CHIA LI-YAN KEW080007

1. Comment critically on a newspaper article.

FUEL PRICE BY CAR SIZE
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/8/nation/5431667&sec=nation


The newspaper article is about the new two-tier pricing system for petrol. It was announced by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that two price structures for petrol will be introduced starting May 1 – one for Malaysian and another for foreigners. Different petrol prices will be introduced for different group of Malaysian and only targeted groups would receive the subsidy. Factors such as engine capacity and socio-economy are considered.

According to the new structure, having a bigger vehicle means having to pay more for petrol. Thus, Malaysian driving higher engine capacity will not be eligible for the subsidy. The purpose of this new structure was to ensure only certain groups especially those from lower-income would receive the subsidy. An assumption was made before that, that those of lower income group would normally drive a car with lower engine capacity which allows for the subsidy. However, this appears to be not true. If petrol price were to be determined base on engine capacity, it did not necessary mean that the subsidy will reach all the poor. There are poor people who use old Mercedes Benz which is cheap but the engine capacity is high. This makes them not eligible for the subsidy which did not serve the purpose of the new structure.

On the other hand, rich people that we assume to have higher engine capacity vehicles and thus, not eligible, will not necessary be exempted from subsidy. This is because there are expensive cars that have small engine, such as Mini Cooper. This over RM200,000 car can only afford by rich people but because the engine capacity is small, they manage to receive the subsidy as well.

Apart from all that, the ones that suffer most are still those driving bigger engine vehicles. Driving higher engine capacity vehicle such as lorry already consume more petrol. And not getting subsidy, they’ll have to pay even more for petrol driving those vehicles. Not to forget that they also have to pay a higher road tax. This certainly is unfair.

Besides that, the new price structure also will definitely affect the sales of luxury cars according to the new ruling, as luxury cars have higher engine capacity. Buyers will now think twice before buying a luxury car. For a second thought, that might not be the case. People still buy luxury cars although they are very expensive because it is their passion to drive one. It also means that they wouldn’t care less about the increase of petrol price. However, that only applied for those who are really rich I would say. Anyhow, whether driving big or small cars, everyone is feeling pinch paying for petrol.

The new price structure also exempts non-Malaysian from receiving subsidy. This I would say is a good move because foreigners from Thailand came all the way to Malaysia just to fill in their petrol and it is a waste of resources. Besides, it is also to avoid any abuse where they would buy cheap petrol from Malaysia and sell it back to Thailand at a higher price as they do not receive any subsidy in their country. Thus, using MyKad is great way to identify a person nationality before being able to buy petrol.

In a nutshell, this new structure obviously causes double standards as not all Malaysian shared the benefit. Some even have to suffer more. However, we must not forget, the real purpose behind fuel subsidy is for the poor to enjoy the most, not the rich. Besides, subsidy is costing the Government too much especially with the rising of crude oil price internationally. Futhermore, this structure is a way to solve misallocation of funds. Anyhow, whatever decision is made, there is always some who not satisfied or left out. But subsidizing petrol base on engine capacity was definitely not the right choice.

Reference : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/8/nation/5431667&sec=nation


2. Comment critically on a live-speech

John F.Kennedy – Inaugural Address
link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLmiOEk59n8

As an introduction, John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy( John F.Kennedy ) was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. The inauguration marked the commencement of the term of John F. Kennedy as President. John Kennedy was nominated as the Democratic candidate for the presidency in the 1960 presidential election, defeating Republican candidate and then Vice President Richard Nixon. In doing so he became the youngest man elected U.S. president and the first Roman Catholic president. The speech is widely considered to be among the best inaugural address in American history.

John F. Kennedy enthusiasm and spirit was evident in his speech. He had just won a long hard fought campaign, defeating Republican candidate Richard Nixon, and yet chose not to focus on the things that help him win. His goals are demonstrated in strong appeals to emotion, by making a connection with America citizen. He personalized his speech in looking forward to the future while using the past as an example.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” This shows his determination to do everything he could to maintain the success of independence and to maintain peace in his country.

Kennedy remain in his words by never giving in on the goal he has, that is the unity between two opposing forces. He also shares his energy with the people, saying that goals of a better world can be achieved if everyone pays their own role. His ultimate goal of peace between two opposing force becomes evident in his idea to “bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.” He knows that people are scared of the world and thus stands before them showing that there’s still someone that will bring peace to the world.

In talking about all problem he must face as a president, he states that “I do not shrink from this responsibility - I welcome it” at the end of the speech. This shows his persistence as a leader and responsible person. Saying this words also causes the people to have faith in him as a President.

It was really a motivating and inspiring speech. Most sentences were hard to understand and some were straight forward. However, his determination somehow motivates me to carry out something as it should be and not to give up on goals. And i believe his speech was a critical written one.

Reference : http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/jfkinaugural.htm

On the other hand, rich people that we assume to have higher engine capacity vehicles and thus, not eligible, will not necessary be exempted from subsidy. This is because there are expensive cars that have small engine, such as Mini Cooper. This over RM200,000 car can only afford by rich people but because the engine capacity is small, they manage to receive the subsidy as well.

Apart from all that, the ones that suffer most are still those driving bigger engine vehicles. Driving higher engine capacity vehicle such as lorry already consume more petrol. And not getting subsidy, they’ll have to pay even more for petrol driving those vehicles. Not to forget that they also have to pay a higher road tax. This certainly is unfair.

I really hope that government will come out with a better plan later.

Nowdays, price of the petrol is really high. That is why I plan to buy a hybrid car to save petrol and MONEY

By giving the subsidy to those small engine verhicle can not hold for long because this action can't solve the main problem where the petrol source that keep decreasing from day to day, future maybe will cause the situation become more graveness because goverment need take out a large number of money every years for the subsidy and may affect the economic pullulation.

I think we have reached the stage where the ridiculous hiking and the questionable subsidizing of petrol price no longer makes a surprise in our lives anymore!

JFK is a great leader and a great American, but he's assassinated in the end...Wondering just how much US presidents are assassinated over the course of history...