Rafidah calls for cost-benefit analysis of targeted subsidies

 

Former minister Rafidah Aziz said there should be a system for monitoring budget expenditure periodically at every level of the government administration to ensure there is no corruption or wastage. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Former federal minister Rafidah Aziz has suggested that the government carry out a cost-benefit analysis of the targeted subsidies it plans to implement next year to ensure it benefits the people.

Rafidah, who served as international trade and industry minister from 1987 to 2008, said such a study was important to ensure the subsidies were allocated fairly.

“The implementation has to target the right people,” she told the media after launching a book titled Fathers and Their Wisdom here today.

She was commenting on the plan to implement targeted subsidies, as announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when tabling the 2025 budget on Oct 18.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the move is to ensure the wealthy and foreigners did not reap the benefits of broad subsidies, which he said was unfair.

Rafidah reminded that every agency and authority should spend the allocation received in the best way.

“Let’s not waste the people’s money. It is important to direct every ringgit to what has been determined and planned.”

At the same time, Rafidah was of the view that there should be a system for monitoring budget expenditure periodically at every level of government administration, from the district or local government level right up to the ministry, to ensure there were no irregularities or corruption.

She also hoped too much pressure would not be applied on the upper classes in the implementation of burdensome new taxes because they also contributed to the national income.

“Don’t look at it in terms of the money. Look at the added value of every business entity that exists.” - FMT