Finally we have buried the ghost of fuel subsidy. We all should celebrate this since the government has stop fuel subsidies starting this month of November 2008. Yes i’m serious, we should celebrate it. We have been held too long by the government that we should be grateful for receiving fuel subsidy, and that we are very lucky to have this “loving” government. The truth is, we never really enjoy the subsidy, didn’t we? We have so many outstanding problems that has not been resolved even after years. The end of fuel subsidies should mark the beginning of resolving issues that plagues the people for years. Flood. Public transport. Public Health care. and most important, NO MORE CRONY BAIL OUTS!!!!!!!! Also, i rightly believe that it’s time to STOP SUBSIDING PROTON. Yes, we should enjoy cheaper cars now since we don’t have fuel subsidies. Stop protecting Proton and let us have cheaper and higher quality cars!!!! I have long admired Thais for their Toyotas that almost everyone can afford, even Benz and BMWs were used as TAXI!!!

The Government has stopped paying petrol subsidies since the beginning of this month due to lower global oil prices, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said.

“The savings on petrol subsidies next year is expected to be more than RM10bil if oil prices remain stable,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

Shahrir said that at US$65 (RM235) per barrel the Government would not be paying subsidies and that the focus now would be on deciding whether to set a floor price or figuring out a way for the Government to get some income from the sale of petrol.

“Even with petrol retailing at RM2 per litre, we are not paying any subsidy. We have actually arrived at a time when the price can return to RM1.92,” he said. (The Star 19/11/08)