Akmal: Start fuel subsidy cuts with elected reps, GLC bosses

 

Umno Youth chief and Merlimau assemblyman Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh says if petrol subsidies are cut, then it should start with elected representatives and leaders of government-linked companies. NSTP file pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Elected representatives and heads of government-linked companies with large vehicle allowances should be the first to lose RON95 fuel subsidies.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said this should be done if the government proceeds with further subsidy rationalisations, adding the move should begin with those who could afford to pay more.

The Merlimau assemblyman said fuel subsidies should not be reduced for those who needed them, but instead be increased for lower-income earners by withdrawing aid from those with higher incomes.

"If high-income earners complain that they are also among the biggest taxpayers, they must remember that without lower-income workers serving as their employees, they may not be able to earn such large salaries in the first place.

"The first people whose fuel subsidies should be cut are all elected representatives and GLC or GLIC (government-linked investment companies) bosses who already receive vehicle allowances worth thousands of ringgit," he said in a Facebook post.

Dr Akmal said those earning "tens of thousands" a month should not be compared with workers earning RM1,700, as the impact of losing monthly petrol subsidies would be far heavier on the lower-income group.

He said crisis management should not be done through a one-size-fits-all approach. - NST