LET us lead by example by cutting back on unnecessary things such as the bloated Cabinet, said political scientist Chandra Muzaffar.
“While I understand that we’re dealing with a coalition Government, with each party representing different interests, we can look into integrating some of the ministries’ functions.
“The Government departments can be rationalised, allowing them to streamline certain tasks and functions,” he told FocusM.
Under the Perikatan Nasional Government, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has established the largest Cabinet in Malaysian history, consisting of 70 ministers and deputy ministers.
When Budget 2021 was announced, MPs from both sides of the aisle went up in arms when the Government announced the revival of the controversial Special Affairs Department (Jasa), with an allocation of RM85.5 mil.
Chandra said that Cabinet members and their deputies should also take a 20% pay cut in order to show solidarity with those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pay cut should also extend to top executives at our government-linked companies and government-linked investments companies.
“What I’m suggesting is not unusual. Our Government leaders did take a substantial pay cut during the economic crises in the 1980s and 1990s,” he said.
On the revival of Jasa, Chandra said the Government should probably shelve it for now, calling it unnecessary.
“Many of Jasa’s functions can be done by the Communications and the Multimedia Ministry,” he opined.
Chandra added that the massive allocation directed to the Prime Minister’s Office and other Government departments should also be held back and directed to aid those affected by the pandemic.
“It’s good the Government is reviving certain infrastructure projects as it would stimulate the economy and create jobs.
“And it is good that much allocation is made to our food production. Currently, we’re too reliant on imports.
“But the proposal the build a new building for the International Trade and Industries Ministry overseas should at least be postponed,” said Chandra.
On related matter, Chandra, who is also a veteran social activist, said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the dire situation Malaysian migrant workers’ are living in.
He said that for years, activists have complained about the suffering of migrant workers but it fell on deaf ears.
“It is sad to see how they are treated. Our migrant workers are living below humane standards and it’s not right,” Chandra said, adding even the more prosperous Singapore was no exception to this.
He urged the Government to divert some funds to help migrant workers, so that they would no longer live in overcrowded and deplorable conditions.
“And look at how we treat our prisoners. They are also affected by the pandemic due to low standards applied in dealing with their welfare. We must follow certain standard operating procedures on how to treat them.
“In this sense, both the Perikatan and Pakatan Harapan Governments didn’t pay enough attention to this. I just hope we can look into the matter seriously from now on,” said Chandra. – Nov 23, 2020.
