case, I am referring to the advancements to be made in the field of technological-based sports science in Malaysia.

The above preliminary findings, where the use of the new sepak takraw ball was proven to cause an increase in the occurrence of head injuries to players, represents a remarkable research accomplishment within the time frame it was carried out.

As replicating findings forms one of the important aspects of any scientific research, such findings should not be made discreetly and confined to certain quarters.

I, on behalf of my colleagues who are in a similar knowledge discipline, am among those interested to test whether such findings can be replicated when the research is carried out within a more logical time frame.

The report did not reveal the university which conducted the research. Formal publication of these preliminary research findings with the complete description of the research methodology, is eagerly awaited.

MOHD KHAIRI ZAWI, Shah Alam

Source: NST – February 18, 2008