KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pressed the Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government to explain its decisions on hire-purchase loan moratoriums, the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail project (HSR) and EPF withdrawals.
Considering the financial hardship faced by the people, the opposition leader said in a statement today that he is aware of the issues surrounding the moratorium for hire-purchase loans.
“The hire-purchase loan moratorium seems to be a matter of false hope and promises by PN.”
He said that the loan moratorium seems to carry a high cost that only increases the burden of the people.
“Instead of a blanket-wide moratorium in the country, the federal government chose to lead with a targeted approach.
“Those from the B40 and M40 segments of the country may qualify for loan repayment exceptions if they apply for it.
“I urge the government and Finance Ministry to correct this as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Anwar said that PN must explain in detail the cost of breaching the HSR contract with Singapore, emphasising it involves taxpayer monies.
“It’s hard to believe all the statements made by the finance minister during the winding-up of the Budget 2021, especially so for the ones involving EPF withdrawals, moratoriums and the HSR project.”
The Port Dickson MP also said these issues could prove PN’s weaknesses in making important decisions for the country.
The much-anticipated HSR project was called off yesterday after both countries failed to reach an agreement.
This is after the project’s suspension period lapsed on December 31.
A joint statement by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong said both governments could not come to an agreement over several changes proposed by Malaysia, despite discussions.
The changes were proposed in light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy.
As a result, it is said Malaysia would have to pay RM300 million in compensation to its neighbour. – The Vibes, January 2, 2021
