By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Aug 5 — The government must refrain from populism for political expediency, and instead be daring enough to make tough decisions for the good of the country, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the ruling government has embarked on a targeted subsidy approach, departing from past administrations’ standard practices, to ensure fiscal sustainability.
He further stressed that handouts and broad subsidies are “old-fashioned” ways implemented in the past out of political expediency, and he also urged Malaysians to change their mindsets as the country becomes a high-income nation.
He emphasised the need for Selangor to empower its people with better opportunities.
“When we implement welfare programmes, there are naysayers who say Selangor is weak as we receive less and less over time.
“But in truth, those who think in that manner are old-fashioned, trapped in the old ways and believing cash handouts are the only way for people to prosper.
[caption id="attachment_366891" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari delivers his monthly address to Selangor civil servants at Dewan Jubli Perak, Shah Alam, on August 5, 2024. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“In this state, we only give to those who need it, those who are vulnerable. If we wanted an easy way, a populist way, we could give handouts to everyone. But as a responsible government, we must strengthen and empower the people,” he said at a monthly assembly with state civil servants, coinciding with Merdeka month celebrations, at Dewan Jubli Perak here today.
Amirudin acknowledged the challenges of this approach as it requires a significant shift in thinking among several generations of Malaysians, who have enjoyed broad subsidies for the past few decades.
“It is not an easy feat as it involves changing behaviours and mindsets. This is our role at all levels: to ensure the state remains adaptive, we must adopt an empowering mindset and change the old ways to a more just method,” he said.
To ensure a paradigm shift, Amirudin said the government of the day must make decisions outside of the norm by factoring in fiscal sustainability, as well as the efficacy of public policies, by reaching its objectives in a more targeted manner.
