The Barisan Nasional Federal Government has eased the financial burdens of all Malaysians, especially those with large families, said Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan.
Speaking to a gathering of about 100 Malaysian Siamese in Wat Machimaram, Kelantan, Ahmad Maslan said that the combined total of the BN government’s subsidies and cash aid to the people would amount to three months’ worth of living costs for every Malaysian out of every year.
“If we add up the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M), the school aid, subsidies for petrol, diesel, flour, rice and cooking oil, I believe three months of our lives are sponsored by the BN government every year.
”We only spend nine months to work for a living. I will elaborate on this one-by-one tonight.
“It’s not that I wish to bring this up, but I want to remind us that we have a good government that is responsible and cares for the people,” he said, as reported by Hasbullah Awang Chik of The Malaysian Insider.
Ahmad Maslan added that with an increase of a further RM300 to the BR1M cash vouchers, a Malaysian family’s living costs would be covered for two months.
“Next year we will increase the BR1M. If this year it is RM650 plus RM50 in insurance, that makes it RM700. If we maintain it at RM700 next year, the government will add another RM300, so that next year’s BR1M will be at least RM1,000.
“RM1,000 is enough for a family of four to eat. If RM500 is spent in one month, the BN government covers the cost of two months. What does PAS give you? PAS gives nothing,” he said.
Ahmad Maslan reminded the assembly that although Malaysians enjoy numerous subsidies from the government, many do not realise the reason behind the low price of goods.
“School-going children receive RM100 in school aid. If you have 10 children, you receive RM1,000. Don’t forget that. Children who study at higher levels also receive book vouchers.
“Cooking oil subsidies are set at RM1.50 per kg, flour is subsidised by RM1 per kg, cooking gas is subsidised by RM20 per 16kg.
“Every time you use the RON95 petrol, the government subsidises 73 sen per litre,” he said.
Proclamations trumpeting the merits of the BN government in Putrajaya will likely reach a fever pitch in Kelantan, as the Pengkalan Kubor by-elections inch nearer to its conclusion tomorrow.
