MCA president Wee Ka Siong has suggested that the government allow those who do not need the RM100 Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara) to voluntarily return the money.

He said such a mechanism would enable public funds to be redirected to more critical areas, including healthcare and education.

“I believe Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, all cabinet ministers, many MPs, and state assemblypersons would also be willing to forgo the RM100 Sara aid for the sake of the people.

“I will be the first to contribute mine. A win-win solution - the people get to choose, and the government wins too!” Wee said on Facebook today.

The Ayer Hitam MP proposed that the funds be channelled to end the Rakan KKM scheme, which he claimed is “biased and only benefits patients who can afford to pay more to jump the queue”.

Instead, he suggested the money be used to expedite elective treatments for the 15,000 patients in public hospitals who are facing waiting periods of up to 21 months.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announcing the RM100 cash aid this morning

He also recommended that part of the funds be used to reduce waiting times for elective surgeries in public hospitals and to offer scholarships to SPM straight-A students, as well as STPM and matriculation graduates with excellent CGPAs who are still being denied opportunities to enter matriculation colleges or public universities for their preferred courses.

“Rather than spending public money on populist measures that may benefit those who don’t really need it, wouldn’t it be better to support those who genuinely do, while also upgrading our healthcare and education systems?” he asked.

‘Extraordinary tribute’

Earlier today, Anwar announced his widely hyped “extraordinary tribute” to all Malaysians:

  • RON95 prices will be lowered to RM1.99 by the end of September, exclusively for Malaysians, while foreigners will have to pay the market price.

  • RM100 Sara aid for all adult Malaysians to purchase groceries, valid from Aug 31 to Dec 31.

  • Sept 15 has been declared an additional public holiday this year.

  • Toll prices at 10 highways will not be increased.

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