I have left this thread alone simply because I agree that everyone has their views and they have a right to voice what they think. All that we ask for that we show some form of responsibility in what we say and of course, look at the bigger picture when it comes to this issue.
We do have a lot of armchair critics and a lot of them all seem against this pay raise but i urge you to consider very carefully. Our MM or SM will be paid about $3M after this revision but is it honestly too much to ask for leaders who have guided this country through it's infancy and to its current stage of growth?
In a society, there will always be a gap between the haves and the have-nots. Now it would be so easy to vent and voice your frustration against a seemingly elite group of people who get better pay but one should also take a step back and put things into perspective.
This is a meritocracy. So should you want to enjoy the perks and pay that you believe you deserve, then it would make sense to work for it. Or do you want to stay in a society where everything is provided free and given to you through social benefits such as "dough"?
Even when measures to control vehicle population, such as COE was introduced, everybody seemed so unhappy but has it occurred to anyone that if we didn't have such a measure in place, how over-crowded the roads will be? The roads are already congested and if we didn't have proper measures in place, it could have developed into a very unsightly problem.
Look around the region. Look around us. We have a system in place. Not a perfect one but it is working and one that is largely corruption free. Travel if you want to gain a broader perspective on the different forms of governance and see how we measure up. Measure our country by a fair yardstick and then you make your choice.
If you honestly think things are so bad here, then why not leave?
At the end of the day, it is imperative that we know the difference between the Country and the Government that runs it. It is even more important for us to know if we are complaining for the sake of venting or if we really have a pressing issue that we want a change in.
There are proper avenues of recourses that one can take. It is up to you, as a citizen to do something about something you have an issue with. Apathy and sitting there behind your screen while ranting away will not make a difference.
If really want to make a difference, then get off the chair, head outside and do something about it. There is an old story that I read which is a close reflection of how some might feel...
There was a story of a dog with mange. When it stayed in a cave it thought that the cave was uncomfortable and the dog itched all over. It moved to a forest and still it itched and was uncomfortable. It was never comfortable no matter where it went. This is because what was causing the itching was its skin condition, not the place it stayed."
So take a step back and be really honest with yourself. What are you really doing?
Meanwhile, may i gently remind one and all that this thread should not degenerate any further.
Thank you.
