BY: AKMAL AZIZ

It’s Budget Day and the government needs to address several serious issues that have been lingering for a number of years and that are beginning to fester in such a manner that it can create social unrest in the near future.

This is not being mere alarmist or scare-mongering but a genuine request to the present Malaysian government to be bold, brave and honest enough to admit that there are these several issues which have become a thorny, tacky issue for Malaysians.

The inequitable distribution of wealth in the country at present and the rise of an underclass of all races steeped in abject poverty has emerged from this scenario as they lack educational, employment and business opportunities.

Providing scholarships, grants or free education is important. Creating jobs that are meaningful and purposeful should also be a target of this budget and giving support by allocating loans and credit facilities to small and medium business enterprises is also a step in the right direction.

The other major issue is the rising cost of living and the escalation in the cost of goods and services under which Malaysians are beginning to struggle as the B40 Group numbers start to swell.

The government must immediately address these issues before it creates a fractured society.  There really is a need to look into the needs and problems and issues plaguing Malaysians in a comprehensive way in tabling Budget 2022.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher