KUALA LUMPUR – The Menu Rahmah initiative is a good short-term solution to help the poor, but still leaves underlying economic issues unanswered, said former defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (Sembrong-BN).
The former Umno vice-president commended the initiative that offers meals for RM5, but said it cannot be used to troubleshoot the rising cost of living and low wages.
“The increase in the price of goods will continue to rise if it is not controlled, especially since Aidilfitri is coming soon,” he said when debating Budget 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat last night.
He was among the last MPs to debate the supply bill. Today, ministers will give their winding-up speeches on the bill for their respective ministries.
“This challenge has to be solved quickly and constructively. Menu Rahmah is good for the short term, but it does not solve basic issues, which are to control the price of goods and wage increases.
“These (problems) remain unanswered and unsolved,” he added.
Hishammuddin said the government must plan for more comprehensive approaches and develop mid- and long-term plans.
This would include improving the people’s economy, boosting their purchasing power, supervising and controlling the price of goods, as well as increasing salaries.
Hishammuddin said these would be better than implementing “sensational programmes”. – The Vibes, March 8, 2023
