Mercy for the rich, cruelty to the poor

KOTA KINABALU, July 21, 2010: The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has questioned the rationale of continuing to pamper tolled highway operators while slashing food and fuel subsidies that benefit the poor.

SAPP deputy chief Eric Majimbun said it was unfair for the government to reduce the subsidies on essential goods such as sugar and cooking gas, which makes the poor in Sabah poorer, while seeing it fit to continue to subsidise highway concession holders and users of toll roads.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Idris Jala has said that the government could save RM3.7 billion over five years if it allowed toll rates to be increased in the middle of the year as per the concession agreements for highways with alternative toll-free routes.

The government spends RM4.6 billion a year in toll subsidies.

Works Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor said last month that the Cabinet had not yet decided to withdraw the toll subsidies.

"This is blatantly unfair," said Majimbun, who is the MP for Sepanggar.

"The government continues to waste billions of ringgit on toll subsidies, which do not benefit the poor because not many of them can afford a car or even drive one."

He said the subsidy cuts on essential goods had put the poor in danger of becoming hardcore poor.

"The poor rakyat now pay RM2 to RM2.20 for a kilogramme of sugar at the kampung shops," he said.

"The price of cooking gas has increased by RM1.65 per tank, causing the cost on delivered gas now to increase to RM26.50 and RM28 per tank."

He said he felt for the Muslim community, who would be preparing for Hari Raya soon.

Majimbun questioned the government's spending on celebrations and "extravagant launchings of buildings "while the poor are being deprived of even a cup of coffee".

By Dominic Legeh