Ideas galore for Budget 2014

Internet trolls and the ‘forgotten’ middle class flock to Najib's new website.

PETALING JAYA: “Close down PLKN (Program Latihan Khidmat Negara) and provide free bicycles for all,” wrote netizen Yusof Yahya on the Budget 2014 website set up by the government.

Yusof’s idea is one of hundreds Malaysians are sharing on www.1Malaysia.com.my/bajet2014,the website that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak launched on Aug 28.

The pleas and proposals, ranging from “Bring back ISA” to “Destroy Idris Jala” will be sent to the Ministry of Finance for consideration for Budget 2014.

Netizens may also vote in favour of or against their countrymen’s ideas by clicking a Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down button. As this article was being uploaded, Yusof’s pithy suggestion had received eight thumbs up and 16 thumbs down.

Under Cost of Living, the most popular request (146 votes) was for the reduction of toll, petrol, housing and car prices. This is a virtual slap on the face for Najib and his administration. It was Pakatan Rakyat’s rallying cry prior to Election 2013.

At the same time, however, suggestions for the cancellation of PTPTN debts and the abolition of the Automated Enforcement System (AES), both of which are Pakatan ideas, were among the most unpopular in their respective categories.

With regard to PTPTN, Malaysians were instead more in favour of ideas to remove administration fees and interest.

At the Public Safety and Corruption section, calls for the reinstatement of the Internal Security Act were deafening.

“Setting up the ISA would also stop humans who are rude and feel no duty or sensitivity towards other races and religions,” said Hareez Haiqal, his suggestion earning 28 thumbs up.

“Prevention is better than cure. Eradicate elements that can destroy the peace in Malaysia,” urged Misba Swk-Kel.

The calls come amid a lone demand that the government destroy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Idris Jala.

“Destroy Idris Jala. Destroy enemies from within that are eroding the PM’s powers,” urged Zaharuddin Abdullah, who received two thumbs up and two thumbs down.

Stop giving money

Under the Economy section, netizens felt that the best suggestion was simply to “stop giving money”.

“Dear PM, please stop giving direct material to public a.k.a. BR1M/smart phone rebate, [etc]. Use  the money to create job opportunities and increase our quality of life,” wrote netizen Du Vivant, whose post received 30 thumbs up.

“It’s pointless if we have a lot of money, but our quality of life is on par with a third world country.”

Over at the Transport and Infrastructure section, Kelantanese apparently reigned supreme. The numerous calls for a highway to connect the PAS-led state with Kuala Lumpur proved the most popular, followed by suggestions for an international airport there.

“The government should set aside its political issues because building such a highway would stimulate development in the East Coast and raise the country’s income,” wrote Mohd Ihkwan.

“Do not treat Kelantan as your step child,” urged Mohd Raif Masaud.

Some Malaysians are also treating the website like an agony column, where they bemoan their fate as members of the middle income class.

“Help us,” begged Namoden Syah. “The middle class is always ignored. We don’t receive BR1M. Even if we do get the tax relief, it doesn’t bring much of an impact. We suffer when the price of goods, petrol shoot up.”

Azlina Nordin wrote: “Everytime the budget is presented, we (the middle class) are the most upset and disappointed. Please help us, we are Malaysians too. Think about us. Sedih la.”

Meanwhile, instead of coming up with a suggestion, Kartika Dalin took the opportunity to relate her bad experiences with nurses.

“My Mama has received treatment at [Hospital Kuala Lumpur]. The nurses in HKL treat us differently from the nurses in hospitals from Kota Kinabalu, Berungis Tuaran. The nurses from HKL are more friendly and disciplined,” she wrote.

Najib, as the Finance Minister, will present his budget proposals in Parliament on Oct 25.

“I await your ideas eagerly,” he said when launching the website.