In order to lessen the burden on the average Malaysian, especially those who do not reap the benefits of any discriminatory policy, I wish to ask Malaysians to request that the authorities immediately implement an automatic fuel price adjustment system.

Based on reports that crude oil prices have plummeted to their lowest level in nearly four years, I hope Malaysians can set aside their political differences and join hands to create awareness by writing to their MPs, urging them to put pressure on the government to implement a fairer system of determining fuel prices in the country.

In such hard times, global market prices must dictate local oil prices and any changes should be in tandem with market movements.

This measure to liberalise oil prices is in tandem with the authorities’ recent announcement that the government has do away with fuel subsidies and allow oil prices to be decided by market forces.

In view of the fact that many countries have introduced automatic oil pricing mechanisms, we must all call upon the conscience of our leaders to alleviate our financial burdens in light of the rising cost of living.

The government must pass down the savings on fuel to businesses, operators of food outlets and manufacturers of consumer goods so that they can further benefit consumers. Currently, only roti canai sellers have announced a price cut.

Hawkers, coffee shops, food manufacturers and sellers have yet to take concrete steps to reduce prices. This is completely the opposite of what they did when fuel prices went up drastically in June. Then, they had no qualms about increasing prices immediately.

An automatic oil pricing mechanism will greatly benefit consumers as they would not have to wait for the government to lower prices of fuel if the global market so dictates. Such an efficient system will no doubt be a God send to many Malaysians.

According to a recent newspaper report, our government makes RM16 million a day from fuel. This windfall comes about because the pump prices of fuel have not been reduced to reflect lower crude oil prices, oil analysts said.

This prompted the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) to ask the government to reveal how it plans to spend the windfall.

I feel that it is morally wrong for any government to make a windfall gain, especially during these difficult times when the whole world is facing an the threat of recession. Clouds of joblessness and the worry of reduced income are also hanging over the heads of many.

I am sure many Malaysians share my sentiment and object to the government making

huge profits at the expense of the ordinary rakyat. The government should find ways to shoulder the economic plight of the people by assisting them to overcome these challenging times by quickly formulating policies to counter the impact of an imminent recession.

I hereby urge all responsible MPs, irrespective of party, to rise up to their duty to protect the rights of all Malaysians. They must, without delay, set aside bureaucracy and red-tape and jointly fight for an automatic fuel price adjustment system to be implemented hopefully before the start of 2009.