Ensure that the Stimulus Packages truly ease the burden of the people

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw insists that 67-billion ringgits economic stimulation packages must reach those who truly need help, not just a few people.

Dr Tan comments on the Second Economic Stimulation Package of RM 60 billion presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib in the House on 10.3.2009.

At the end of last year, Najib did not follow procedure to present the First Economic Stimulation Package of RM 7 billion. Yesterday, he adhered to the Standing Order and put forward the Second Economic Stimulus of RM 60 billion. Hitherto, only RM1 billion from hte first package has been allocated and by the end of this year RM5.2 billion would have been used. The RM60 billion second package is for 2009 and 2010, to enable the country to face the increasingly severe economic downturn. The four thrusts are: reducing unemployment, easing the burden of the people, assisting the private sector and building capacity for the future.

The Government says that it will continue to implement appropriate measures to strengthen the confidence of the people and ease the burden, particularly of the vulnerable groups. Their welfare will be protected so that none are marginalised. I hope that it will keep to the promise.

For example, the Government allocates RM 2 billion to deal with unemployment. It withdraws the permit to bring in 55,000 Bengladesh workers. This is correct. We have to investigate why we continue to allow in immigrant workers. The Human Resource Ministry must step up its enforcement of the laws and the management of immigrant workers, including illegals. As they come illegally, their number is not accurately known.

Besides construction industry, plantation and domestic help, levy on foreign workers will be doubled for all sectors. Will this lead to an increase in the number of illegals? We would like to see those who are involved in immigrants are efficient, avoiding irregularities.

The Government gives RM674 million as subsidies to prevent the increase in the price of goods such as sugar, bread and flour. We expect the allocation to be used effectively.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw