Tee Yong: Give the young leadership roles

复议感谢国家元首施政御词

我在昨天（3月17日）在国会下议院完成了复议感谢国家元首施政御词。以下是我当时发表时的重点：

经济

政府应该根据经济需求和成长率，预算我国在短期、中期和长期内所需的外劳，以拟定全盘计划处理外劳事务。

目前外劳政策经常更改，而且不同部门有不同措施，例如，虽然内政部说每个档口只能聘请一名外劳，可是人力资源部却说可以聘请5名外劳，令人混淆。

政府在外劳政策上需要保持连贯和透明化，以减少可能发生的贪污问题。

我国是发展中国家，因为人口不多，即使失业者都获得工作也还有空缺需要填补，所以我国仍需要外劳。不过，目前外劳占工作人口20%至25%，或者是200万到260万人，因此政府需要全盘计划来控制外劳。

聘请外劳成本低，不过，过于依赖外劳和低成本是一种陷阱，这是因为大多数生产商喜欢以低成本雇用外劳，不会注重如何提升员工技能和生产力，也不注重在节省人力的技术的投资和革新，这不但导致产品素质低，业务成长率也会逐步下降。

这也是为什么我国私人投资从2006年开始每年下降0.4%至今的原因；1997年私人投资占国民生产总值30%，可是2009年仅占11%。

数据显示我国因为生产成本不能和邻国竞争，而不再是外资首选。外资在1990年占国民生产总值6.3%，1997年下降至3.3%，2009年首9个月的外资是122亿令吉，比2008年同时期749亿1千万令吉低。

聘请外国人或外劳方面，我国需要的大多数是蓝领阶级，他们从2000年占工作人口的9%，增加到2008年的19%，而外国专才则逐渐减少，从2000年的8万3千200人减至2008年的3万6千800人。

因此，政府有必要制定全盘外劳政策，避免我国经济发展因为外劳政策而放缓。

人才外流

政府鼓励我国专才回流的奖掖应该包括提供协助寻找工作、设立公司和安置家人，而不只是提供税务回扣而已。

目前如果专才要回流我国，他们必须自行寻找工作和安顿家人，政府并没有提供指南或协助，这可能难以吸引想要过更好生活的人才回流。

个人所得税和汽车税务回扣不足以吸引人才回流，目前的回流计划仍有一些繁文缛节，尤其是如果涉及非大马公民的配偶和孩子，需要耗时超过6个月。

外交部副部长柯希兰之前在回答他的提问时指出，2008年3月至2009年10月期间，有30万4千358名大马人移民，这等于每个月有1万9千人移民。

国人移民的原因包括除了薪金差距大、教育素质问题之外，人民感觉不公平也是其中一个原因。

“新经济政策的目的是消除贫穷，重组社会，用意虽好但是没有好好执行和监督，被小撮个人利益至上的人骑劫，导致非土著对工作机会和前景感到灰心。”

我希望新经济模式可以解决上述问题。

津贴

建议政府应该逐步取消津贴制度，并直接发放现金援助给需要帮助的人士。

发现金给需要帮助的人士可以直接让他们受惠，不过政府必须制定明确的条件，并通过相关部门如妇女、家庭及社会发展部、农业及农基工业部等拟定完整的受惠者名单。

“政府应该退出更透明化的津贴发放制度，更关注赤贫者、贫穷者、残障者、老人和失业者。”

发放津贴其实对我们是一种坏处，因为有了津贴，薪金就偏低，人民需要依赖津贴，加上没有最低薪金，公司也不会根据国际市场来调高员工的薪金。

而且，虽然津贴可以降低生产成本，不过这会导致商家不注重发展人力资本和科技。

目前津贴的物品都被出口或用作出口原料，结果受惠的是外国人民。虽然生产公司会向政府缴税，可是目前没有数据显示到底是政府从公司获得的税收高，还是政府付出的津贴多。

“目前不管收入多少，人民都可以享有津贴，不过相比之下，富人获得的津贴比穷人更多，例如驾马赛地的富人和驾电单车的低收入者所享有的汽油津贴是一样的。”

政府应该重组汽油津贴，否则不法集团走私汽油和柴油的问题层出不穷，结果导致人民不能真正受惠。

举个例子，警方瓦解走私柴油的不法集团时发现，不法集团每天售出近11万2千公升柴油，每天获利6万7千令吉到14万5千令吉，等于每年获得2千400万令吉至5千200万之间。

教育

我希望政府承认统考文凭，让统考生进入师训和本地大学，缓和华小老师不足的问题。

统考文凭普遍受到国外著名大学承认，例如墨尔本大学、悉尼大学、新加坡大学、北京大学等，如果政府承认统考文凭，也可以减少人才外流的问题。

“政府正积极提高学生的英文水平，不过随着中国和印度崛起，中文和淡米尔文也日益重要，因此政府应该积极解决华小老师不足的问题。”

虽然我国的教育拨款占5.9%国民生产总值，比其他先进国家所占的比例更高，可是教育素质却不比这些国家好，政府有必要检讨原因。

在去年11月宣布的小六能力倾向测试（Aptitud）成绩中，在50万9千885名考生中只有5.7% （2万9千零84人）拥有解决问题的能力，另外只有34.34% （17万5千101人）拥有思考能力，这显示现在我国学生的好成绩大多是靠记忆和死背得来的，教育素质有待提升。

目前教育拨款大多数是用在提升设施，可是政府也应运用拨款来加强师资培训，提高教师薪金，希望更多人才投入教师行列，以全面提高教育素质。

最低薪金

政府应该设立探讨最低薪金委员会，向政府代表和私人界共同探讨最低薪金制度，确保我国员工薪金符合经济现况。

目前我国薪金是参考消费指数（CPI）来制定，可是因为衡量消费指数的物品中许多都是统制品或受到津贴，所以不应该作为薪金的参考。

虽然推行最低薪金制，成本就会提高，不过成本提高会让商家或雇主改变原本的生产模式、进行革新或在提高生产力的人力和技术方面进行投资，因此经济模式也会改变。

当局可以制定每小时最低薪金，鼓励兼职或弹性工作时间，让更多青年或妇女投入工作，我国可以减少依赖外劳，减少失业率。

提高员工最低薪金，公司未必会亏损，例如油棕公司Asiatic Development Berhad (Genting Plantation)在2008年的员工薪金是8千300万令吉，占了18%的税前盈利（4亿8千200万令吉），以这个情况来看，如果公司提高员工薪金两倍仍然会有盈利。

国库控股
希望当局提供数据，说明国库控股近10年来，每一年从南北大道公司获得多少股息及其用途。

南北大道在2004年至2009年派出的股息是37亿7千500万令吉，那么国库控股在当中获得多少股息，给政府的股息又是多少？如果没有给政府，这些股息用在哪里？

国库控股是政府主要投资臂膀，而国库控股拥有64%南北大道公司股权，是该公司最大股东。

南北大道每年盈利平均10亿令吉， 等于每天有270万令吉盈利，这些盈利有70%至80%是政府赔偿金。虽然政府宣布2009年赔偿给南北大道公司的金额是1亿5千万令吉，可是根据南北大道公司的财务报告，该公司获得的政府赔偿是8亿1千300万令吉，到底哪个数据才正确？

“我之前在国会曾经提出，如果国库控股可以从其他投资赚钱，应该考虑收购南北大道，可是迄今没有进一步详情。”

根据南北大道财务报告，政府仍欠24亿令吉赔偿金。预料过路费会在今年调高，可是在政府要节省营运开销的情况下，政府再给额外赔偿金的可能性不高，因此南北大道应该秉持企业社会责任精神，不要调高过路费。

既然南北大道公司的64%是国库控股持有，即使不调高过路费和获得政府赔偿，交通流量也可以确保南北大道的盈利不受影响。

“长远来看，除非国库控股收购南北大道，否则人民每三年就要面对过路费调高的问题，因此我希望收购南北大道的行动可以尽快落实。”

反对党

民联自2008年在雪州执政，该州统一售出采砂的Kumpulan Semesta 有限公司所获得的采砂税收逐年减少，产量也不如预期。

上述公司的采砂税收已从2008年的713万令吉，减少到2009年的468万令吉。

以每公吨20令吉的售价计算，该公司的收入估计是1亿5千万令吉，每年需要出产7千500万公吨的沙，不过，2009年首9个月，该公司制出产25万公吨沙，只是预期产量的5%，而且目前该公司在雪州是垄断经营的。

