Screenshots

First, the ' healthy' economy indicators (minus the national debts figures).

Next, the yet-to-be-confirmed 5.8% GDP growth for 2006.

Next, the so-called 'magic trillion' trade volume in 2006.

'Magic Trillion'? You and I know that, if you take the value of exports at RM588.949 billion, MINUS RM480.493 billion of imports, the 'magic trillion' actually computes a value-added of only RM108.456 billion, and we do not know how much of this value-added is parked overseas as no statistics were issued officially.

However, with the help of the mainstream media, the government has painted a rosy picture of the country’s economy. On this, Malaysiakini reports today that a survey has discovered that the sentiments on the ground are rather thorny:

The continued rise in living costs and inflation top the list of concerns among voters, according to the survey by independent opinion research firm Merdeka Centre. It was conducted from October to December last year.

Of the 1,025 respondents, 32 percent said they feel the effects of the country’s economic performance.

As for the ‘top issue of the day’, respondents listed, among others, price hikes, inflation, economic slowdown, unemployment, poverty and development issues.

“Although the economy has always been the top concern for a large number of voters, this however has heightened since the hike in fuel prices in the first quarter of 2006 and has remained high since then,” said Merdeka Centre director Ibrahim Suffian when contacted.

Significantly, Merdeka's Ibrahim also said the discontent over this issue was already apparent in a poll conducted last April, a month after the price hike was announced, where more than 60% of the respondents said the economy affected them the most.

And this is the summary of another independent survey carried out by Merdeka Centre, themed: The most important issue facing Malaysians right now:

SOURCE: Merdeka Centre

Economic situation brews discontent

According to Malaysiakini, the latest Merdeka Centre survey revealed that the economy had varied effects on the different communities:
- Malay respondents: 60% satisfied, 39% dissatisfied
- Chinese respondents: 55% satisfied, 41% dissatisfied
- Indian respondents: 34% satisfied, 63% dissatisfied

Overall, the dissatisfaction for the government’s economic management rose from 39% last March to 47% in October, the survey reveals.

Discontent is brewing. That's exactly what Screenshots has been highlighting in the last 11 months!

This morning, Screenshots also highlighted that, in public governance, It's about how the excesses (surplus) of the economy are spent -- for and on the rakyat -- that counts. The figures themselves lack context if the aspect of benevolence benefitting the rakyat is submerged in opaqueness.

Click here to read the Malaysiakini report in full (subscription required).