IF needy individuals are getting cut off from aid they are eligible for while those who are undeserving qualify for that same aid, what does this speak of the government’s attitude towards its people? More importantly, what kind of message is the government of the day sending the rakyat?

To understand the situation better, let’s have a closer look at the Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) based on two sets of criteria.

For the B40 group, eligibility is measured by a recipient’s existing entitlement to Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) aid. As for the M40 category, the criterion is based on an individual’s income status as reported to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

Obviously, Rosmah Mansor doesn’t fall in the first group. This only leaves one other option – the fact that she supposedly qualifies because she reported her monthly income as RM8,000 or less.

However, an individual’s eligibility for BPN should not be based solely on income status as income alone is not a fair nor accurate indicator of wealth. Such a narrow-minded threshold leaves loopholes in the system that are bound to be exploited.

In addition to income level, BPN eligibility should also take into account assets owned by an individual that exceed a certain value. For example, Samy earns RM8,000 a month but owns two Mercedes-Benz cars and a posh condominium in Mont Kiara. Would we consider such a person needy or even deserving of BPN?

Likewise, even if it were true that Rosmah’s monthly income does not exceed RM8,000, she is neither needy nor poverty stricken by any means.

Let’s not forget that this is the same woman infamous worldwide for her obsession with high-end designer jewellery and accessories, was sued by a Lebanese jeweller for failing to return 44 pieces worth RM59.83 million, and who is facing three charges of corruption.

Needless to say, individuals who are genuinely needy simply do not have the kind of money Rosmah has been lavishly spending or throwing around. Therefore, if the government doesn’t take a more logical approach to restrict BPN eligibility, the result will be completely undeserving individuals like Rosmah qualifying for aid that should only be channelled to the disadvantaged.

Above all, should the government fail to overhaul a system that has been shown to be so deeply flawed, it is akin to telling the rakyat that it considers the Makcik Kiahs and Makcik Rosmahs of Malaysia to be on the same needy footing.

This, of course, makes a mockery out of poverty and hardship, and surely cannot be Muhyiddin’s intention when he promised that “no one will be left behind”.

A good system is not one that takes from the poor to give to the rich. Nor is it one that deprives the needy of aid because of the government’s poor planning or execution.

But at the same time, eligibility criteria for BPN should also not be overly tedious lest they delay implementation at the expense of the rakyat.

Therefore, the key lies in striking a balance between these three things – needs, fairness, and efficiency. The question is, can Muhyiddin Yassin’s government really be trusted to strike this balance? – April 14, 2020.

* Lara Ling reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.