In the midst of the whole ex-Mayor Tim Kee’s controversial comments and the tragic murder of Asami Nagakiya issues, the nation focused on these for a while until they quieted just as expected. I want to, however, raise another pressing matter and challenge the powers that be to really prove to the nation just how concerned they truly are about the welfare of the citizens.
For too long we have been beaten and battered by administrations in the past and present under the pretence that the leaders have our well-being at heart, but the truth is that it is just all political deception.
I have visited the supermarkets on several occasions and to be honest, before the introduction of 12.5 per cent VAT, which is supposed to be a decrease from the 15 per cent, food prices have now increased rather than decreased.
It appears that the brilliant minds who are in charge of the major supermarkets took it upon themselves to add the 12.5 per cent VAT on the items which contained the 15 per cent VAT, so in all, we are now paying a whooping 27 per cent VAT on food items. They will try to defend it by saying the increased prices on the items in particular never had VAT hence the reason for the difference.
I am clear, though, that there were certain basic items among them which were exempted from VAT which were listed by the previous administration. However, those items are not only the ones I am concerned about even though they too seem to have been given that huge increase of over 12.5 per cent. A pack of hot dogs which was approximately $14.50 in January has now gone to $16.75 in February. And that is just one example. How can this be truly possible?
These supermarket big guns do these things because they know very well there is no accountability for their actions, and they know they can get away with it. The government ministers etc, will not be moved because it is not affecting their pockets.
So what will the citizenry do at the end of the day, we all have to eat and support our family. We are just like in the old days of being ruled by the kings and queens, where they install taxes and we have to comply.
I await to see what real action will take place regarding the regulating of these prices by the authorities and what action will we as a people do to have our voices heard.
Or will we do like we do all the time, and find some stupid reason to justify a government decision to continue battering and beat us?
Darren M Kidar