LAST week’s heartfelt conversation between Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and taxi driver Noorazlan Ismail (main pic) has flared a nationwide discussion on the government’s pose on withdrawing Employee Provident Fund (EPF) savings.
Noorazlan, a desperate father, walked hundreds of kilometres from Skudai, in Johor to the Royal Palace in Kuala Lumpur to fight for his right to access his EPF savings for the sake of his children.
DS Hamzah has shown unwavering support for those in need by quickly arranging medical assistance for Noorazlan who suffered severe blisters on his feet due to the long walk. Several Perikatan Nasional (PN) MPs raised this issue in the last parliamentary session, demanding that targeted EPF withdrawals be permitted.
While many applaud DS Hamzah for his concern and advocacy, it is critical to examine Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s actions.
The current Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) administration has been accused of turning a deaf ear to the cries of the oppressed masses. PH which once claimed to champion people’s rights, now appears uninterested in their dilemma.
One must question the government’s priorities. Why is the administration not thinking twice about targeted EPF withdrawals to assist those in need? As DS Hamzah pointed out, a minister’s argument that EPF savings would be passed on to heirs of deceased contributors is a weak rationale for not allowing targeted withdrawals.
Do these so-called ministers care about the welfare of the people or are they more concerned with their political agendas? Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to prioritise the needs of those struggling to make ends meet rather than withholding their hard-earned savings?
Furthermore, one might wonder whether they have considered alternative solutions to alleviate the people’s financial burdens. If targeted EPF withdrawals are deemed unsuitable, what other measures are being carried out to assist those in need?
It is also necessary to call this administration’s transparency into question. How is the government assuring that the people’s voices are heard and their worries are adequately addressed?
Earlier this week, the opposition led by DS Hamzah Zainuddin exemplified its solidarity with the public by listening to their concerns and advocating for their demands. They have shown that the current administration’s actions do not serve the people’s best interests.
Eventually, PM Anwar must address these concerns and re-consider his government’s standpoint on targeted EPF withdrawals. The people expect a government that genuinely cares about their well-being and acts in their best interests.
Let us hope and pray that the government responds to the public calls and demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of all Malaysian. It is past time for the government to face these sceptical questions and provide satisfactory answers, restoring the trust of the people they were elected to serve. – April 8, 2023
Mahathir Mohd Rais is the Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) information chief for the Federal Territories.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: Utusan TV
