Read through MUDA's 'Kertas Hitam' manifesto. They call it their 'true north' in how they want to service the public. So here are things I found interesting.
Finally, someone addressing the huge fuel subsidies we are paying. Other coalitions did not want to touch this as it's not popular. All previous governments have failed to find a way to do targeted fuel subsidies (especially East Malaysia).
Taxing the ultra-rich and giving companies tax write-off if they do R&D. Interesting concept of going about taxing the rich.
Inheritance tax. This is something that was much talked about whether it would make an appearance. Tax experts have been saying it's about time. In other countries though, the wealthy just create trust funds.
A lot of focus on multiplier effect spending on the economy. This is good, a manifesto with an economic policy. Other manifestos were about subsidies and grants.
Focus on high-end hi tech industries. This would be close to building semiconductor foundries. Will require huge investments (in the USD billions). If we pull this of, we could be like Taiwan.
It's good that there is specific focus on the startups in Malaysia. Here, MDEC and Cradle Fund is mentioned. Previous government only mentions them in budgets.
A Rm5 levy on foreign tourists collected by local governments. Hotels hate this because of the collection process. Make it simpler and MATTA would complaint less.
Focus on green energy. Not very different from what the previous governments has already been doing.
MUDA is calling for the end of the New Economic Policy (DEB). This is to spur local investments. Quite brave of them since it's always a sensitive issue of DEB has achieved what it originally set out to do.
A one stop centre for IR4.0. This has been the focus in the last couple of years but implementation has always been somewhat lacking.
Streamlining state and government incentives for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). MUDA is the only one talking about FDI in their manifesto. This is good they are addressing external (economic) threats.
Pushing to make funding easier for potential unicorns in Malaysia. This has been the main complaint about why companies like Grab moved out of Malaysia. Not enough funding.
MUDA asking for a 10% to be set aside for healthcare funding to prepare for an ageing population. This is a large percentage, compared to other manifestos. MUDA's manifesto is the only one that takes into account that healthcare cost will rise by 10-15% a year. This is true.
A social welfare insurance scheme with monthly deduction to fund it. This is an interesting concept as there is already MySalam that offers free insurance to the B40.
This is something new to cater to the sandwich generation. Asking the private sector to open day care not only for kids, but also senior citizens. Only 5 per facility. Not sure how they will make it economical with only 5.
A national transport policy. This is good as it also focuses on the last mile connectivity. This will allow for the operation of micro mobility vehicles and improving pedestrian walkways (one of my pet peeves!).
MUDA also touches on Bus Rapid Transit systems as an alternative to MRT. After the recent LRT breakdown fiasco. I can see how this will be a much better solution.
An east-west Malaysia flight pass with ceiling price set is mentioned. Who qualifies for the pass though? Since everyone wants cheaper flights.
A lot of focus and details on how to prepare for climate change. One of them is having the right infrastructure. This is the only manifesto that uses science to explain how they will deal with it.
MUDA takes a scientific approach in pushing for modern farming practices to achieve food security. I like the use of drones. Also, there is vast potential for east malaysia to be the food basket of the country. No need to import.
Some of the laws that MUDA supports. No mention of Generation End-Game #GEG support though.
MUDA is pushing for an independent monitoring body for GLC and GLIC. Interesting concept. I do wonder though if it will create more interference than independence.
Streamlining TVET under one agency only is a good idea.
MUDA takes a different approach to PTPTN. No promise of free education. Instead, they want to tie PTPTN payment to the employability of the graduates from private institutions. I like this idea.
MUDA also mentions the gig economy, especially on not having EPF contributions. They are proposing changes to the labour act to make employers contribute to their gig economy 'employees' EPF.
This is interesting, MUDA is proposing improving the internet to schools so that cloud storage can be used to distribute study materials. They also mentioned using satellite internet connection in rural areas.
Finally a manifesto that addresses the rights of the stateless. Education for stateless children. PH used to have this in their previous government.
MUDA is proposing no more streamlining form 3 kids. Let them pick and choose what they want to focus on. This is great, but are the schools ready though for this?
There are reforms MUDA is proposing to the higher education system in making graduates more employable also. This is includes non-STEM students focusing on on industri or specialising in a high-demand skill.
Very little mention on the creative industry. Only mentions support for a creative industry fund.
Overall, MUDA's Kertas Hitam is a good manifesto with focus on actual reforms for the tax, subsidies, economy and education system. It addresses the ageing population and climate change. It hits almost all the long term reforms I want. No mention on media freedom and #GEG
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