BN, Pakatan woo lower income earners

Both the political coalitions are targeting those earning RM3,000 and below in their rival budgets.

PETALING JAYA: They may not earn much. But now those with income of less than RM3,000 are recognised as a force and are being courted by both sides of the political divide.

The Barisan Nasional is studying ways to improve the lot of those in the RM3,000 and below income bracket.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is expected to announce this in the coming Budget on Oct 17.

Yesterday, Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Hanadlah said it is the government’s duty to do what it can to help Malaysians affected by the rising cost of living.

And, today Pakatan Rakyat, says there is provision for this income-bracket earners in its own alternative budget.

Pakatan claims that 80% of the Malaysian workers who earn less than RM3,000 a month are the catalyst for Malaysia’s growth.

Speaking at the Pakatan office here, PAS central working committee member Dzulkefly Ahmad said that out of this number, nearly 43% earn less than RM1,500 a month and are mostly Bumiputeras.

“Our measures in the Pakatan budget would focus on helping this group,” said Dzulkefly, who was flanked by PKR vice-president Tian Chua and Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong.

Dzulkefly said among the measures Pakatan would introduce in its budget is to help the group by introducing a minimum wage policy and increasing disposable income.

He also said that unlike the BN’s assistance which serves to help crony companies, Pakatan would help individuals by increasing their capabilities and skills so that they can increase their income.

“We would also help the self-employed like taxi drivers by giving them direct permits. If a taxi driver is earning RM1,500 now, he would get double the amount with the new system,” he said.

Liew criticised the government’s plan to introduce food stamps for the needy, calling it a temporary solution.

“We are looking into long-term plans such as increasing their disposable income by reducing cost on the bulk of their expenses such as transport, healthcare, food and education,” he said.

The alternative budget is scheduled to be tabled a week before Najib unveils the national Budget.