Channel excess Sara funds to education and health sectors now, says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has reiterated his call for the government to channel extra funds from Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) to the education and health sectors.
The MCA president noted that there are those who will need funds for surgery or to enter a public university.
"Those waiting 21 months for surgery still have to wait another five months just to reach the end of this year?
"Students waiting for scholarships to enter public university (offer via open channels not UPU) or matriculation have to wait until next year to apply again?"
"Why keep the patients and students waiting?" he asked in a Facebook post on Wednesday (July 23).
He was referring to the RM100 Sara cash aid that was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for Malaysians aged 18 and above earlier on Wednesday.
Dr Wee had earlier said those who do not need the RM100 should be able to opt out.
He proposed redirecting the money to critical sectors like supporting public hospitals and awarding scholarships to deserving students, instead of using it for what he described as populist measures.
"Rather than spending public money on populist measures that may benefit those who don't really need it, wouldn't it be better to support those who genuinely do, while also upgrading our healthcare and education systems?" he said.
Dr Wee had also questioned how the government would utilise unclaimed money returned at the end of the year.
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