On 17th August 2008, BN London organised a bi-partisan forum focusing on the reduction of fuel subsidies in Malaysia.
Based on the discussion, the forum participants agreed that the Federal Government could have improved on communicating reasons for the price hike and provide more buffer time for lifestyle adjustment. The key point is benefits of the fuel subsidy reduction should have been systematically and transparently broken down in brief & simple terms, with FAQs & pre-emptive explanations prepared to lay out the objectives of sound economic decision making.
For example, the Government could have had a point for point rebuttal on differences in opinion with Pakatan Rakyat using objective arguments backed by black & white figures instead of focusing on personal attacks on Opposition politicians. The debates between DSAI & Dato’ Ahmad Shabery Chik, Dato’ Shahrir Samad & Salahuddin Ayub and the live interview of Tan Sri Hassan Merican on live telecast are much lauded as symbols of unprecendented transparency- however, the usage of mass media in a more intelligent fashion to clearly outline the rational of prudent decision making would have made the argument the more compelling.
This first Kopitiam session brought participants together from various backgrounds who are keen to push for more open discussions on Malaysian issues in London. Suggestions of topics for the next Kopitiam Session include objective evaluation of ISA, education in Malaysia and the issue of religion. It was recommended that BN London should be reformed & restructured into a more bi-partisan organisation in order to function as a fully independent lobbying group straddling both sides of the Parliament.
Download Warren Leow’s Presentation Slides on ‘Minyak’
