PAS MP: Why fix diesel subsidy at flat rate?

Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman has questioned why the targeted diesel subsidy efforts were implemented at a “flat rate” instead of a more focused approach.

The PAS lawmaker also urged the government to explain whether the petrol subsidy system would follow a similar system.

“Why is the RM200 Budi Madani aid given at a flat rate without taking into account the eligible recipients’ income level, the reason for use, the locality and distance, as well as the recipients’ vehicle make and engine capacity?

“Would a similar flat rate system be used to channel the petrol subsidy aid, which is assumed at RM100 a month, for every eligible household?” Syahir asked in a statement today.

He also questioned the rationale of having “unique and identical” personal data of subsidy recipients in both the Central Database Hub (Padu) and Budi Madani web portals.

Syahir gave an example of two individuals with similar income status, but different levels of commitments.

“Rafizi and Lim (not their real names) earn RM3,000 a month each, drive a similar Myvi 1.3cc, are neighbours, and work at a factory 20km from their house.

“The difference is that Rafizi has five school-going children but Lim only has one child.

“Would the petrol subsidy amount channelled to Rafizi and Lim be fixed at a flat rate of RM100 or at a ‘unique and identical’ rate based on their needs and commitments? Whether or not the channelled amount is sufficient is a question for another day,” he said.

People are growing suspicious of whether subsidy rationalisation is a front for the government to collect the rakyat’s personal data, Syahir warned.

“As a respected technocrat, I urge the (Second Finance) Minister (Amir Hamzah Azizan) to answer my questions.”

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