Yup, many many things do we hear these days. Esp related to fuel prices. In Malaysia.
Firstly, some time back we heard that an announcement would be made in August, most probably before the Annual Budget, abt steps to be taken to solve the looming fuel subsidy issue. Then came the announcement that our PM would make an announcement on the decisions made abt it after their cabinet meeting. And then the hammer fell...our PM announced on June 3rd, the whopping huge fuel price increases that shocked the nation!! Furthermore, fuel prices at the pumps would be reviewed every month according to world market trends...can be raised or lowered, albeit with a fixed 30 sen/litre subsidy.
This was followed by info on how the Govt was gonna cushion that shock on the lower & middle income groups by giving cash rebates...spread out over a year ie according to when one renews one's vehicle licensing tax/ road tax. Me already paid my road tax in March & according to the scheme, me can only get my rebate next year when I renew it...almost a whole year of waiting but paying the new rates in the meantime, from my own pockets!!
Then came announcements of extensions of diesel fuel subsidies to specific groups.
And last evening was decorated by the PM's announcement that there would be NO further fuel price increases for the rest of this year!! Not matter if world fuel prices go up to USD200 per barrel. Now, could someone pls tell me what's going on? Is this for real? Good news? Will the PM keep to his words? Or find a good excuse later to raise prices? The Govt has been saying it cannot bear giving out subsidies any longer...reason for the sudden imposition of the fuel price increases on June 3rd.
Well, only time will tell...your guess is as good as anyone's...in the meantime, we pay more...
An update here. Remember the new Tesco branch in Alor Star? In Mergong, to be exact? Yup, me noticed something kinda special abt it. It appears to be the only Tesco outlet (that I've been to...hehe...) that states its location on its exterior signage on the wall!! Can you see the "Mergong" clearly displayed on the wall signage in the pic below?
Btw, Father's Day in Msia is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June annually. So this year it would be on 15th June. So here's wishing all Fathers & Fathers-to-be, a very Happy Father's Day!! 
May your children shower you with the love & respect that is deservedly yours...a true sign that they do have that love & respect in their hearts!
And yup...love & respect...those are qualities in oneself which can never be forced. It is either there or it isn't. One can be misguided by seemingly shows of "virtual" feelings or pre-thought-out acts of such nature. But such displays are nigh to impossible to perform at times of stress or crisis. Displays of such feelings can be purely superficial, skin deep or the true sincere ones that come from deep within the heart. Times of emotional stress are times when one's degree of love & respect are put to the ultimate test. Then & only then would the true nature of our "loving" kids break out & be shown in their true colours! If from deep within their hearts, a Father can then be truly warmed by the revelation or... otherwise, be figuratively shot down in cold blood...pain that cuts deep with no mercy!! The hurt felt then is real & deep...so different from a real wound cos that would heal with time. This scar would last one's lifetime...
In my upbringing of both my kids, I remember very clearly something that I told both of them, namely,
as their father, I would do all in my power to help, protect & provide for them and I would understand if they were unable to do anything for me. But one thing they must never do...never ever "BITE" me!!
Well, hope your kids have not, do not & would not ever "bite" you, ever...
Finally, I've been wrestling with a decision that comes annually...to continue insuring Lot 10 ( our present haven ) or not. As the value of the property increases, so does the premium. There has always been the nagging thought of what would happen to its 2 ole inmates should anything unforeseen happen to this OFH. The prospect of having to move in ( like forever... ) with any1 is not appealing under present circumstances...home being where the heart is.
Well, after a week or so of weighing the pros & cons, it was decided that it would be in the best interests of all parties that Lot 10 be protected...for as long as we can afford it...so that any unforeseen incident would only be temporary. Paying for the premium is, like everything else in this materialistic world... just $$$...the Chinese say "Beh Chak Kee" in Hokkien. With that issue settled, both can now look ahead towards another year (& hopefully more...) with 1 less major worry...seeking day to day peace & happiness. Like my recently acquired philosophy...Enjoy the Moment!!
With that, do have a good weekend!
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