KUALA LUMPUR- Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suggested that car owners who buy more petrol be made to pay a higher rate for the fuel.
He said the system which would be akin to paying income tax, would ensure that only those who require the subsidy benefit from it.
Speaking to reporters after delivering a talk at the rural development coordination meeting organised by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development here, Dr Mahathir said there was a need to review the giving of subsidies in Malaysia, to ensure that it truly benefits the needy.
He said: “People should realise that the various subsidies that they feel benefits them, actually reduced government expenditure on development projects much needed by them.
“When we reduce subsidies, the savings can be used for the development of infrastructure and other facilities for the people.”
Dr Mahathir said although the oil price in Malaysia was much lower that the oil-producing Arab countries, whenever the government mentions of oil subsidy reduction, everything explodes and people threaten that they will not give their votes to the government.
He said it had become a Malaysian culture to expect profits when one sells something and a price reduction when they buy something.
“If Malaysians refuse to drop this culture, I worry that the country will not truly benefit from the rapid development going on,” he added.
Commenting on criticisms by the opposition against Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary because a company linked to him was given a 4G operating licence by the government, Dr Mahathir said: “I don’t know, but if he has the capability we cannot discriminate against him.
“People richer than Syed Mokhtar have also got the licence. Looks like there is some bias here.”
- New Straits Times
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