11/01/2008

Awarding the Plaque of Distinction

I was considering very carefully whether the Energy Market Authority should be awarded this plaque. In order to qualify, it must satisfy the three conditions, ie no corruption, no guanxi and transparency. I can waltz pass the first two conditions easily. Next, transparency? EMA has been actively engaging the public for their criticism of the 21% tariff hike and has given all kinds of explanation and justification for its high electricity tariff rate, one of the highest in the world, as the best they can do with the electricity price. And it is good to see public bodies communicating with the people when issues are raised instead of hiding under no comments or just keeping mum. What would be better is for EMS to show the public the formula and methodology used to compute the tariff rate which it so far have yet to reveal. If the formula and methodology are so efficient and effective, then all the more EMA should share it with the people and for the rest of world to learn from it. It cannot be an issue of patent or copyright. If only EMA can publish this for all to see, then it shall deserve the Plaque of Distinction. Where is the transparency? Compare to the high water tariff and the rationale behind it, at least the latter is transparent. The Minister said it out front that the exceptionally high price of water was to discourage people from wasting water as water was a precious commodity. And it was charged very high to prepare the people to get use to paying high water prices in the future. I may find the reasoning cocky, callous, arrogant, unreasonable and distasteful, but at least it is transparent.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

As an AUTHORITY, does it have to answer to those UNDER ITS' AUTHORITY?

Most AUTHORITIES ARE AUTHORISED WITH SUPREME POWER, THEY COMMAND AND DEMAND. Do they answer to others?

patriot

Chua Chin Leng aka redbean said...

you are right when you refer them as authority. authority, rulers, do not answer to those below them.