The Consumer's Lost Sovereignty

The Consumer's Lost Sovereignty
By Haden Hoo

Let us face it. Malaysians are a difficult lot who are seldom happy with whatever befalls them.

When petrol prices increase, protests would be the name of the game. When the reverse happens, many go on tantrum outbursts demanding for the sun and the moon.

Selfishness, self-centeredness, and greed hinder development of ethical practices in pricing.

Whenever convenient, business folks play the blame game to the hilt with much reluctance to acquiesce to public pressure.

In response, consumers demand a reduction in the prices of food and drinks in tandem with current trends in fuel prices.

Our wallets are getting lighter because the cost of living has been escalating in the last few years.

Whenever a price increase hits any important item such as petrol, sugar, flour etc, almost all are ready to justify a price increase. Yet, with prices go down such as in the sudden reduction in fuel prices, retailers and food sellers are not lowering their prices. This trend has prevailed for decades and seems to be typically a Malaysian malaise.

This time round, both greed and genuine fears about the impact of the GST implementation seems to have robbed many of rational thinking.

Ignorance about the workings of GST has filled the hearts of many with fear. In an attempt to soften the impact of perceived drops in losses in the event GST triggers a contraction in market demand, many are going for short-term profits to reduce their losses.

Hence, consumers suffer, especially the unemployed, elderly, or pensioners who are on fixed income.

Whilst there are those who still shop as if there is no tomorrow, the truth remains – theoretically, consumers are sovereign but realistically, they are being held ransom by those who fix prices.

In a country which has so many ministries to govern more efficiently, the time has come for the authorities to really monitor businesses and pricing so that the ordinary rakyat do not lose out and those such as Ismail Sabri do not take the rap for speaking up sincerely, albeit with much exasperation at the impossible situation.

Businessmen must realize that price hikes in essentials, such as food and daily household items, have eaten up all the savings from petrol expenses.

If our Prime Minister Najib Razak could cut 2% from the 273.9 billion ringgit in 2015's budget, which was drafted based on an oil price of $100 per barrel, why can’t businesses, especially those who have experienced reductions in variable costs, pass on these savings to consumers in terms of lower prices? Such a noble move can go a long way in fending off inflationary effects of high prices and reduce the burden borne by ordinary folks.

One may question why Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri spoke so passionately in his recent Facebook posting; many could be unaware that he has served as Minister in three portfolios.

While in the cabinet under the leadership of Abdullah Badawi, he was the Minister for Youth and Sports. In April 2009, he became the Minister for Domestic Trade, Co-operatives, and Consumerism under new Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. After the 2013 election, where he retained his parliamentary seat, he was appointed as the Minister for Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry.

Under such circumstances, it is understandable that he spoke up tersely albeit some chose to underscore the perceived racist overtones. With his vast experience, Datuk Seri has amassed in-depth practical experience with a good record of achievement in all the ministries he served. Perhaps now you can understand how, not only is the average layman frustrated, but also a very seasoned political leader – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri. Yet, many are going for the jugular when criticizing him. Is it fair?

As it stands, our government is really trying their utmost to find the best solutions for this country. Are the rakyat ready to rally to support our government, especially when the going gets tough? What will it be in the months to come? We will see.

Also featured in The Malay Mail.