八打灵县土地局在2009年从雪州内3条河所获得的采砂税收才2万7千令吉，和2008年380万令吉的税收相距甚远。

虽然雪州首20立方米单位的水是免费，不过因为居住在组屋、中价公寓的低收入居民就因为没有分拆水表，而无法享有到免费水，结果是住在排屋或独立式洋房的富人获得免费水。

吉打州在民联执政后以回教党为首，该州的宰猪场被拆除的风波目前还没有真正解决，这说明在多元种族社会如何平衡各族需求是一项挑战，所以承诺往往比实践容易。

“国阵是有问题，民联在一些州属执政时也有问题，不同的是国阵经过了52年的考验。”

我对消费税的看法

我于3月3日举行的《消费税！政府的救星？人民的恶梦？》消费税讲座中，和八打灵再也北区国会议员YB潘检伟和财务规划师曾淑群共同担任主讲人。

在这里和大家分享我当时发表的看法：

其实全世界有143个国家已经推行或实行消费税，而在东南亚，只有马来西亚、汶莱和缅甸还没有推行，而在已经推行的国家当中，不是每个国家是高收入国家，有一些国家的收入甚至比我们的低，例如印尼、菲律宾、斯里兰卡、泰国和越南。

什么时候是最适合推行消费税？

在加拿大和纽西兰，当他们在推行消费税的时候，他们国家的经济可以讲经济不景气，可是在日本，新加坡和澳洲，当他们推行时，他们国家的经济状况是良好。

在消费税推行的利率方面，每一个国家也不一样，最高是澳洲和纽西兰，10%， 最低是新加坡3%，这显示在推行消费税时，没有一个理想的时间或利率。

而我国2009年第四季经济成长率是4.5%， 整年负1.7%，比预料的负成长3%更好。

在2010年，我国经济成长率预料会达到5%，所以估计在2011年推行消费税时，我国的经济成长率应该会比较稳定，何况我国所指定的4%的利率也相对比很多国家低。

为什么我们需要实行消费税？

我看大家都知道，我国需要设立一个新的经济来源，因为不久之后, 我国出口的油会少过进口。

目前油的行业是占了我国40%的收入，所以政府必须设立和开发更多新的经济来源，来缓和/应付油收入下降后的问题。

当我国的收入低过营运开销，那么就会产生赤字，2009年的赤字是7.6%，当赤字一直增加，因为不足够的收入，评级机构（rating agency）会下调我国马币的评级，导致马币有可能贬值。

马币的贬值会造成进口的通膨，这会影响到很多人民，因为我国进口很多日常用品，例如白米、白糖、蔬菜、医药器材、建筑材料。进口的通膨会使到这些货品越来越贵，同时如果那个时候 ，政府不足够收入来维持营运开销，津贴也会减少或废除，那么会增加人民的负担。

有可能做生意的会觉得好，因为如果马币贬值，我国的出口货物会比较便宜。

可是，当政府的赤字一直增加，而马币一直贬值，那我国就需要更多的贷款，这会增加和提高贷款的利息，间接地提高本地商业贷款的利息。

最后，本地货物的价格也会比较贵，那时候人民会面对很大的负担，因为进口和本地的货物都起价。所以，政府需要建立一个新的经济来源。

有些人提议，政府应该增加所得税，尤其是高收入，来增加国家的收入。

如果我们详细的分析，目前，只有15%的工作者需要给所得税，因为在每一年的预算案中，政府都有宣布一系列的措施来减轻我国人民的所得税，例如在2010年的预算案中，我国私人的个人减税（personal relief）已经增加。

之前，政府能够减少所得税，因为政府有其他经济来源。此外，我国也面对人口的老化，估计在2030年，60岁以上的人民会占了我国人口的12%.

而在我国里，高收入家庭不多，在560万家庭里只有4.9%，也就是只有27万4千家庭的收入是每一个月多过1万令吉。
高的所得税也会鼓励更多人逃税，而会有可能恶化人才外流的问题。这种种的理由显示，提高所得税是不适合的。

现在我国都有销售和服务税，消费税主要的目的就是要取代现有的销售及服务税，同时开发一个新的经济来源。

消费税是比较公平，不是每一个服务或货物都有消费税，有些是豁免税的。而消费税是以你的消费为主，这当然是和你经济的能力息息相关。

据我所知，有些人对消费税有误解，他们以为每一个货品在多次的转售后，消费税会不断地增加，使到高过利率，这是错的。当你购买一个1千令吉有消费税的货品，不管他已经转售六或七次，他的利率依然是4%，而消费税是40块。

不管如何，其实现在很多我们购买的货品和服务都有服务税及销售税，商家已经把这些税纳入在他们的货品和服务的售价。

实行消费税会比较透明化，而它的利率也比较低，因为销售税是5%到25%，而服务税是5%。透明是因为当你购买货品的时候，在收据里面会列出来售价和消费税，现在这些资料在销售税方面是没有的。

此外，在现有的服务及销售税，有一些商家可能他们所收的税并没有缴付给政府，那个时候是人民和政府吃亏，而消费税能减少这个问题。

在一方面，消费税也会解决一部分影子经济问题。我问回你们，是否你们相信在我国只有27万4千个家庭是每一个月收入多过1万令吉？当你看很多豪华汽车和贵的屋子都很快卖完，这显示所得税的缺点。

消费税是以消费为主，当这些人消费时，他们就给消费税以增加国家的收入。

政府也在探讨国家的经济和开销，所以，当我国今年的收入预料是减少8.4%， 政府也会采取措施来减低营运开销，预算在2010年会跌至13.7%，以确保赤字能够下降。首相也会在3月尾宣布新的经济模式，以带动我国的经济走向高收入的目标。

而在津贴方面，我国也在探讨如何减少疏漏的问题，和确保需要帮助的人受惠。虽然政府有在开发新的经济来源，例如我国很大力地发展棕油行业，现在棕油的行业出口额大概是600亿，假设利润是50%，税率是26%，那么收入就最多是78亿，少过我国津贴的开销。

所以任何有潜能的行业或项目，可以带来收入，国家都会去研究或实行，这也是消费税被列为其中的项目的原因。

每个政府都不会要推行不讨好人民的政策，可是消费税是目前一个可以增加国家的收入，也不会引发太高的通货膨胀的方法。

现在我们知道的是，政府在宣布执行消费税时，强调基本必需品会免税或零税率，以确保收入低或贫穷的人士的负担不会增加，例如：

• 农业产品，例如新鲜水果和蔬菜，
• 基本食品，例如白米，白糖，食盐，普通面粉和食油，
• 家禽，包括新鲜或冷冻肉，
• 新鲜蛋，咸蛋，
• 本地用户头２００个单位的电流供应，
• 本地用户头３５立方米单位的水，
• 私人教育服务，
• 私人卫生服务，
• 公共交通系统，例如电动火车，轻快铁，单轨火车
• 其他交通服务例如长途巴士，工厂巴士和学生巴士，
• 收费大道，
• 住家，
• 农业地，
• 普通土地例如墓地。

详细的指南还没有被公布，而在这方面政府必须小心地确保指南方面有考虑到种种的因素。

政府也宣布会提呈反暴利法案，避免商家在政府推行消费税时，乘机提高他们的货品价格来增加利润。这个法案也对我们很重要，尤其是在政府调整津贴时。

虽然政府实行消费税，不过政府还会依然继续提供津贴，来协助贫穷人士。预算在2010年，政府的津贴花费是200亿。
虽然消费税是有他的好处，可是如果在实行方面不完善，太仓促，就会带来不好的影响和问题，而人民也会混乱。

很多中小企业很担心，是否他们有足够的时间来准备消费税的推行，因为很多中小企业没有足够的资金或成本，来请专业会计师来处理消费税的事务。

所以政府在推行前，应该举行多一点讲座会，讨论会，以确保中小企业能够得到更多的资讯。消费税对每一个工业的影响是不一样，所以这些讲座会必须以工业的需求来举办。

现在提议是，每年生意的收入多过50万令吉都要给消费税，在这方面，政府应该讨论增加到100万令吉，因为收入一年50万令吉，每个月的收入只有5万令吉，这些中小企业可能没有足够的资金或人力来应付消费税。

