Economics
But subsidies are essential, and has always been so to ensure the survival of all persons in Malaysia - especially those from the lower-incomed groups - including the middle class. The plan of removing subsidies - and using the money saved to channel financial assistance directly to the poor is being now thrown around.
But alas, this really will not work given the rise of 'corruption' and 'discrimination' in Malaysia.
Even today, there are many complaints that the UMNO-led BN government discriminates against persons belonging to (or alleged to be supporters of) other Opposition parties/persons. Connections are 'important' in Malaysia when it comes to receiving benefits and opportunities, and that is why it is best to just maintain subsidies for all essential items that affect survival and normal day living of all Malaysians. Remember, subsidies are only for the basic needs.
With the opening of markets, and the entry of foreign companies - this will mean that the Malaysian government money may have to be given to these foreign companies as 'subsidies ' to maintain the low prices that people in Malaysia pays.
Why pay the foreign companies? Because there is no choice for just paying local current service/material providers as this would be a violation of the 'free trade' equal competition requirement. Today, subsidies with regard to electricity is paid to Tenaga - but when another foreign utilities company comes in, then that company too will have to be paid 'subsidies'. Whose fault? The UMNO-led BN government - but we have to pay for its mistakes in the past today and tommorrow.
*Subsidy, at best, is a poor mechanism to make food/fuel/services affordable to the less fortunate. Because of the nature of goods and services being subsidised, preventing subsidy reaching the wrong hands is difficult. Put it another way, getting subsidy to be enjoyed by the target people is tough because these goods and services are consumed widely. Besides, subsidy
But alas, this really will not work given the rise of 'corruption' and 'discrimination' in Malaysia.
Even today, there are many complaints that the UMNO-led BN government discriminates against persons belonging to (or alleged to be supporters of) other Opposition parties/persons. Connections are 'important' in Malaysia when it comes to receiving benefits and opportunities, and that is why it is best to just maintain subsidies for all essential items that affect survival and normal day living of all Malaysians. Remember, subsidies are only for the basic needs.
With the opening of markets, and the entry of foreign companies - this will mean that the Malaysian government money may have to be given to these foreign companies as 'subsidies ' to maintain the low prices that people in Malaysia pays.
Why pay the foreign companies? Because there is no choice for just paying local current service/material providers as this would be a violation of the 'free trade' equal competition requirement. Today, subsidies with regard to electricity is paid to Tenaga - but when another foreign utilities company comes in, then that company too will have to be paid 'subsidies'. Whose fault? The UMNO-led BN government - but we have to pay for its mistakes in the past today and tommorrow.
*Subsidy, at best, is a poor mechanism to make food/fuel/services affordable to the less fortunate. Because of the nature of goods and services being subsidised, preventing subsidy reaching the wrong hands is difficult. Put it another way, getting subsidy to be enjoyed by the target people is tough because these goods and services are consumed widely. Besides, subsidy