Think for the many – don’t worry for the few

IT is time the people think for the many and not worry about the few.  

It is time we chose a political power which will tax the rich and use the money to improve public healthcare, improve rural infrastructure, building affordable houses and increase the minimum wage.  

International Oxfam revealed that Asia’s billionaires have increased their wealth by 74% while 148 million others in the region have been pushed into poverty since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The only solution which people are talking about these days is about taking out their own EPF savings.  

We live in such a desperate situation and it is clear that the majority of people are pushed to the corner while the super-rich make and increase their profits. 

Each time we talk about increasing the minimum wage and increasing the social security of the rakyat, it is the employers who will organise and fight tooth and nail to keep wages and welfare benefits low. 

The current political parties believe in all sorts of obsolete ideas like the trickling down theory and wonders of the neoliberal policies.  

In Latin America, numerous governments are falling due to the fact that the problems of the majority were not solved. 

It is high time for a party to raise the plight of the majority of the people.  

While 40% of our economy is controlled by government-linked companies (GLC) their mission is not to eradicate poverty and bring down the income disparity. 

Rather, they exist simply to give fat salaries and ensure the status quo of political support for the elite. 

The International Oxfam report proposed several solutions namely increased taxation on rich individuals and companies as well as greater investment in public services and social protection. 

These are exactly the kind of things that Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) have been talking about which will help reduce the inequality and ensure a better future for the many. 

It is just unfortunate that rather than addressing these woes, our politics and policies are riddled with racial and religious ‘stimulants’ to keep us busy. – Jan 16, 2022 

 

S Arutchelvan is the deputy chairperson of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).   

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. 

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