Don't just generate hot air. Do something!

I’ve spent a year now on community service. When I quit my full-time job, it was with the intention of spending more time with family and focusing on doing things I enjoyed. However, MP Tony Pua persuaded me to lend a hand for a better Malaysia.

So, I helped to craft the privatize PLUS proposal, which the MCA subsequently decided to support and now the Barisan government under PM Datuk Seri Najib has commissioned a study on Malaysia’s toll highways.

The DAP’s Alternative Budget is on its way, and if all goes well, my book The Budget: How the Government is Spending OUR Money will be published by mid-October. I think it’s a good informative read. Buy a copy and tell me if you agree ; -) It’s not all boring financials – Antares (formerly known as Kit Leee) is working on the illustrations. Mail orders also possible - please send an email with your name, address and phone number to econs@chichang.net. Publishers REFSA will contact you just before the book hits the shelves.

Along the way, I also started this blog, helped in explaining the extent of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) debacle and worked on other odds and ends …

With that, it’s time to go back to paid work. Circumstances change, and a steady cash flow stream would be nice again. Senior managers at statutory bodies may not know what cash flow is, but the rest of us hard working Malaysians fully understand its importance. No cash flow = no money!

All my work was done pro-bono. The only expense claim I’ve made is for one return (Firefly) flight to Penang. All other expenses such as fuel, toll and parking charges and telephone and other bills I paid myself. No donations came my way, and certainly no trips to Disneyland or private jet flights! I would likely have justified a nice, tidy sum in consulting fees if I’d been hired by the government, but that’s the way it is … In the meantime, hats off to all the dedicated staff and volunteers I’ve met.

As for the people who continually gripe about the state of our country, our education system, the crime rate, our politicians .… We get the government we deserve. If you want things to be different, contribute, whether it be in time, effort or money.

Today is our nation’s birthday. Don’t just sit around spouting hot air. Resolve to do something productive instead.

Thanks for reading. This is the 99th and last post for a while.

Well it's all right, remember to live and let live
Well it's all right, the best you can do is forgive
- The Traveling Wilburys


PS: Just a reminder- PLUS can be privatized at zero cost to the taxpayer. It could be toll-free before 2020!