Malaysians are ingenious. The cloning of the Astro cards is the latest in our innovative abilities. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. Astro now cries foul over this action and even has government support in terms of crime enforcement.

In 2001, my brother purchased a Proton Iswara and received a "Free Astro package". Of course we did not read the terms and agreement. However, as we later found out, the free Astro package was free with a RM150 registration, RM50 installation and the mother of all clauses which was not told to the unsuspecting receiver of the free package - a 3 year subscription of a minimum of RM69.90.

We had a rude shock when after about 10 months of use, we discontinued the service, and lo and behold, a letter from Astro stating that legal action will be taken against us if we do not pay a penalty of RM500 for not continuing the Astro services for a minimum of three years.

The fact that the Proton salesperson did not inform us, not notice in the advertisement, or warning of any kind (save the fine print in the Terms and Condition) did not bother Astro.

When people clone Astro cards, I actually am in two minds. Wrong because the profits made by the perpetrators will not be taxed, therefore a loss to society. But at no point should they be penalised for cloning Astro cards.

Astro is a monopoly. It enjoys the protection of the government. What was once available to the public in equal, like major sporting events, are now monopolised by Astro. Granted Astro has brought variety - it must - but then it is coming at a very high price. Every Astro owner is paying a premium price - this price I think, is way above acceptable profits.

Society will always find ways to innovate against perceived injustice and of course for pure greed. But greed should not only be punished when the little person does it. It should be punished more so, when the big fat cat does it.