Rafizi: Non-Malays' trust deficit is in opposition, not govt

 

PARLIAMENT | The non-Malays have a trust deficit in the opposition, not the government, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said today.

The low registration rate of non-Malays for the Central Database Hub (Padu) is because many are not in the government’s system due to never having received aid from Putrajaya before, Rafizi explained.

“If you want to talk about the trust deficit of non-Malays, I can confidently say that more than 90 percent of non-Malay voters have full confidence in today’s unity government.

“If there is a trust deficit, it is a trust deficit in the opposition, not the government,” he said in Dewan Rakyat during Minister Question Time today in response to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas).

Fadhli had cited the minister recently saying that non-Malays are among those with the highest rates of not registering for Padu.

He asked if this was due to a high trust deficit from non-Malays.

‘Unaware of govt’s assistance’

Last Monday, Rafizi expressed worry about the non-Malays in three communities in Kuala Lumpur - Seputeh, Segambut and Bukit Bintang - as they have yet to register under Padu.

“Often, non-Malay residents are not aware of the government assistance available.

“The previous approach was that whoever is in need should apply for assistance. Now, there’s an opportunity for everyone to be included in all government programmes.

“I am most worried about the risk of (eligible recipients of government aid) being left out,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rafizi today asserted that before this, non-Malays were not used to receiving government aid monthly.

“Many feel they are in the M40 (middle-tier income household) group and above, so they are not qualified for help.

“That is the reason, not because of a trust deficit.

“That’s why we’re trying to convince the non-Malay population that some of them are at risk of losing out,” he said.

Padu functions as a centralised database to ensure subsidies are better disbursed, taking into account not only take-home pay but also the individual or household’s financial obligations.

The government said those who need welfare aid and subsidies must ensure that their details are up to date in Padu. - Mkini