'CLICHES' NEVER CEASE

Some 'cliches' you read every day in the media, both main stream and alternative.

"rakyat" - meaning he/she is speaking for the masses (people). Who gives you the right? And don't the rural rakyat have any say in highlighting issues that concern their daily livelyhoods? Why certain issues that do not bring food and well-being for the rakyat hoarding the prime time news? Where are the people who all too often use the word "rakyat" in their speeches and writings?

"taxpayers" - meaning I and you in the private sector pay taxes. What? When did the public sector workers stop paying their taxes ? In fact these people are not the majority that evade paying taxes since they can't afford the costly tax accountants.

"the government" - meaning the ruling BN party. What about the opposition government? Kelantan government, which has been governing the state for decades now, is never subjected to such level of criticism as much as the federal and BN state governments. Is it a case of playing to the people's sentiment?

" private sector" - meaning only selected companies lah. And this sector never seem to be doing any wrong. Even when the private sector unreasonably raises prices of goods, the blame is always on the government.

" the police" - If a thief enters your house and steal your expensive fake Rolex, blame the government. When required to do Rukun Tetangga duties, send in fake medical chits. Let other do it lah. Summoned for traffic offences, go cry to your MPs/ADUNs and probably get a media interview. Don't be stupid and pay your compound on time. Wait for the inevitable discount offer or better still, get your state government to waive the compounds!

"freedom and rights" - meaning it is my right and freedom to speak or act as I deem fit, even if the majority people do not agree. To hell with their rights! Be famous, get yourself arrested.

"incompetent public sector" - meaning all the 1 million over workers who run the government machineries, guard the 'rakyat' lives and properties, plan the country's future, attacked by thugs and even die for performing their jobs well and wait for the political masters and columnists to kick the shit out of them for the few rotten apples that exist amongst them. The public sector makes a damn good punching bag and diversion. Pay 1 million to the public workers ten ringgit and you spend 10 million ringgit. But these workers get only 10 ringgit a family!

"corruption" - meaning it only happens among the public sector workers. Hey, private sector give entertainments to clients (all too often, including their wives and siblings/relatives). Entertainment, private sector style, can include the "expensive companions" and overseas trips to some exotic tropical islands with their families in tow. All paid for by with the companies workers wages and their shareholders. Fancy the latest Merc? Just write off the BMW and get the Board to approve it! Write it into the company budget and cut the profits. Evade taxes and give more perts to the executives. Increase profits - Just hoard the goods and raise the prices.