KUALA LUMPUR: The opposition would likely have adopted the same approach taken by the government in managing the issue of subsidies to plug leakages, political analysts said.

Those interviewed by the New Straits Times also said the opposition needed to reflect on how it was fulfilling its role in serving the interests of the people and the nation with their continuous criticisms of everything that the government does.

Professor James Chin, from the University of Tasmania's Asia Institute said Perikatan Nasional (PN) would have likely pursued the same approach as the unity government in dealing with the huge subsidies bill plaguing the nation now.

"Subsidy rationalisation is inevitable for any administration, including PN, due to fiscal constraints. They would have inevitably embarked on this path sooner or later if they were in charge too," he said.

Touching on the economic ramifications of maintaining subsidies, he said increased taxes were the other alternative if subsidies are not phased out.

"While Malaysians may resist tax hikes, reinstating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is also unpopular.

"Hence, targeted subsidies offer a solution, directing subsidies to those in need while removing them for those who can afford market prices. This is the most logical way to solve it.

"In this regard, I fully support Anwar (prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and his government in their actions. Basically, Malaysia has no choice in economic terms," he said.

Meanwhile, National Council of Professors fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the opposition should realise that it is not necessary for them to reject or object to every proposal or strategy put forth by the government.

He said by objecting, it does not mean the opposition are fulfilling their role as the opposition.

"In this subsidy rationalisation issue, the opposition is not serving the interests of the people and the nation with their continuous criticisms."

Azmi was commenting on the issue of subsidy rationalisation which was recently highlighted by Anwar and later criticised by opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

Earlier today, Anwar had criticised Hamzah for deflecting questions about whether Perikatan Nasional (PN) is prioritising the interests of the wealthy and foreigners over subsidy rationalisation.

On Tuesday, Anwar had announced that the Cabinet had agreed to implement targeted diesel subsidies in Peninsular Malaysia, with Sabah and Sarawak excluded for now.

Azmi said the targeted diesel subsidies represent a positive step that could save the country and its people approximately RM4 billion annually.

"It is a beneficial measure, which is why it is vehemently objected by the opposition. This move will earn credit for the government, a concept the opposition fails to grasp. If PN supports the government's subsidy abolition, the public will perceive it as a contribution to national welfare and the reduction of financial leakages."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1055648/being-opposition-doesnt-mean-you-have-oppose-everything-political