Rising living costs, taxes and subsidy worries matter more to the rakyat than political representation: Warisan VP
PETALING JAYA: More East Malaysian representation in the federal Cabinet may signal political progress, but it does little to ease the pressure of rising living costs, higher taxes and daily financial strain faced by ordinary Malaysians, said Warisan vice-president Junz Wong (pic).
Wong said the rakyat are more concerned with whether they can make ends meet than with who holds ministerial posts.
He acknowledged that the appointment of more representatives from Sabah and Sarawak was a positive political development, but stressed that it does not address the immediate economic pressures confronting the public.
“From a Sabah and Sarawak perspective, of course it is better to have more representation. More voices at the federal level is always a good thing,” he told theSun when contacted.
Wong also congratulated all newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers but said it was too early to determine whether East Malaysia would truly benefit from the reshuffling of theCabinet.
“They have just been appointed, so it is difficult to comment at this stage,” he said.
He noted that Sabah and Sarawak appear to have gained additional Cabinet representation, including portfolios linked to East Malaysian affairs, which he said would naturally be welcomed by Sabahans.
“As Sabahans, we will feel it is better because we have more representation and more voices to bring Sabah and Sarawak issues to the federal level,” he said.
However, Wong stressed that political representation is not the most pressing concern for the people.
“People are tired of politics. Their lives are becoming more difficult financially and economically, and in terms of income,” he said, pointing to rising living costs, higher taxes and uncertainty over subsidies as issues directly affecting daily life.
“The cost of living keeps going up. Taxes are increasing. People are worried about subsidies being reduced further,” he added.
While acknowledging recent government signals on reviewing taxes, adjusting thresholds and reconsidering subsidy rationalisation, Wong said the public remains cautious.
He said the key issue for the rakyat is not the Cabinet line-up, but whether the government can effectively address bread-and-butter concerns over the next two years.
“Solving everyday problems, including job creation, support for small-and-medium enterprises and easing financial burdens, should take priority over political optics,” he said.
With the next general election still some time away, Wong said political appointments have generated little public excitement.
“Is there excitement among the rakyat over this Cabinet reshuffle? I don’t think so. The rakyat want solutions. They want their problems fixed. That is the voice of the people now.”
