Cash handouts remain best way to help the people, says Wee

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had announced an increased allocation for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah initiative in the 2025 budget. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Cash handouts, previously criticised as bribes, remain the best way to help the people following the increased allocation for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) initiative, says Barisan Nasional MP Wee Ka Siong.

Wee (BN-Ayer Hitam) said the increase from RM10 billion to RM13 billion announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of the 2025 budget on Friday would stimulate the economy.

The increase will allow households to receive a maximum of RM4,600 in aid, while unmarried and elderly Malaysians can get RM600.

“The BN government was right (to channel Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia, or BR1M aid), even though (the handouts) were called ‘dedak’ or bribes.

“Now (cash handouts) are being continued, because they help the people face life’s challenges. I have no problem with this. It is best for us to move on,” Wee, who is also the MCA president, said while debating the 2025 budget in the Dewan Rakyat.

BR1M was introduced in 2012 during Najib Razak’s administration.

Wee said the proposed two-tiered system for targeted subsidies, which will see households in the top 15% income bracket pay market price for RON95 petrol, was “less than perfect”.

“This will complicate matters for station operators, workers and consumers,” he said.

Wee said the government should instead include petrol levies in the fees paid by T15 users renewing their road tax for vehicles worth RM300,000 and above.

He also took issue with the government’s decision to reduce subsidies for education and health for T15 citizens.

“Good access to health and education is the government’s main responsibility, and it should not leave out any group in the country.

“The basics of education and health should be free for all citizens,” he said. - FMT