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THE Kelantan Road Transport Department has reported how it successfully earned over RM2 million just for one set of bidding for the “DEL” series number plates.
This practice of bidding and paying from RM300 to exorbitant sums running into six-figure amounts seems to be very popular among Malaysians.
It certainly is a windfall profiteering opportunity for the authorities cashing in on this penchant for “special” vehicle number plate series/numerals.
What may look like a harmless 'willing buyer - willing seller' in all probability is unsuspectingly promoting an unhealthy culture in our midst.
Are there ethical and moral perspectives that relate to this practice in the country? Are we cultivating a culture of penchant to parade our affordability, or extravagance?
Are we creating a status-conscious society that draws margins to divide the rich from the poor?
Should such popularity be capitalised upon as a business by a government that has an imperative demand set upon it to build a cohesive, principled, and just society?
What is the fundamental purpose of issuing legal registration number plates for all vehicles?
If we say that it is justified for the government to make money by any means, then where do we draw the line for the misdeeds by private enterprises?
If we say that we should not moralise over this business and the widely promoted culture of buying and selling “special” number plates, then are we not throwing ethics out our national window of principle-centred nation building?
Is it not true that what may appear as a harmless practice thriving on some democratic principle of “as long as I can afford it, why not” is ultimately helping an unhealthy culture of extreme materialism to take root?
While humans have a tendency to display or announce to the world their affordability, for a government to capitalise on this weakness – one that is well preached against and admonished in all the holy books, including that of Islam, it certainly demands further debate. – The Vibes, July 29, 2022
J.D. Lovrenciear reads The Vibes