PAKATAN RAKYAT PROMISES, A REALITY OR ELECTION PLOY?

Much has been mentioned about the empty promises of Pakatan Rakyat if it manages to take over the federal government. People are getting excited with all the promises that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has pledged. The question is however, could all this promises be convert into reality or its a mere promise to win the hearts and minds of the population? In another word is this just another election ploy? 

The question is important because i would like to know HOW is Pakatan going to implement this promises, and i am sure most of you are also anxious to know as well. Have they explained how they are going to implement all their promises in detail? the answer is a firm NO except by mentioning Buku Jingga in all their ceramah's and just saying that they will stop all from corruption. oh yes, my advice is stop the rampant corruption that is going on in Selangor first, before talking about trying to stop corruption in this country.  

I would want to take this opportunity to zoom into three main promise of PR if they rule the federal government. 

PROMISE NO 1: Free education to all and the abolishment of PTPTN 

Citing the Prime Minister's speech in Balikpapan, the government will lose an estimated RM 43 billion if it abolishes the PTPTN loan. Further to that, has Anwar Ibrahim studied the implication on what is going to happen to all the  500 private institutions of higher learning (IPTS) in this country? Is the government (PR of course) going to start a statewide nationalization of the country education industry? The cost of taking all this institution will be into the Billions. Imagine the government wants to take over Lim Kok Wing University, how much would it cost for example? 

There are more than 90,000 students studying in these institutions across the country (according to the statistic in 2011) which is also the 11 th highest in the world.  The government now bear 90% of the total cost of public learning. 

PROMISE NO 2: Reduction in fuel prices and increase in Oil Royalty

To accommodate the fuel subsidy, the government spent a total of RM 18 billion to subsidize the price of fuel in 2011. Anwar has not announced how much the oil prices will be if Pakatan Rakyat took over but just a ballpark figure of around RM 0.10 - RM 0.30 per liter. This reduction will increase government subsidies for fuel only up to RM 22 billion a year.

While to accommodate the increase in oil royalty for Sabah and Sarawak by 15% more (making 20%) and payment of royalties to Terengganu and Kelantan, the cost is expected to reach up to RM 20 billion. These projections are based on 5% oil royalty paid to Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu (including the payment of money, courtesy of the Kelantan) in 2011 that had ballooned to RM 10 billion.

PROMISE NO 3: Abolishment of Toll charges

To take over the toll concession for the realization of toll-free promise, the government has to pay a total of RM 20 billion based on the current value of the operator of the North South Expressway Project (PLUS) is exposed during the company's takeover by the UEM Group and Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

This amount does not include the other concession companies that have recorded a profit (Buku Jingga says Pakatan Rakyat will take over all the companies that have achieved a profit only).

Now the interesting part is this, the summation of  Free education and PTPTN debts estimated will cost the country revenue of RM 143 billion (minimum), fuel subsidies and increase in royalty payments, RM 42 billion and toll-free RM 20 billion.

All one has made the cost to cover the three promises of Pakatan Rakyat is about RM 205 billion!! This does not includes talk about other subsidies and the national management and development expenses are estimated at between RM 80 - RM 100 billion a year.

The question now, as far as the country's financial strength is concerned, is it able to meet all these promises?

Interestingly, i don't know how Pakatan Rakyat, who does not have complete information about the country's finances could make such great promises to the people of this country. 

Either they are stupid, or they are just trying to make the people look stupid and well i am proud to say that we are not :)

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