目前的资料是不足够给人民或商家更了解或准备消费税的实行。我们所知道的太少，政府还没有公开消费税的详细法案，有关资料要尽快发放给人民，来讨论和了解。而如果有什么意见，政府也应该考虑来确保消费税推行时，大家能够接受。

据我了解，政府已经对消费税所对人民产生的影响作一个研究，而根据研究，消费税会对高收入和低收入的人带来好处。问题是大多数的人都不知道调查的内容，所以政府应该透明化以确保人民了解更多消费税的影响。

总结来讲，消费税推行以取代服务税和销售税是有它的好处，但是在执行方面，如果不完善，太仓促，它还是会有反效果。

要实行消费税，政府需要快速地：
（ａ）公布调查报告，
（ｂ）公布豁免的指南，
（ｃ）举办研讨会协助中小企业
（ｄ）发放更多详细的资料给人民，让人民了解消费税。

最后，因为消费税会影响各行业和人民，所以政府在实行时，应该确保实行时有足够设施和人力，以确保顺利地进行。

GST, its impact, concern and ways to mitigate

adapted from THE EDGE MALAYSIA

The Goods Service Tax (GST), also known as value added tax, was tabled for first reading in Parliament in Dec 16, 2009. The system has already been implemented in 143 countries. Only three Southeast Asian do not practise this taxation system - Malaysia, Brunei and Myanmar.

The government has said that the introduction of GST is necessary to create an alternative source of revenue. Other possible reasons for implementing GST are:

a) The average birth rate is 2.2, so it is expected that by 2030, 12% of the population will be above 60 years old, double the current number. The current 15% of the working population paying taxes will therefore reduce, putting a greater burden on a smaller group of people. GST is a broad-based tax that distribute the burden of taxation among a larger section of the population based on consumption.

b) GST preserve the incentive to work and encourages enterprise as it is not a progressive income tax. The tax rate does not increase according to income level, it is flat at the determined rate.

c) GST is levied at the production and distribution stages, thereby incorporating a self-policing mechanism that facilitates administration and makes it more difficult to avoid or evade. This further reduces the possibility of revenue loss through understatement of tax evasion.

d) The GST model implemented in Malaysia is not expected to have cascading, or pyramiding, effect as the tax on a particular good depends upon its final value, and not the number of production and distribution channel it passes through. Furthermore, the output tax to be paid will be offset against the input tax, and there is no GST levied over GST.

e) GST is expected to provide a more stable source of revenue as consumption is less affected by economic cycles compared to income tax.

f) GST can be an effective tax on the ‘shadow economy’, as those involved would consume, and thus pay indirect taxes through GST. It is likely that involved in such activities would buy luxury goods, which would be subjected to GST.

h) The government is cutting its operating expenditure for 2010 by 13%. This shows it is aware of the growing deficit that has widened due to the stimulus package. Recently, Fitch rating agency has cut the rating of the ringgit, which may cause imported inflation if it depreciates, and the International Monetary Fund commented that the GST needs to be implemented urgently.



Some Concern about the introduction of GST

Inflation

Based on the data on the introduction of GST in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, there is a one-off inflation associated with the implementation of GST.

In Malaysia, it was announced that essential goods and services will be not subject to GST. But fears that GST will spark a chain reaction that will increase the prices of most non-controlled items should not be dismissed. We have seen numerous examples of when there is an increase in a certain commodity, it sparks a price rise in most goods and services. For example, when the petrol price increased to RM2.70, prices of most goods, foods and services were hiked. But after the petrol price dropped, there has not been a substantial correction in the prices of goods, food and services.

The relevant ministries are powerless to mitigate the situation and curb the necessary inflation. A recent example is on the removal of the subsidy on white bread resulting in price increase of one loaf of bread by 20 to 30 cents. The Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperative & Consumer Affairs Minister can only comment that the price adjustment was not necessary, urge traders to practice corporate social responsibility and call on the consumers to execute their power in hand. All these statements will not effectively curb excessive profiteering and traders taking opportunity to increase the price of goods and service. The public would want to know how the government intends to avoid the similar predicament when GST is introduced.

Impact on the people in the street

Generally, the public is concerned that the introduction of GST will hit their wallets directly.

In an initial assessment, as the GST is expected to be lower than service tax, the bill for a restaurant meal will be 1% lower as the service tax rate is 5% and GST is 4%. For other services liable to service tax, a GST rate lower than service tax should result in a slight decrease in charges if the cost of the other components in providing the service remain the same.

On goods that attract sales tax, the current rate seems higher than the proposed GST, hence there might be a reduction if there is no further adjustment. Current rates are as follows;
• Fruits, certain foodstuff and building materials (5%)
• General goods, including motor vehicle (10%)
• Liquor and alcoholic drinks (20%)
• Cigarette and cheroots (25%)

For hawkers - even though they do not have a turnover of RM500,000 yearly, so are not required collect GST - the material procured, for example, noodles, fish balls, processed meat, chicken, equipments for the stall may be subjected to GST, resulting in price hike. But without detailed knowledge or mapping, or even information on the duties charged, the people are uncertain whether the prices of goods and services will remain stagnant, increase or decrease.


Lack of information and confusion on GST

Many articles on the GST have appeared in the media, some negative, some positive. But the piecemeal release of information is creating great concern among the people and in the business sector. For example;

1. Will the authorities furnish an extensive list of item that will be charged GST, and what will be exempted?
2. If a product – like rice or chicken - is exempted, does the exemption apply across the board regardless of the form of the product? For example, is cooked rice or cut, frozen or marinated chicken also exempted?
3. What is the difference between exempt and zero-rated GST?
4. Will there be any reduction in personal and corporate tax?
5. What changes will be made to the sales and service tax?
6. There is a perception that as GST is a multistage tax, it would result in higher effective tax rate than 4%. As GST is very technical, most people are unaware how it will impact them.
7. When will the GST rate be reviewed?

Recent media statement on its impact did not improve opinion on the introduction of GST. It is reported that under the sales and services tax system, the burden on the poor is 2.38%, but under the GST it will be 2.17%. For the higher income group, the tax burden will be reduced from 13% to 2.74%, according to the Finance Ministry. The overall savings for households will be between RM14.52 and RM346.92 yearly. This clearly contradicts other statement from politicians, and the public perception, that the GST will be inflationary. But as no further details are provided on how the savings are arrived at, public sentiment remains negative on GST.

Impact on businesses

The implementation of GST is expected to impact business in the following manner:

a) Compliance costs are expected to be incurred as there is requirement to track the input tax and output tax to determine refund or tax to be submitted. Even though some Malaysian companies are already paying sales tax or service tax, there was no input tax to be monitored and accounted for to offset against output tax.

b) Business process and procurement need to be mapped out, especially with respect to suppliers and promotional items. For example, a new car attract GST, but items provided for free during promotion - like sports rims or a GPS system – may not be eligible for an input tax claim. Likewise the corporate souvenirs and hampers given out by businesses may bot be eligible.

The procurement department should start detailing the sales tax or the existing tax paid for their items used a raw material. As the GST is expected to be lower than most current indirect tax, there should be some potential cost savings. This is also to avoid being overcharged by supplier that intends to add the GST over the existing price of its supplies after sales tax, there should be some potential cost saving.

c) Human resource factor: New staff may need to be employed to ensure a business is compliant and conversant with the GST requirement. As most staff have not been exposed to GST, training needs to be conducted.

d) Accounting system and account payable: The business would require an appropriate accounting system to keep track of the GST amounts. Most systems could be upgraded, and it is important to notify software vendors to test run the data to avoid any potential complication.


e) Cash flow management: Businesses should be aware that output GST may have to be settled before settlement of sales invoices by customer. Meanwhile, payables on which input tax has been claimed but remains unpaid after six months have to be accounted as output tax and are to be reclaimed as input tax only after payment is made. Businesses are concerned about the timeliness of the refund process as delays would results in a higher working capital cost.
In addition, businesses that have thin margins are worried about the speed of the refund for input tax, especially if the business is mainly exported-oriented and procures its raw material locally.

