HARI Raya Aidilfitri holidays are a time to celebrate and get together with family and friends but this year, there are a couple of issues that have everyone talking.
First, retail tycoon Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin expressed concern over the unity government’s announcement of an extra public holiday which he believes will cost his company Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd at least RM500,000.
On the other hand, Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is breaking tradition by skipping the annual Hari Raya Open House at Seri Perdana, choosing instead to hold the first-ever Malaysia MADANI Open House in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu which are strongholds for Perikatan Nasional (PN)
In addition to the extra holiday, the PM announced that highways would be free of tolls from April 19 to 21 April and April 24 in conjunction with the enforced four-day Hari Raya Aidilfitri weekend. Aimed at reducing travel costs for highway users, this initiative will cost the government around RM93 mil.
While people are excited to spend more time with their families and travel more affordably, there are worries that the extended holidays could hurt small businesses, the economy and government finances.
As for the PM’s choice to hold the Hari Raya Open House in PN states, it is evident that this is an embarrassing move aimed at winning over voters in the upcoming state elections. PM Anwar may be desiring to seize control of these states which has proven historically difficult for the opposition to reach.
The PH-BN coalition government faces the challenge of balancing economic development with social requirements as demonstrated by the on-going dispute surrounding the extra holiday, the free tolls and the additional financial burden on the government.
Vital services like transport and public safety must not be compromised and small businesses and their employees should also be considered.
To ensure stable economic development and meet the requirements of the people, it is essential to consider both the immediate and long-term consequences of such choices. Politics, according to many, is behind these announcements.
Meanwhile, it’s not wrong for the public to enjoy this propaganda because they stand to gain from it. That’s why it’s crucial to weigh input from government officials, business owners,and the public directly affected by these choices.
In conclusion, the government’s decisions surrounding the extra public holiday, the MADANI Open House, and the RAHMAH free tolls have sparked significant debate.
Whether these actions are cheap rhetorics or humble attempts for change remains to be seen. Still, it is essential to consider their potential economic and political consequences to foster growth and meet the needs of the people. – April 21, 2023
Mahathir Hj Mohd Rais is the Federal Territories’ Perikatan Nasional (PN) information chief.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
