Money Falling From The Sky

Money Falling From The Sky
2 Sept, 2008
By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE

The largest expenditure in history, the highest deficit in the past 10 years.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said “it will definitely not disappoint the people” a day before, didn't he?

The government generously spends money through Budget 2009, putting money into the people's pockets, I mean, some of the people.

- Civil servants will receive a bonus of one month's salary or minimum RM1,000.

(Work assessments and performance considerations are not required. Those who worked hard to serve the people will receive a one-month salary bonus while those who did nothing will as well get their one-month salary bonus.)

- Government pensioners who had at least served 25 years upon retirement, will receive a pension of not less than RM720 per month.

(It doesn't matter what they did in that 25 years, the country will take care of them. Oops, it didn't mention whether corrupt officials will be excluded. As it was not specified in the Budget, it means all can enjoy it.)

- Civil servants (Civil servants again? I don't mention it purposely.) with monthly household income of less than RM3000 will enjoy a subsidy of RM180 per month towards TASKA fees.

(Why not take the subsidy? Just work harder to get a baby every year.)

- Civil servants (Really, I don't mention it purposely.) will enjoy a longer tenure for staff housing loans which has been extended from 25 years to 30 years.

(Firstly, the 4% housing loan interest rate and now, the extension of terms.)

- Toll charges will be reduced by 50% for all buses and the road tax will be reduced to RM20 a year for all bus and taxi operators.

(Hopefully, bus drivers will be satisfied. So please drive safely.)

- High income (RM250, 000 annual taxable amount) and middle-low income (RM30, 000 to RM50, 000 annual taxable amount) will get 1% income tax reduction.

(Those who gain neither high nor low revenue will get nothing.)

- I couldn't find any thing related to me in the Budget. The government has spent a lot but no money falls into my pocket.
What kind of citizen am I? How about you?