Readiness of the authorities system

The business community, NGO and charity organization are concerned about the ability of the authorities to implement GST smoothly. Australia, for example, had to bring in foreign experts to help in rollout of GST. It would be undermine investor confidence if the GST is not implemented in a structured manner with minimal hiccup.

Burdening the poor and those economically vulnerable: Some 32% of the household in Malaysia have an income under RM2,000 per month. The introduction of GST without the necessary revamp of subsidies will result in a heavier financial burden on poor and low-income families. Families with an income below RM2,000 a month do not have to pay personal income tax. With GST, things that are not basic necessities - toys, processed food, can food, packet drinks, and so on – could increase existing inflationary pressures. The ongoing restructuring of the subsidy will also create the tension, discomfort and dissatisfaction as people eligible for subsidy could unintentionally be left out as the government establishes and tries to refine its method of distribution.

The Possibility of another flip-flop

The GST was supposed to be implemented before the 13th general election but was postponed. There is a general opinion that if the economic condition does not improve, or the negative sentiments against the establishment of GST are severe, it will not be introduced. As such, most businesses are not going full swing into starting until they are very sure GST will be happen.

Usage of the revenue collected

Revenue collected from GST is expected to be about RM13billion, compared to the budgeted indirect tax collection of RM12billion. Though GST will enable the Government to reduce the deficit or create an alternative source of revenue, the massive wastage, corruption and abuses that occur have diminished public confidence in the benefits of providing the government with an additional source of revenue. The Port Klang Free Zone financial fiasco, issues highlighted in auditor-general report, the lack of transparency in the Naza land deal and the collapse of a new building in Terengganu has put the spotlight on the government’s ineffectiveness in curbing potential abuses and leakages. So creating a new source of revenue would not resolve the government’s problem or provide the confidence that this new source of revenue will be put to good use.


(This is first part of a two-part series)

政府应该放宽房地产条例

《当今大马》读者来函
蔡智勇 5月7日 傍晚6点33分

马华拉美士区国会议员蔡智勇建议，政府应该不论种族为所有首次购置房屋的国人提供折扣。

他说，政府应该放宽房地产条例，譬如购买50万令吉或以下房屋的首次购屋者，不论种族都可获得折扣。

他说，土著享有的房屋折扣固然能保留，但一项亲民的政策不应限制某个族群获利。上述建议既不会影响土著所享有的利益，也彰显政府公平和平等的施政。

蔡智勇今日针对森美兰州或考虑允许发展商将无法出售的土著单位，开放给非土著购买的措施发表文告说，为了让土著有能力居者有其屋，土著可享有5%至15% 购屋折扣，不过，由于提供折扣会削减发展商的盈利，因此，发展商可能会通过另外的方法来减低亏损，包括将成本转嫁购屋者，因而抬高屋价。

“非土著购买25万令吉的房屋没有任何折扣，不过购买1百万令吉房产的土著却可以获得至少5万令吉折扣，相等于25万令吉房产的20%。豪华房屋的土著折扣对非土著购屋者不公平，而且，非土著必须因此付出已被抬高的房屋价格。”

蔡智勇指出，发展商可以在发售房屋首6个月，或建筑工程达到50%后，向州政府申请公开发售土著保留单位，惟必须逐步发售。可是目前，一些已完工的单位，因为必须逐步发售而拖延了公开发售的进程。

“更糟的是，一些州政府向公开发售土著保留单位的发展商征收罚款，加重了发展商的成本，发展商可能会提高屋价来抵消成本的涨幅，因此出现部分公开发售的土著单位价格比较高。”

蔡智勇进一步指出，由于每州都有不同的固打限制，从30%至70%不等。根据人口比例来调整固打，发展商可能将固打设定和土著折扣的成本计算在内，结果售价已被抬高，特别是非土著的房屋单位。

“一些州属甚至设下条件，规定这些公开发售的单位只可以发售给土著。上述条件将导致房屋滞销，影响了产业成长潜能。”

另一方面，针对25万令吉以下的房屋可以不需获得外资委员会批准，并可豁免产业收益税的措施，蔡智勇建议政府应该根据各州情况，将外资置产的最低限额提高到至少100万令吉。

“如此一来，我们可以吸引到有素质的投资者，也避免国人与外资竞相置产，尤其是在巴生谷一带，25万令吉的最低限额确实太低。”

他也指出，州政府仍在外资买卖产业的程序上仍执行各自州属所定下的条例，引起投资者的混淆。

How about property liberalisation? 什么时候要开放购置房地产条例？

Adapted from malaysianinsider.com

MAY 4 – Recently, the Government announced a few major decisions that have been positive and I hope that there are more to come.

On the economic front, the decision to scrap the 30 per cent bumiputra equity requirement for the 27 services subs-sectors and also to allow a higher foreign equity participation for insurers and investment banks would augur well to attract more investment.

Even though some may argue that these are only ‘baby steps’, they are steps in the right direction to raise Malaysia competitiveness in the global business front.

We should not believe, however, that liberalising through removal of the equity component requirement would open the floodgates of investment. More still needs to be done to remove the bureaucracy of doing business, improving the efficiency of the civil service and etc.

In view of the gloomy economic climate, the Government should also consider liberalising or relaxing the property sector. Given its link to the other 160 industry sub-sectors, the property industry plays a pivotal role to breathe more life and activities in the local economy with its multiplier effect.

This is evident from the Government’s allocation of funds in the first stimulus package to build more low-cost houses through Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad.

With lower property sales, construction slowdown and deferment of new launches and huge inventory built up, some developers are facing difficulties and bracing for more hard times.

The few major areas relating to the national housing policy that may require some amendments or improvement are the applicability of the bumiputra discount, varying range of quota needed to be reserved and the mechanism for automatic release from bumiputra to non-bumiputra.

In parliament, I have raised the need to review and abolish the discount for the purchase of luxury properties by bumiputra.

Typically the bumiputra discount for property ranges from 5 to 15 per cent. The discount is intended to make property affordable to bumiputras. However, discounts provided for luxury property is not equitable to the rest of the buyers as it may result in non-bumiputra buyers having to purchase property at inflated price.

Example, for a RM1million condominium in Klang Valley, a 5 per cent discount would cost the developer RM50,000, equivalent to a low cost house. If there are 1,000 units being launched and 30 per cent are reserved for the bumiputra quota, thus the discounts on 300 units cost the developer RM15mil! The cost would be higher if it is a massive township development or if the discount is 15 per cent!

Providing discounts to some buyers would decrease the margin of the developer and hence developer would think of other ways to compensate for the margin loss or pass the cost to the other customers. This results in inflated purchase price.

On Nov 25, 2008, the Minister of the Housing and Local Government announced that they are in discussion on a proposal to scrap discounts for bumiputra who buy luxury property valued at RM500,000 and above. Hopefully the discussion is still in process and any amendments would be announced in due course.

Giving discounts to ensure that the people can have access to affordable housing is commendable and efforts to bridge the gap of property ownership between races promotes racial harmony but it should not be extended to luxury property. It creates feeling of unfairness and also potential conflict as a non-bumiputra buying a property worth RM250,000 is not entitled to any discount but a bumiputra buying a property worth RM1million is given a discount of at least RM50,000, which is 20 per cent value of the property costing RM250,000.

Furthermore, it is a fact that bumiputra lots usually fetch lower prices due to the restrictions on who it can be sold to, which makes the discount counter-productive. It does not allow the bumiputra to enjoy the maximum investment growth of a property when they buy a bumiputra lot.

The Ministry has also announced that they are discussing with the state governments to expedite the process of releasing unsold bumiputra quota units to the open market. Sometimes, bumiputra lots are not attractive as the buyer market is limited, resulting in unsold units.

Developers can apply to the state governments for permission to release unsold bumiputra quota units after six months or upon reaching 50 per cent construction stage, but the units are released gradually. The process can be so slow that the units might have completed but the release has not been obtained.

Worse still, some states even impose penalties for releasing unsold quota units, resulting in even higher cost to the developer. It would not be inconceivable that developers would have factored all these costs, again inflating the selling price of the property.

