The 'feel good factor' is here again. With the KLCI reaching new heights in almost a decade, a trade figure of RM1 trillion being thrown about and subsidised petrol prices, it can only spell one thing - elections. But we all know what will happen in the years following the elections. The rug is pulled from under our feet; petrol prices will soar, causing other prices and toll fees to rise. And the KLCI promptly goes back into a slump.

Despite the rosy picture which the government hopes to paint; the marginalised rakyat struggle to make ends meet. Salaries remain constant while the cost of goods and services have sky rocketed. (The inflation rate remains the same strangely). There are businesses closing down everywhere and a glut of office spaces. Unemployment still exists and crime is as serious as before. Our education system is in shambles while the ministry tinkles and tweaks.

It was reported that Finance Minister II Nor Mohamed Yakcop said: 'The feel good factors are very clear now. Retailers are seeing an increase in business, the shops are quite packed now and so are the eating places and so on. We are very confident that the good times are here'.

These 'feel good factors' are merely an exercise in public relations. Some people made a bit from Bursa Malaysia and they spent. That is not fundamental economics which will lead to real economic growth for the country. It is only meant to bring in the votes.

In short; to try and cause a warm glow before an election is irresponsible and shortsighted. The rakyat must take many cold showers to resist this deceit which the government calls 'the feel good factor'.