PAGOH lawmaker Muhyiddin Yassin hopes the government will give its full focus on efforts to develop the country’s economy and to protect the welfare of the people. 

He said this includes considering the withdrawal of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) savings and a moratorium on bank loans.

“This should the government’s real duty, to listen to the people who want remedies. 

“For example, there is nothing wrong if the government considers targeted EPF withdrawals if that is what the people want in order to reduce their burden in these tough times,” he said when debating the motion of thanks on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s royal address in Dewan Rakyat today. 

The Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman said banks continue to make profits even when the country faces a crisis, so it is only fair that these financial institutions help the people by providing loan moratoriums to cope with the effects of inflation and overnight policy rate hikes.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said Bumiputera policies is another important matter the government must put priority on.

The former prime minister said a large number of those who have slid from the B40 group to the B60 were Bumiputeras.

“A multiracial country will not be stable and prosperous if the majority race is poor and in the low-income group with the gap between the rich and poor widening.

Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, said PN will be an effective opposition by providing checks and balances. 

“Perikatan Nasional MPs will continue to play our role with integrity and uphold our ‘Caring, Clean and Stable’ principles. Good policies we will support but not policies that harm the people,” he said. – Bernama, February 15, 2023.