For example, it is possible that some of the developer lots sold after project completion are sometimes bumiputra reserve lot that have been released, and their price is usually higher to take into account the penalty paid and the holding cost.

Certain states impose a condition that the released units can subsequently be resold only to a bumiputra.

All these conditions can lead to unsold units and having too many empty houses in a project would diminish the growth value of the homeowners in the area.

There is also a range of quotas varying from state to state, from 30 per cent to 70 per cent in certain areas. While having a high quota may seem to be justifiable depending on the state demographics, it would invariably lead to the developer raising the base price to take into account both the impact of quota and discount that needs to be given, leading to inflated prices, especially for the non-bumiputra buyers.

There are also contradictions between the Federal Government’s initiatives to attract foreign investors and state rules.

The abolition of Foreign Investment committee approval for foreigners purchasing properties priced at more RM250,000 and the exemption of property gain tax would create foreigner interest in the local property market.

However, state governments still impose their own rules on foreign property sales and purchase, resulting in conflicting signals to investors.

Even though opening the property market to foreigners would enable to raise the profile and also spur the growth of the Malaysian property market, the minimum price for eligibility should be raised to at least RM1million, depending on state.

This is to ensure that we attract quality investors and avoid forcing Malaysians to compete with foreigners to buy a house for themselves as the amount of RM250,000 is too low for certain areas like the Klang Valley.

In summary, a bumiputra discount for property at a certain value should be maintained to ensure affordability of home ownership but a better policy is to not confine the discount to one race or religion.

We have already come so far since independence and I am sure anyone would agree that the Government should help the needy regardless of race or religion.

Consistent with this, discount should be given to every first home buyer limited to a certain value, maybe properties below RM500,000 depending on state, but not limited to race.

As bumiputras form the majority in Malaysia, they will still form the majority that would be entitled. That way the policy would be more equitable and fair, ensuring all Malaysians enjoy the benefits of development.

At the same time providing affordable property can help to fulfil one of the basic human needs and ensure that those starting out to work or middle income group are able to own homes.

The quota system and timeline to release the units should also be streamlined so that developers won’t have to price their properties higher just to offset the cost incurred for discounts, the quota system and potential holding costs.

Meanwhile, even though encouraging foreign buyers is essential to make the property market more vibrant, the needs of the citizen should not be neglected.

#####

最近，政府宣布了数项有利政策，我希望这些利惠政策会陆续有来。

从经济角度来看，放宽27个服务领域的30%土著股权条件，以及允许外资拥有更多保险及银行股权的措施，将吸引更多外资。

虽然有人说这些只是婴儿学步，不过，这是我国提高国际商业竞争力的正确途径。

我们应该知道，这些措施未必保证外资将涌进我国，反之，我国还需要致力减少繁文缛节、提高公共服务效率等，才有可能达到预期目标。

以目前低迷的经济状况来看，政府应该考虑放宽或开放房地产业领域。

房地产业和160个下游工业息息相关，这个领域的多重效应，可以让本地经济活跃起来。政府在第一套刺激经济配套中，通过国家房屋公司建造更多廉价屋，就是一个证明。

部分发展商正因为产业销售量低、建筑进展放缓、新产业计划延迟及产业滞销的问题而苦苦支撑。因此，当局应该修改国家房屋政策中数项主要条例，特别是土著折扣、土著固打和将土著固打自动公开让非土著购买的机制。

我曾在国会提出，当局有必要重新检讨和取消土著购买豪华房屋也同样享有折扣的条例。

一般上，土著购置房屋享有5%至10%折扣，这些折扣的用意是让土著有能力拥有本身的房屋。不过，豪华房屋的土著折扣对非土著购屋者不公平，而且，非土著必须因此付出已被抬高的房屋价格。

举个例子，在巴生谷地区售价1百万令吉的共管公寓，5%的折扣大概是5万令吉，等于一间廉价屋的价格。假设，发展商推出1千间房屋，30%保留给土著固打，那300间保留给土著的房屋折扣就高达1千500万令吉！如果是大规模的房屋发展计划，土著折扣还高达15%！

由于为部分购屋者提供折扣会削减发展商的盈利，因此，发展商可能会通过另外的方法来减低亏损，包括将成本转嫁购屋者，因而抬高屋价。

2008年11月25日，房屋及地方政府部长拿督斯里黄家泉宣布，该部将讨论是否要取消土著购买50万令吉以上豪宅时所享有的折扣。我希望该部继续进行这项讨论，并修正这项条例。

为人民提供购屋折扣，让居者有其屋的措施是值得鼓励的，这项措施也可以拉近屋主的种族比例，从中促进种族和谐，不过购置豪宅不应也享有折扣。这不但会让人觉得不公平，而且也可能引起异议。这道理显而易见，非土著购买25万令吉的房屋没有任何折扣，不过购买1百万令吉房产的土著却可以获得至少5万令吉折扣，等于25万令吉房产的20%。

再说，因为土著保留单位的转售对象有所限制，土著保留单位一般上只能低价转售，导致土著折扣达不到预期效果，即土著不能从土著保留单位的投资中，获得最大的投资回酬。

房屋及地方政府部也宣布，该部正与州政府讨论将售不出的土著单位公开发售的可能性。实际上，基于土著单位的对象有限，一些单位乏人问津。

目前，发展商可以在发售房屋6个月，或建筑工程达到50%后，向州政府申请公开发售土著保留单位，不过必须逐步发售。不过，一些单位已经完成，却因为必须逐步发售，拖延了公开发售的程序。

更糟糕的是，一些州政府甚至向公开发售土著保留单位的发展商征收罚款，加重了发展商的成本。如果发展商将这些成本计算在内，进而提高房屋售价，也不是什么令人惊奇的事情。

举个例子，一些发展商在产业计划完成后所售卖的单位可能是公开发售的土著单位，这些单位的价格通常会比较高，原因就是将罚款和其他费用都计算在内。

一些州属甚至设下条件，规定这些公开发售的单位只可以转售给土著。上述条件将导致房屋滞销，空置房屋太多，影响了有关产业的成长潜能。

此外，每州都有不同的固打，一些地区的固打从30%至70%不等。因为当局是根据人口比例来调整固打，发展商可能将设定固打的影响和土著折扣计算在内，结果售价已被抬高，特别是非土著的房屋单位。

另一方面，中央政府吸引外资的措施，可能和州政府的条例有所冲突。

譬如，外资购买25万令吉以下的房屋可以不需获得外资委员会批准，并可豁免产业收益税的措施，可提高外资对我国产业市场的兴趣。

不过，州政府仍在外资买卖产业的程序上仍执行各自州属所定下的条例，引起投资者的混淆。

虽然对外资开放产业市场可以刺激我国产业发展，不过，政府应该根据各州情况，将外资置产的最低限额提高到至少100万令吉。

如此一来，我们可以吸引到有素质的投资者之余，也避免国人与外资竞相置产，尤其是在巴生谷一带，25万令吉的最低限额确实太低。

简言之，土著享有的房屋折扣固然应该保留，不过最好的政策是不要限制某个族群或宗教获得折扣。

我们在独立后风雨同路多年，我相信，所有国人会同意政府应该不分种族或宗教地协助有需要的人士。

有鉴于此，政府应该为所有首次购置房屋的国人提供折扣，譬如购买50万令吉或以下房屋的首次购屋者，不论种族，都可获得折扣。

在这项措施下，基于土著是我国最大族群，因此土著仍是享有折扣的最大族群，如此一来政府会显得更公平和平等，并确保所有国人享受发展利益。

与此同时，提供可负担的产业可满足国人基本需求，确保工作一族或中等收入群都能居者有其屋。

固打限制和开放土著单位公开发售的程序必须精简，发展商才不会将折扣等费用计算在内而导致屋价抬高。

虽然鼓励外资置产对产业市场很重要，不过，当局也不应该忽略国人的需要。

谈谈棕油，再谈KPI

节录自我在林氏宗祠天后宫全柔华语卡拉OK歌唱比赛开幕礼上的讲稿

棕油价格从2008年的每吨4千400令吉，下跌到每吨1千500令吉时，让很多小园主的盈利都受到影响，橡胶小园主也不例外。

棕油价格下跌的原因，除了国际原油价格的影响之外，另一个原因是我国棕油的库存量太高，估计有180万吨。

在棕油价格太低的时候，我在国会内有提出很多建议，以减轻小园主的负担，其中之一是棕油价格低，影响小园主盈利的时候，政府应该给小园主低利息贷款或津贴，或者设定肥料的顶价。

