All the call-in listerners to AiFM radio station this morning rejected the move by Tenaga Nasional to raise electricity rates by 12%. Those sending SMS to the radio station talk show also shared similar sentiments.

They do not accept the reasons given for the hike and most of them either criticised or ridiculed government leaders for making unacceptable statements on the hike.

They felt that the crux of the problem should be fixed. They said Tenaga should resolve the problem with the IPPs over energy reserve level and not shift the burden to consumers.

One listener hit out at Penang CM Dr Koh Tsu Koon for saying our tariff rate was still low compared to several SEA countries. Such comments from government leaders are unreasonable, listeners said.

Several disputed the figure that the increase would only affect about 60% of the households. (I think almost all households in the towns and cities would be affected)

One used a funny analogy to illustrate the predicament of the rakyat. He likened the people to medical insurance company which have to pay whenever the policy holder is sick. “Whenever the government is sick, we have to pay”.

The underlying message sent out by the listeners is “The rakyat should be blamed for their strong support to the government WHO think they can do what they like, WHAT CAN THE RAKYAT DO?