Madani Mart reminiscent of plans by Najib, Rafizi

 

YOURSAY | ‘It would be far more effective to directly distribute cash to those in need.’

Madani Mart licensors will pay royalties to foundation tied to deputy minister, PM's aides

GasingGeorge: It would be far more effective to directly distribute cash to those in need. This avoids complex planning, administration, and logistics, while minimising leakages.

Such assistance should be regular to provide certainty for households. Resources should instead be focused on eligibility checks to ensure only those truly in need receive aid.

Almost every Malaysian government introduces new schemes to help the poor while promoting its own brand.

This practice of naming programmes after the government of the day should be abolished, as it breeds inefficiency - especially when subsequent governments rename and restructure them.

This is yet another example of unnecessary branding. Previously, weren’t there schemes linked to 1MDB? What became of it?

With the current trajectory, these Madani shops may not survive beyond the next general election.

OrangePanther1466: This is not new. During former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s tenure, a similar plan was launched, spearheaded by Mydin Supermart. Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli has also introduced his own affordable grocery initiative.

For Madani Mart to succeed, it must have a clear and unique selling point. Otherwise, it will struggle to compete with established players such as 99 SpeedMart, KK Mart, and numerous smaller chains.

AyamKambingBack: The ones making profits are the few initiators. The licensees will also make losses because the distribution centre cannot compete with professional retailers like 99 SpeedMart, KK Mart, and 7-Eleven franchises.

Why compete with existing overcrowded retail marts to begin with? Do you think you can do better than them?

Meerkat: Unless the beneficiaries of the foundation are clearly named and deemed acceptable, and its accounts are made public to ensure there is no wastage or government funding involved, the arrangement raises serious concerns.

It appears less like a charitable effort and more like a profit-oriented franchisor dressed up to sound philanthropic, and its promotion by the minister gives the impression of government endorsement.

There is also the risk of funds leaking through fees and perks, with profits potentially directed toward narrow personal interests.

The organisers must come clean, or these doubts will persist. They should not blame the public if confidence in PKR erodes.

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Coward: “Money could leak out through fees and perks, and the profits could be directed to narrow personal interests.”

Let’s be honest - not “could”, but “must”. If anything, that appears to be the purpose of setting it up.

Does the government seriously think that 640 stores can compete with the buying power of Giant, Lotus’s, and Mydin?

For a start, government-linked entities or foundations lack the discipline and mindset required to manage businesses at that level. Trustees may also push personal interests, reducing overall effectiveness.

This resembles the old 1Malaysia store concept introduced during Najib’s administration. Give it a few months, and we may see a repeat - perhaps even a “1Malaysia restaurant” equivalent.

Did those initiatives achieve their objectives? Arguably, yes - the funds intended to be siphoned off were siphoned off.

This also looks like an attempt to replicate Rafizi’s Fleximart idea. Between the two, I would place my money on Rafizi’s concept over this.

Outlier: It would be better to implement proper price monitoring, enforce price controls, or provide subsidies for essential goods, while ensuring there is no profiteering.

Instead, time and resources are being wasted on ideas that come and go with shifting political tides. Inevitably, some politicians may stand to benefit.

BlueShark1548: This appears to be an idea borrowed from Rafizi. Why should the government be involved in business?

Its role should be to train and monitor licensees, leaving operations to them.

Will the government guarantee that this scheme will not incur losses? Or will it be abused by issuing licences only to members of PKR? - Mkini