我也有提议，政府应该和印尼合作来控制库存量，原因是印尼和马来西亚出产的棕油，占全世界需求量的80%。

最近，棕油价格有提高的趋势，达到每吨超过2千200令吉，这是因为我国3月的棕油库存量减少到136万吨，而库存量减少是政府鼓励人民重新种植油棕所获得的成果。

至于油棕重新种植计划，我国过去每公顷提供1千令吉补贴让园主重新种植油棕，在第二刺激经济配套或迷你预算案下，政府将补贴提高到6千令吉，我相信这会鼓励更多园主重新种植油棕，进一步控制库存量，提高棕油价格。

此外，为了要稳定棕油价格，我国和印尼之间已同意通过控制库存和重新种植，减少生产量；除此之外，两国目前也采用棕油来生产生物柴油，这些都是库存量下降的原因。

另一方面，政府在迷你预算案中宣布放宽征收油棕暴利税的条件，也就是原本在棕油每公吨2 千令吉的时候征收暴利税的标准，提高到半岛每公吨2千500令吉，东马每公吨3千令吉的时候，才要征收暴利税。

新任首相拿督斯里纳吉上任后提出“一个马来西亚”的概念，以民为本，强调绩效，不分种族对待全民。纳吉说，在这个概念下，各族将拥有平等机会，而未来政策和方针也会更公平合理。

这个概念是一个好的开始，我希望政府在执行工作和政策时，确保每个人民都有平等的机会。

纳吉也宣布，政府将以关键表现指标（KPI）评估部长工作表现，这是我国有史以来第一次以这个标准来评估部长。

我希望有关当局公开评估的标准，在评估时也可以同时考虑人民的意见。

KPI的成绩不应该是秘密，否则就会失去评估的意义，所以我也希望当局可以公布所有评估成绩，让人民知道有关部长的工作表现，同时也显示政府严格执行问责制度。

纳吉之前以财政部长的身份提呈迷你预算案后，财政部设立了一个网站，公布第一和第二套刺激经济配套的资料。我也曾在国会内，建议政府应该成立网站，公布配套下的工作进展和拨款发放情况。

虽然这个网站是一个很好的突破，不过，这个网站并没有公布每一个州将进行的工程，如果政府公布每一个选区的工程，这样人民可以成为政府的耳目，协助政府关注和监督这些工程。

我希望政府能够公布这些资料，让人们可以提供意见和一起监督政府工程，避免有关工程最后有问题。

少数人获免费种子肥料 蔡智勇促农业部关注

转载自《中国报》，21/4/2009

（昔加末20日讯）农业部免费派发农民种子肥料及小耕种用具，但只有少数人领取，民众怨声载道，求助国州议员。

农业部为了鼓励民众自行种植蔬菜，特于日前分发免费的种子、肥料及小型的耕种用具给拉美士各族居民，不过，由于技术上及方法错误百出，造成只有少数人领取免费赠品，导致民众怨声载道，纷纷向国州议员投诉。

拉美士区国会议员蔡智勇前天访问彼咯原住民村庄后，针对有关问题深表关注，他说，此事必须即刻加以纠正，以达到居民自行种植的目标，他会马上向昔县行动理事会反映，令此项错误获得改正。

他说，据居民指出，有的一家人获得5份上述免费赠品，有的人等了老半天，却一无所有，领不到的人占绝大多数，因此人声沸腾，纷纷咒骂。

他指出，由于分发方式缺乏透明度，地点时间都不一定，且时常改变，而各级代议士也没有获得照会，因此也无法通知居民。

蔡智勇也说，4月22日上午9时至下午3时，当局将在昔加末分发上述赠品给市民，地点在昔市交通局后面的农业部，市民可前往领取。

Program Cari di kawasan Labis 拉美士的“寻找计划”

Program Cari di bawah Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat di kawasan Parlimen Labis dari bulan September 2008 sehingga Mac 2009 mempunyai 227 pemohon yang terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum. Dalam 227 kes permohonan tersebut, 27 kes yang telah diluluskan bukan melalui Projek Cari. Untuk makluman semua, pemohon yang telah menerima bantuan lain adalah tidak layak untuk menerima bantuan dari Projek Cari.

Setakat ini, sejumlah 161 permohonan masih berada di dalam siasatan dan sebahagian besar daripada pemohonnya terdiri daripada kaum bukan Melayu iaitu kaum India (77), kaum Cina (70) dan kaum Melayu (14). Daripada jumlah 161 permohonan tersebut, 5 permohonan telah dikenalpasti sebagai tidak lulus dan 34 permohonan iaitu kaum India(7), kaum Cina(26) dan kaum Melayu (1) telahpun menerima bantuan dari Jabatan Kebajikan. Selainnya masih berada di dalam siasatan yang mana keputusan belum diketahui.

Program Cari merupakan satu program yang bermanfaat dan boleh membantu mengurangkan beban mereka yang memerlukan bantuan dan perhatian segera, terutamanya mereka yang hidupnya terlalu uzur dan miskin. Akan tetapi, saya juga telah menerima aduan dan mendengar beberapa keluhan serta rintihan daripada sesetengah pemohon bahawa masa pejabat yang digunakan untuk siasatan samada permohonan diluluskan atau tidak adalah terlalu lama, iaitu lebih dari 2 bulan. Saya juga telah menyuarakan masalah ini dan mendapatkan penjelasan dari Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat di Persidangan Dewan Rakyat pada 19.2.2009 yang lalu. Selain itu juga, saya ada menerima aduan bahawa terdapat sesetengah penerima bantuan Program Cari dari Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat ini di mana mereka hanya menerima bantuan 2 hingga 3 bulan sahaja. Mengikut apa yang telah saya fahami melalui sesi Taklimat berhubung Program Cari ini, setiap penerima akan menerima bantuan selama setahun dan pihak Jabatan Kebajikan juga perlu memantau dan mengkaji proses pengagihan pembayaran bantuan untuk setiap bulan. Saya yakin sekiranya Kementerian mengamalkan sistem pengurusan yang teratur dan sikap mengambil berat terhadap pemohon maka tiada lagi masalah-masalah yang akan timbul.

Sekiranya Program Cari ini ingin mencapai matlamatnya, pihak Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat perlu mengambil beberapa langkah untuk menambahbaikan pengurusan bantuan kebajikan. Penambahbaikan ini perlu meliputi pengurusan kerja yang berkaitan dengan proses penyiasatan permohonan bantuan, termasuk keputusan siasatan dan pembayaran perlu disiapkan dalam jangka tempoh tertentu. Kementerian juga perlu mengambil kira perasaan pemohon yang sedang menunggu untuk keputusan dan akan berasa kecewa sekiranya mereka perlu menunggu untuk satu jangka masa yang lama. Sekiranya ini berlarutan, ramai akan hilang kepercayaan terhadap program-program yang dianjurkan oleh pihak Kerajaan walaupun program tersebut adalah bermanfaat terhadap rakyat.

Saya juga pernah membangkitkan isu ini di dalam Jawatankuasa Tindakan Daerah Segamat dan telah menghantar surat kepada Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat sebelum ini untuk menyuarakan kebimbangan saya. Saya telah dimaklumkan bahawa Pegawai Kebajikan telah menjanjikan kes yang masih berada di dalam siasatan akan diselesaikan dalam masa 2 hingga 3 minggu dan saya akan memastikan pegawai di Parlimen saya sentiasa memantau proses permohonan yang telah dibuat.

Sehubungan itu, saya berharap agar Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluaraga dan Masyarakat yang baru YB. Senator Dato’ Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil akan meneruskan usaha mulia Program Cari ini dan memperbaiki kelemahan-kelemahan pengurusan di dalam program tersebut demi membantu golongan yang miskin dan tidak berupaya.

