'Appreciation to the People' initiative more populist than practical, says S'wak activist
KUCHING (July 23): Social activist Voon Shiak Ni has criticised the federal government's recently announced 'Appreciation to the People' initiative, calling it a populist move that raises more concerns than confidence among small business owners and taxpayers.
She said the RM100 one-off cash handout for all adult Malaysians, along with the declaration of a public holiday on Sept 16, may have been welcomed by some, but lacked strategic value and long-term economic rationale.
'From the perspective of business operators and taxpayers, it is not just about the cost – it is about the principle.
'It reportedly took several days for the government to reach this decision following public anticipation of a salary adjustment for civil servants.
'What emerged instead was a populist substitute ― quick to please, but lacking in meaningful substance,' she said in a statement today
Voon noted that while RM100 may seem minor to individuals, the overall payout amounts to hundreds of millions of ringgit from public funds – resources largely underwritten by the business community.
'To many of us, it appears more like a political gesture to boost popularity than a targeted policy aimed at addressing real economic needs,' she said.
She also questioned the abrupt announcement of the public holiday, citing the hidden costs borne by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those operating on tight schedules or dependent on daily wage earners.
'For these businesses, the impact is real – lost productivity, disrupted workflows, and increased overtime costs. These are not theoretical burdens; they are everyday realities,' she said.
While voicing support for people-centred policies, Voon urged the federal government to pursue initiatives that are inclusive, sustainable and grounded in long-term planning rather than short-term populism.
As an example, she pointed to the Sarawak government's Senior Citizens Health Benefits programme, which she described as a more inclusive and dignified model.
'This initiative benefits all Sarawakians aged 60 and above, regardless of race or background. It reflects a model of universal dignity without side-lining any group.
'We hope Putrajaya can learn from such models and shift its focus toward sustainable reform instead of fleeting applause,' she said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the RM100 cash aid – to be distributed via MyKad — is part of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme in conjunction with Merdeka Day.
The RM2 billion initiative is expected to benefit 22 million Malaysians and can be used at over 4,100 participating retail outlets from Aug 31 to Dec 31.
With this latest rollout, total spending for the Sara and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programmes this year will reach RM15 billion, up from RM13 billion in 2024. Appreciation to the People Voon Shiak Ni
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