The Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) costing RM 3,500,000 per month to sustain.

MPO Group Photo

It was reported by the Sun newspaper on 13^th May 2008:

That the Petronas’ Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) costs Petronas RM3.5 million every month to sustain.

Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) had pointed this out during his debate in parliament on the motion of thanks on the royal address in Parliament today, charging that these funds, spent on the orchestra, which is made up of only 5% locals and the other 95% consist of foreigners, could be utilised better.

"Where the Barisan Nasional (BN) government refuses to allow Petronas to share its profits with the people, this giant fuel company is wiling to pay its foreign musicians a monthly wage of between RM16,000 and RM28,000 a month.”

"Each of them have two months paid leave. The conductor is paid RM130,000 a month and his assistant RM50,000. Since its 10 years of establishment, the orchestra has cost Petronas RM500 million," he was reported to have said.

Lim, who is Penang Chief Minister, as well as being an MP, questioned willingness of petronas "to waste so much money but does not give any benefit to the local musicians", reiterating his call for its profits to be handed out to the people to help them cope with rising prices.

One has to wonder who benefits from the MPO, I am certain that only a minute percentage of Malaysians have been able to enjoy any of the performances, as the price of tickets, although the well-heeled may find them reasonable, are way beyond the means of most Malaysians.

Everyone who lives outside of Kuala Lumpur is at a great disadvantage, as the travelling time and associated cost would make attending the MPO performances even less attractive.

If you want to attend a performance check the details on the MPO web site HERE

"No wonder politicians love government schools.
Where do you think the dumb masses come from that can be so easily led and manipulated?"
-Neal Booetz

The Petrol Price Pantomime!

More talking cock from the Federal Government

It has been reported that the subsidy on petrol may be revised with the bulk going to the regular type so that prices will be kept down for most motorists.

Under the plan, the existing classes of petrol at the pump — Octane 92 and Octane 97, commonly referred to as Research Octane Number (RON) 92 and RON 97 — will be abolished and replaced by Octane 95 and Octane 99.

Octane 92 is used mainly by motorcycles and older cars whilst most other vehicles normally use Octane 97, there is also a more expensive higher octane petrol currently being sold by Shell

When Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Samad, announced this proposed peculiar petrol price formula, he said Octane 95 could be used in most vehicles and would be the fuel of choice for low and middle income earners.

The government would also introduce Octane 99, a premium fuel that costs more than Octane 95 or 97, that is usually used in performance luxury cars and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs).

What utter rubbish he is talking, Shell has sold the higher octane petrol for ages, and many petrol stations no longer sell the 'Regular' RON 92 petrol

Under the proposed system, Shahrir said, subsidies would be mainly used to keep the price of Octane 95 low, whilst Octane 99 will still be subsidised but to a lower extent.

"The goal is to have subsidies targeted and more focused at those who need it, such as the lower- and middle-income group, and giving a choice to the rich on what petrol they want to fill in their tanks,"
"We are subsidising a form of petrol that is of a high quality, but I was informed by Proton that a majority of cars can use Octane 95.”
"The Octane 97 that we use benefits luxury cars."
Shahrir said.

The new system sounds like yet more bullshit, yet another example of pathetic pantomime politics from BN.

The proposal is apparently being considered by the government following a meeting of the Cabinet.

Shahrir stated that the government was expected to save more by allocating subsidy to a single type of fuel, Octane 95, as opposed to subsidising two types of fuels, Octane 92 and Octane 97.

I wonder what the oil companies have to say about this?

It seems totally illogical to me, but then again, I am just a simple sailor!!!

On thing which is certain, the consumers will be screwed yet again

+ Esso Mobil, BHP, Petronas, Caltex & others too

The price of petrol is already too high in Malaysia, see my post about this HERE


Homines libenter quod volunt credunt

- Men believe what they want to.