Don't insult rakyat by saying PM trying to buy votes

Malaysiakini

2 days ago

MP SPEAKS | It seems to me that some people are determined to find fault with whatever initiatives that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the government carry out for the benefit of the people.
This is clear after the several major initiatives including the one-off RM100 grant under the Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara) programme, the delay in toll hikes for 10 highways, and the lower RON95 petrol price subsidy at RM1.99 per litre.
We have stable growth, inflation, low unemployment rates, high foreign investment volume, and good EPF rates. We are bouncing back from Covid-19 and the economic mismanagement of previous administrations, such as the recession-ridden days of Muhyiddin Yassin.
Just imagine my annoyance at reading false claims that the latest initiatives are ill-advised handouts and wastage designed to buy the people's votes at the next election. I wonder if the critics would be happier if the government did not try to help the people at all!
Despite the good figures, these are difficult and unpredictable times with international tariffs and sales and services tax (SST), electricity tariffs also making possible impacts on the economy.
There are difficult decisions that have to be made, because of the corruption and economic mismanagement of the past. So, when the government tries to give the people a buffer, why complain?
Elite entitlement
We are trying and have succeeded in combating the fiscal deficit, improving governance, and restoring investor confidence over the past two and a half years.
One of the main initiatives is the expansion of the Sara programme, which will benefit 22 million citizens aged 18 and above, with an allocation of RM2bil.
This is across the board and eligible Malaysians can redeem the one-off RM100 Sara aid credited to their MyKad at over 4,000 participating outlets nationwide to purchase essential goods, such as rice and eggs.
So, the critics are upset, saying that this is nothing.
To me it reflects the privilege and entitlement of the elite to fail to recognise that these contributions will mean something, especially to those in the B40.
Let's not forget that aside from the expanded Sara programme, the government is also doubling the allocation for the Rahmah Sales programme from RM300mil to RM600 mil.
Then how about the reduced RON95 petrol price, from the current rate to RM1.99 per litre, with the mechanism to be detailed by the Finance Ministry. Surely this will help us all, by easing the burden on the people and increasing the cash flow in the economy.
Reducing fuel prices shows the government is committed to inducing growth and restoring some imbalances, particularly as in the long term the strategy is to have targeted subsidies on fuel prices.
Greater economic programme
All this is part of a greater economic programme with the 13th Malaysia Plan scheduled to be tabled on July 31, followed by Budget 2026 in October.
So, we know that the opposition wants to disrupt the progress, but we don't mind, we are committed to peaceful assembly for rallies like 'Turun Anwar'.
We know that some columnists and cybertroopers are being paid to attack our initiatives and confuse the people, but we are committed to freedom of speech.
We know that some try to divide us on the basis of race and religion, but we remain committed to a progressive and prosperous Malaysia for all.
R YUNESWARAN is the Segamat MP.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.