Putrajaya can't provide everything for free, says Mahathir
Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said that Putrajaya is trying its best to reduce the rakyat's cost of living, but stressed that not everything can be provided for free.
As the prime minister said during the launch of the My100 and My50 Unlimited Travel Pass scheme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia would not be saving any money if the government were to cover the people's living costs.
"We (Pakatan Harapan administration) had promised in our manifesto that we would do our best to reduce the rakyat's cost of living, but at the same time, if the cost is shouldered by the government, it means that we are not saving anything...
Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said that Putrajaya is trying its best to reduce the rakyat's cost of living, but stressed that not everything can be provided for free.
As the prime minister said during the launch of the My100 and My50 Unlimited Travel Pass scheme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia would not be saving any money if the government were to cover the people's living costs.
"We (Pakatan Harapan) had promised in our manifesto that we would do our best to reduce the rakyat's cost of living, but at the same time, if the cost is shouldered by the government, it means that we are not saving anything.
"Because the government's money comes from taxes collected from the rakyat, so when we use it (to cover living costs) we are using the rakyat's money.
"And thus we would have to cover a higher cost of living," the prime minister pointed out.
Mahathir also told the audience at the event that Putrajaya welcomes suggestions from anyone who had ideas on how to further reduce living costs.
"The government is looking at many ways to help the people, and if anyone knows how we can further help to reduce living cost, we are ready to accept and study (the ideas).
"Of course if everything were to be provided for free, we would not be able to do it.
"But if there are ways to reduce our living cost, the government will accept suggestions, be it from individuals, companies or any groups. This includes suggestions on how to reduce the cost of transportation and goods that are sold in shops and markets," he said.
On the My100 and My50 unlimited pass, Mahathir said it was the Harapan government's initiative to reduce travelling expenses.
The scheme would allow subscribers unlimited access to RapidKL transportation services by paying RM100 monthly for rail and bus services, or RM50 for bus services.
According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who was also present at the event, the unlimited pass would help Klang Valley commuters to save on commuting costs.
"For example, a person who lives in Kajang and works in KLCC would have to spend about RM280 every month. But with the My100, the person would save at least RM180.
"This would surely give much relief to many who live in the Klang Valley and reduce their living costs," he said in his speech.