Saya juga ingin mencadangkan agar YB Senator Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat mengekalkan perlantikan Pegawai Kebajikan bukan Melayu. Ini adalah kerana terdapat banyak permohonan yang mana pemohonnya adalah bukan Melayu dan sentiasa menghadapi masalah komunikasi dengan pegawai kebajikan Melayu. Di kawasan parlimen saya, kebanyakan permohonan adalah terdiri daripada kaum bukan Melayu dan perlantikan Pegawai Kebajikan bukan Melayu bukan sahaja dapat membantu menyelesaikan masalah komunikasi malah juga dapat membantu mempercepatkan proses siasatan.

Kerajaan juga bersetuju bahawa Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat boleh menambah 800 Pegawai Kebajikan Kontrak sepertimana yang telah diumumkan di dalam Perbentangan Bajet Mini bagi mencapai matlamat Program Cari. Dengan adanya penambahan jumlah pegawai kebajikan, saya berharap agar tahap kecekapan proses siasatan dan penambahbaikan dalam sistem pengurusan Program Cari.

Di masa yang akan datang, saya berharap agar pihak Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat akan terus prihatin terhadap nasib golongan miskin yang memerlukan bantuan dan perhatian daripada pihak Kerajaan, termasuklah menyediakan beberapa skim bantuan yang bersesuaian bagi membantu mereka melangkah keluar dari kepompong kemiskinan.

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去年9月至今年3月，拉美士国会选区内的“寻找计划”（Program Cari）有227名申请者，其中去年9月有54人、10月9人、11月20人、12月50人，今年1月34人、2月16人和3月44人。

在227人当中，有27人已经获得其他援助金，所以不符合“寻找计划”的条件，另外还有5人不获批准，所以目前只有34人获得批准，其他161人有待鉴定。

这161还在等待福利金的人士当中，巫裔占14人、华裔70人及印裔77人；在已批准的34人之中，巫裔有1人、华裔26人、印裔7人，所以，有非马来人的福利官进行调查工作是很重要的。

我在处理“寻找计划”所面对的最大问题是，福利局批审个案的时间太久，往往超过一到两个月。“寻找计划”要达到预期的目标，有关当局必须尽快批准符合条件的个案，否则等待援助金的人民将置疑政府的诚意，也会失去对政府的信任。

由于批审的时间冗长，许多人向我投诉，虽然他们已经提出申请后，不过却没有回音，令他们心灰意冷。

我在昔加末县议会工作行动委员会（Jawatankuasa Kerja Tindakan Daerah）中曾多次提出上述问题，也多次上函向部长反映。福利局官员如今承诺剩余的个案将在两至三个星期内批审完毕。我会紧密跟进有关事项。

我期望新任妇女、家庭及社会发展部长拿督斯里莎丽扎会继续推动这项计划，并检讨和改善当中的弱点。我也呼吁新任的马华副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬帮马华争取保留现有的华人福利官，解决语言沟通的问题，加速调查工作。

政府在迷你预算案中批准妇女、家庭及社会发展部聘请800名合约福利官，以扩大“寻找计划”的推行网络。

我希望部门能早日聘请这些福利官，而且也增加非马来人福利官，因为在我的选区有很多申请者是非马来人，聘请更多非马来人福利官可以让“寻找计划”更顺利进行。

“大道卖还是不卖”座谈会

摘录自《南洋商报》，7/3/2009

（八打灵再也6日讯）国内朝野政党代表及大道权威专家，皆主张政府透过不同方式，尽速向私营化公司购回大道经营权，减轻政府及国内道路使用者的负担。

大道私营化权威兼商联会基础建设和私营化组主任吴木炎、行动党八打灵再也北区国会议员潘俭伟、马华公会拉美士区国会议员蔡智勇及马华终身学习执行主任郭义民等，周四晚出席《南洋商报》主办的“大道卖或不卖”座谈会时，立场一致要求政府尽速购回大道经营权。

另外，尽管潘俭伟、蔡智勇及郭义民3位主讲人来自不同党派，彼此并未因此相互抨击，反而积极交流及提出善意批评，犹如开启新世代政治人物的新合作风气。

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蔡智勇说，他希望马华部长能在政府内部推动购回南北大道公司的献议，因为政府及人民将从中受惠。

“我本身已在国会及马华会长理事会提出这项收购建议，所以希望政府能考虑收购，尤其是南北大道公司。希望他们能尽快收购市场上剩余的26%股权。”

纳吉：抛开国阵沉重政治包袱．研究收购南北大道

转载自《南洋商报》，12/3/2009

（吉隆坡11日讯）副首相拿督斯里纳吉承认，收费大道及独立发电厂是国阵最沉重的政治包袱，国阵必须寻求良好解决方案，包括研究收购南北大道公司。

他说，收费大道或独立发电厂是国阵最感头痛的两项课题，因为两者已签订的合约内容都对政府不公，进而衍生民怨。

《南洋商报》探悉，纳吉昨晚在私邸向国阵后座议员及多名副部长汇报第二刺激经济配套时重申，政府目前深入研究探讨，是否可收购南北大道公司，一劳永逸解决问题。

纳吉说，政府了解南北大道每3年必须检讨收费，因此必须寻方设法让国阵抛开这两项沉重的政治包袱。

国阵拉美士区国会议员蔡智勇受访时证实，他昨晚在汇报会上建议政府收购南北大道，因为目前南北大道公司只有26%股票在公开市场流动，一旦政府收购小股东股权后，即可一劳永逸解决问题。

纳吉聆听后表明，政府会认真考虑收购大道公司的建议。

此外，蔡智勇也对政府提高外劳人头税表示担忧，因为这项措施恐怕会引发某些特定领域，有更多非法外劳工作。

另一名国阵议员受访时也证实，纳吉昨晚在汇报会上指出，国阵把第二刺激经济配套视为挽回民心的首炮，希望借着改善国家经济，重新赢得民心。

他说，纳吉对第二刺激经济配套充满信心，期望政府在搞好经济后，能恢复人民对国阵的信心。

据悉，约九成国阵后座议员出席昨晚的汇报会，出席者都欢迎政府拨出600亿令吉刺激国家经济，但议员们担心在目前的交付系统下，拨款无法有效下放。

“我们向副首相表达我们的担忧，并建议政府在发展基建方面由国会议员监督，确保妥善分配款项。”

纳吉在聆听议员意见后表明会加速交付系统，希望快速落实第二刺激经济配套。

纳吉也在汇报会上说，财政部这次采取谨慎态度规划第二刺激经济配套，没有走漏风声，人民直到昨天下午4时过后才知道配套真正内容。

新闻转载：建议政府收购南北大道公司献议

转载自《南洋商报》, 4/3/2009

（吉隆坡3日讯）拉美士区国会议员蔡智勇指出，南北大道公司在公开市场的剩余股权一旦全被收购，它将因为不符合大马交易所的上市要求而除牌。

他今日在提呈给马华的“建议政府收购南北大道公司献议”报告中指出，一旦完成收购，南北大道90%股权将归政府拥有，公众则通过雇员公积金局，间接持有另外10%股权。

他也补充，根据最近公开的大道合约，有不少看法指责合约只对特许经营者有利。

他说，一旦完成收购，政府和公积金局将是最终受益者。相关的股息收入或均分收入，可作为政府行政开销。

他说，然而，只要完成收购，政府和公积金局就是南北大道公司唯一的两个股东。这表示，它们可全权决定减少或取消每3年调涨大道收费的措施。

他指出，在财务方面，南北大道2004年至2007年财政年的盈亏报告清楚标明，即使扣除政府不批准涨价而作出的赔偿总额后，南北大道公司每年已赚取4亿至6亿令吉盈利。

“而公司在同期的流动现金，不包括政府赔偿金每年也高达11亿至14亿令吉。”

他也建议设定最低抵押金，为每部车子提供精明通行器和一触即通卡。

他说，如果有1500万辆车子注册上路，每辆车子平均每月保持着50令吉余额，这意味着，南北大道公司每年预先收取的现金总额为7亿5千万令吉 。

“这不仅能改善公司的流动现金，若以3％年利率计算，南北大道公司每月还能赚取月180万令吉的存息。”

他说，在接管南北大道公司后为表善意，政府可以提供各项折扣优惠，或提供更多的奖励措施，以控制佳节期间的车流量。

PROPOSED TAKE OVER OF PLUS BY THE GOVERNMENT

A) Shareholder of PLUS

Based on the 2007 annual report the major shareholders of PLUS are as follows：

UEM Group Berhad is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad. Taking into account the government agencies (EPF and Khazanah), the government has an effective interest of 74% in PLUS. Assuming the shareholding structure of the government agencies remains and no additional PLUS shares has been issued or converted from bonds the number of shares in the open market or free float shares amounts to approximately 1,297,514,414 (Round up 1.3billion shares).

