Saya meluangkan masa membaca dan menelaah dapatan oleh Bank Dunia melalui laporannya “21st Malaysia Economic Monitor — Making Ends Meet” yang baru diterbitkan awal bulan ini.
Laporan itu mendapati Malaysia kini sedang dirundung senario muram ekonomi global. Dalam usaha untuk mendepani tantangan-tantangan ini, kerajaan harus lebih tuntas dan tegas dalam memenuhi janji-janji manifesto Pakatan Harapan dalam membela mereka yang miskin dan terpinggir.
Kesemua isu yang disentuh oleh laporan tersebut mampu ditangani dengan dasar-dasar ekonomi Pakatan Harapan jika diberi fokus dan iltizam yang jitu untuk menanganinya kerana ia ternyata mengesankan ramai warga terutamanya golongan B40.
Saya yakin keadaan lebih suram di kawasan desa seperti di Kelantan, Kedah dan Terengganu, serta di pedalaman Sabah dan Sarawak.
Dapatan-dapatan dalam laporan tersebut sewajarnya meningkatkan kesedaran kita sebagai kerajaan pemerintah dalam menyelesaikan isu kos sara hidup, memacu pertumbuhan ekonomi, mewujudkan peluang-peluang pekerjaan dengan gaji yang munasabah serta program-program kebajikan untuk mereka yang terpinggir rentas kaum.
Nisbah tiga dalam sepuluh warga berasa kurang yakin dalam keupayaan mereka mendapatkan bekalan makanan. Laporan tersebut juga menyatakan harga rumah ternyata ‘parah’ dan ‘membimbangkan’ di banyak wilayah di Malaysia. Tambahan pula, kadar hutang yang tinggi serta kekurangan simpanan menambahkan lagi rasa gawat pada ramai rakyat Malaysia.
Laporan ini termasuk yang dilaporkan oleh Pelapor Khas PBB Philip Alston beberapa bulan yang lalu selari dengan pemerhatian dengan keluarga-keluarga di Port Dickson dan juga di banyak kawasan lain di Malaysia.
Saya juga ingin mengingatkan bahawa cadangan oleh laporan Bank Dunia tersebut bahawa perhubungan dan komunikasi yang berkesan tentang kejayaan-kejayaan kerajaan Pakatan Harapan adalah aspek yang penting dalam membina keyakinan serta memastikan kejayaan dalam melaksanakan dasar-dasar yang diperkenalkan.
*ANWAR IBRAHIM*
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I have had the opportunity to read and reflect on the findings of the World Bank's '21st Malaysia Economic Monitor — Making Ends Meet' report which was published earlier this month.
The report clearly demonstrates that Malaysia faces a challenging global economic scenario. In order to overcome these challenges, the government must be more focused and more decisive in fulfilling the Pakatan Harapan manifesto promises to uplift the poor and marginalized segments of society.
Many issues raised in the report are addressed by Pakatan Harapan economic policies, which, if pursued vigorously and with determination could begin to alleviate the burdens felt by many Malaysians, particularly those who are most vulnerable in the B40 group.
The scenario is more bleak for the rural poor in Kelantan, Kedah, Terengganu and the rural heartland of Sabah and Sarawak.
The findings in these reports should increase the sense of urgency that we in the ruling coalition have to resolve cost of living issues, stimulate the economy, create good paying jobs and increase the social safety net for the most marginalized groups from all races. Importantly – I urge the government to monitor development projects carefully to ensure that funds are being directed towards and ultimately reach their intended recipients.
Three in ten Malaysians feel insecure about their ability to buy food. The report states that housing prices are “severely” and “seriously” unaffordable in various parts of Malaysia. Furthermore, high indebtedness and inadequate savings exacerbate the sense of financial dread felt by many hardworking Malaysians.
These findings, as well as those expressed in the report authored by the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Philip Alston, echo conversations I have had with Malaysian families in Port Dickson and around the country. The people are struggling.
I would also highlight the World Bank report’s recommendation that effective communication of the progress the PH government has made with the rakyat is essential for us to build trust and ensure policy success.
*ANWAR IBRAHIM*
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