B) Price of acquisition

Based on the price chart above the highest closing price for PLUS is not higher than RM3.40. Assuming a share price of RM3.50 to RM4.00 per share is offered for the acquisition of the remainder shares, the total acquisition price is between RM4.55billion to RM5.2billion. The offer price is 21% to 38% higher than 10/02/09 closing price at RM2.90 and 3% to 18% higher than the highest closing price for PLUS.

With the acquisition of the remaining shares from the open market, PLUS would be delisted as it would not meet Bursa listing requirements. The remaining shares could be acquired via Khazanah or UEM Group Berhad and it should not be difficult to obtain waiver from acquiring the 10% stake from EPF. Upon completion PLUS is take over as the Government would hold 90% stake while the public through EPF would hold 10% stake.

C) Reason for acquisition

1. Good returns and avoid ‘leakages’

Based on the recent review of the toll agreement, there have been numerous claims that the agreement are lop sided and only beneficial to the toll concessionaire. Through the take over of PLUS the Government and EPF would be the ultimate beneficiary. Dividend income or revenue sharing to be received could then form part of the Government operating budget or a similar structure to Petronas could be established.

The accumulated profit before tax from financial year end 2004 to 2007 is RM4.26billion and RM2.08billion if toll compensations are excluded. Based on the media report the total cost of construction for the PLUS highway is RM5.94billion. Simplistically the return on the highway to PLUS is 71% (profit before tax/total construction cost) when the toll compensation is included and 35% if the toll compensation is excluded translating into average return of 17.75% per annum or 8.7% per annum for the latter during the 4 year period.

Analysing the return on equity (ROE) (Profit before tax/shareholders equity) would indicate that the business is viable as the ROE is ranging from 22% to 24% inclusive of toll compensation and 10% to 13% if toll compensation is excluded. Profit before tax is used in the calculation for easier computation as income generated through the concession is tax exempt hence taxation has minimal impact.

As PLUS is guaranteed to be profitable through the various terms and compensation the acquisition of the remaining shares would not be detrimental to the Government. Currently the benefits of PLUS is also shared with 25% minority shareholders and any major decision taken would require the board to take into consideration the welfare of the minority shareholders.

2. Requirement to increase toll every three years can be waived or minimised

The concession agreement was signed in 1988 and is for 50 years thus ending in 2038 unless there are extensions.

The toll rate currently is set at 14.96sen per km and by 2038 the toll rate is expected to increase until 29.16sen per km which is double. As PLUS is listed and have minority shareholders, waiver or reduction of contracted toll increase would pose some problems. Furthermore the PLUS is expected to increase the toll rate in January 2009 and if the toll is not increased the compensation expected to be paid by the Government is approximately RM180million.

However with the acquisition of the remaining free float shares from the market, the shareholders of PLUS would comprise of the Government and EPF. With only two parties holding the stake in PLUS i.e. Government and EPF, the impending decision of toll increase every three years can be waived or minimised. From the financial aspect, if you analyse the profit and loss statement of the PLUS for the financial year 2004 to 2007, it indicates that PLUS have generated a profit of RM400million to RM600million yearly even if the gross compensation from the Government for not increasing the toll is excluded. Meanwhile the cash flow generated from operations excluding any receipt from Government compensation for not increasing the toll is RM1.1billion to RM1.4billion yearly from 2004 to 2007.

This clearly shows that if PLUS is take over and held by the Government and EPF the possibility of waiving toll increase can be carried out both financially or legally. Even if there is any toll increase it would not be based on contractual rates but more to sustain operations of the company and for loan repayment purposes.

3. Options for the toll compensation owed to PLUS

The latest quarterly reporting figures show that the government owes PLUS RM1.7b as at 30/09/08. If the amount is being fully paid, the Government has a few options ;

- The amount can be used to pare down debt and hence reduce interest cost. Any savings in interest cost can be channelled back to reduce debt. Based on the financial results for 30/09/08 the calculated interest rate per annum is approximately 6%. The expected interest savings is RM105million yearly if the amount received is channelled towards repayment of debts.

- Distributing the repayment of RM1.7billion to shareholders of PLUS. The distribution through dividend or capital repayment based on the new shareholdings structure would be RM1.5billion to the Government and RM200million to EPF. The dividend received would reduce the acquisition price of the Government to RM3.02billion (RM4.55billion – RM1.53billion) assuming offer price RM3.50 per share and the bumper payment of RM170million to EPF can be distributed to the contributors.

4. Possible toll reduction in the future

As at 30/09/08 the long term borrowings of PLUS amounts to RM9.4billion and the dividend announced for financial year 2007 is RM700million. If yearly dividend announced and received is assumed to RM700million and the entire amount is channelled for repayment of debts, PLUS can settle the long term borrowing in 14 years based on the financial results as at 30 September 2008. There should not be any problems on the short term borrowings as the cash and cash equivalent of the company as at 30 September 2008 is RM2billion while the current liabilities is RM1.3billion.

With the reduction in borrowings the cash flow savings and expenses is estimated to RM454million yearly based on 2007 financial figures. This would reduce the cost of operations of PLUS and hence a reduction of toll fee is possible.

5. Easier implementation of measures that are ‘people friendly’

As the shareholders are only the Government and EPF, decision making would be faster and new measures can be implemented to assist the people;

a) Providing a smart tag with touch and go card for every vehicle with a minimum deposit.

The cost of each smart tag with touch and go card is assumed to be at RM75 and the deposit to be placed is RM20. The initial capital cost for providing smart tag would be high but if the distribution is done in stages this would alleviate the strain on the company. The implementation of all lanes using smart tag would also reduce the company’s staff cost and overhead (air conditioning work place, cashier machine) for ticket collection and receipt of money. The staff can be transferred to other department like setting up top up counters at rest stops for easy reload or for administrative work. In the long run it would beneficial for the company as providing the smart tag would be ’one-off only’.

Assuming there are 15million registered vehicles on the road and if vehicles maintains an average balance of RM50 monthly the total amount cash in advance received by PLUS would be approximately RM750million!!!. Not only this improves the cashflow of PLUS, on a daily basis PLUS would be able to earn interest income of approximately RM61k or RM1.8million per month assuming interest rate is 3%p.a.

b) Providing discount during non-peak periods in the daytime

PLUS has announced some travel incentive package effective 1 January 2009, which includes a 10%+10% discount for off-peak travel during festive season and travelling time between midnight and 7am as well as a 5% rebate for heavy electronic toll-payment users.
The expressways involved are NSE, NKVE, FHR2, SPDH and Elite. Calculations by Aseambankers indicate minimal impact from these incentives. As it is only for a two-year period, total earnings loss is about RM40mil. The 5% rebate would translate into a “revenue loss” of just RM2.6mil annually.

Hence, as a gesture of goodwill, with the take over of PLUS, the government could vary the discount provided or offer more incentive accordingly to control traffic during festive period instead of limiting only to midnight which has poses many health, security and safety issues.

c) More efficient tag reader and tag lanes

With smart tag being the official tag reader for all highways it puzzles lots of users on the effectiveness of the smart tag that is prone to error reading which has cause many long queues especially during peak hours. Some funds should be allocated to provide smart tag readers and smart tag lane that are both efficient and effective similar to Singapore and london whereby cars do not need to slow down to enable the tag to respond. We are always proud of Malaysia’s technological advancement hence problems like this should not exist and should have been resolved especially since smart tag is the designated tag used for all highways.

Summary:

In summary by acquiring the remaining shares of PLUS, the Government and EPF being the shareholder of PLUS would be able to establish policies and measures to ensure that the rakyat are not burdened due to legal requirements and avoid the Government from incurring additional toll compensation every three years. Politically it would create transparency and at the same time mitigate some of lop sided terms in the agreement.